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945 vs. 245

I'll start the inevitable 945 vs. 245 thread. I have a 935 which I love (having had lots of issues with the Fenix 5). I've been waiting for one that adds music for a long time, and now that it's here, having trouble deciding between the two. I don't do triathalons, just run. So I won't need all the extra features on the 945 tailored to triathletes. But I wouldn't mind the extra battery life frankly.

Any thoughts?

0 Dr Phil over 5 years ago

Yep. Get the 245

0 akaSovereign over 5 years ago

I'm in the same predicament... the battery life would be a nice bonus, plus the more in depth training analysis features... I might just end up paying the premium for the 945. I would like to do a triathlon... one day.

0 tommy060289 over 5 years ago

I also cycle and despite having an 820 I like to use my watch to as I usually use that on the turbo rather than taking my edge out. However, I think the biggest missing item if you are only run focused is the Garmin pay as I like having contactless on me when out running as sometimes I do point to point runs so good to have some emergency money:)

0 likepend1 over 5 years ago

I also cycle and despite having an 820 I like to use my watch to as I usually use that on the turbo rather than taking my edge out.)

I'm in the same boat, my edge_800 is on it's last legs so i definitely want to "merge" functions/gear. The 945 seems to be the right choice!

0 akaSovereign over 5 years ago

I also cycle and despite having an 820 I like to use my watch to as I usually use that on the turbo rather than taking my edge out. However, I think the biggest missing item if you are only run focused is the Garmin pay as I like having contactless on me when out running as sometimes I do point to point runs so good to have some emergency money:)

My bank doesn't support the cardless feature so for me it comes down to the extra Firstbeat training metrics, maps and extra battery life. Hard to justify the price over the 245M but only 6 hours battery life with music and GPS isn't that reassuring compared to the 10 hours quoted on the 945... I think I can only justify it by signing up for my first triathlon next year! Although, I think I said the same when I upgraded from the 235 to the 935 this time last year haha.

0 FlipStone over 5 years ago

It's pretty simple in the end right?

Are the extra battery life and features worth the extra money for you? Then get the 945

If not, get the 245...

I don't do triathlons, not planning to either, but will be getting the 945 as an upgrade to my 935 without any doubt because I'm going for max battery life, features, design (I prefer the 935/945 over the fenix design), quickfit straps, connectiq support, etc. And for me it's worth it...

I love the fact that I have to charge like every 2 weeks with my 935 even though I wear it 24/7 and exercise 3 times a week. This will only get better with the 945.

Maps and pay are added benefits which I wouldn't necessarily base my choice on but are nice to haves and can push the scales.

0 Superkg over 5 years ago

I'm a current VA3 user and in the same boat. The problem I have are skinny wrist and the 935/945 is just way too big for me. (Too bad there wasn't a 945s or a 245x). In any case I have a 245 on order and can't wait to get it. Better GPS battery life, physical buttons, Firstbeat metrics, lighter then the VA3. I'll use the $300 I save to buy an Edge 530.

0 Levon over 5 years ago

I have the 230, but I'm tempted to get the 945, primarily because I like the detailed Training Load Focus (https://youtu.be/cR6J2VIiYrE?t=231), the maps and music (mostly for podcasts) are nice too of course. I'm a bit of a data nerd, so all the extra metrics are cool, I'm primarily a runner, I hope more knowledge/data will help with training.

The relatively large black bezel on the 945 is disappointing, I'm assuming (just a guess) they are using the same screen on the 245 and 945, but the case on the 945 is larger.

0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to Levon

Can the garmin 945 measure power input in indoor cycling that also show speed and cadence? Thanks

0 Dr Phil over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

It will record power with a suitable smart trainer that transmits power. Other alternative is to install PerfPro Studio (windows only) and use that to send virtual power. It will not calculate power from speed and cadence.