Garmin Forerunner 165: The Complete Guide - Start Here!

[@johnf8609]

Thanks for the video! I just bought a 165 today. It's a big change from my VivoActive 3.😅

[@thinkingface3880]

How is it?

[@johnf8609]

@@thinkingface3880 It's a good watch for what I do. I walk and run, strength train, and take cardio and yoga classes. It does a fairly good job counting reps. Indoor stairs are a hit and miss.

[@ThomasJeffersonWolfcall-kn3bx]

You just like to show off your VO2 stats! 😊

[@SpindlyScoudrel]

Lol, he just slipped that in accidentally 😅

[@dncmq]

PLEASE DO COMPARISON OF COROS PACE 3 AND GARMIN FORERUNNER 165 THANK YOU

[@kennynoNope]

I got both and the pace 3 is leagues behind with user interface and the actual device itself feels cheap

[@uc3s]

Will u sell your pace3?@@kennynoNope

[@kennynoNope]

@@uc3s i sent it back to I only use the garmin now

[@jaimegomezmatas]

Excellent guide as always Ray! Just one question: what about course navigation?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, it supports it. Very similiar to FR265 navigation, except just not quite as much customization of some navigation data fields. But the basics in terms of following a breadcrumb trail and such, no problems.

[@kderrins]

Great video, thank you so much. This is probably a silly question. What setting would you recommend for kayaking/paddleboarding?

[@lolitalempicka1193]

Thank you this is so helpful

[@mikesg878]

the offline music feature is only available with the music version of the forerunner right?

[@SteveBe22]

Good song choice 😁
Very catchy

[@Ajajambo]

Nice review! Does this watch have a barometer widget since it I can see a sensor?? Thanks

[@phil17]

Nice Video, maybe i missed it are the shortcuts Like in the 265 for locking the Screen? Thanks

[@davetravis8994]

Great video. Very helpful. I just got the 165 as a replacement of my Apple watch.
I've read quite a bit about VO2 max and am wondering how accurate this measurement is on the watch. Thank you

[@minkonaing4366]

I'm badminton regular player. Is there any way i can add badminton mode? Cos i cant find it on setting. Thank you in advance.

[@joanmiquelcampins334]

Hello, I'm looking between the garmin 165 or the suunto race caul, do you recommend more? I am a person who wants the watch to run on asphalt and sometimes trail running and swimming.

[@brum293]

Forerunner 165 has everything you need, cheaper and you get the Garmin Software eco system which in my opinion is way better than Suunto.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Depends a bit on really whether or not you want maps, which the Suunto Race has. I'd say that's the biggest ticket item there (assuming you don't cycle with a power meter or do triathlon, which the Suunto has and the 165 doesn't).

[@pascalmorgenthaler]

Hey, thank you so much for that guide!
Is it possible to display the altitude above sea level somewhere? It says that the watch has a barometric altimeter but I can't find a setting to display that...
Also I am wondering if it is possible to see how fast I am moving, so to display the speed of me running in km/h or when I am cycling how fast I am going, is that possible?

[@tem8484]

Where will I go to change miles to kilometers. TIA

[@michal7x7]

I think presentation of touch navigation is missing. I suspect the interface is not optimized for touch and hence why, but it's hard to say not having the watch and just relying on videos where people seem to mostly use the buttons.

[@jenniferchubb7910]

This is helpful, you talk quite fast though! :)

[@kristenfurst8889]

Hi! I'm relatively new to all of this so thanks in advance for your patience with my questions... is this a good watch for a beginner who wants to track say intervals, mile time etc (I only run about 15 miles a week)? My intentions are to get faster and run a 5K in less than 25 mins at the end of August...

[@_dadzilla4177]

Would you recommend upgrading to 165 music if I am coming from 245 music? Thanks!

[@piratesmvp]

I've got the same question. The main things the 245M has that this doesn't is running dynamics (with pod) and Training Status/Load. But HRV and barometer with the AMOLED screen makes this watch interesting.

[@rehmanukani3289]

Great review. Can It broadcast HR to bike meters like Garmin Edge?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup

[@Fernweh_8]

I bought a 165 and setup the watch face, which included an elevation data field so you could access that information as needed. After the first update, that feature was removed and you can no longer access the elevation data outside of an activity. After reaching out to Garmin, they told me they removed the feature to "differentiate" the lower end device as such. To remove a feature that was previously there as soon as you release the product, which contains the hardware for the feature is a really bad look. I put in a case and Garmin verified the presence before, the the lack of the feature after the update and told me they would reach out via email to update me on whether this will be aded back. So far, I've not heard back form them ...sad.

[@brucelin5842]

Which elevation data? Do u think this Watch is suitable for gym use?

[@Fernweh_8]

The altimeter data. I think this watch would be fine to track heart rate for the gym, but for outdoor activities like running and hiking where you need to know your elevation, I would recommend something else.@@brucelin5842

[@thomasbraun6603]

Hello, should I upgrade from the 55 to the 165, or pair the 55 with the HRM pro plus? I am less interested in the display, more interested in the metrics. Also, I wear my Samsung LTE watch for music, so I do not have a huge need there either. Thanks in advance.

[@malgorzatamaciejewska2738]

Thank you for this very helpful overview. Do you have an opinion on this model's treadmill distance accuracy?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I generally find Garmin watch's pretty close here. Usually withing about 2% or so, once calirated outside on a few runs.

[@JB-hs8rz]

Does having a Garmin make sense when you don't want to wear a watch during the night? Do I miss a lot of stats then?

[@Kowned2010]

Good walkthrough! Just one quick one, can it just show pace on the screen whilst run tracking? Or is the minimum 2 data fields?

[@na-dk9vm]

Specifically for swimming, is it as good as the 955?? Im iust talking about swimming, (pool/open water) is it as accurate when it comes to swimming ??

[@darshenjason3164]

Does the 165 have an Extend display feature like 265 for garmin cycle computers?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Not that I can see.

[@darshenjason3164]

@@Dcrainmaker thanks the 165 would fit all my needs if it has the Extend Display feature

[@LordMikau]

Hey! Thanks so much! can you please do a comparison between the Forerunner 165 and the Coros Pace 3? I had already decided to buy a Coros 3 mainly because of the price difference with the Forerunner 265, but I'm guessing the 165 changes the game a little bit. I've heard some contradictory opinions on the Coros Pace 3.

[@RavensEyeOffroad]

which garmin model would you recommend for an offroader/drone guy? My workout and any heart stuff is important, daily tasks like sms or calendar events as well as the fun outdoor adventure stuff are important. Maps, weather and things like that would be great for the drone side of my work. There are just too many models to make sense of them all though. I was thinking Fenix 7 - but all the sub models make my head spin. Im not a runner or a biker or a triathlete lol eta and a flashlight would rock haha

[@31_pandeputuarymahendra58]

fenix 7 pro series then

[@RavensEyeOffroad]

@@31_pandeputuarymahendra58 Thank you!

[@daxmotis27]

Get an Apple Watch. A Garmin would be overkill

[@RavensEyeOffroad]

@@daxmotis27 not an apply guy at all.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I'd argue Fenix 7 or Epix, depending on what type of display you want. Note that while the Pro series is nice, unless you care about ECG, the features are otherwise the same right now firmware-wise, and you'll save a boatload. Also, ECG is only for US residents.

[@angelromero8076]

For $250 I have the option of buying the Garmin 165 or Garmin 265, which would you choose for the same price? Thanks!

[@sennl93]

Great video, but one question: Do you have the music variant, because there is also a non music variant?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes

[@patrickzippetelli9378]

Fantastic review! I was setting mine up today while watching! Seems nice, BUT the display is very DIM.... maybe 1/2 the brightness of my old Venu and Venu 2+ not sure if I got a bad one or not!

[@ChristophHoward]

This is a second part to the review, the full review was the preview video he posted. Have you tried adjusting the brightness as he mentioned 4 minutes in?

[@patrickzippetelli9378]

@@ChristophHoward I had the settings at full brightness for both modes. Several on/off and soft resets did not help. I did a hard reset and a few seconds into the reboot the watch got considerable brighter. I don't think it's quite as bright as my venu 2+ but it is close. I'm guessing that the update that Garmin pushed did not fully "take" and the hard reset fixed it. It does seem like a great watch!

[@ChristophHoward]

@@patrickzippetelli9378 Yeah seems like a weird issue with that update. Good to hear you got that fixed! I wouldn't be surprised if it's a little bit dimmer but it should be similar lol

[@awesam303]

How about the text responses? Csn you custom respond or just quick replies? This looks better than the va5 but i do use some "smart" functionality on my watches

[@roman326]

I can’t seem to add spotify

[@theonoviant]

Does it support gpx file? i saw navigation menu over there

[@swimadamswim]

Hi so sorry to trouble you. I've just bought this today and zero steps?? No step count at all and I can't see steps in the Garmin connect app ? I also have no running heart rate so my watch face doesn show this?.any suggestions?. Thanks Adam

[@billdoty7782]

I’m curious about this as well. Was all set to pull the trigger on one of these until I saw your comment

[@georgesoto5436]

Curious how this compares to Whoop? Of course as it relates to HRV, Nap, Sleep, etc. great video thanks!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Accuracy of data is quite a bit better here than Whoop for things like HR in workouts (which drives recovery time). However, Whoop tracks training load, whereas this doesn't. Both track sleep/naps equally enough.

[@RF-xx8re]

i got accidentally the non music option , can i still add music and connect it to headphones im litterally crying

[@matt_m126]

My Venu is due to be changed. I use paddle board and downhill skiing tracking on it (amongst the other more standard sports, such as running). Are those tacked by the 165?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, neither skiing nor SUP are on the FR165. Yes, it's stupid.

[@ABoredPersonsChannel]

This watch hard af to use

[@ZulramdaniGilang]

The auto.scroll while doing activity is missing?

[@andrewfish1111]

Can you record a day of sailing even though it doesn't have it listed? Im trying to get gps speed and breadcrumb tracking on my watch. Also I see this watch has outdoor cycling but not mountain biking. I mountain bike what am i missing by choosing this watch over the 265?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Sure, you can just use the 'Other' option, and then once on Garmin connect, switch the activity type to sailing. Correct, no mountain biking. The main thing the mounting biking profile does is MTB metrics like grit/flow. But again, you can also change the activity type once completed.

[@andrewfish1111]

awesome thanks! just bought one and see there are also apps for sailing. @@Dcrainmaker

[@beatrizfranco6223]

can you pause an activity and 'resume later'?

[@509bby8]

Can you make calls on this and answer calls?

[@kgerakopoulos]

Anyone can help... I need a watch with minimum 46mm diameter, nfc payments, receive calls, last at least 1 week and good looking. I am not interested about health sensors etc. Any suggestions?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Realistically, if you're looking for something to receive calls, then that watch doesn't exist. That's the deal-breaker in your list. All those watches only last 24-48hrs.

[@kgerakopoulos]

Ok if we set aside the calls ?​@Dcrainmaker

[@karenalexander9865]

This moves much too quickly for someone who is completely unfamiliar with Garmin.

[@Carlosediaz543]

Yeah I couldn’t agree more like for the average person this was way too fast. I guess he didn’t want the video to be an hour long either. I honestly would have loved an hour long video tbh

[@trentclarke2564]

Can you load a track, so that you can follow a route with it directing you?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes, it supports courses.

[@trentclarke2564]

Would love it if you could do a short video on how that works, tx.

[@tudorpalela4729]

It has baro but no baro widget, or baro-alti calibration. :(

[@amauribelo94]

Muito obrigado.

[@user-ev8zh5fp3t]

28:54 Music (Spotify, Amazon, etc…)
Does spotify works on the non music version?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, music only.

[@brookegravitt4117]

Ray, would you say the 165 is a good companion to an iPhone if you want or make use of a Garmin watch for cycling stuff ( my Apple Watch won’t talk to my pedals/meter, speed/cadence, etc ) but maybe aren’t sure if I want to completely ditch the Apple Watch yet?

[@tgibridays]

The 165 can't be paired to cycling power meters so it wouldn't be any better than your apple watch. The Garmin 255 and 265 can however as well as the Apple Watch Ultra (I'm pretty sure).
Edit. Just realized you said speed and cadence meters. The 165 can be paired to those... So ignore me.

[@brookegravitt4117]

@@tgibridays sweet, thanks! I’ll look for a 265.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Correct, no PM support here. Your Apple Watch should talk to your power meter pedals though, as of this past fall, unless you have a much much much older Apple Watch (or, have only an ANT+ power meter, but I'm pretty sure every power meter pedal every made has dual).

[@brookegravitt4117]

@@Dcrainmaker it’s old - series 6. Needs replacing, so trying to figure out wether to get the ultra 2, an epix/fenix/forerunner, or dual-wield 😂

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@brookegravitt4117 Well, lots of options. But...your Series 6 will actually pair with it. Just wake-up your power meter, then go into Bluetooth on the watch, and scroll down and you'll see the pairing option for your pedals. It'll record that data automatically, though, if you want to see the power data pages during the workout, you'll want to add those to the bike profile on the watch (why on earth it doesn't add them automatically, I don't know...but it will at least background record the data automatically).

[@akammer1000]

I mountain bike and starting to run more. Do you think this would be suitable over the 265?

[@mkenyon7429]

If you don’t want to navigate the 165 should be good for data. It should generate a track with data like your speed and upload to Garmin Connect on the web. If you want to see trails get the 265.
Note pretty much all Garmin smart watches have a steep learning curve. Some steeper than others.

[@TwitterasX]

No emergency calling?

[@andyn666]

Can it do daily suggested workouts for cycling?

[@GuidoAmbria]

Have you got an answer?

[@gabrielleviola607]

It gives you options

[@peter7371]

Is there a recovery widget now? I can’t seem to find it on my fenix 7x menu unless I go to training status

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, there is a Recovery Widget here. But you're right, I don't see a dedicated one on the Fenix/Epix side.

[@peter7371]

@@Dcrainmaker add to one of those weird forerunner-fenix/epix differences 😂

[@JtheMitch]

First! cool watch

[@aaakjhgfdswerty]

reply massage with t9 keyboard possible like vivoactive 5?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It'll be the same. I'm on iOS, so can't reply there like you can on Android.

[@aaakjhgfdswerty]

@@Dcrainmaker thanks any source can you give that has reply keyboard feature is present on forerunner 165 ?

[@awkwardhighfives8396]

Does it have a touchscreen?

[@eddiepundt7770]

Is it possible to track kayaking activities with this watch?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Sure, just use the 'other' profile, and then change it to Kayaking once the activity is saved, on Garmin Connect.

[@sigfreed11]

What is the practical difference between body battery and training readiness? 165 has only BB but 265 has both, which is THE key difference…though not sure why one would care to have both!
Seems like if you have a Bike computer, or don’t ride a bike, the 165 is the obvious choice?

[@Dcrainmaker]

So, they are similar, but in different ways. Body battery is really a single-day look at your energy throughout the day, regardless of training. Versus Training Readiness is more about whether or not you should train/workout that day, and to what extent. Be it due to longer-term training overload (e.g. too much training), or, lack of sleep/etc...

[@sigfreed11]

@@Dcrainmaker sounds like that would be indicated in the body battery value as well…if you are overtrained your battery would be low?
Seems like intervals.icu’s “form” plus the body battery could be all you need 👍

[@ewcia789]

Is there possibility to edit workouts on the Garmin app on the phone?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup!

[@ewcia789]

@@Dcrainmaker Thanks! Nice guide, will use it when 165 arrive ;)

[@kylebradbury5032]

Looking at this or Vivoactive 5

[@SashaSanchos]

This better

[@willcresswell7706]

Does this model have a speaker so I can hear audio ques?

[@GotDamBoi]

I would assume so. My Garmin Forerunner 45 has audio cues and that thing is ancient

[@willcresswell7706]

My older samsung galaxy watch provides me my split times, heart rate, overall distance ran and my overall time audibly for all to hear.... I can also hear my music if I don't have my earbuds. I am looking to upgrade from my smart watch to a Garmin runners watch and was not sure if this model can do the same.

[@johnnyhybrid1915]

This is a single use watch. I do not know how to charge the battery.

[@Dcrainmaker]

You plug the cable in?

[@johnnyhybrid1915]

@@Dcrainmaker Sir. I charged it by plug its USB type C in my Cell phone or anything. I thought its usb was type A. The garmin charger sold separately which I did not have it.

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@johnnyhybrid1915 Gotchya. No, most cell phones won't power other devices. You'll need to plug it into any other USB-C port (wall/laptop/TV/etc...).

[@AleGri995]

165 or 745?

[@kennynoNope]

Is it better than Coro pace3

[@Dcrainmaker]

Just depends what you're looking for. It's certainly more polished, and has better optical HR sensor accuracy. But the COROS Pace 3 has more sport modes (mainly triathlon/multisport).

[@kennynoNope]

@@Dcrainmaker I returned the pace 3 the UI was oddly bad and outdated the screen was dull but the UI was the deal breaker

[@claydickerson5394]

With the 255 being on sale for the same price as the 165 now which would you recommend?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Honestly mostly a question at that point of which display you most prefer. Everything else about the FR265 in this video applies, *EXCEPT* there's no Training Readiness on the F255. :-/ That's basically the only difference.

[@RoeeYaakov]

Can we make crossfit profile in this watch ?

[@Dcrainmaker]

You can use the 'other' profile for it.

[@marcotulio4078]

🇧🇷

[@anthonyrondolino8148]

A bit fast and complicated for a “first time” smart running watch user

[@radimkotas6857]

Wait the second. So Always on is not always on? You show if you put it on table and not detect hand it will off display....hell noooo. How is it during activity?. Especially on the bike handlebar. Can i see anything in day time? Or if i want to see any data I must wake it up by buton to Shine more? Noo garmin pleaaase. Give me one model with MIP display. I will need change 745 in future. Make 775 with MIP. Already have amoled and don't want.No solar for better clarity. With a torch led. And one model 75 mip for cheap ...children and basic sport tracking.Please. dont do 100%amoled.

[@Dcrainmaker]

It detects it’s not on wrist, hence turning off. Else, if on wrist it never turns off. For bike in activity, it depends on brand/model. Some turn off, some stay on, etc… generally even the ones that turn off on handlebars only do so after a few minute timeout, and even then, if there’s any bumps in the road, it’ll reset the timeout.
Garmin will likely keep MIP in either Fenix or Enduro for at least one more generation. Plus Instinct for at least a couple more generations.

[@radimkotas6857]

@@Dcrainmaker thanks. Fenix too expensive and more heavy. And heavy duty military style for other is not my cap of tea. A sporty elegant like 965 would be perfect. But with MIP.

[@robhunt8378]

"Always-on but dimmed because Amoled degrades" would have been more precise but doesn't quite have the same ring to it :P

[@thomaskeenan2208]

Need a setting Always on for X minutes separate from Always on wrist. If running with watch in hand or over a shirt with chest strap would like to see HR. Likewise biking if on bars.

[@nelisanelz]

You speak so fast and move too fast for us newbies to smart watches. But great guidance, thanks.

[@davidh4745]

talk slower

[@sophiagray3191]

UA-cam lets you lower the speed

[@JamesVanVliet-q8q]

you talk way to fast

[@emdblyou]

Lol I’m so glad I don’t use “smart watches” anymore. There are so many brands and models. It’s way too overwhelming and considering all these “smart watches” are made to become obsolete within couple of years, or even the battery degradation on its own, I’m happy I don’t waste my money on this junk.

[@spikeweb5193]

Jeśli takie rzeczy cię przytłaczają to współczuję 😅😅😅😢😢

[@emdblyou]

@@spikeweb5193 pomysl ile pieniedzy wydajesz co pare lat na smart watch ktory mosisz codziennie czardzowac lol 😂

[@spikeweb5193]

@@emdblyou ale ja noszę Garmin instynkt i ładuję go raz na 14 dni więc nie wiem co to w ogóle do mnie mówisz 🤣🤣🤣

[@ZACORR]

Posted off a phone or tablet no doubt…how interesting.

[@taylorgiles4844]

sent from you cell phone laptop or tablet i bet

[@teczkin]

Is it posiible to connect this Garmin with cadence and speed sensor(Cycplus)?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, no problems with ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart speed/cadence sensors.

[@teczkin]

Is it good for wrist 17cm? I'm concerned that it may be a bit too small

[@darciadatshkovskysaenz3566]

16 cms wrist here, this arrived yesterday, switched the band because it’s so masculine, it looks fuller than my AW 41 mm but it fits fine and looks cute.