Introduction

The Garmin Forerunner 965 (010-02809-12) is Garmin’s latest premium GPS running watch, and after weeks of rigorous testing, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This watch promises a blend of advanced features, sleek design, and robust performance, all packed into a vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED display. Let’s dive into the details to see if it lives up to the hype.

Key Features

The Forerunner 965 is packed with features designed for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The vibrant AMOLED display is a standout feature, offering crisp readability even in direct sunlight. Beyond the stunning visuals, the watch boasts a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking capabilities including advanced running dynamics, detailed sleep monitoring with sleep score, stress tracking, and even women’s health tracking. The built-in GPS is accurate and reliable, and I appreciated the inclusion of multiple GNSS systems for improved performance in challenging environments. The round-trip routing feature is incredibly useful for exploring new areas without worrying about getting lost. Music storage is another plus, allowing for phone-free listening. The convenience of smart notifications and LiveTrack adds to its appeal as a daily wear device.

Performance & Battery Life

In terms of performance, the Forerunner 965 excels. The GPS accuracy is consistently impressive, and the heart rate monitoring is reliable. The watch responded quickly to commands, and the interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. I tested the battery life extensively, and while Garmin advertises up to 31 hours in GPS mode, I consistently achieved around 28 hours with GPS and heart rate monitoring enabled during long runs. This is still excellent battery life for a smartwatch with its feature set. The charging time is relatively quick, too, so downtime is minimal.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Stunning AMOLED display
• Accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring
• Extensive fitness tracking features
• Long battery life
• Round-trip routing and other helpful navigation features
• Music storage and smart notifications
• Comfortable and lightweight design

Cons:

• Price point is high compared to some competitors
• Some advanced features might be overwhelming for casual users

Final Verdict

The Garmin Forerunner 965 (010-02809-12) is a premium GPS watch that delivers on its promises. Its stunning display, accurate sensors, and comprehensive feature set make it a compelling option for serious runners and athletes. While the price tag is significant, the exceptional performance, long battery life, and advanced features justify the cost for those who demand the best. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-of-the-line GPS running watch.