Garmin - Forerunner 745

I have a Garmin Forerunner 745 and it works well for laps and open water.

Look for a certified waterproof refurbished Garmin, maybe in the Forerunner family. Personally I would go back as far as the \_55 models (255, 755, 955, etc.).

I "upgraded" from a 745 to a 165 and don't regret it at all. While I lost a couple features it was never anything that I really used or care about. The only thing about the 165 is that you need to make sure you buy the music version not the standard version

I use a four year old Garmin 745. This is the watch that dcrainmaker uses as his base for his watch reviews. It is never overly generous or stingy on my swims that I complete without stopping, fueling, resting, etc. I swim two specific routes (3k or 5k yds) and so far this summer, they are consistent within 2 yds per 1000 yds. When there is a greater difference, it's because of the GPS dance if I have to take a break for whatever reason.

Forerunner 745 and Edge 540 way to go

I'm a swimming teacher and I'm in the pool 6 days a week, and my Forerunner 745 hasn't let me down once in the two years I've had it now

**Do all Garmins do these things?** Most do. **Should I grab a second hand older model? Or did I need a specific newer model to do all of these things?** What you mentioned should work on second hand models. BUT I suggest you pick a model that has the latest heart rate sensor (V5) for better heart rate accuracy. And if you can afford a model that has multi band GPS if possible, this makes the GPS much more accurate. [https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=9NWiPDU4gM0JWMfdWFol7A](https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=9NWiPDU4gM0JWMfdWFol7A) Here is a list of new watches with Multi Band GPS (price starts at $400): [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/sports-fitness/running-smartwatches/?FILTER\_FEATURE\_SUBTRACKING\_CONNECTIVITY=multibandGPS¤tPage=1&sorter=price-asc](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/sports-fitness/running-smartwatches/?FILTER_FEATURE_SUBTRACKING_CONNECTIVITY=multibandGPS¤tPage=1&sorter=price-asc) To research watches, I do recommend you check out [https://www.dcrainmaker.com/](https://www.dcrainmaker.com/), he has wonderful reviews and videos, very in depth. **Watch recommendations** Since you mentioned you are running. I would suggest a watch that has "Training status". Basically it keeps track of your workouts, and suggest more workouts to you. As a runner I love it. Now it is a bit more expensive, the new watches that have this can be found here: [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/sports-fitness/running-smartwatches/?FILTER\_FEATURE\_SUBTRACKING\_RUNNING\_TRAINING=trainingstatus¤tPage=1&sorter=price-asc](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/c/sports-fitness/running-smartwatches/?FILTER_FEATURE_SUBTRACKING_RUNNING_TRAINING=trainingstatus¤tPage=1&sorter=price-asc) But you also have some older models if you buy used, such as Fenix 5 & up, Forerunner 245 & up, Forerunner 745, Forerunner 935 & up.

Forerunner. Any model. Any model from last few years up to now. Great range of watches. Loads out there pre-loved as runners do live to upgrade. FR 745 is vastly underrated / undervalued as a device for the non-elite level runner.

Yes a 970 is overkill but so what? I use a preloved 745. Does everything I need. I can count the occasions over the last decade when I've needed an actual map on the fingers of one finger. I've never needed a watch to suggest a route to me, and I've no need to use a Garmin adaptive training plan at my stage of decrepitude (64 & 98kgs & 188 cm tall.) Probably better to have features you don't use, than buy a watch which doesn't do what you need, like not playing music. (not that I can currently find my BT headphones.)

If you happen to have tiny wrists (like me) and you want the maps (as an avid hiker: you do) your only option is the Fenix S (42 or 43 mm). 7 or 7pro are probably affordable by now. Also, bought it for hiking, but Garmin pay is the most used option for me - works so much better than paying with your phone!

It's a very old model, which Garmin priced way to high for it to ever become good value for money. I had an close eye on it and 946lte due to size. I ended up buying 955 when it was released and first long after that, did the 745 and 945lte, but now it was too late and they where outdated