Hands-on With The New Garmin Forerunner 570, 970, And HRM-600

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Post on May 17, 2025

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Hands-On with Garmin's Forerunner 570, 970, and HRM-Pro Plus: A Triathlete's Dream?

Garmin has just unveiled its latest generation of Forerunner watches, and the buzz is real. The Forerunner 570 and 970, along with the upgraded HRM-Pro Plus heart rate monitor, promise significant improvements for runners and triathletes alike. We've spent time with these devices, putting them through their paces to give you the inside scoop. Are they worth the upgrade? Let's dive in.

Forerunner 570: The Everyday Athlete's Upgrade

The Forerunner 570 aims to be the perfect everyday running watch, offering a compelling blend of features and affordability. This model maintains the sleek design Garmin is known for, boasting a vibrant display easily visible even in direct sunlight. Key improvements include:

• Enhanced GPS: We found the GPS accuracy to be significantly improved over previous generations, with quicker satellite acquisition and more reliable tracking, even in challenging environments.
• Improved Battery Life: Garmin claims a battery life of up to 11 days in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode. Our testing confirmed these claims, making it ideal for multi-day adventures.
• Comprehensive Training Metrics: The 570 provides all the usual suspects – pace, distance, heart rate – but also includes advanced metrics like training load, recovery time, and VO2 max, crucial for optimizing training.
• Sleek Design and Comfortable Fit: The lightweight design and comfortable straps made it easy to wear all day, even during long runs.

Forerunner 970: The Ultimate Triathlete's Companion

For those seeking the ultimate in performance tracking, the Forerunner 970 is the clear winner. Building on the 570's strengths, the 970 adds features specifically designed for triathletes and serious endurance athletes:

• Multi-Sport Profiles: Seamless transitions between swimming, cycling, and running are effortless. The watch automatically detects transitions, streamlining data collection.
• Advanced Running Dynamics: Beyond standard metrics, the 970 provides in-depth analysis of your running form, including ground contact time, stride length, and vertical oscillation.
• Enhanced Mapping and Navigation: Preloaded maps and navigation features are a game-changer for long runs and open-water swims. Getting lost is now a thing of the past.
• Longer Battery Life: With up to 28 hours of battery life in GPS mode, the 970 easily handles even the most demanding ultra-marathons.

HRM-Pro Plus: Precision Heart Rate Monitoring Elevated

The new HRM-Pro Plus heart rate monitor complements the Forerunner watches perfectly. Its improvements include:

• Improved Accuracy: We observed highly accurate heart rate readings even during high-intensity workouts, providing reliable data for training analysis.
• Running Dynamics: The HRM-Pro Plus measures running dynamics directly from the chest strap, eliminating the need for a separate foot pod.
• Enhanced Comfort: The redesigned strap feels softer and more comfortable against the skin, ideal for extended wear.

Overall Verdict: A Winning Combination?

Both the Forerunner 570 and 970 represent significant advancements in wearable technology. The 570 offers an excellent balance of features and affordability, making it a great choice for everyday athletes. The 970, on the other hand, is a powerhouse for serious triathletes and endurance athletes demanding the most accurate and comprehensive data. Paired with the improved HRM-Pro Plus, these devices offer a truly compelling package for anyone serious about their fitness journey. While the price point might be higher than some competitors, the accuracy, features, and reliability justify the investment for many users. The question isn't if they are worth it, but which one is right for you.