Garmin Forerunner 25: Running GPS Watch Review

One of the most reliable watches on the market:

• Keeps track of Distance, Pace, Heart Rate, & Calories
• Share runs and statistics via social media with compatible device sharing application
• Step counting and notifications to get moving
• Up to 8 hours of battery life using the GPS mode
• Up to 5 weeks of battery life using watch/activity tracking mode
• Save & Share activities via Garmin Connect™
• Released May 2014

Comes in a variety of colors:

• Black & Green
• Teal & White
• Violet & White
• Black & Blue
• Red & Black

Specifications:

• Physical dimensions: Black/Green, Teal/White & Violet/White: 1.58” x 2.05” x 0.62” (40.1 x 52.2 x 15.7 mm); Black/Blue & Red/Black: 1.79” x 2.25” x 0.62” (45.5 x 57.2 x 15.7 mm)Display sizeBlack/Green, Teal/White & Violet/White: 0.81” x 0.77” (21 x 20 mm); Black/Blue & Red/Black: 0.98” x 0.94” (25 x 24 mm)
• Display resolution: 55 x 32 pixels
• Weight Small: 36 g (1.3 oz); Large: 43 g (1.5 oz)
• Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion
• Battery life: 5 weeks in watch mode; 8 hours in training mode
• Comes with charger for the watch
• Water rating: 5 ATM
• History: 7 activities
• GPS
• Step Counter
• Move Bar
• Goals
• Move feature
• Sleep Monitoring
• Calories Burner
• Auto Pause
• Auto Lap
• Virtual Pacer
• Personal Records

Price:

• $199.99

Purchase Options:

• Discontinued on Garmin Website & in Garmin Stores
• Amazon
• Ebay

Hands on experience:

I have been using this watch for over four years now and it has held up quite well! Sometimes there is a slow connection to the GPS, but it eventually connects. Needs to be re calibrated to make sure that mileage is accurate, but that is common with older GPS watches. The watch comes with a manual that shows you how to use it and set it up, and the watch also walks you through the set up process on the screen when you first turn it on.

Pros:

• Many color options
• Reliable
• Simple to use; only four buttons
• Not too costly compared to other watches
• Long Lasting

Cons:

• Needs to be re calibrated often
• Only holds 7 workouts; needs to be plugged into computer to store activities
• Bit bulky for everyday wear
• Slow GPS connection
• Little to no GPS connection indoors so you cannot keep track of indoor runs with the GPS function

Recommendation:

This is a great watch because of its simplicity and how easy it is to use. However, there are much newer models that have come out in the past few years that have comparable prices and more features. I recommend this watch mostly for runners, as the running function is the main thing on the watch. It doesn’t keep track of swimming or biking. If you are looking for something extremely simple, I suggest tracking down a Garmin Forerunner 15 and purchasing. However, since they are no longer made by Garmin, getting a newer version might be the best route to go!