Garmin - Forerunner 570

I have FR 570 (Gen 5 sensor) and Vivoactive 5 (Gen 4) and I don't find 570 is better when it comes to HR tracking. I found Apple watch is more accurate than both but I prefer Garmin.

I have a 570 and would say the evening report is useless at least for me. I get the message 1.5 hours before bed time, and get the morning report right after I wake up. Also the skin temperature feature provides nothing to me. I am female but it doesn't even do anything for my cycle tracking. However I would go for 970 if I was a runner. It's light weight & future proof, perfect for runners. I like the new UI, it's still sometimes glitchy but in general the design is really good and the screen is beautiful.

Anyone see a sapphire option in the 42 mm size? I do not. That’s annoying.

Yes it’s a bummer for those with smaller wrists don’t have the option of sapphire. They could bump it $50 (it’s usually $100 markup but $550 is already getting high) and get people (me) to buy it.

I was in a similar position and just ordered the 570 in the 42mm size. My Venu 2s was great, but it was time for an upgrade and since the 570 is brand new, it should be future-proof as well. I don’t have any data yet as it's on its way, but I noticed my Venu 2s would sometimes lose my pace when I was in wooded areas. It would also occasionally lose my heart rate, so I’m excited to try the new HR sensor in the 570. I’ll try to update you in a few days once I receive it. I know some people have recommended the 265 or Vivoactive models, but the vivoactive lacks a lot of running features and an altimeter so it can't track any change in elevation. The 265 is fully made of plastic and does look quite cheap. The forerunner 570 has a ton of running metrics so you would be good in case you ever do start running. I suggest using the garmin comapre feature on their site. It's a great tool to check the differences in feature.

A Forerunner will give you training readiness and DSW, which are big additions to help keep you conditioned for upcoming races. The Vivoactive also doesn’t have an altimeter, so it can’t track elevation changes if that matters to you. I recently upgraded from a venu 2s to a Forerunner 570, and it was a huge upgrade since I started running a lot more. You also would get access to PacePro with a newer Forerunner which is nice to help you keep pace during races. If money doesn't matter, it's worth it. Otherwise, your vivoactive is fine for just tracking runs.

Check in with your GF whether a smaller watch face is important for her, and maybe pop out to try some on first. I have a Forerunner 570 42mm - it meets all my requirements as an ultra runner, but the smaller face is perfect for my tiny wrists. It should tick your GF’s requirements by the sounds of it! Oh and it comes in cool colours too, not just black.

I switched from Apple Watch Ultra to Forerunner 570 42mm and I’m really happy: battery life 1day apple vs 1 week Garmin, lighter, smaller, navigation while running, etc. The only disadvantage I noticed is that there are more premium 3rd party watchbands for apple than Garmin. And Garmin Pay does not support all banks.

And I bought the 570 42 mm because I like the size and 20 mm wristbands 😂

Same re: timers, reminders, and fitness. Had multiple AWs since the first release and only downloaded a few apps over time. So far, I’m loving my 570-42mm significantly more.

Just switched back from Apple Watch to Garmin, the forerunner 570, 42mm. I’d say it honestly depends on your needs. Going to try and give an objective stance here so it’s a bit long. Other than the obvious battery life, Apple Watch is a smart watch that can do some health and activity measuring. Garmin is a fitness watch that acts somewhat as a smart watch. What is your need? I was paying for an app on Apple to get me 3/4 of the information I get with the Garmin and needed that last 1/4 as my goal is more fitness oriented. The GPS tracking for hiking and the bike tracking were pretty lacking with the Apple Watch. I will say that Apple still wins on sleep, but Garmin gets there enough to tailor my workout day based on recovery. As far as the UI- it’s like anything, get it set up to your specs and it’s great. Hands down I get more data on how to maximize my fitness with Garmin than I ever did with Apple. The morning and evening reports are pretty fantastic and there is nothing that beats the readiness score and having your training day built based on it. Things I miss? Siri activation from the watch for home set up and lights, easy voice activation for other things, honestly that’s about it. The battery life was irritating with Apple so the small conveniences just don’t tip the scale enough even if you aren’t looking for a better activity watch. Yes, Garmins UI isn’t as polished feeling but it gives you more data and options for personalization and use becomes second nature. ETA- haven’t had any issues with it sending texts while working out. For the time while working out you can change the display screen to show the data fields that you want for each specific activity. I’d say Garmin takes time to set up the way you want but after that it’ll import all your settings as you upgrade watches. It still had my old 255 settings from back in the day I could bring forward. 570 is a big improvement and I noticed the overall handling on the newer watch is better so may be worth checking out if you’ve been away from Garmin for a while.

It's actually a pretty great thing. I love not having to reach for my phone when I'm out biking and someone is calling. Or grab it out from inside the backpack or something

I have exactly the same concerns. My research in the last days showed me: a) for a woman like me anything beyond is too bulky. (So no FR 9xx) b) Venu 4 seems to be feezing or restarting during runs (!). That’s enough for me not to buy it for the looks. Plastic-look or not FR 570 42mm for me.