Garmin Forerunner 965 In-Depth Review // The AMOLED Forerunner is here! (And it’s good)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- Full review of the new Forerunner 965 from Garmin with Garmin’s largest AMOLED display yet, titanium hardware, long battery life, and more! You can get the Forerunner 965 here: geni.us/Garmin... (Amazon affiliate link that helps support the channel - thanks!)
Thanks for watching!
Related Videos:
Garmin Fenix 7X vs Epix - AMOLED vs MIP - Which do I actually prefer? • Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix...
Garmin Forerunner 955 In-Depth Review: • Garmin Forerunner 955 ...
Garmin Epix: • Garmin EPIX 2 - A Feni...
Garmin Enduro 2 vs COROS VERTIX 2 GPS Comparison: • Garmin Enduro 2 vs COR...
Garmin Forerunnner 955 vs 255 Comparison: • Garmin Forerunner 255 ...
/// Gear I Use (Amazon links) ///
Wearable: geni.us/Q6LJv2y
Bike GPS: geni.us/4cKAVA
Chest Heart Rate Strap: geni.us/hrm-pro
Arm Heart Rate Strap: geni.us/ESAv
Headphones: geni.us/tarahpro
/// Connect & Updates ///
Twitter: / getdesfit
Instagram: / getdesfit
Strava: / strava
Facebook: / getdesfit
Videos may contain affiliate links which can help support and grow this channel with no extra cost to you. Thanks for your continued support.
#garmin #garminforerunner965 #forerunner965
Man, this makes me want to upgrade but my 935 is still going so strong after 6 years. Thank you for the detailed review, much appreciated, DesFit!
Same situation...i've an old 4yr old FR935...still perfect...least quite 14 days with 4 training days week (1,5 h) and over 5 hours in a trail running (i don't run more that this actually)...so...do i really need to upgrade to this ? tks
Same, I am very tempted to upgrade. I was considering an Epix but now maybe the 965. However, I'll probably wait awhile longer since the 935 is still going strong ... just a little beat up after all these years.
I finally upgraded after using my forerunner since 2016... the training features and load tracking software is seamless and well worth the upgrade!!
Really, the only thing that would make me want to upgrade my 935 is just that morning report feature
Pace,HR, distance, time. only those 4 really matters. Rest are toys :) 935 still is good for training.
I've had my forerunner 965 for almost a year now and it's by far my favorite sportwatch ever. With UltraFit Band (Gen 2) it's really lightweight, big screen and clean looking watch.
This features-vs-battery life stuff needs a scatter plot these days - would be great to see you and Ray find a way to visually and simply explain the trade-offs there. Great video as always.
Yes - 100%. I would like to know how much the burn can be reduced by using GPS only in always on mode. Can I get 24 hours out of it if following a course ??
Good question
Best review of the 965 I've seen. I get to actually SEE the watch up close, and its features, not just the youtuber's face, pretty as it may be. Thanks! Great job!
Happy to help!
I'm 52 years young and I was thrilled to see the release of the 1.4" amoled display on the 965. I owned, and then returned, the Coros Apex Pro 2 simply because of the new Forerunner 965 release. I NEED TO SEE THE DISPLAY. PERIOD. I would still own the Coros Apex Pro 2 had the 965 not been released. Garmin app falls short compared to the Coros app but since I can't see the micro font sized BS, I'm all about the BIG SCREEN. Garmin Amoled 1.4" screen on Forerunner 965 = Sold.
Forerunner 265 vs 965 comparison…here ya go! 👉 ua-cam.com/video/wwCB4ayuybU/v-deo.htmlsi=YN15AHT2X1-qbWMK
Garmin just killed Epix2😢 there just no utility and justification.
Fantastic content as always 👏 I really love Garmin Body battery and all the other new functions like training readiness and so forth. Do you know if it’s possible to records my bike rides with my Wahoo Roam and still get the data to Garmin connect and have Garmin include those hours of training to my body battery and other values?
Love your reviews as soon as I heard the watch drop I went straight to you channel to hear a review
Looking forward! Could you compare the battery life with All-Systems GNSS mode + Multi-Band + Always on Display?
@@tomasz8296 Flashlight useful everywhere!
Great video DesFit, you nailed it. I upgraded from the 945 last week. I'm very happy I made the move.
Thanks and glad you’re enjoying your new watch!
Just got the 965 this week and wore it today out on the mtn bike. Actually love this watch and the description of an Epix light is very appropriate. Visibility is good and I love the size of the face and I find the band extremely comfortable. The battery life is outstanding.
Thanks for your review Desi. 👍
Glad you're enjoying it Craig and thanks!
@DesFit Thank you Desi. I also have the Epix Gen 2 which I also think is a great watch. I'm not sure I'll get the Epix Pro though. I think the first iteration of the Epix and the 965 will suffice. 🤣 Love the amoled screens. And love your review videos. Very informative. 👍
Appreciate it Craig and sounds like you have a nice combo 👍
I tried purchasing the 955, but my local retailer was sold out. He had one 965 left, which I purchased. I thought I'd prefer the MIP screen and extended battery life, but I'm kinda sold on this AMOLED screen. It's much more crisp, which makes map use much more functional, as well as daily use more pleasurable.
What do you think about the brightness, esp in low light situations? I currently have the 945, and all my watches have used this display tech, so I'm worried about the 965 being garish/too bright (for lack of a better term). But it's tempting to upgrade ....
945 is perfectly readable outside during my runs .. I'm assuming this one must be on par.
A direct comparison by testing screens in different brightness conditions (sun, shade, indoor, night) and battery life of 935,955,965 is what many of us are looking for!
Spot on comment! I haven't seen a single photo of this watch on a bright, sunny day. I would also love to see a real world test with a long activity. Im looking for a watch to get me through an ultra this summer(est.14hrs) and while I was excited about the mapping upgrades I'm worried the battery life might be a deal breaker on this one.
Wondering if the battery on 955 solar is exactly the same as 965? It says so online
From Garmin 920, upgraded yesterday to 965 👌👍👍👍
How has it held up?
This quickly became my favorite channel
🙌
Thank you Des for staying with the music-free review format. And of course, the content is outstanding as well, as usual. If you had to choose, would you pick the Epix2 over this watch?
I have a 935 and have decided to convert it to my daily “work” watch. I am a woodworker and expecting to beat it up. Just ordered the 965 for workouts and sleep. Excited to have a combo touch screen and physical buttons. Garmin, please do not ever ditch the physical buttons please. Also, excited for the new screen. As I get older, my eyes are getting worse, so I am hoping the nicer display will help.
Everybody watching Des's video, please bow your heads in sympathy, with those of us who recently purchased a 255 or 955, our pain is real 😢
@BOGDAN SERBAN no training readiness on the 255, Garmin try to get people right in the FMO, with their new watches, at least Apple retrospectively add software upgrades to older watches. Garmin really need to give respect to those of us who but their watches for actual sport, rather than pander to the consumer, who buys the new iPhone every time one is released.
purchased 955 last dec 2022, did not expect they will release too soon....im happy with 955 has more battery life which the most important for me, though the amoled screen looks amazing.
Just bought Epix last week 😢
@@mingwong753 You can still return it. But you'll find out that Garmin Fitness software support is vastly inferior to Garmin Outdoor (yes, there are different dev teams). It was the same with the release of the 255/955 last year.
Hi
Are you recommend me to buy 955 or 965 🌹
That's awesome! Thanks for the review, I really waited for it!
You're welcome!
One idea: Chapters would be helpful like DC Rainmaker has on his videos. Makes them easier to watch. Keep up the great work. Thx!
I wish Garmin would sell their sensor alone with no screens and a selection of rubber, leather, and titanium bands. This way those of us into horology can still wear our nice watches on one hand while tracking all the data by wearing a simple bracelet on the other hand. Rubber for workouts and leather or titanium for the rest of the day. It would make so much sense. Most people would buy multiple bands, battery will last ages, no screen to scratch or damage.... Heck I'd pay them to make me one. 😀
Like a Fitbit?
@@nachot6592 Yeah, but fitbit is nowhere close in comparison to a top spec garmin when it comes to functions.
The watch looks amazing, my only complaint is I wish the screen was either flat (so we would have better screen protector options) or they offered a sapphire option. The curved glass is a big negative for me.
Awesome watch. However, a huge pro for me over the Apple Watch is the always on MIP (transreflective) display that doesn't consume much power. I'm not a big fan of AMOLED displays... especially for outdoor use when I'm exercising/training. I'll be going with the 955 Solar. My favorite watch is the Instinct Crossover Solar, but after going through two watches I was experiencing the minute hand coming loose and wiggling... a huge no... hence my preference for the 955 solar.
i do hope garmin continues to have a mid/high end MIP display version of the watch (say the fenix/tactix lines)...i get AMOLED looks nice, but like you i much prefer MIP for watches especially ones mostly meant for fitness etc. It looks nice but there's no point, IMO, for AMOLED on a watch screen.
965 vs Epix comparison video please
I’ve watched your review 3 times now. Love it Des!
Thanks Mal!
WOW. I love how this turns on haha. Awesome video Des! Crushing it as always mate ❤ Can't wait to review this 🌟
Loved the review, especially the paced filming of settings and activities available. Definitely earned my like!
One question: how are the maps compared to the Epix? Are isolines visible?
Thank you, DesFit! I was pondering which watch to choose, but didn't have the possibility to check the absolute thicknesses, which were a major factor for me. In your video you dig into these as well in details and also compare with 955 amd epix. Very helpful!
Glad to help!
Great video! I just got a forerunner 45 for $70 (a steal) but now I am already considering other great options
I feel like an idiot. I have an Epix on the way. I want this watch 😢.
Appreciate your reviews. Thank you 🙏
Awesome video Des! This is SUPER tempting for sure! Thanks man!
Thanks so much, Eric!
Great review! I recently lost my Garmin Fenix 3 HR. I love that watch to death. Did all I wanted it to do and did not scratch when I was out bouldering, working on my truck, hittings rocks, and etc. It was an amazing watch! Since I have a Samsung I tried the Galaxy active 4. It couldn't keep up and I was very disappointed. This week I saw the forerunner 955 on sale and the Fenix 7SS! I instantly took the forerunner 955 solar since it was open box and they gave me an additional $20 off and 10% off! I got it for $450! Then this just came out and I was like ummm okay well I can still return this watch but idk if it's worth it. I feel like I should go ahead and get this because well I need a new watch and didn't expect Garmin to just come out with a new watch just like that. That being said are they coming out with a new Fenix watch? If so Ill most likely spend money on that because I loved my Fenix 3 and the stuff I'll be doing is for sure gonna abuse my watch but so far this Forerunner got what I want and it's holding up just worried that it'll scratch once it hits the rocks.
Great review Des. Now Garmin has to get the watches ready for sale.....surprised that their offical websites don't have them ready for sale...yet!
I much prefer the MIP display instead of Amoled but I would say the UI design of the 965 feels much more nice, modern and premium compared to Fenix 7
hopefully Garmin don't put less effort or even ditch the MIP display on newer interations
Thanks your content, man. I am deciding between the 955 solar, base Fenix 7 base solar (we can find incredible discounts in the last weeks), 965, or Suunto Race. For the last 5 years, I have been using a Suunto Spartan Trainer, with zero problems, but I am noticing that the display is dimming and the battery life is not the same, though still alright. I've never had luck with Garmin devices. My Suunto survived two Vivoactive 4 (both of them died before 6 months of use), and my wife's forerunner 35. Therefore, I am having a hard time deciding to stay with Suunto and go with the Race (though it is amoled, I prefer MIP, and the Vertical is beyond my budget) or give Garmin another chance. I once saw on reddit the following comment that sure brought me LOL: "MIPS if you're an athlete who trains outdoors a lot. OLED if you just want people at the office to think you are.¨.
That’d be right! Just bought the 955… See if I can force myself to keep it for at least 12 months. 😬
Great review! I appreciate the info on the bands and especially the detailed size comparison with the 955. I have small 17cm wrists and the 955 just fits ok when I tried in in the shop, I'm afraid the 965 is pushing it diameter wise but the reduced thickness would still make for a more comfortable overall experience, since the 955 is a bit bulky so could be inconvenient with longs sleeves/sleeping. I still haven't made my final decision between the two. OLED I don't care about, but that titanum bezel, reduced thickness and better screen to body ratio certainly make for a better look I think, so leaning a bit more towards 965 still.
Can we have Black Friday and Cyber Monday in March please? I'd need this 965 a little bit cheaper .... 😉
I am really curious about the comparison. Thx for your videos!
Coming up! ...just running a wee bit behind :)
no problem at all. just wondering if it is reasonable to switch from the Fenix 6 pro…
I am definitely getting one.
A true flat screen would be nice. Only reason i would go amlod is for redshift feature. Great review. Also there should've been a flashlight on a runners watch, I mean night running is a thing in hot cities.
Nice to see Garmin bringing an amoled screen to the forerunner range. But for me I don’t understand why they haven’t used the menu look/setup from the FR955 & Fenix etc, instead it looks like they have used the Venu one. And my other gripe is the curved screen so a glass screen protector can’t be fitted especially when it’s a not a sapphire one? But the mapping in amoled looks incredible there’s no denying that! For the price it is and the discount you can get on an Epix I’d rather spend a little bit more and opt for one of them for in my opinion for a better all round watch. Top video as always though DesFit!
Agreed this looks more like the UI of the Venu and I dont like that. Wish they stuck with the 955 look. Also I love the stock watch face that comes out of the box with the 955. Wish they included the official version of that on the 965.
I imagine the Venu look makes the colours pop on the screen, which is easier to market.
@@hornsteinhof7592 that's a venu good point (see what I did there) 😂
@@hornsteinhof7592 they are also utilizing lots of black to save battery with the AMOLED. Only the lit pixels consume battery with AMOLED.
Great review, loads of information. I am a bit confused how battery life compares to the Epix gen2. At first glance 965 seems to last longer, but only in smartwatch mode. During activity it has less juice. So what is the bottom line best performer? Also good to add that since its a forerunner, the 965 misses some functionality such as energy modes, virtual caddy and distance function for golf and some outdoor oriented stuff.
What an amazing review!!!!
Thanks!
Great review, as always! Thank you
Thanks!
Wow, even better than expected! Excellent review. My only questions are how would a screen protector work with the curved screen? Would the green watch band fade over time? I'm guessing there's other watches that have curved screens and colored bands where people know the answer.
So I actually tried a screen protector for a 955 - it didn't work but I think a smaller diameter could work but there could be a slight lip on the edge of the protector before the curve. Not sure about fading on the band...doubt it though as I have some other colors around from years past that still look good.
@@DesFit You're the best, ty!!!
You’re very welcome
I really like light watches, so I would change the wrist band for a (lighter) nylon version. Thanks for showing how it can be changed. Now I want to have the 965 even more.
The ultrafit bands blend in very well with this watch and the difference in weight makes this watch disappear on the wrist.
Thanks for all effort you are putting in here! Appreciate it!🖤✨
Liked, subscribed
Thanks!
@@DesFit I just started running a few days ago and I'm following the Advanced Marathoning book to get my training on track. As a beginner on a tight budget, I could use some guidance from an expert like you on the best value running watches with the essential features I need.
I don't have much experience in running, so I think it's important for me to track my pace and workout intervals to keep improving. If you could suggest some running watches that are great in these areas and any other features you think are must-haves, that'd be awesome!
I know you're probably super busy, so I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out. Your advice will mean a lot as I start this running adventure.
Thanks a bunch and looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
it will be a very interesting year for garmin … waiting their new dive watch with amoled …
what the hell, I just bough 955 last month
@Desfit I can you drooling over the 965!
I'm not a fan of OLED displays but Garmin really just hit this out of the park! You're right, great watch faces and just a great presentation. Price point is a great deal - something not always attributed with Garmin.
@@No-Rise6311 Power consumption and prefer the aesthetics of a MIP display. I find the OLED displays to be garish.
fantastic review, thank you
👍
You got a new subscriber. ✌🏽
Great Review !
Thanks!
Great. I will buy soon. I have a fenix 2 working perfectly but It's time to change. I Love the forerunner 965
Thank you so much for this great review. So much helpful information packed in 18 minutes. You got a new sub and a like :)
Thanks so much!
Been rockin' a fenix 3 HR since 2015-16 and it's still going strong. Gone through a dozen or so silicon bands but the watch itself is bulletproof. Been looking at replacing it and your videos have been amazing ... such a great help. I'm stuck between the Epix2 and the 965 though. I'm leaning towards the 965. What do you all think is a better pick?
They’re both great but it’s just the price adjustment for me that I’m leaning more towards 965 FR
You mention a new video on the comparison of the 265 vs the 965, any chance of one comparing the 965 and the Epix 2? - reading comments here and elsewhere that seems to be the biggest choice people are trying to make - thank you.
Thank for sharing the information! You didn't cover much the stamina portion of 965.
Damn that battery life is actually really good for that screen! Daaang
This looks awesome, except for the curved display. It seems to give off awful reflections at the edge (just like any curved edge phone does). I just don't get why companies use them. Apple finally gave us a flat screen watch with the Ultra and now Garmin is going backwards.
Great vid as always 👍🏽
Thanks!
Wow those watch faces look great. Hope they are available on the epix
Excellent review, Thanks
You're welcome and thanks!
Great video as always. I have the Fenix 6, was thinking of the epix but this looks awesome.......apart from no sapphire.
I have a Fenix 6 too. I as thinking of getting an Epix but waiting to see the 965 first. If this had sapphire, I would buy it without question as it would be perfect then
Only an upgraded GPS chip will make me want to upgrade my 955. That's all that matters to me! One secondary thing would be an upgraded Bluetooth chip for higher-res audio transmission. I believe the 955 used the basic SBC codec which for a £500 smartwatch is a bit naff.
Just a heads up if anyone is looking for a new watch. Here in Canada, the fenix 6 p solar is $550 cad (400usd) at the moment. Still an amazing package eith everything they packed into it.
great video as always, thanks !!
wow nice watch, the 975 next year will really be awesome,
or maybe the apple ultra 2
mmm, not sure if I can justify upgrading from 945 which are working just fine.
I’m specifically interested in this watch and the features that will integrates my other Garmin devices into an algorithm to improve analysis. I have several Garmin devices. The Edge 130 on my MTN bike the Edge 530 on my Gravel with the Rally XC pedals. I link my Polar H10 to my Edge devices during my rides of course. I’m still stuck with my Polar Vantage V2 for all my off bike data and use several 3rd party apps for analysis. It would be nice to have everything in Garmin Connect.
Great video as always. I have the 955 and it is great but man…that display on the 965 has me thinking…..
Thanks!
Now you got me wanting to sell my 955 for the 965 😂😂😂😂😂
I just got mine today !
It's a nice watch and I'm considering it as I was about to get a 955 when I saw this was coming out. I think they have missed a trick not including the ECG thing available on the Venu 2+. Even if you may never use it it's strange that it's not on the flagship forunner watch but on a watch just over half the price. The extra detail of the Amoled is nice but it's brightness jumps out a bit too much for me and I'd be turning down the brightness lots which makes the think a 955 might suit me more (or I gain battery life). I've never had an issue with the older screen type myself even on my old 735xt which is still going strong just lacking many features.
Have they included Ice Hockey yet on their watches... Us men's league guys would love that feature that is on almost every other watch
Pretty bummed.. I literally just bought the 955 last Sunday.. The 965 looks awesome!
You could always return it.
Looks great. Maybe I will upgrade from my 745 to 965
Great review - subscribed. Any chance the L/R Balance metric will be added? I currently have a 945 (non-LTE) that I use with a HRM strap and I like seeing if I'm favoring a leg or not. It would be nice not to have to use the strap - which can be troublesome, and also just died for me the 2nd time 😕 Sooo ... the 965 is tempting.
I also wonder if the 695 is too bright, esp in low-light conditions? I've never had a smart watch and all of my running watches have used the same display tech starting with the FR 205 up to FR 945.
If it's the same size as the 7x...of my god...❤❤❤
Des, I wanted to ask you.. I have the 955 Solar and love it. Really do. I am worried about Garmin leaving the MIP screens behind as time moves on... While this new 965 looks impressive, do you think Garmin will continue to produce the 955 MIP line in the future?
The perfect old man's watch.. wooooooohooooooooo.. big screens rock
Large and in charge! 🙌
Can't justify switching from my 945 because I was hoping they would make the case diameter smaller. It's even slightly bigger now.
Nice looking watch. Although I prefer battery over pixels.
Great thing they have both options! 🙌
@@DesFit I do agree with that, something for everybody.
Great job Des. Looks like they are going to come out with Amoled on all their lines going forward. I just don’t get why you have to remove the pins to initially change watch straps. It was like that on the 955 and previous top Forerunners as well…
Imagine a oled instinct 3 that’s still black and white
Amoled on the wrist looks toyish IMO.
Prefer the stealthy MIP tech 💯✔️
Me too
Does the 965 have a power mode where you can turn certain features? On my Fenix I created a custom power mode for hiking. In addition, put the watch in power save mode at night which disables everything except my heart rate sensor. P.S. Great review as always!!
Great video as always! One quick question - is Garmin planning a 965 Solar version as well? Thanks
Thanks! Solar charging with an AMOLED display would be marginal at best with today's technology. The cost would likely far outweigh any benefit. There's still work to be done to make solar charging more substantial with MIP displays.
@@DesFit thanks! Very helpful.
Thoughts on this Forerunner 965 versus the Epix 2? Trying to decide which one to upgrade too.
Man if this had the sapphire glass i would buy it immediately. I will wait till the fenix 8 in which more than likely they will come out with the amoleds
Looks really nice. With this new price though, I find the 955 to be a better deal
Bought the FR965 yesterday purely due to its lightness in weight compared to my EpixG2 as I sleep with my watch for HRV tracking. However I bet Garmin bring out an EPIX light in 6-12 months 😩
Great video, but the echo in the audio makes it really hard to watch.
Hi Des! I’ve been binging your videos for a few days now and they are so incredible and informative. Thank you! I am looking to upgrade my watch.. I’ve had an Apple Watch for about five years now and am looking to switch to garmin. The Venu 2 plus is initially what caught my eye and made me want to switch, but then I saw the forerunner 965 and now I’m confused and don’t know which route to go. I love running but I am a beginner again after stopping for a few years so I am just getting back into it. I like the stress management tracker on the Venu (I have a stressful job) but I also like that the forerunner tailors workouts based on past workouts to really help improving the runs. Any suggestions/input on which route to go? I appreciate it!
Watch doesnt look bad, but most impressing part are these vo2max stats 😅
Excellent review, and I want to ask, in the GPS comparison part, you just mark the orange line as FR965, so other lines represent for ...?
The other devices that are shown in the screenshots before the tracks
Unsure how useful this might be, but since I was having doubts about the size of the 965, turns out it sits pretty well on my 16cm wrist. It actually sits sleeker than the Fenix 5S Plus I had until now that has larger band 'arms' sticking out of watch body.
Bro we need a speaker on this it would be perfect!
Great review
Thinking of upgrading from 935, just wonder how long the GPS mode can last for
Thanks! I went over battery life specs as well as some real-world examples in the video 👍
The 965 is not compatible with the quick bike mount. And while you can get the universal bike mount, at issue is that if, as a triathlete, you used both the quick mount for the bike as well as the wrist-strap version to transfer the watch from your wrist to the bike at T1 and back at T2, you've got no wrist solution now. Yeah, I know, those take extra seconds during transition, but I'm not a podium guy. And I'd rather not have a separate bike computer. That Garmin switched from the screw-in pins from earlier models to standard spring pins conveys no obvious advantage cost wise. But the quick fit mount compatibility issue is annoying.
Hi Des, thanks for the review! Does the glass standing higher than bezel? Also does it track barometric pressure? Thanks a lot!
Did you find out if the glass is higher than the bezel? Looks like glass stands past the bezel on Garmin's site
@@DfunkymonkK yes, looks like it goes slightly higher and it’s curved at the edges
nice video explanation, if I already had 955 is it worth to upgrade for 965?
It's slightly larger and the display is more vibrant but features-wise they are basically identical
A lot of comments saying 935 still going strong, though if you want a far cheaper, OK not so long battery life option that is still available to buy, I got my 745 for €345 and I see they're now going for under €300, so might also be a better move unless you really want to pay €400+ or even €500+ for (in my view) a slightly improved version. Oh it doesn't have Maps though but I don't need.
Thanks for the feedback. With every video I truly try to slow down but not exactly sure what happens. 🤷♂️ Will keep on trying though - thanks!
I have a 745 for 1,5 years now and I love it. Has everything you really need and better size as well I think :)
1.3” 1.4” I think cycling is changing the way I think. Where’s the mm?