I have four different Forerunner models and the 745 is a favorite. I got it 2 years ago as an upgrade to my 45s and have used it as my main time piece, not just my main fitness tracker or main exercise gadget. The big capability improvement over the 45s was the ability to track strength training, do multi-sport activities such as swimming, cycling, and running; and it also had capability to add various cycling sensors such as cycling speed and pedal cadence. Often the only time I did not have it on was when it was plugged to recharge, which usually was while I was in the shower after a workout. The main outdoor activities I did with it was biking (in which case it was attached to the handlebar, on a handlebar mount, acting like a bike computer), walking, hiking, and running. Indoors I used it with a treadmill, a stationary bike, indoor pool, for strength training, and doing other cardio exercise. The two main metrics that I tracked for every workout was active calories expended and the exercise training load. I then tracked my daily active calories and my weekly training load. In order to “pace” myself during a workout, I used heartrate zones while running, and then speed and cadence metrics while on the bike. I also found the 745 handy for recording my strength training sessions.
Every morning I looked at the sleep report, my body-battery level, and the recovery tracker—these 3 together served as my “training readiness” indicator. They tended to correlate, for example if sleep was poor, body battery would be sub-optimal also. The "training readiness" indicator in my new 265s is a 'nice-to-have' because in theory I can look at one metric to tell me if I'm ready for a big workout, but in practice, I still look at sleep, body battery, and recovery.
The one thing I would have preferred on the 745 would be a narrower strap. For my 6.25-inch wrist, a 22mm strap is just too wide. And this is not just about aesthetics. I find the narrower band on my more recently acquired 265s noticeably more comfortable.
I think the 745’s 1.2-inch (30.4mm) screen size is in the “sweet-spot”. I find Forerunners with 1.3-inch (32.5 mm) displays too big for my wrist (for example the 265) and the 1.1-inch display a tad too small (the one on the 265s). If only there is a Forerunner 265-medium with a 1.2-inch screen size, that would have been the model for me.
My dream Garmin Forerunner would be a Forerunner with all the capabilities of the 965 (except the mapping and navigation features), paired with a 20mm band that tapers to 18mm (or even 17mm), sporting a 1.2-inch AMOLED (same size as the 745 display) so that the watch case diameter would be a respectable 43.5mm and not the gargantuan 46.1mm-sized case of the 265 or 47.2mm-sized case of the 965. Garmin can call it the 765 (an upgrade to the 745). A pipe dream, I think; that is because Garmin did not release a 755, so it seems the 745-line may be an evolutionary dead end.
For now, my 2-year-old 745 can still hold its own. Sure, I have now switched to the 265s for nighttime sleep tracking and treadmill running, but on the bike, the 745 still beats the newer 265s both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors the huge reflective MIP display works really well in bright sunlight. Indoors, I can set the 745 MIP background light to “always-on” for the entire workout. In contrast to a MIP display, the AMOLED version of “always-on” is to dim the background light after a few seconds, which is disappointing. I want an ‘always-on’ that does not dim, Forerunner MIP displays can do that, while Forerunner AMOLED display can’t do that (at least not just yet).
When I bought the 745 two years ago, I really needed the capabilities it had, which my 45s did not have. But now, even with my 265s on hand, there seems to be nothing the 265s can do that the 745 cannot do, and in a particular use-case (placing the watch on the bike handlebar mount) I still prefer the 745 over the newer 265s.
To conclude, I think the 745 is a solid piece of kit and in some use-cases can still hold its own against the latest Forerunner models.
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This Item  Garmin Forerunner 745, GPS Running Watch, Detailed Training Stats and On-Device Workouts, Essential Smartwatch Functions, Tropic |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | -25% $299.99 List: $399.99 | -20% $399.99 List: $499.99 | -29% $249.99 List: $349.99 | -10% $179.99 List: $199.99 | -25% $299.99 List: $399.99 | $582.90 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| For working out | ||||||
| Sleep tracking | ||||||
| Accuracy | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Mileage | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Stavvy Sales | Amazon.com | Safe 'N Quick |
| size | One Size | One Size | 41 MM | One Size | 41 MM | — |
| display size | 1.2 inches | 1.3 inches | 1.1 inches | 1.04 inches | 1.1 inches | 1.4 inches |
| connectivity tech | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth, USB | Bluetooth, USB | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, USB | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB |
| supported applications | GPS | GPS | GPS | GPS | GPS | GPS |
| input interface | buttons | buttons, touch screen | buttons | buttons | buttons | touch screen, buttons |
| wireless standard | bluetooth | — | bluetooth | bluetooth | — | bluetooth |
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A Runner's Dream (with a Few Quirks)
As a data-obsessed runner always chasing new PRs, I've been eyeing the Garmin Forerunner 745 for months. Finally caved and snagged one, and after putting in some serious miles, here's my honest take:Pros:Stat central: This watch is a treasure trove of training data. From VO2 max and lactate threshold to recovery time and training load focus, it tells you everything you could ever want to know about your performance. And the best part? It all feels actionable. The watch suggests workouts based on your data, helping you train smarter, not harder.Multisport master: Running isn't my only game. The 745 flawlessly tracks everything from cycling and swimming to strength training and even yoga. The multisport mode seamlessly transitions between activities, making it perfect for brick workouts or triathlons.Music on the move: No more lugging your phone on runs. The 745 lets you store music directly on the watch and pair with headphones for cord-free listening. It's a game-changer for long training sessions.Battery life beast: This watch just won't quit. I get a solid week in smartwatch mode and up to 6 hours with GPS and music, which is more than enough for most runs. UltraTrac mode stretches that even further for ultramarathons or epic adventures.Lightweight champion: Forget clunky sports watches. The 745 is surprisingly light and comfortable, even on long runs. I barely notice it's there, which is exactly what you want in a running watch.Cons:No touch screen: In this age of smartphones, the lack of a touch screen feels a bit outdated. Buttons work fine, but navigating menus can be a tad clunky at times.Battery life blues (sometimes): While generally amazing, the battery life takes a hit with certain features like music and GPS. If you're a data fiend who tracks everything, be prepared for more frequent charging.Pricey plaything: Let's be honest, this watch isn't cheap. But for serious runners who want the best data and features, it's an investment that pays off in performance gains and training insights.Overall:The Garmin Forerunner 745 is a top-tier running watch with features galore. It's packed with data, versatile for all sports, and comfortable to wear. The lack of a touch screen and slightly finicky battery life are minor quibbles compared to the overall package. If you're a data-driven runner who wants to take your training to the next level, the 745 is definitely worth the splurge. Just be prepared to become addicted to your stats!Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (would be 5 with better battery life)I hope this review helps you decide if the Garmin Forerunner 745 is the right running watch for you!
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2023
Color: RedStyle: Running WatchVerified Purchase
I bought this Forerunner after a mixed experience with a two year old Solar Instinct. While the battery life on the Instinct can be phenomenal (32 days in lower power mode), this Forerunner isn't bad (normal mode) at about eight days. And it does so much more and so much better.
This Forerunner linked right up with My Samsung A71 phone. The free Garmin Connect app is working beautifully with it. I'm in my mid 70's and simply trying to keep myself in decent shape. I don't do marathons or any running since I broke both legs in five places six year ago. The Forerunner is giving me all the feedback I need and want: heartbeat, steps, stair climbing, body battery, tracking me in my Hobie pedal kayak as well as on my bike, intensity minutes, sleep tracking, respiration and calories. And it does it well. The older Instinct was awful at counting flights of stairs (important to me since I descend to my dock 70 feet down from my back door on a daily basis and I want credit for it!) This Forerunner hasn't missed a beat.
My wife asked for my older Solar Instinct. Now I'm hearing "Hey, it didn't count the last two times I climbed stairs!). I keep saying we should buy a 745 for her. But she's frugal. Given my continuing happy experience with my 745, I expect to win her over eventually. The 745 would even fit her better, being a thinner watch.
I've read reviews by folks who like the 745 more then the newer 945. Given the differences between the models and at what cost you get them, I'm certain the 745 was the right choice for me. I'm quite happy with it.
My only nit: I got the "red" band. It's more pinkish-orange than red. But I'm getting used to it
This Forerunner linked right up with My Samsung A71 phone. The free Garmin Connect app is working beautifully with it. I'm in my mid 70's and simply trying to keep myself in decent shape. I don't do marathons or any running since I broke both legs in five places six year ago. The Forerunner is giving me all the feedback I need and want: heartbeat, steps, stair climbing, body battery, tracking me in my Hobie pedal kayak as well as on my bike, intensity minutes, sleep tracking, respiration and calories. And it does it well. The older Instinct was awful at counting flights of stairs (important to me since I descend to my dock 70 feet down from my back door on a daily basis and I want credit for it!) This Forerunner hasn't missed a beat.
My wife asked for my older Solar Instinct. Now I'm hearing "Hey, it didn't count the last two times I climbed stairs!). I keep saying we should buy a 745 for her. But she's frugal. Given my continuing happy experience with my 745, I expect to win her over eventually. The 745 would even fit her better, being a thinner watch.
I've read reviews by folks who like the 745 more then the newer 945. Given the differences between the models and at what cost you get them, I'm certain the 745 was the right choice for me. I'm quite happy with it.
My only nit: I got the "red" band. It's more pinkish-orange than red. But I'm getting used to it
Images in this review
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