At a Glance: Quick Ratings
Heart Rate Functions
Fitness / Sport Features
Ease of Use
Battery Life
Where To Get It
A Deep Dive Into The Garmin Forerunner 630
The Forerunner 630 is Garmin’s top of the range GPS running watch.
It features advanced running related metrics that, with the correct understanding, could make you a better, faster, stronger runner.
Garmin have 4 other dedicated running watches in order of technical functionality:
- Forerunner 25
- Forerunner 35 (wrist based heart rate monitoring)
- Forerunner 230
- Forerunner 235 (wrist based heart rate monitoring)
This Forerunner 630 has been reviewed by Tristan Haskins aka CardioCritic (formerly HeartRateMonitor.co.uk)
Video Review
The Forerunner 630 is for VERY serious / elite level runners. For a vast majority of recreational (eg. trail running) and even competition level runners the Forerunner 235 is more than adequate.
The Forerunner 630 is for the runner who possibly has a coach that wants to see, at a minute level, metrics that can be improved.
I still run with a Personal Best in mind and want to be the best I possibly can in my age group, but I wouldn’t benefit from the advanced features of the 630 … I’d not know what to do with them!
Confused by the Forerunner watch range? You’re not the only one with over a dozen models released in the last 10 years.
To help you make the correct choice I’ve produced this short summary of all Garmin watches to help you get the latest and most appropriate model for your needs and budget.
Related Article: Garmin Forerunner 35 Running Watch
Main Features and Functions
Summary Features
- Touch screen GPS running watch with a high resolution colour display
- Advanced running dynamics include ground contact time balance, stride length and vertical ratio
- Features stress score, performance condition and lactate threshold
- Connected features: automatic uploads to Garmin Connect™, live tracking, audio prompts, smart notifications and social media sharing
- Download data fields, watch faces, widgets and applications from Connect IQ™
To learn how to use all these features and more, check out the user's manual here!
Advanced Features
Forerunner 630 running watch has all the numbers to measure a runner.
Go further with your running data and tap into extended physiological and advanced running dynamics.
- Better Running Form - The ground contact time balance and stride length metrics let you check in on your running symmetry and stride to monitor overall running form.
- Race Time Predictions - Based on your VO2 max estimate (requires HR monitor strap), the 630 can predict your race times for several distances, providing you with a time target for your next race.
Garmin Forerunner 630 Product Specifications
FAQs
When was the Garmin Forerunner 630 first released?
The release date of the Forerunner 630 was on October 21, 2021.
Is the Garmin Forerunner 630 waterproof?
Yes, it is! Up to 50 meters deep.
According to the manual, it’s suitable for:
- Splashes
- Rain or snow
- Showering
- Swimming
- Diving into water
- Snorkeling
But not fit for extreme activities, like scuba diving and high-speed watersports.
What is Garmin Connect?
Garmin Connect is the official mobile application that is linked to your fitness tracker that stores all your data. You can then track, analyze and share all your health activities!
You can download the mobile app on any android device from Google Play and from the App Store for iphones.
What is Garmin Connect IQ?
Connect IQ is a platform where people can produce their own web or mobile app extensions to enhance their Garmin experience. Think of it like Google Chrome Extensions or Website Plug-ins.
Produced by the public for the public, you can download just about any application you like! Note that some may require payment and some are free.
This is how you can access it on your smartphone:
- Open up your Garmin Connect App (see above!)
- Search for app, widget, or watchface that you want to add to your tracker
- Select, download and enjoy!
How do I pair my Forerunner 630?
It’s pretty easy!
- Download Garmin Connect (see above if unfamiliar) and open up the app
- On your 630 fitness band, go to Settings > Bluetooth > Pair Mobile Device
- Select the device (your smartphone) you’re trying to pair it with
- Follow the instructions on the tracker’s screen.
Does Garmin track sleep?
Yes, the tracker is smart enough to know when you are not walking or just generally not moving around all that much anymore.
During this period of inactivity, it will monitor your sleep. You’ll get sleep data like:
- total hours of sleep
- sleep levels
- sleep movement
It’s pretty neat stuff!
You’ll begin to understand your sleeping patterns, and can try to experiment on yourself to get better rest at night.
For starters, check out this post about what happens to your body and brain during the different Sleep Stages and REM.
Top Alternatives
Next Model UP
If you are looking at the next model up then maybe you have a requirement for more advanced navigation, digital compass and waypoint navigation, like the Fenix3
Next Model DOWN
The next model down would be the Forerunner 230 or the Forerunner 235 with OFF the WRIST heart rate technology.
The 230 and 235 are identical apart from the Garmin Elevate built in HR sensor.
Review Summary
The Forerunner 630 is without doubt the best GPS running watch for top flight runners. It’s OTT for the casual jogger, get a Forerunner 35, and even most club runners, get a Forerunner 235.
However, for the coached athlete looking for the very best in technical feedback the Forerunner 630 has no equals.
It doesn’t have wrist based heart rate, but for athletes at this level I’d suggest the use of a chest strap is essential to provide 100% heart rate accuracy.
I have absolutely no hesitation in awarding the Forerunner 630 a rating of 5/5 stars – it’s simply exceptional.
