Three weeks into using the Garmin Forerunner 965, I’m finally ready to give you the lowdown. My running life has always been a bit… chaotic. I’m not a pro. I’m a weekend warrior, a guy who loves the feeling of pavement under his feet and the endorphin rush, but also someone who gets easily distracted by shiny new gadgets. I’ve gone through a lot of smartwatches over the years, each promising the holy grail of running data. This time, though, I think I might have found a keeper.
The first thing that hit me was the display. The AMOLED screen on the Forerunner 965 is gorgeous. Seriously, it’s like having a tiny, vibrant computer strapped to your wrist. I’m talking crisp, clear data, even in direct sunlight. That’s a massive win for someone like me who often runs at dawn or dusk, when the light is tricky. The data fields are customizable, which is a must. I like to see my pace, heart rate, distance, and time all at a glance. And the 965 lets me do that, easily.
Setting up the watch was surprisingly painless. Garmin’s Connect app is a mature platform, and syncing the watch with my phone was a breeze. I connected it to my Spotify account (because music is essential for me), and I was off to the races, literally. The initial GPS lock was fast, which is a huge relief. I’ve had experiences with other watches where I’ve spent more time waiting for the GPS to connect than actually running.
My first run with the 965 was a revelation. The watch tracked my pace with impressive accuracy. I’m a pace obsessive. I love knowing exactly how fast I’m going, and the 965 delivered. The heart rate monitor, built-in to the wrist, seemed pretty accurate too, at least based on my perceived exertion (I’m not a lab rat, so I can’t give you scientific proof). I found myself actually trusting the data, which is a big deal.
One of the features that really impressed me was the training readiness score. This is Garmin’s way of telling you how prepared your body is for a workout. It takes into account things like sleep, recovery time, and training load. This is where my chaotic running life gets a little… organized. Before, I would just run whenever I felt like it, sometimes pushing myself too hard and other times not pushing myself enough. The training readiness score helps me make smarter decisions. If the watch says I’m not ready, I might opt for a cross-training session or a rest day. This has already helped me avoid a couple of minor injuries.
The 965 also offers a ton of other features, including detailed running dynamics, like ground contact time, stride length, and vertical oscillation. Honestly, I don’t pay too much attention to those metrics. I’m not trying to become an Olympic runner. But it’s cool to have the data available, and if I ever did decide to get serious about my form, the information would be there.
Battery life is another major plus. Garmin claims up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS mode. I haven’t tested the full 31 hours, but I’ve easily gotten a week of running and everyday use out of a single charge. This is a huge upgrade from some of the other watches I’ve used, which would need to be charged every other day. I hate having to worry about my watch dying mid-run, so this is a lifesaver.
Beyond the running-specific features, the 965 is also a decent smartwatch. It handles notifications well, and I can see texts, emails, and calendar alerts on my wrist. I can also control my music and make contactless payments using Garmin Pay. It’s not quite as feature-rich as an Apple Watch in this regard, but it’s more than enough for my needs.
Let’s talk about the downsides, because no product is perfect. The price is definitely a consideration. The Garmin Forerunner 965 retails for around $600. That’s a chunk of change. It’s an investment, but one that I think is worth it if you’re serious about running and want a watch that can help you improve.
The other thing is the size. The 965 is a bit bulky. It’s not the sleekest smartwatch on the market. But it’s comfortable enough to wear all day, and the benefits far outweigh the slight bulkiness.
Where to buy? You can find the Garmin Forerunner 965 at most major sporting goods stores, like REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and specialty running stores. You can also buy it directly from Garmin’s website, and from online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
Shopping considerations: Before you buy, consider your needs. Are you a serious runner who wants detailed data and advanced training features? Or are you a more casual runner who just wants to track your distance and pace? If you’re the former, the 965 is a great choice. If you’re the latter, you might be able to save some money by opting for a less expensive Garmin watch. Also, consider the size and weight. If you have small wrists, the 965 might feel a bit overwhelming.
Ultimately, the Garmin Forerunner 965 has become a central part of my running routine. It’s accurate, reliable, and packed with features that have helped me run smarter and more consistently. It’s not cheap, but for me, it’s been worth every penny. I’m genuinely excited to see how it helps me progress throughout the rest of the year.
FAQ:
Q: What is the battery life like in real-world use?
A: I get about a week of use with daily running and all-day wear, but I’m not using GPS constantly. If you’re doing long runs every day, you might need to charge more frequently.
Q: How accurate is the GPS?
A: The GPS has been very accurate for me. I’ve compared it to other devices and it consistently tracks my runs with precision.
Q: Is the heart rate monitor accurate?
A: The wrist-based heart rate monitor seems pretty accurate for me. I’ve compared it to my perceived exertion and haven’t noticed any major discrepancies.
Q: Is it waterproof?
A: Yes, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is waterproof and can be used for swimming.
Q: Does it have music storage?
A: Yes, you can store music directly on the watch and listen to it with Bluetooth headphones.
Q: Can I make calls from the watch?
A: No, you can’t make calls directly from the watch, but you can receive notifications and see who’s calling.
Q: What’s the difference between the 965 and other Garmin watches?
A: The 965 offers a higher-resolution AMOLED display, more advanced training features, and longer battery life compared to some other Garmin models. It’s generally geared towards serious runners and triathletes.