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The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music is a robust choice for athletes, particularly triathlon enthusiasts, thanks to its comprehensive set of features. Its lightweight design and always-on, full-colour display make it a practical companion for outdoor activities, as the screen remains visible even in bright sunlight.
One of its main strengths is battery life, lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 30 hours in GPS mode, ensuring it will keep up even during long events or training sessions. The inclusion of music storage is a notable perk, allowing users to enjoy phone-free listening with up to 500 downloadable songs, though it does require subscriptions to services like Spotify for full functionality. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced training insights and personalised workout suggestions, which provide valuable training tips and predictions for race completions. Heart rate variability and sleep monitoring are incorporated into a morning report feature, helping users start their day with immediate health insights.
The built-in GPS and multisport mode are ideal for tracking various activities, making it suitable for triathlon training. While connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi exist, the smartwatch lacks some advanced connectivity features found in other smart devices. The Garmin Forerunner 255 Music stands out for its strong battery, music capabilities, and comprehensive fitness tracking, appealing to both casual users looking for a reliable smartwatch and serious athletes focused on optimizing their training routines.
The Garmin Instinct 2 GPS is a rugged smartwatch tailored for triathlon athletes and adventure seekers. Its standout feature is exceptional durability, thanks to a water resistance rating of 100 meters and a robust build using a fiber-reinforced polymer case and Corning Gorilla glass. This makes it suitable for swimming and harsh environments. The multi-sport mode caters to various activities like running, biking, and swimming, making it versatile for triathlons.
With GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support, the watch excels in navigation, ensuring accurate tracking even in challenging terrains. The built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter further enhance its capabilities for outdoor adventures. Heart rate monitoring and extensive health tracking features, including sleep and Pulse Ox, provide valuable insights into your fitness and well-being.
One of its significant strengths is the impressive battery life, offering up to 28 days in smartwatch mode, which reduces the worry of frequent recharging during long training sessions. However, in GPS mode, the battery life drops to 30 hours, which may require careful planning during longer events. Connectivity features like Bluetooth and smart notifications, along with Connect IQ compatibility, keep you connected on the go. On the downside, the screen size is relatively small at 0.9 inches, which might affect readability for some users. Additionally, the lack of map features could be a limitation for those who rely on visual route navigation.
The Garmin Instinct 2 is an excellent choice for triathlon enthusiasts who value durability, multi-sport functionality, and reliable navigational aids. Its robust design and comprehensive health monitoring make it a solid companion for both training and competition, although the small screen and absence of maps might not suit everyone's needs.
The COROS PACE 3 Sport Watch is designed with triathletes in mind, offering a lightweight and comfortable wear with its sleek 11.7mm body and 30g weight. Its standout feature is the impressive battery life, boasting 17 days of daily use and up to 38 hours in GPS mode, making it suitable for lengthy training sessions or competitions.
GPS accuracy is enhanced with dual-frequency capability, ensuring reliable tracking even in challenging urban environments. The watch supports a variety of sports modes, including running, cycling, swimming, and skiing, giving it versatility across different activities. Connectivity is limited to Bluetooth, which might not be ideal for those seeking broader smart features found in more advanced models.
Build quality is emphasized with durable materials. The breadcrumb navigation feature aids in route planning, but lacks detailed mapping options seen in more advanced GPS watches. Heart rate monitoring is included, alongside SpO2 tracking, providing useful health insights. Despite its strengths, some users might miss features like NFC payments or music storage, common in higher-end models. The watch is best suited for athletes prioritizing comfort, battery longevity, and accurate GPS tracking over extensive smart features.