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Overview of Garmin Forerunner 170 and 170 Music
The Garmin Forerunner 170 and 170 Music are positioned between the more affordable Forerunner 70 and the premium Forerunner 570 and 970. These models are an appealing option for fitness enthusiasts, particularly runners, offering a blend of features and pricing that caters to a wide range of users.
While noted for their robust fitness tracking capabilities, these devices also include additional smartwatch functionalities that enhance user experience. For instance, Sebastian Sawe, renowned for breaking the world record for a marathon under two hours, was equipped with Garmin’s more budget-friendly Forerunner 55.
Key Features
The Forerunner 170 builds upon the features of its predecessor, the Forerunner 70. Enhanced with Garmin Pay, users can make transactions right from the watch, while Smart Notifications allow for seamless alert management when paired with a smartphone. Additionally, the Forerunner 170 Music boasts an impressive 4GB of internal storage dedicated to music, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize their workout playlists.
Performance and Value
If you’re primarily focused on training, the Forerunner 70 may be the best value option. However, the Forerunner 170 Music offers added convenience, allowing for payments and music playback without the need for a smartphone. Throughout my testing, the watch proved comfortable for day-to-day wear and sleep, providing accurate metrics when compared against reliable devices like the Polar H10 heart rate monitor.
Comparative Look at Garmin Forerunner Models
- Garmin Forerunner 170 GPS Watch (Black) at Amazon for £258.60
Model | Forerunner 70 | Forerunner 170 | Forerunner 170 Music |
Price | $249.99 / £219.99 / AU$399 | $299 / £259.99 / AU$479 | $349.99 / £299.99 / AU$549 |
Dimensions | 42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9mm | 42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9mm | 42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9mm |
Weight | 40g | 41g | 41g |
Case/Bezel | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
Display | AMOLED 390 x 390px | AMOLED 390 x 390px | AMOLED 390 x 390px |
GPS | GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, SatIQ | L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou | GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo |
Battery Life | Up to 13 days, all-systems GNSS mode: Up to 16 hours | Up to 10 days, all-systems GNSS mode: Up to 14 hours | Up to 10 days, all-systems GNSS mode: Up to 14 hours (6.5 with music) |
Connection | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
Why Choose the Garmin Forerunner 170 Music?
The Garmin Forerunner 170, priced at $299 / £259.99 / AU$479, brings significant value when compared to some premium options in the Garmin lineup. The Music variant, with its added storage for music, retails at $349.99 / £299.99 / AU$549, providing users with comfort and versatility to support various activities without necessitating a smartphone.
Design and Usability
While maintaining a familiar aesthetic, the Forerunner 170 features a five-button layout along with a touchscreen, making it user-friendly for runners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Its lightweight design (41g) ensures that it can be worn comfortably throughout the day or even during sleep.
Despite its less-than-vibrant AMOLED display, the user interface remains intuitive and seamless to navigate, especially for those familiar with Garmin products. Its solid build quality and various workout features make it a wise investment for fitness enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Garmin Forerunner 170 and 170 Music stand out as reliable fitness trackers without veering into excessive premium pricing. While the absence of certain features might deter some savvy buyers, especially when comparing against more feature-rich smartwatches, their durability, battery life, and fitness tracking capabilities ensure that users will still find value. Overall, the Forerunner 170 series is a commendable choice for anyone looking to enhance their fitness journey.
(Image credit: Future)
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