First Impressions of Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch
The Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch promises to be a top-tier GPS running and triathlon smartwatch. Garmin has packed it with a vibrant AMOLED display, lightweight titanium bezel, and a suite of advanced training features. I was looking for a watch that could not only track my runs but also provide meaningful insights into my overall health and training readiness.
I was tired of generic fitness trackers that offered little more than basic step counting and heart rate monitoring. I wanted a device that could give me actionable data to optimize my training and help me avoid overtraining. The Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch immediately caught my eye with its focus on HRV status, training readiness, and race-specific features.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the stunning AMOLED display. The screen is bright, crisp, and easy to read even in direct sunlight. The titanium bezel gives the watch a premium feel without adding unnecessary weight. Compared to my older Garmin Forerunner 945, the 965 feels noticeably more refined and modern. I also considered the Polar Vantage V2 and the COROS Apex Pro, but ultimately chose the Garmin for its comprehensive feature set and established ecosystem.
I was immediately excited by the Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch. The combination of its sleek design and advanced features promised to be a significant upgrade to my training routine.
Real-World Testing: Putting Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch on a week-long hiking trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I wanted to see how it performed in challenging terrain and varying weather conditions. The watch handled everything I threw at it with ease.
Even in the cold and wet conditions of the alpine environment, the touchscreen remained responsive, and the buttons provided a reliable alternative. Navigating using the built-in maps was a breeze, and the multi-band GPS kept me accurately on track. The watch was intuitive to use, even without consulting the manual extensively. One initial surprise was how quickly the battery drained when using GPS continuously, though this was expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch has proven to be an incredibly reliable training partner. It has accompanied me on countless runs, bike rides, and swims. The watch still looks and feels like new, with no noticeable scratches or wear.
The silicone band is comfortable and durable, showing no signs of cracking or discoloration. I wipe the watch down after each workout, and the touchscreen remains responsive. Compared to my previous Fitbit which began to delaminate after a few months of consistent use, the Garmin is a clear winner in terms of durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch
Specifications
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The Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch features a brilliant AMOLED touchscreen display and traditional button controls. This provides flexibility for different user preferences and conditions.
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It boasts a lightweight titanium bezel, offering a premium look and feel without adding bulk. The Garmin Forerunner 965 has a battery life of up to 23 days in smartwatch mode.
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The Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch is equipped with multi-band GPS and full-color, built-in maps. This ensures accurate tracking and navigation in any environment.
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It uses a silicone band for comfortable and secure wear during workouts. The case material is titanium, providing durability.
These specifications matter because they contribute to the watch’s overall performance and user experience. The AMOLED display makes the data easy to read, while the titanium bezel and silicone band provide durability and comfort. The multi-band GPS and built-in maps are essential for accurate tracking and navigation, especially in challenging environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch excels at tracking a wide range of activities, from running and cycling to swimming and hiking. The data provided is accurate and comprehensive, giving me valuable insights into my performance. The training readiness score, HRV status, and daily suggested workouts are particularly useful for optimizing my training.
The watch’s strengths lie in its accuracy, reliability, and comprehensive feature set. It consistently provides accurate data, and the training features are well-designed and effective. The battery life, while good, could be better when using GPS continuously. Overall, the Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch meets and often exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch is excellent. The titanium bezel and silicone band feel premium and durable. The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.
The interface is user-friendly, but there is a slight learning curve to master all the features. Once you get the hang of it, the watch is easy to navigate and customize.
Durability & Maintenance
The Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch is built to last. The titanium bezel and silicone band are resistant to scratches and wear. The watch is also water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.
Maintenance is simple: just wipe the watch down after each workout. I expect this watch to last for years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch comes with a charging cable and documentation. There are also numerous aftermarket accessories available, such as different colored bands and screen protectors. The watch is compatible with Garmin’s ecosystem of sensors, including heart rate monitors and running dynamics pods.
You can also customize the watch face and data fields to suit your preferences.
Pros and Cons of Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch
Pros
- Brilliant AMOLED display for easy readability in any conditions.
- Comprehensive training features including HRV status, training readiness, and daily suggested workouts.
- Accurate multi-band GPS for reliable tracking in challenging environments.
- Long battery life (up to 23 days in smartwatch mode).
- Lightweight and durable design with titanium bezel and silicone band.
Cons
- Battery life can be shorter when using GPS continuously.
- Price is relatively high compared to some other smartwatches.
Who Should Buy Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch?
The Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch is perfect for serious runners, triathletes, and fitness enthusiasts who want detailed data and advanced training features. It is also a great choice for anyone who wants a premium smartwatch with a bright display and long battery life.
Those who are primarily interested in basic fitness tracking or who are on a tight budget may want to consider a less expensive option. A must-have accessory would be a screen protector to prevent scratches.
Conclusion on Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch
The Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch is an outstanding GPS running and triathlon smartwatch. It offers a winning combination of features, performance, and design. The price is justified by the quality of the product and the comprehensive data it provides.
I would highly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 965 Watch to anyone who is serious about their training. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line smartwatch that can help you reach your fitness goals, this is the watch for you. Go out there and light up every run!