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FirstBeat Analytics - 14, 13 or 11???

Former Member
Former Member over 6 years ago
Can someone clarify what the *** is going on with the FirstBeat analytics on the 245?

The FirstBeat website and literally every single review originally stated 14 metrics including: -
  • VO2max Fitness Level
  • Lactate Threshold
  • Training Effect: Aerobic
  • Training Effect: Anaerobic
  • Real-Time Performance Condition
  • Calories Burned
  • Training Load
  • Training Status
  • Quick Stress Level Test
  • All-day Stress & Recovery
  • Recovery Time Advisor
  • Body Resources
  • Respiration Rate
  • Race Time Predictor
FirstBeat subsequently stated that there is no Respiration Rate, so that brought it down to 13.

However, the FirstBeat website now lists just 11 metrics with Lactate Threshold and Quick Stress Level Test having disappeared as well.

I have a 245M on order, bought over a 645M primarily for the increased metrics and improved battery life, but Lactate Threshold is a big one for me. Interestingly, the ZDNet review for the 245 does specifically reference the Stress Test, so maybe that is there??

Can anyone clarify exactly what FirstBeat metrics the 245 has?
  • 0 over 6 years ago
    Yes, the 645 does support LTHR. I don't know whether the 245 should or not but DCR doesn't list it as something new compared to the 235 so I'm guessing his review/test units didn't have it.

    It's probably a good idea to keep in mind that other than DC Rainmaker and The 5kRunner most of the reviews that you find on line for these devices are written by people who pretty much just regurgitate the marketing materials. Then when Garmin dumps a whole slew of devices at once, as they just did, most writers will mix up features. Also Garmin is famous for getting specs wrong on their own site.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    It's probably a good idea to keep in mind that other than DC Rainmaker and The 5kRunner most of the reviews that you find on line for these devices are written by people who pretty much just regurgitate the marketing materials. Then when Garmin dumps a whole slew of devices at once, as they just did, most writers will mix up features. Also Garmin is famous for getting specs wrong on their own site.


    These are both things I've come to learn over the last couple of days! :confused:

    It'll cost me to return the 245M that I've ordered, so think I might just have to live with the fact that I've not quite got what I thought I was paying for.
  • 0 over 6 years ago
    Interesting! Thanks for the info R_Tellis. I'm going to pair my 245 with a chest strap when I get home and see if I get any additional options. Assuming I won't.

    Also, according to the 645 manual, that device does support Lactate Threshold (https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webh...6156617BD.html)


    Did you get any luck...?

    I was also almost buying a 645 , which by the way i could get cheeper than de 245 but i hold on to see the launch and bought it also because of most feutures and because it was listed as having lactate threshold ..... A bit dissapointing ...
  • 0 over 6 years ago
    FR645 100% has Lactate Threshold. I have used it.
  • 0 over 6 years ago
    What does the user manual say?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 6 years ago
    FR645 100% has Lactate Threshold. I have used it.


    Is that with a chest strap?
  • 0 over 6 years ago
    Interesting! Thanks for the info R_Tellis. I'm going to pair my 245 with a chest strap when I get home and see if I get any additional options. Assuming I won't.

    Also, according to the 645 manual, that device does support Lactate Threshold (https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/forerunner645/EN-US/GUID-3ED97FFE-025E-47EA-9C70-DD86156617BD.html)


    I paired a chest HRM and as expected, no new LT test option under run/training.
  • 0 over 6 years ago

    Hi Everyone,

    Apologies for the confusion. I'll take my turn in the pillory. 

    There was some bad information up on the Firstbeat.com Garmin Forerunner 245 device page for a couple days. We got it sorted out as soon as I knew, but apparently not quickly enough. Everything should be correct now. 

    For those playing along at home, the mistakenly listed features were: 

    • 1. Respiration Rate 
    • 2. Lactate Threshold Detection
    • 3. HRV Stress Test (note: this is the 3-minute standing test that required a paired chest belt, not All-day Stress)