Okay, here’s my take, focusing on the practical experience, just like that example:
Alright, so I’ve been messing around with Garmin watches for a while now, mostly for running. I started with the Forerunner 245, then got curious about the newer models, the 255 and 265. Here’s how it all went down, and what I ended up thinking.
The 245 Days
First up, the Forerunner 245. I picked this one up because it seemed like a solid, no-nonsense running watch. And it was! I slapped it on my wrist, paired it with my phone (which was pretty easy, by the way), and started logging runs. The GPS locked on fast, the heart rate seemed accurate enough, and I really liked the training load and recovery features. It gave me a good idea of whether I was overdoing it or slacking off.
I used the 245 for a good year, maybe more. Ran a couple of half marathons with it, and it never let me down. Battery life was decent – I could get a week out of it with a few runs mixed in. No complaints there.
The 255 Temptation
Then, I started seeing ads for the Forerunner 255. More features, better battery, multi-band GPS… you know how it is. The tech itch started, and I had to scratch it. So, I sold my trusty 245 (got a decent price for it, surprisingly) and grabbed the 255.
First impressions? Definitely an upgrade. The multi-band GPS was noticeably faster to lock on, especially in areas with tall buildings or trees. And the battery life? Wow. I could easily go two weeks without charging, even with regular runs. I also started playing with the Morning Report feature, which was kind of cool – gave me a quick overview of my sleep, HRV, and training readiness.
But honestly, for my basic running needs, the 255 didn’t feel that much different from the 245. Sure, the extra features were nice, but I wasn’t sure I was really using them to their full potential.
The 265 Shiny Screen
And then… the 265 came out. That AMOLED screen… it was calling to me. I fought the urge for a while, but eventually, I caved. Sold the 255 (again, decent resale value, these Garmins hold their value!), and welcomed the 265 to my wrist.
Okay, the screen is gorgeous. No question about it. It’s bright, it’s clear, it’s easy to read in any light. It definitely makes the watch feel more… premium, I guess. But other than the screen, it’s pretty much the same as the 255 in terms of features. Same GPS, same battery life (which is still amazing), same training metrics.
The Verdict (For Me, Anyway)
So, after all this watch swapping, where did I land? Well, I am using 265. It’s great.
- If you’re on a budget, the 245 is still a fantastic running watch. You won’t be missing out on much, especially if you’re just starting out.
- If you want the best battery life and don’t care about a fancy screen, the 255 is the way to go.
- If you want that beautiful AMOLED screen and you’re willing to pay a bit extra for it, get the 265.
For me, it was a fun, practical and a good experience.