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When training to become a triathlete, it is essential to monitor your performance closely. Estimating the number of laps or miles covered may not provide an accurate measure of progress. Therefore, we have compiled a list of top Garmin watches specifically designed for triathlons.
Garmin offers some of the most advanced GPS watches available on the market. As a triathlete, investing in a Garmin triathlon watch is a wise choice. These watches are capable of accurately tracking your running, cycling, and swimming data.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music | Check Price | |
 | Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE | Check Price | |
 | Garmin Enduro | Check Price | |
 | Garmin Instinct Solar | Check Price | |
 | GARMIN FENIX 7 | Check Price |
Best Garmin Watches For Triathlon Reviews
1. Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music
However, after discovering that it did not have a specialized barometer, we made the switch to the Garmin Vivoactive 3. Both models are considered to be on the lower end of the spectrum, but the vivoactive is one of the more affordable options available from Garmin and comes with a significantly lower price tag.
The Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music watch does have its weaknesses and lacks a specific mode for trail running, but it still manages to get the job done. To compensate for this, you have the option to either create a personalized activity directly on the watch or download apps from the ConnectIQ store.
When it comes to tracking your activity, the watch does a fairly accurate job with pace, distance, and time components. However, the elevation data (ascent and descent) is not quite up to par with the top-tier watches like Fenix and Forerunner. It’s important to note that advanced metrics are also missing, which is understandable given the price point.
Furthermore, the watch does not include performance metrics such as race predictor, recovery counselor, and race status/effect measures. On the other hand, the Forerunner 245 Music offers all of these features, although it lacks elevation tracking.
One advantage of this watch is its waypoints capability, allowing you to plan a precise path for your next trail run. However, the absence of TOPO charts is a significant drawback for trail runners and hikers.
In terms of battery life, the Vivoactive 3 Music impresses with over two weeks of usage on a single charge. However, activating the GPS and playing music simultaneously does impact its performance.
2. Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE
The watch is compact and lightweight, yet it boasts a wide range of features that closely resemble those found in the Fenix 7. When compared to the latest Fenix model, the two main differences are the absence of a touchscreen and the most recent Elevate Heart Rate sensor.
In addition to being able to download playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, and other platforms, the watch offers music storage for offline listening. The Fenix 7 provides the same feature, but with a larger storage capacity.
The watch includes a built-in activity profile for “trail running” that monitors heart rate, speed, time, distance, and duration. Furthermore, advanced running metrics (such as Pacepro, stride length, vertical ratio, lactate threshold, etc.) can be accessed instantly on the watch by connecting a foot pod and an external heart rate sensor via ANT+ or Bluetooth.
Moreover, it tracks performance metrics like training load, status, focus, recovery time, stress levels, and more. It doubles as a fitness tracker, monitoring blood oxygen levels, sleep patterns, and heart rate.
In case of emergencies, the watch can send messages to designated contacts through its LTE version. An incident detection sensor within the watch will trigger this feature automatically. If you find yourself without your smartphone while trail running, the Forerunner 945 could be a lifesaver due to the potential risks involved.
The watch allows you to upload GPX maps and supports full-color mapping. However, the navigation on the FR945 is hindered by its small screen and large bezel.
Continuous use of GPS reduces the battery life to 10 hours from 2 weeks on a single charge. The watch does not offer a solar-powered version, which may not be an issue for trail runners but could be a deal-breaker for those participating in ultramarathons or marathons.
3. Garmin Enduro
If you are a fan of through-hiking, the Garmin Enduro should definitely be on your radar. This watch is specifically tailored for long-distance trail enthusiasts and comes equipped with all the necessary tools for a successful hiking journey.
One notable similarity between the Enduro and the Fenix 6 is that they both lack internal music and maps storage. However, there is a significant difference that sets the Garmin Enduro apart. With its longer battery life, this watch is particularly appealing to through-hikers, marathon runners, and triathletes.
The Enduro boasts an impressive 50 days of charging life, compared to the Fenix 6’s 14 days of smartwatch mode battery life. What’s more, the Enduro is solar-powered, which means it can extend its battery life to 65 days when used in smartwatch mode. This makes it the perfect choice for extended hikes where access to electrical outlets may be limited.
In terms of features, the Enduro offers everything we previously found in the Garmin Fenix 6. It includes a barometric altimeter, magnetic compass, and the essential ABC capabilities. Additionally, it provides daily activity tracking such as step counting, floor ascent, and heart rate monitoring.
There are a few minor differences in design between the Enduro and the Fenix 6. The Enduro boasts a larger screen size and superior display quality in terms of resolution. Due to its impressive battery timing and sleek design, the Enduro does come at a higher price point compared to the Fenix 6.
4. Garmin Instinct Solar
The Garmin Instinct Solar smartwatch is renowned for its versatility in outdoor settings, combining style with durability and impressive features. Constructed in accordance with US military specification 810G, this watch is designed to withstand extreme conditions.
The watch’s case is reinforced with fiber, ensuring its resilience even in rough handling. You can rely on this equipment to endure and perform reliably.
For those seeking a solar charging option, the Garmin Instinct Solar is the ideal choice. In smartwatch mode, the battery lasts an impressive 24 days. However, with the ability to charge from sunlight, the battery life extends to an impressive 54 days.
With over 30 hours of battery life in GPS mode, the watch is perfect for multi-day hiking trips that include overnight stops. And thanks to solar luminosity, the battery life can be further extended to 38 hours, providing even more reliability.
One intriguing feature of the Garmin Instinct Solar is the Storm Alert. By setting up a storm alarm on the watch’s barometric altimeter, you can be alerted when air pressure rapidly drops, allowing you to anticipate and prepare for stormy conditions.
The Sight n Go feature, available on the Garmin Instinct Solar, Garmin Enduro, and Garmin Fenix 6, is another valuable tool. By aiming the compass at a distant object, such as a mountain peak or hill station, the watch will guide you towards it. Additionally, the TracBack feature helps you navigate back to your starting point.
The Sunrise/Sunset feature is also a useful function, particularly during long-distance thru-hiking treks. The watch will notify you when sunset is approaching, enabling you to find a suitable camping area before dusk falls.
5. GARMIN FENIX 7
The latest Fenix 7 boasts an extended battery life, a more accurate ELEVATE heart rate sensor, and an enhanced design. However, in terms of trail running, it doesn’t offer much more than its predecessor.
The watch is available in various wrist sizes, and its SOLAR versions provide exceptional battery life. Regardless of the version you select, the durability and robust appearance remain unchanged (making it particularly suitable for rugged terrain and resistant to shocks and water). The Fenix 7 is the first device in the series to feature a touchscreen.
In addition to basic metrics like pace, time, and distance, the watch also tracks more advanced parameters such as vertical oscillation, vertical ratio, ground contact time, stride length, and others. Access to certain advanced statistics is only possible when you connect external sensors to the watch via ANT+ or Bluetooth.
The Fenix 7 comes preloaded with full-color TOPO maps. You can plan your routes in advance and utilize waypoints to navigate challenging trails. The trackback feature allows you to easily retrace your steps to safety.
Furthermore, you can use Garmin Connect to share your progress with fellow trail runners. If you prefer using platforms like Strava or other popular apps to connect with trail runners, you can export your data there.
Let’s delve into the onboard sensors in more detail. It includes a thermometer, compass, robust GPS with multi-GNSS capabilities, and a barometric altimeter. The Fenix 7 has set a high standard for accuracy in Garmin watches, as well as other industry leaders like Apple, Samsung, Polar, and Suunto.
Endurance activities like trail running can be physically demanding. In such situations, the Fenix 7 can act as your coach by providing insights into calorie burning, stress management, sleep quality, and recovery. It monitors your heart rate performance zones while running and offers essential metrics such as VO2 max, training load, heart rate variability, and more.
Conclusion
We have reached the end of our comprehensive buyer’s guide for the top Garmin watches designed specifically for triathlon. Garmin has established itself as a reputable brand in the realm of GPS watches, making it difficult to make a wrong choice from our carefully curated selection. We sincerely hope that our guide has assisted you in finding the perfect triathlon watch to enhance your training endeavors.