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FR945 vs F5Plus vs...?

Former Member over 5 years ago

Hi everyone,

I've just sold my Samsung Galaxy Watch. Got it last year, started running since, and couldn't use the thing anymore, it was way off at everything I needed.

So, looking to buy a Garmin. I am not a experienced runner, maybe 15kms per week, but I'm looking to improve that.

The watch should have Garmin Pay & Music, Body Battery would be a plus. The biggest challenge: I intend to wear it 24/7, including at my job. And I have to wear suits.

What would you guys choose? I'm torn between the FR945 and the Fenix 5 Plus. I find the looks of the Fenix a little more on the business side, but I'm afraid it would be a little bulky and interfere with my shirts' sleeves. The 945 seems a little more manageable, but I'm afraid it would feel to plasticky.

Thanks, Chris.

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0 ericgottlieb over 5 years ago

I am in a similar situation to you as far as wearing the watch. I wear mine 24/7 including with suits for work.

I previously had a FR945 (and FR935 before that) which I wore with the my work clothes no problem. It doesn't look terrible, but it is clearly a sports watch. I tried other watch bands to make it a bit dressier, but to be honest I did not like the look of a metal or leather band with the plastic case -- it looked best to me with the black silicone band.

A few months back, I decided I wanted to dress things up a bit so I switched to a Fenix 6 Sapphire. I also splurged and bought the matching metal band from Garmin. Now when I am dressed for work I will wear the metal band. I keep a spare silicone band in my gym bag in case I go for a run right from work. The watch fits the same under my shirts' sleeves for me, as long as I am not wearing one of my shirts with tighter cuffs (I had the same problem with the FR945).

Personally, I have no intention to switch back to the FR series -- I completely love the F6. I would say go to a store and check them out in person if you can, but if you feel the F5 plus (or F6) is too large for you and your shirt cuffs, check out the F5S Plus or F6S. You will have the same features but a slightly smaller profile. Only downside for me with the "s" models is that there are less options for bands. I love switching things up with different bands.

So, not sure if it helps you at all but this is my situation.

No matter what you choose, the FR945 is a brilliant watch as is the F5 Plus.

Eric

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to ericgottlieb

Thanks a lot, Eric! Guess I'll have a look a F5 than. The F6 Pro, since I really need the music, is way to much for my needs. As much as I love the latest and greatest, can't justify to myself paying that much of a difference

Have a great day!

0 Ommike over 5 years ago

Hi,

I had the F5 and now have the 945. Wear them 24/7.

For 24/7 comfort I'd go with the 945 - I barely pay attention that it's on my wrist and I can wear the strap much looser than with the F5, the difference for me is significant. The 945 slips under a shirt easier and generally doesn't get in the way as much as the F5, though can't say the difference is huge.

Build quality goes to the F5 - the metal and the heft makes it feel more robust, but it comes with a cost to comfort.

Looks wise it's a tie. I enjoyed the outdoorsy rugged vibe of the F5 but also like the subtle and simplistic looks of the 945. Pair the 945 with a metal or leather strap and it gets even classier than the F5, but that's just my preference.

F5 vs 945 For me it would be an easy choice, because the 945 comfortably out does everything the F5 can.

F6 vs 945 The bigger screen would be tempting but still the 945 can comfortably hold its own with money to spare.

955 vs F7 Is the question I'm pondering and probably will stay with the FR line unless the Fenix goes on a diet.

0 Stefan over 5 years ago

I've switched from a Fenix to the FR945 since I found the Fenix *way* too bulky for 24*7 use. Yes it looks classier but it was too large to sleep with, to thick for slim shirts, too heavy to wear during long runs or swims, compared to fr945 at least.

For me the forerunner is a perfect size and weight and with a analog watch face, for me, it's good enough to wear outside exercise.

0 rtperna over 5 years ago

I've had both, and really the difference is when you have the Fenix on, you know it; especially while running. I found this annoying, but, you will get used to it unless you have really, really skinny arms.. I went back to the Forerunner, and am quite happy. If you have to wear it in the office, you might want to get a better looking band; the one it comes with is a bit cheesy looking.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

So, I did it.

Went to a local IT retailer, had the 5 Plus in stock. Put it on my hand, it is definitely what I've wanted!

It fits with the sleeves of my shirts, and also fits great on my wrist.

Besides that, I really love the looks.

So, thanks guys, glad to be around.

0 rtperna over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

You'll love it. Like another poster said, get one of the metal bands with it; it looks like a much more expensive watch. The one I had had the orange band out of the box; that one only saw the light of day when I was running!