Newly released this year, the new Garmin Forerunner 970 fitness watch impressed across the board with our testers, quickly establishing itself as a “tracking powerhouse.”
As the updated flagship model of the popular Forerunner range, the 970 had big shoes to fill when it was released back in May. And boy did it deliver. Tester Mike says it’s “a watch you’ll want to wear if you want the best the brand has to offer in tracking your runs” and having worn the watch for a few months now, I have to agree.
Right now during the Black Friday sales, you can score the Garmin Forerunner 970 for $100 off on Garmin US. The rugged multisport watch is 14% off, down to $649.99 from the usual RRP of $749.99. This deal should last until Cyber Monday (December 1st), but may sell out sooner. Those based in the UK also get a £35 discount from Sigma Sport while stocks last. It’s pretty unheard of for a new Garmin model to be discounted, so if you’ve been eyeing up the 970 but unsure about taking the plunge, now’s the time.
Built with a tough shell and premium materials, including an impenetrable sapphire crystal lens wrapped in titanium bezel, the Forerunner 970 screams class and more importantly, longevity. This is a watch built to last. As the newest version of the high-end Forerunner 900 series, the watch has been updated with more advanced training and performance metrics than any of its predecessors. It’s able to offer guidance to help avoid overtraining and lay out a path back from injury.
The screen is super bright and delightfully easy to navigate. I was worried that the huge array of features would prove a logistical nightmare to navigate, but the 970 is surprisingly intuitive. Of course, it’s still overflowing with features, including the multiband GPS positioning that properly locks onto signal wherever you are. Mapping is equally brilliant. The 970’s topographic colour maps and street name detailing make finding your way during a run a piece of cake.
And the cherry on that cake? Surprisingly, the most used feature of the lot for me is the built-in flashlight. Not only is it incredibly powerful, it also has different modes and a shortcut (double-tap the top-left button) that’s easy to find in the dark. I use this function so often that my partner has started calling me ‘Mission Impossible’.
Read Mike’s full breakdown of the Garmin Forerunner 970 here.
For more Black Friday deals, check out our roundup of the best men’s fitness discounts live this weekend and the top retailers to get the best bang for your buck.
