Garmin Unleashes Forerunner 570 & 970: Smartwatches Designed to Empower Athletes
Garmin has just dropped two new contenders in the running watch arena: the Forerunner 570 and the Forerunner 970, along with the HRM 600 heart rate monitor. But are these just incremental updates, or do they represent a significant leap forward for athletes?
The spotlight is on features tailored for runners and multisport enthusiasts, with a blend of smartwatch functionality and robust fitness tracking. Let's dive into what makes these devices tick.
Garmin Forerunner 570: A Sweet Spot for Many Athletes?
The Forerunner 570 aims to be a versatile mid-range option. It features an AMOLED display, brighter than previous generations, available in 42mm and 47mm sizes. This watch incorporates a speaker and microphone for taking calls directly. You can also control watch functions with voice commands when paired with a smartphone.
Key Features of the Forerunner 570:
- New Garmin Elevate Gen5 optical HR sensor
- Speaker & Microphone for voice calling
- Skin temperature tracking (overnight)
- Past ovulation estimates
- AutoLap by timing gates
- Garmin Triathlon Coach training plans
One innovative addition is the 'Auto Lap by Timing Gate' feature, designed to align lap splits with actual mile markers in races, addressing the discrepancy between GPS-based pacing and course measurements. Amanda Furrer reports the excitement runners expressed upon seeing this new capability.
Garmin Forerunner 970: The Premium Choice
Stepping up the game, the Forerunner 970 boasts a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal lens for enhanced durability. It also includes an LED flashlight, further distinguishing it from the 570.
Battery life is a crucial factor. The 970 offers up to 15 days in smartwatch mode, compared to the 570's 10 days (42mm) or 11 days (47mm). The 970 also provides advanced features such as Group LiveTrack, spectator messaging, and customizable power modes.
HRM 600: Standalone Heart Rate Monitoring
Garmin also introduces the HRM 600, a rechargeable heart rate monitor. Unlike previous models, this one can record activities independently, capturing data like heart rate, calories, speed, and distance. Its waterproof design (5 ATM) opens up possibilities for swimmers.
The Pricing Puzzle
Pricing is where things get interesting. The Forerunner 570 is priced at $549.99, while the Forerunner 970 comes in at $749.99. The HRM 600 is available for $169.99. The price point of the 570 has raised some eyebrows, considering features available on other Garmin devices at lower prices.
Initial Thoughts and Considerations
While the new features are appealing, the absence of maps on the Forerunner 570, given its price and target audience, is a point of potential criticism. Furrer also mentioned her initial confusion about the ECG situation. The absence of ECG on the Forerunner 570, despite the inclusion of the Gen5 sensor and a higher price than the Venu 3, is a puzzling decision.
The race prediction tools, personalized insights, and training load ratio will certainly appeal to serious athletes hoping to optimize their performance. These new announcements do mark an exciting step forward for the brand nonetheless.
What do you think about Garmin's newest offerings? Will the new features justify the price for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
