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Is Forerunner 955 the least bug sport watch among Garmin lineup?

Looking for GPS watch replacement from Fenix series 3, 5 and 6 due to GPS inaccuracy.  Was aiming for a more accurate multi-band GNSS feature and GPS chipset with non-metallic case ,  955 is one of my shortlisted watches with nice training features, stamina to name a few. .  I am no longer participate in ultra marathon anymore, thus battery is not a major concern.

What is your recommendation for least bug GPS watch? 

  • I have had multiple Garmin devices since 2006 - all Forerunner series.. I am now using the 955 since June 22. I had a few issues initially but its much better now IMO . I use it for running mainly , and i wear it all day and night. The FW update issues seem to sometimes cross all types of watches as Garmin seems to change some philosophies / metrics  from time to time. I notice people on Epix and Fenix 7 forums also having issues with later firmware , so I don't think its limited to the FR series.

    Im happy with my 955 and it does well and is stable for my use case. Some things could be better , but its the same with all devices (and other things)  we use generally.

    I took the 955 over the 255 mainly for the touch screen and the Strava live segment features that the 255 lacks, and i hope to use the navigation features more in the future.

    I did consider the Epix (when replacing my FR 745) but I found it too bulky and the AMOLED screen less readable in the sunlight during activities.

  • 955 has major issues. You can read a lot of problems on this forum.

    The most important for me: some data (like lhtr) it's only synced correctly thru Garmin Express. If you sync thru Garmin connect (as 99% of people) you will mess many things (max hr, zones, etc)

    Once you mess those data .. all other calculations (training effect, predictors, etc) become incorrect too.

    Most people (that just look for basic data after a run: gps, avg hr, etc) are not aware of this problem.

    This bug has been reported by hundreds of people since the watch came out (more than 5 months ago).... And still not being investigated properly. 255 is also affected.

  • Hundreds of people? please, can you put some link to the given problem?

  • Are you talking about the fact that certain data (eg HRV history) isn't backed up as part of the Physio TrueUp mechanism? I believe this is being worked on. (See the Chase the Summit YouTube channel.)

  • If what you said due to GE and GC data sync issues, that's not limited to 955 only.F6, F7,  with HRV status data also affected, right ?

  • Thanks for your insight , I love the lighter version of F7 which is slightly above 50g like my previous COROS Apex Pro ... it's a good watch especially the amazing battery life but its Bluetooth transmitter sync/pair issue giving me hell problem.. switch back to F6 after a year.

  • No. It's a different thing

  • https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/running-multisport/f/forerunner-955-series/306933/lactate-threshold-not-updating-in-garmin-connect

    There are dozens of threads like this (also on 255 forums).

    And dozens of threads about side effects of this root cause issue. (People perceive incorrect calculations ... But the root cause is this issue)

  • I just today had an update to my lactate threshold (downwards) and it's showing in the Garmin Connect app (Android).

  • What kind of gps accuracy do you look for? What's troubeling you with gps inaccuracy on the fenix series?

    Most gps accuracy problems are caused by antenna design. The fenix series had notorious bad gps accuracy compared to the plastic forerunners with the same chipset. 

    Also, high buildings and tree covers are bad for gps reception. Multiband can do something for you there. If those are not the problem, then multiband isn't that much better dan non multiband.

    Are you looking for near perfect strava trails? The newest chipset with the best antenna design can help you there. Are you looking for perfect accurate instance pace? Buy a footpod.

    You can look at dcrainmakers New York gps adventures: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2022/10/apple-watch-ultra-vs-new-york-city-gps-accuracy-test.html and https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2022/04/garmin-vertix-accuracy.html

    He test mostly how the trail looks and the total distance reported. The more interesting instant pace (to me, that is) , he doesn't cover.