The Garmin Forerunner 965 Running Smartwatch is a game-changer for fitness enthusiasts. With a brilliant AMOLED display and extensive health monitoring features, it stands out in the crowded smartwatch market.
Priced at $651.36, this sleek and lightweight device offers up to 23 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS mode. It’s designed to support your training with personalized insights and comprehensive metrics.
Having used the Garmin Forerunner 965 for several months, I can attest to its accuracy and reliability. From tracking my heart rate during intense workouts to monitoring my sleep quality, this smartwatch provides invaluable data.
One feature that particularly impressed me was the training readiness score. It takes into account various factors like sleep quality, recovery, and HRV status, helping me decide when to push harder and when to rest.
Brilliant AMOLED Display
The Garmin Forerunner 965 features a brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display that makes it easy to navigate through various functions, even in bright sunlight. The display is complemented by traditional button controls, ensuring that users have multiple ways to interact with the watch. The lightweight titanium bezel adds a touch of durability while keeping the watch comfortable for extended wear. This watch does absolutely everything, and the screen is beautiful, making it a joy to use every day. The display’s quality ensures that all metrics and notifications are easy to read, enhancing the overall user experience.
Extended Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Garmin Forerunner 965 is its impressive battery life. Users can enjoy up to 23 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, making it ideal for long-term use without frequent charging. In GPS mode, the battery can last up to 31 hours, which is perfect for runners who need accurate tracking for extended periods. This extensive battery life means you can track your activities, monitor your health, and stay connected for longer periods without worrying about running out of power. Many users have praised the battery life, noting that it meets or exceeds their expectations.
Advanced GPS and Mapping
The Garmin Forerunner 965 comes equipped with advanced GPS capabilities and full-color, built-in maps. This allows users to confidently run any route, knowing they have precise navigation at their fingertips. The multi-band GPS ensures accurate location tracking, even in challenging environments. This feature is especially beneficial for trail runners and those who frequently explore new routes. The ability to view maps directly on the watch screen adds a layer of convenience and safety, making it easier to stay on track and avoid getting lost during runs.
Training Readiness Score
The Forerunner 965 features a unique training readiness score, which helps users determine their optimal training intensity. This score is based on several factors, including sleep quality, recovery, training load, and HRV status. By analyzing these metrics, the watch provides insights into whether you’re primed to go hard or if you need more recovery time. This feature is particularly useful for serious athletes who want to optimize their training schedules and avoid overtraining. The data presented is intended to be a close estimation of metrics tracked, offering valuable guidance for effective training.
Personalized Daily Workouts
One of the most innovative features of the Garmin Forerunner 965 is its ability to provide personalized daily suggested workouts. These workouts are based on the race and course information that users input into the Garmin Connect app. The watch then adapts the suggested workouts after every run to match your performance and recovery. This level of personalization helps users achieve their fitness goals more effectively, as the workouts are tailored to their specific needs and progress. The race widget on the watch makes it easy to view and follow the suggested workouts, ensuring you stay on track with your training plan.
Comprehensive Health Monitoring
The Garmin Forerunner 965 offers a wide range of health monitoring features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress management. The heart rate monitor provides real-time data, allowing users to keep track of their cardiovascular health during various activities. Sleep tracking helps users understand their sleep patterns and improve their overall sleep quality. Stress management features analyze stress levels and offer breathing exercises to help users relax and reduce stress. These comprehensive health monitoring capabilities make the Forerunner 965 an excellent tool for maintaining and improving overall health and well-being.
Seamless Connectivity
The Garmin Forerunner 965 ensures seamless connectivity with various devices and platforms. It can sync with speed and cadence sensors, as well as other Garmin products like the inReach Mini 2. This connectivity allows users to gather and analyze a wide range of data, enhancing their training and performance. The watch also connects to popular fitness apps like Strava, making it easy to share and compare your progress with others. Whether you’re tracking your runs, analyzing your performance, or staying connected with friends, the Forerunner 965 offers the connectivity you need to stay motivated and informed.
Lightweight and Comfortable Design
The Forerunner 965 is designed with user comfort in mind. The watch body is lightweight and comfortable, making it suitable for extended wear. The silicone strap offers perfect adjustability, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit during various activities. Users have praised the watch’s light and comfortable design, noting that it feels almost unnoticeable during runs and other exercises. This emphasis on comfort means that users can focus on their performance without being distracted by an uncomfortable watch. The design also adds a touch of style, making it suitable for both fitness activities and everyday wear.
Extensive Sports Modes
The Garmin Forerunner 965 supports a wide range of sports modes, making it a versatile tool for athletes of all types. From running and cycling to swimming and strength training, the watch offers specific modes to track and analyze performance in various sports. This versatility ensures that users can get the most out of their training, regardless of their preferred activities. The watch’s ability to accurately detect and track different exercises, including reps and metrics, adds an extra layer of functionality. This extensive range of sports modes makes the Forerunner 965 a valuable companion for any fitness enthusiast.
User-Friendly Interface
The Forerunner 965 features a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to access and navigate through its various functions. The combination of a touchscreen and traditional button controls provides flexibility, allowing users to choose their preferred method of interaction. The interface is intuitive, ensuring that even those new to smartwatches can quickly learn how to use the device. The clear and colorful display enhances the overall user experience, making it easy to read and understand the data presented. This user-friendly design ensures that the Forerunner 965 is accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced athletes.
Pros:
- Brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display with traditional button controls and lightweight titanium bezel
- Battery life: up to 23 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, up to 31 hours in GPS mode
- Confidently run any route using full-color, built-in maps and multi-band GPS
Cons:
- Sometimes the heart rate monitor can be sluggish
- Screen wake can be unresponsive at times
- The crystal seems to be prone to scratches
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is more than just a smartwatch; it’s a comprehensive health and fitness companion. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting, its advanced features will undoubtedly enhance your training experience.
With its user-friendly interface and robust build quality, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their fitness journey.
Questions & Answers:
Question: How accurate is the GPS tracking?
Answer: The GPS tracking is very accurate, with users reporting that GPS is acquired in less than 30 seconds and pace updates instantly during runs.
Question: Is the watch suitable for activities other than running?
Answer: Yes, the watch includes various sports modes and is great for improving your running, managing your energy, and collecting data on various activities.
Question: How long does the battery last with daily use?
Answer: The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS mode. Users report charging it about once a week with daily runs, GPS, and music.