Context. On August 1, 2025, I leave before dawn on the crest of the caldera (Fira→Oia). Low light, white walls, dry heat. The AMOLED remains readable, the LED lasts 12 minutes in the alleys - just enough, nothing more.

AMOLED and LED screen: see, decide, run

The slab hits hard. Sharpness, contrast, tactile responsiveness, everything is there. At 2/3 brightness, perfect readability in direct sunlight, and the battery stops panicking — observation repeated Santorini 01/08/2025, departure 06:40, violent backlight. To situate the bike-sorting debate, I refer in the middle of the analysis to our guide to the best GPS bike watches in order to align watch and computer without unnecessary duplication.

The integrated LED changes everyday life: poorly lit track entrance, equipment room, safety reminder during split routes. Double-press, it lights up — better than the old “white screen”. 47 mm case, no perceptible heating during continuous ignition (12 min tested). (Yes, I note.)

Verifiable fact: the 970 has micro/HP and remains the only one of the 570/970 duo with LED + sapphire + titanium bezel, positioned higher in the range. Launch price $749.99 with availability announced on May 21, 2025. Frankly high, but consistent with the ambition.

New metrics and advanced training

Three pillar metrics. Running Tolerance: realistic weekly impact load ceiling based on history. Economy (Running Economy): mechanical/energy efficiency. Step Speed ​​Loss: loss of speed on impact, to objectify technical degradation. The last two require the HRM 600 belt. As a result, more “coachable” data.

Track stage — 05/09/2025, Toulouse (Stade Daniel-Faucher): 10×400 m, recovery 1'15. Cadence 176 ±2 spm, oscillation 7.1 cm, Average Step Speed ​​Loss −1.8% (HRM 600). Weekly tolerance displayed 74 km; actual volume 69 km. Green. Concrete result: no drift on the last three 400. In short, we adjust the threshold pace without an approximate “feeling”.

If you are hesitant after a 945/955/965, the interest of these metrics can be seen especially on a structured cycle (road/track). For a cold reminder of the historical differences (sensors, map, formats), browse the Forerunner 945 955 965 detailed technical comparison and anchor your choice in use, not in nostalgia.

Integrated training advice is progressing: Coach, personalized multisport, course predictors, evening reports. Nothing magical, but more consistency between “D-day” and perceived load. (Parenthesis) I didn't like the old recommendations that were too generic. There, it's better framed.