Introduction to the Garmin Forerunner 965

The Garmin Forerunner 965 is Garmin’s latest high-end running watch, priced over £100 more than its predecessor, the Forerunner 955. It boasts an impressive combination of advanced training and health features, offering a 31-hour GPS battery life, sophisticated navigation tools, offline music capabilities, and support for Garmin Pay for contactless transactions.

Display and Battery Performance

AMOLED Display

One of the standout features of the Forerunner 965 is its vibrant AMOLED touchscreen, bringing a level of clarity and color that surpasses traditional running watch displays. While this premium screen enhances user experience, it comes with a trade-off in battery longevity when compared to models like the Forerunner 955.

Battery Life Details

The Forerunner 965 offers an impressive battery performance with:

• Up to 23 days in standby mode
• 31 hours in regular GPS tracking
• 19 hours with enhanced accuracy using All Systems + Multiband tracking

Testing indicated solid battery efficiency, allowing for multiple long runs without frequent recharging—a valuable feature for ultrarunners.

Design Attributes

The Forerunner 965 features a sleek aesthetic, highlighted by a robust titanium bezel and a 1.4-inch touchscreen. At just 52 grams, it offers a lightweight option for runners who prefer a minimalist feel on their wrist. Despite its durability, users should be cautious of potential scratches on the Gorilla Glass DX screen.

Accuracy and Navigation Tools

GPS and Heart Rate Monitoring

With multiband GPS technology and SatIQ optimization, the Forerunner 965 ensures reliable distance tracking, even in challenging environments. Performance testing against competitors revealed that its GPS accuracy is commendable, although minor discrepancies may occur in dense urban areas.

Heart rate monitoring is effective, showing reliable results when compared to traditional chest straps, although it may lag during rapid changes in intensity.

Advanced Navigation Features

The watch also excels in navigation, offering detailed color maps that are enhanced by the vibrant AMOLED display. Runners tackling varied terrains benefit from tools like ClimbPro, which provides vital data on climbs including gradient and elevation, enriching the running experience.

Comprehensive Fitness Tracking

The Forerunner 965 integrates a wide array of fitness and health metrics, including:

• VO2 Max and recovery time recommendations
• Training Load Monitoring
• Running dynamics measured from the wrist
• HRV and Pulse Ox tracking for health insights

Moreover, Garmin’s morning report feature provides users with a snapshot of their fitness status, making it easier to assess daily readiness.

Final Thoughts

While the Garmin Forerunner 965 stands out with its AMOLED display and robust set of features, consumers seeking similar functionalities at a lower price might consider the Forerunner 955, which offers extended battery life and equivalent mapping capabilities without the premium display.

In summary, the Garmin Forerunner 965 is a powerful tool for serious runners and fitness enthusiasts, delivering an impressive combination of technology, functionality, and style.

Technical Specifications

Display: AMOLED (optional always-on mode)
Display Resolution: 454 x 454 pixels
Display Size: 35.4mm (diameter)
Connectivity: Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi
Weight: 52g

Testing Methodology

Kieran Alger, an ultramarathon runner and seasoned product tester, evaluated the Forerunner 965 over several weeks, incorporating it into various training sessions to provide a thorough review of its performance and features.