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Best Garmin Watches for Triathlon: Which One Survives the Swim, Bike, and Run?
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Triathlons test more than just endurance, they demand gear that can keep up through every punishing leg. Garmin has long been the go to for multisport athletes, offering watches that track everything from stroke efficiency to cycling power.
But with so many models boasting triathlon features, choosing the right one can feel as daunting as the race itself.
Whether you’re training for your first sprint or chasing an Ironman finish, the perfect Garmin watch should balance battery life, durability, and advanced metrics without unnecessary bulk or complexity.
This guide breaks down the top options, from budget friendly picks to premium performance tools, helping you find the ideal training partner for your triathlon journey.
How to Choose the Right Garmin Triathlon Watch
Selecting a triathlon watch comes down to balancing three key factors: features, battery life, and price. Beginners should prioritize core functions like multisport mode and open water swim tracking without overspending.
Intermediate athletes might want advanced metrics like training load focus or recovery time, while seasoned competitors need maximum battery life for long-course events.
Consider your typical race distances sprint and Olympic triathlons require less battery than a full Ironman. Weight matters too, bulkier watches can feel cumbersome during the swim.
And if you’re a data-driven athlete, look for models with in-depth analytics like HRV status and performance condition scores. Skip flashy smartwatch extras and focus on what actually improves your training and racing.
Best Garmin Watches for Triathlon
Garmin Forerunner 255 – $349
The Forerunner 255 is the perfect gateway drug into Garmin’s ecosystem. It nails the basics with multisport mode, decent battery life 14 days, and open water tracking all for less than the cost of a bike tune up.
The wrist-based heart rate works well enough, assuming you ignore its struggles during the swim, and the GPS is reliable enough to keep you on course.
Downsides? No maps, no flashy AMOLED display, and the screen looks like it belongs on a Tamagotchi. But for sprint and Olympic triathlons, it’s a steal. Just don’t expect it to survive your Ironman ambitions. With a watch like this you will feel confident.
Garmin Forerunner 255 – $349
The Forerunner 255 is the perfect entry point for new triathletes, packing essential features into an affordable package. Its multisport mode seamlessly transitions between swim, bike, and run segments while accurately tracking each discipline.
The open water swim metrics capture stroke count and efficiency, and the reliable GPS ensures you stay on course. With 14 days of smartwatch battery or 26 hours in GPS mode, it handles Olympic distance races easily.
The wrist based heart rate works decently across all sports, though serious athletes may still prefer a chest strap. While it lacks maps and has a basic MIP display, the lightweight 49g design won’t slow you down. For triathletes wanting core functionality without breaking the bank, the FR255 delivers excellent value.
Garmin Forerunner 745 – $399 (Refurbished)
The Forerunner 745 remains a capable triathlon watch despite being an older model. Its compact 43mm case houses all necessary multisport features, including pool/open water swim tracking and cycling power meter support.
The 16 hour GPS battery covers sprint and Olympic distances, while the wrist-based pulse ox sensor provides altitude acclimation data. Recovery time suggestions help prevent overtraining, and the performance condition score rates your real time effort.
Though it lacks maps and newer metrics like HRV status, the 745’s lightweight 47g design makes it comfortable for all disciplines.
For triathletes wanting reliable tracking without the latest bells and whistles, this refurbished option offers solid savings while delivering proven performance.
Garmin Forerunner 955 – $499
The Forerunner 955 represents the sweet spot for serious age-group triathletes. Its 46mm case contains full color mapping and touchscreen navigation – invaluable for unfamiliar bike courses.
The 20 hour GPS battery handles half Ironman distances easily, while solar models extend this slightly. Advanced metrics like HRV status and training readiness scores optimize recovery, and the race predictor offers realistic finish estimates.
At 53g, it remains swim friendly while providing morning reports that summarize daily training impact. The dual band GPS ensures accurate tracking even in challenging environments.
For triathletes wanting premium training tools without excessive bulk or cost, the 955 delivers professional-grade insights in a practical multisport package.
Garmin Forerunner 965 – $599
The Forerunner 965 elevates the experience with a brilliant AMOLED display that’s easily readable in all conditions. This 47mm watch maintains all the 955’s triathlon capabilities while presenting data on a vibrant, high resolution screen.
Battery life decreases slightly to 23 hours GPS due to the brighter display, but remains ample for most races. The titanium bezel adds durability without significant weight gain (53g).
Advanced running dynamics like ground contact time and stride length provide deeper performance insights. The touchscreen works well when dry, though buttons dominate during workouts.
For athletes who appreciate premium aesthetics alongside top tier multisport tracking, the 965 offers the best visual experience in Garmin’s triathlon lineup.
Garmin Fenix 7 – $699
Built for extreme conditions, the Fenix 7 brings rugged durability to triathlon training. The 47mm case features scratch resistant sapphire glass and a stainless steel bezel that withstands poolside impacts.
Its 32 hour GPS battery handles full Ironman distances, while solar models extend this further. The added weight (79g) makes it less ideal for pure triathlon use compared to Forerunners, but adventure racers appreciate topographic maps and advanced navigation.
Recovery metrics and morning reports help balance training loads. While some features exceed typical triathlon needs, the Fenix 7 excels for athletes who also compete in ultramarathons or backcountry expeditions between tri seasons, offering unmatched durability across diverse environments.
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro – $799
The Fenix 7 Pro enhances Garmin’s flagship with practical upgrades for triathletes. The 47mm watch adds a built-in flashlight for pre dawn transitions and improved heart rate sensor for more accurate readings across all disciplines.
Battery life remains strong at 37 hours GPS, with solar models extending this further. The scratch resistant sapphire glass and titanium bezel withstand daily abuse, while the 79g weight provides solid wrist presence.
New training metrics include real time endurance tracking and hill score for elevation analysis. While expensive, the Pro model justifies its price for serious athletes wanting the most advanced features.
It’s particularly suited for Ironman competitors needing reliable performance across all conditions and disciplines.
Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) – $899
Garmin’s Epix Pro combines the Fenix’s toughness with a brilliant AMOLED display, creating the ultimate high visibility triathlon companion.
The 47mm watch offers 32 hour GPS battery life enough for full Ironman distances and adds a useful built-in flashlight.
At 70g, it’s lighter than the Fenix but equally durable, with a titanium bezel that withstands regular pool use. The touchscreen works well when dry, though buttons dominate during workouts. Advanced metrics include real time stamina monitoring and training readiness scores.
While expensive, the Epix Pro delivers unmatched screen clarity and premium materials, making it ideal for athletes who prioritize visual data presentation during intense workouts and competitions across all three disciplines.
Garmin Enduro 2 – $1,099
The Enduro 2 is Garmin’s battery champion, offering an incredible 89 hours of GPS runtime overkill for most triathlons but perfect for Ultraman events.
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The 51mm titanium case houses solar charging and a massive battery, while weighing a reasonable 70g. Multisport tracking works well, though the watch focuses more on ultrarunning features.
The built-in flashlight helps with nighttime transitions, and the scratch resistant sapphire glass withstands open water swims.
While too specialized (and expensive) for typical triathlon use, it’s ideal for athletes competing in extreme endurance events or those who simply hate charging their gear.
The oversized display shows ample data fields, but the size may feel bulky during swim portions for smaller wrists.
Garmin MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) – $1,499
The MARQ Athlete represents Garmin’s luxury triathlon offering, blending premium materials with top tier performance. The 46mm titanium case weighs just 56g, making it surprisingly lightweight for its size.
The AMOLED display offers crisp visibility in all conditions, while the 32-hour GPS battery covers full Ironman distances. Special triathlon features include a dedicated multisport button and race-specific data screens.
The sapphire crystal and forged titanium construction provide durability without excess weight. While astronomically priced, the MARQ appeals to athletes wanting the absolute best materials and aesthetics.
It’s essentially a Forerunner 965 wrapped in premium materials perfect for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and have the budget to match their aspirations.
Conclusion
For most triathletes, the Forerunner 955 or 965 offer the best balance of features and value. The Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro cater to those needing extra durability or display quality, while the Enduro 2 serves extreme endurance specialists.
The MARQ Athlete is a luxury statement piece. Beginners can start with the capable FR255 or discounted FR745. Choose based on your budget, racing distance, and how much data you crave – then focus on what really matters: your training.
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