Three weeks into using the Garmin Forerunner 965, I’m officially hooked. My old, clunky fitness tracker finally gave up the ghost during a particularly vigorous swim session. I was splashing around, trying to perfect my freestyle, and suddenly – poof – the screen went black. After a moment of panic (mostly because I’d just bought the thing), I realized it was a sign. A sign to upgrade. After some research, I settled on the Garmin Forerunner 965. I’m a runner and a swimmer, so I needed something versatile, and the reviews promised stellar swimming capabilities.
The initial setup was a breeze. Downloading the Garmin Connect app was easy, and syncing the watch with my phone took less than five minutes. The vibrant AMOLED display immediately caught my eye. It’s bright, clear, and easy to read, even in direct sunlight, a crucial feature for outdoor swims. The titanium bezel feels premium, and the watch is surprisingly lightweight, a welcome change from my previous brick-like device.
Let’s talk about swimming. This is where the Forerunner 965 truly shines. I’m not a competitive swimmer; I do it for fitness and to unwind. The watch accurately tracks my laps, distance, pace, stroke type (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly – though my butterfly is more of a "flail-fly"), and SWOLF score (a measure of swimming efficiency). The GPS, which is essential for open-water swims, locks on quickly and provides precise data, even in choppy conditions.
I’ve tested it in various scenarios. First, the local pool. The Forerunner 965 flawlessly tracked my laps, even when I was doing intervals. The built-in heart rate monitor is surprisingly accurate, though I still prefer using a chest strap for the most precise readings during intense workouts. The watch also provides detailed swim metrics, like stroke rate and stroke count, which helped me analyze my technique and identify areas for improvement.
Then, I took it to the lake. Open-water swimming is a different beast. The GPS tracking is essential here, and the Forerunner 965 didn’t disappoint. It accurately mapped my swim route, showing my distance, pace, and even the temperature of the water (a nice bonus). I even wore it while doing a quick kayak trip, and it tracked my movement beautifully. I also used it while I was paddleboarding. The watch’s ability to track open water swims makes it really versatile and allows me to plan out my swims with accuracy.
One thing I particularly appreciate is the watch’s ability to detect different stroke types automatically. I often switch between freestyle and breaststroke during my workouts, and the Forerunner 965 rarely misses a beat. This is a huge improvement over my old tracker, which often struggled to differentiate between strokes. The watch also offers customizable swim workouts, allowing you to create interval training sessions tailored to your fitness goals. I’ve been using this feature to challenge myself and push my limits.
Beyond swimming, the Forerunner 965 is a full-fledged fitness tracker and smartwatch. It tracks all the usual metrics, like steps, sleep, and heart rate variability. It also offers a wide range of other activity profiles, including running, cycling, hiking, and even skiing. The battery life is impressive. Garmin claims up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode with music, and I’ve found these estimates to be pretty accurate. I typically charge it once a week, even with daily swim sessions and other workouts.
The smartwatch features are also well-integrated. You can receive notifications, control your music, and even make contactless payments via Garmin Pay. While I wouldn’t say it fully replaces my phone, it’s incredibly convenient to be able to check notifications and control music while swimming or running.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the price. The Garmin Forerunner 965 retails for around $599.99. It’s a significant investment, but I believe it’s worth it, especially if you’re serious about swimming and other fitness activities. You can find it at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Garmin’s website. Shopping considerations include checking for sales and promotions, which can sometimes bring the price down. Also, consider your specific needs. If you’re primarily interested in swimming and running, the Forerunner 965 is a great choice. If you need features like offline maps or more advanced training metrics, the Garmin Fenix series might be a better fit, though it comes at a higher price point.
I’ve also noticed a few minor drawbacks. The touchscreen can be a little finicky when wet, but the physical buttons provide a reliable alternative. The watch also doesn’t have a speaker, so you can’t take calls directly on your wrist, but that’s not a dealbreaker for me.
Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is a fantastic waterproof smartwatch for swimming. It’s accurate, reliable, and packed with features. Its swim tracking capabilities are exceptional, and its other fitness and smartwatch features make it a versatile and valuable tool for anyone serious about their health and fitness. I can honestly say it has made a significant difference in my swim training. I’m able to track my progress and see improvements. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a top-tier waterproof smartwatch.
FAQ:
Q: Is the Garmin Forerunner 965 truly waterproof?
A: Yes, it’s rated to 5 ATM (50 meters), which means it’s suitable for swimming, showering, and other shallow-water activities. I’ve used it extensively in both pools and open water with no issues.
Q: Does it track heart rate accurately underwater?
A: The built-in heart rate monitor is generally accurate, but I’ve found that a chest strap provides more precise readings, especially during intense workouts. The watch works well in the water for heart rate.
Q: Can I use it for open-water swimming?
A: Absolutely! The built-in GPS provides accurate tracking of your distance, pace, and route in open water.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Garmin claims up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode with music. My experience aligns with these estimates. I charge it about once a week with regular use.
Q: Does it have music storage?
A: Yes, you can store music directly on the watch and listen to it via Bluetooth headphones. This is a great feature for swimming laps.
Q: What are the best features for swimming?
A: The key features for swimming include accurate lap tracking, distance tracking, stroke type detection, SWOLF score calculation, and customizable swim workouts.
Q: Where can I buy the Garmin Forerunner 965?
A: You can purchase it at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Garmin’s website.
Q: Is it worth the price?
A: In my opinion, yes, especially if you’re a serious swimmer or runner. It’s a premium product with excellent features and performance.