Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Welcome to the deep dive. Today we're lacing U our
metaphorical trainers you could say to.
Leave for old trainers. Yeah, we're taking an in depth
look at the brand new Garmin Forerunner 570.
Now you might see that 570 number and think OK, simple
update to the 265. Seems logical.
But our dive into the sources suggests it's actually aiming a
(00:21):
bit higher, positioning itself as something, well, a bit more
premium, especially if you're serious about your running or,
you know, multi sport training. Exactly, and we're here to give
you the Inside Track help you figure out if this watch
actually deserves a spot on yourwrist.
So for this exploration, we've gathered some really useful
stuff. Yeah, we've got the official
(00:42):
Garmin pages for both the Forerunner 265 and this new 570,
plus their comparison page, which is handy.
And we watch a hands on video from the Chase the Summit
YouTube channel. Good visuals there.
Always helpful. And importantly, a really
detailed review from the 5K Runner website, that's a great
source, especially for, you know, dedicated runners,
triathletes, people really into the tech side of fitness.
(01:05):
Right. They really get into the weeds.
So our mission today is basically to unpack all of this,
synthesise it and give you a clear picture of the 570, what's
new, what's good, maybe what's not so good.
The capabilities, the strengths,the limitations, the whole
package. OK, so let's start with where
this thing actually fits. You know, in the Grand Garmin
lineup. The 5K runner guys had a really
(01:28):
interesting take. They did.
How did they put it? They said medium quality
materials, advanced plus runningfeatures, core plus triathlon
features and advanced Garmin smart features, kind of specific
categories. OK yeah.
But the real kicker for me, the bit that stood out was their
bottom line. It feels more like a paired back
970 rather than an upgraded Fr 265.
(01:51):
OK, that definitely changes things.
Doesn't. It it really does.
It reframes how you look at it immediately.
Yeah, that perspective from the 5K runner is crucial.
It suggests this isn't just likea small step up from the 265.
By comparing it to the 970, the higher end one, they're hinting
that Garmin's bringing more advanced stuff down, maybe
bridging that gap between the mid range 265 and their top tier
(02:13):
watch. It points to maybe a more
nuanced strategy catering to slightly different groups within
that sort of serious athlete market.
Exactly. Different needs, maybe slightly
different budgets. So Speaking of that, step up,
let's talk physicals. The feel, the look.
First thing that jumps out is the bezel.
It's aluminium on the 570. Yeah, compared to the fibre
(02:34):
reinforced polymer on the 265 definitely sounds more premium.
The Chase the Summit video mentioned that too, that it
gives it a nicer feel. And the screen is bigger too,
right? Yep, upgraded display.
It's gone to 1.4 inches from 1.3on the 265.
OK, not huge, but noticeable. And the resolutions bumped up
454 by 454 pixels. Plus, the 5K runner specifically
(02:55):
called out the slimmer bezels. So you're getting more screen,
less border makes sense. That gives you a sharper, more
immersive ammo display overall of.
Course, that does mean the watchitself is slightly bigger,
slightly heavier than the 265. A little trade off there.
Always is, isn't it? And under the hood, there's the
new heart rate sensor Gen 5. Sounds good, but here's a twist.
(03:19):
Both the 5K Runner and Chase theSummit pointed this out.
The ECG function it's disabled on the 570.
Oh really? So even with a new sensor, no
ECG. Apparently not.
Seems that's still exclusive to the 970.
Makes you wonder why, right? It does.
It's an interesting product strategy point.
Maybe the Gen 5 sensor helps with baseline heart rate
(03:39):
accuracy, unlocks other things like skin temp.
Yeah. We'll get to skin temp.
But keeping ECG on the 970 is like a deliberate choice to push
people at the range if they really want that specific health
feature. Or maybe it's just software
locked, who knows. Could be, could be hardware,
could be software. Hard to say without being inside
Garmin. OK, let's shift gears.
Some of the really new features interaction, first big one here,
(04:02):
built in speaker and microphone.Right, that's a significant
addition. Garmin's own pages and the 5K
runner mention this. What does that actually let you
do? Well, taking calls on your wrist
is the main one. Connected calls plus voice
commands. Maybe accessing your phone's
Voice Assistant? So more smartwatch like stuff?
Exactly, It pushes the 570 beyond just being a pure sports
(04:25):
watch. Imagine getting a quick call mid
run answering without digging for your phone.
That's pretty convenient. Yeah, definitely.
And the 5K runner also mentionedfocus modes so you can control
notifications better minimise distractions during workouts.
That's useful. OK, Health and Wellness, there's
something new called the EveningReport.
(04:46):
Ah yes, Garmin mentioned it. Chase the summit too.
It compliments the morning report that's already there.
So what's the idea helps you wind?
Down pretty much gives you insights, maybe about your
sleep, upcoming stuff, weather kind of prepares you for the
next day. Helps with recovery planning.
Like a little nightly briefing. I like that.
And probably more significant health wise is the new skin
(05:08):
temperature sensor. Right.
You mentioned that. What's the benefit there?
Well, according to Garmin and the 5K Runner, it allows for
more sophisticated sleep tracking and it boosts the
Women's Health seizures. How so?
It can help with more accurate period predictions and even give
retrospective estimates of ovulation.
That's pretty valuable info for,you know, family planning or
(05:29):
just understanding your body's cycles.
OK, definitely as another layer of health data.
Now let's talk training, especially for the multi sport
folks, the triathletes listening.
What's new for planning and analysis?
This is where it gets interesting.
The 5K runner specifically highlighted the Garmin triathlon
coach. Triathlon coach, What does that
(05:50):
entail? They suggested it might mean
improvements in the bike and runworkout advice.
Maybe more adaptive plans tailored for triathlon could be
a big deal for triathletes. Yeah, potentially.
And it's not just pre made plans, you can now create your
own custom multi sport workouts in Garmin Connect.
Like really detailed. Ones step by step stuff.
Exactly. Then execute them right on the
(06:11):
watch. Transitions, specific
intensities, the whole 9 yards. Essential if you're following a
complex plan. OK, that's powerful.
Plus the sheer number of other activity profiles now included
is both huge. The 5K Runner listed loads do
Athlon, brick swim, run, obstacle racing, mountaineering,
indoor climbing, even stuff likehunting, horseback riding, disc
(06:35):
golf, and all sorts of biking, gravel commuting, touring, BMX,
kayaking, fishing, boating, winter sports like XE, skate
skiing, ice skating. They really threw the kitchen
sink in their profile wise. Pretty much even Wellness things
like mobility workouts, it really broadens the appeal way
beyond just running in core triathlon.
(06:56):
OK, so it seems like they're trying to cover almost any sport
you might do. What about other specific new
features? Anything else stand out?
Golfing The 5K runner went into detail here.
The 570 gets a really comprehensive set of golf
features. Like what?
I'm not a golfer, so. Yardage tracking, digital
scorecard stat tracking, auto shot detection, automatic course
updates, Green view with pin positioning hazards, pin pointer
(07:17):
for blind shots. OK.
Sounds pretty thorough. Handicap scoring round timer.
It's compatible with their CT 10club sensors.
Works with the Garmin Golf app. Basically, it brings the
Forerunner much closer to their dedicated approach golf watches.
Gotcha. Anything else new for say
runners or navigation? Yeah, a few things projected
(07:38):
Waypoint for navigation and something called auto lap by
timing gates. Timing gates like in a race.
Exactly, so the watch can automatically record your laps
when you cross the official timing mats in a race.
Pretty neat for accurate splits.That is clever saves forgetting
to hit the lap button. And Speaking of forgetting,
there's also a suggested finish line feature.
(07:59):
Chase the Summit highlighted this.
If you cross a finish line and forget to stop your watch, it
might prompt you. Useful for those of us who
collapse in a heap at the end. And for training analysis, the
5K runner noted it now includes heat and altitude acclamation
and load ratio more. Advanced metrics, then.
Yeah, helping you see how you'readapting to conditions and
(08:21):
managing your training load to avoid, you know, overdoing it.
Plus the standard race time predictor is updated and the
YouTube video mentioned a new projected race predictor looking
further out based on how your training is trending.
More data-driven guidance. Seems like a theme and you
mentioned custom multi sport workouts earlier too.
Right. Garmin emphasises that building
those detailed step by step sessions for whatever
(08:43):
combination of activities you need.
Lots of flexibility there, OK. Loads of features but the big
question for endurance folks, battery life.
How does it stack U? Yeah, critical point.
Looking at Garmin specs and the 5K runners comparison, it's a
bit of a mixed bag. How so?
Well, the 265 got what, up to 13days In smartwatch mode, the 570
(09:04):
is listed at 11 days. Still good, but less OK.
What about G? PS:.
G PS (09:08):
Only mode.
The 570 gets around 18 hours,
the 265 managed 20 hours. So a slight decrease there too.
Generally, yes, although interestingly the 5K runner
pointed out one scenario where it might be better listening to
music while using high precisionGPS.
Weird specific improvement. Yeah, but for most other modes,
it seems like a slight step downin battery life, the Chase's
(09:31):
Summit reviewer speculated. Maybe it's the speaker, the
microphone, that brighter display drawing more power.
Makes sense, all those new bits must cost something in terms of
battery. Stands to reason.
OK, let's try and summarise the good stuff.
The pros based on all these new features we've got.
The brighter AMOLED display. Definitely A+.
Sharper, more vibrant. The aluminium bezel giving it
(09:53):
that more premium feel. Yep, he feels less plasticy,
presumably. The speaker and mic for calls
and voice interaction. That's a big functional change.
Adds a whole new layer of smart capability.
The new Gen 5 heart rate sensor,even without ECG, brings skin
temperature data. Useful for sleep and Women's
Health tracking. The evening report.
(10:14):
Nice little addition for planning.
Compliments the Morning report. Big One enhanced multi sport
features, profiles and that Garmin triathlon coach
potential. Huge for triathletes, yeah.
And swimmers, Cyclists. Broader appeal.
New race features like auto lap by timing gates suggested finish
line. Small things, but really
thoughtful for race day. And those comprehensive golfing
(10:36):
features we talked. About yeah, massive upgrade if
you're a golfer. OK, so lots of positives, but
let's flip it. Cons and limitations.
What are the potential downsides?
Well, the most obvious one is price.
It's going to cost more than the400, two, 65.
Both Chase the Summit and the 5KRunner made that point.
Right, Expected with more features, but still a factor.
What else? The big one, especially
(10:58):
highlighted by the 5K runner andthe YouTube video.
No onboard maps. Still no maps at this level.
Apparently not, and that's a major criticism for a watch
likely positioning itself above the 265.
Maybe nudging towards the 9XX series territory in features
lacking maps is noticeable. Yeah, a lot of people rely on
(11:18):
that for trail running, exploring new routes.
Exactly. Then there's the reduced battery
life in most modes compared to the 265.
We just covered that. The trade off for the new
features? And the disabled ECG, despite
the new sensor, feels like something's being held back.
Yeah, a deliberate limitation perhaps.
And one more practical point from Chase the Summit, that 18
hour GPS battery life. You might be cutting it fine for
(11:41):
people doing very long ultra marathons.
Good .100 Millers, that kind of thing, yeah.
Could be a concern there. Let's circle back specifically
to the 5K runners overall take they live and read this stuff,
especially running in triathlon.What was their final verdict?
Sort of. Their feelings seem to be look,
this is a really capable featurepacked sports watch good for
(12:05):
core triathlon stuff. But the lack of maps at this
price point is, and I think theyuse the word, an annoyance, a
significant omission. An annoyance?
Yeah, that sums it. Up yeah, the perspective is
really valuable for, you know, someone listening to Deep into
this. They speculated a bit on
Garmin's strategy. Maybe this 570 creates a
specific tier, leaving room for other models, but their
(12:26):
disappointment about the maps, especially given the likely
higher cost, really highlights what athletes expect now for
navigation during training or races.
They even sort of hinted it might make some people look at,
say, an Apple Watch, even thoughthose have different limitations
for hardcore sports tracking. Interesting comparison.
It really shows that balancing act Garmin has, doesn't it?
(12:46):
Features versus price versus what the competition is doing
versus what dedicated athletes really need.
Absolutely. It's a tricky market.
So wrapping this up, the Forerunner 570, it definitely
brings a lot to the table. More premium feel, more smarts
with the speaker manic way more features especially for multi
sport athletes. No doubt lots of new
capabilities. It comes with a higher price
(13:08):
tag, generally slightly lower battery life and that big
sticking point. Still no onboard maps, which, as
the 5K runner emphasised, feels like a miss for many potential
users. Precisely So if you're listening
and considering the 570, the keyquestions are really about your
priorities. Right, like are those new smart
features, the nicer build worth paying more for and worth that
(13:30):
slight battery hit and modes youuse often?
And maybe the biggest one, how crucial are on board maps for
your training, your races, your adventures?
Is that a deal breaker or just anice to have?
It makes you think, doesn't it, about where wearables are going,
this constant push for more smart features.
How does that balance against core sport functions and, you
(13:52):
know, just lasting long enough? Yeah.
What becomes essential versus just extra?
What features will define the next generation of watches for
athletes at different levels? Definitely food for thought.
We really recommend you check out those detailed reviews
online, especially the 5K Runners Deep analysis to help
you weigh it all up for yourself.
Absolutely form your own informed opinion.
(14:12):
Well, thanks for joining us on this deep dive into the Garmin
Forerunner 570.