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Garmin Forerunner 965 Review: Is This the Ultimate GPS Watch for Serious Runners?

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The Garmin Forerunner 965 has emerged as one of the leading GPS smartwatches on the market, specifically engineered for serious runners looking for advanced features and performance tracking.

Product Overview

  • Brand: Garmin
  • Name: Garmin Forerunner 965
  • Price: $599.99

In today's fast-paced world, serious runners need the best tools to aid in their training. The Garmin Forerunner 965 combines cutting-edge GPS technology with a wealth of fitness tracking features, making it an ideal choice for those who are devoted to improving their performance. This review will explore its key features, advantages, drawbacks, real-world performance, and ultimately help you determine if this is the right GPS watch for you.

Design and Build Quality


The Garmin Forerunner 965 boasts a sleek design that is both lightweight and comfortable, making it ideal for long runs.

With a vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED display, users benefit from superior clarity and visibility, even in bright sunlight.


Performance & Functionality

In our real-world testing, the GPS accuracy of the Forerunner 965 was top-notch, tracking routes and distance with impressive precision.

The watch features comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities, including heart rate monitoring, stress tracking, and sleep analysis.

  • VO2 Max and training status insights help optimize performance.
  • Recovery time feedback aids in smarter training.

User Experience and Comparisons


user reviews highlight that the Forerunner 965 provides a seamless experience, particularly with its intuitive interface.

When compared to competitors like the Polar Vantage V2 and COROS Apex Pro, the Forerunner 965 excels in display quality and battery performance.


Best Suited For

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is best suited for serious runners and fitness enthusiasts who are committed to tracking and improving their performance.

Its advanced features cater well to competitive athletes looking for an edge in their training.


Pros

  • Stunning AMOLED display for clear visibility
  • Excellent battery life even with GPS usage
  • Advanced fitness tracking and training features
  • Customizable watch faces and apps
  • Robust build quality and water resistance

Cons

  • Higher price point compared to other GPS watches may not appeal to casual runners.

Key Specifications

Display1.4-inch AMOLED
Battery LifeUp to 23 days
GPS AccuracyHigh-sensitivity GPS
Water Resistance5 ATM
Heart Rate MonitoringWrist-based
Training FeaturesVO2 Max, Training Load, Recovery Time

Final Verdict

The Garmin Forerunner 965 stands as a top contender in the GPS watch category, offering premium features that cater specifically to dedicated runners.

Overall Score: ⭐ 9.5/10
  • Design: 9/10
  • Performance: 10/10
  • Features: 9/10
  • Value: 8/10

Alternatives

  • Polar Vantage V2 – Offers robust training insights at a slightly lower price.
  • COROS Apex Pro – Great battery life and performance-focused features.