I replaced my solar garmin instinct with the Forerunner 965. For the most part, the battery life didn't change. I'm still going through the settings and tweaking everything the way I like it. Soooo many settings... I've done multiple 70+ mile rides with this watch over 8+hours of active use and a ride like that typically takes the battery down 30% or so for me. Otherwise I'm liking it. I don't think it has any other real advantages over my last watch as it's still the same Garmin software running.
I'd been eyeing the Epix for a long time but kept balking at the price... then the Forerunner 965 was released. Excellent Screen, Excellent functionality, (nearly) every sport you could participate in, Stupendous Battery life, and several hundred less expensive than the Epix. Had to grab it and glad I did.
Yes, I still use a head-unit -- they do serve different purposes. A head unit lets you keep your hands on the controls while cycling, but a head unit doesn't record heart rate, nor work while on a paddle board or swimming for example. I've come to enjoy the smartwatch integration -- notifications and info on my wrist.
The Forerunner seemlessly connects with all my other Garmin products and offers insights that I did not expect to be useful. Like Sleep monitoring -- I thought it would be hokey, until I was able to use it to see the impact of my activities (exercise, meals, drinking, stretching) and the timing of those activities on my sleep. And while everyone syncs to Strava these days (and this certainly works flawlessly) I've come to prefer the training load functionality in the Garmin Environment.
Battery life is stupendous. Once, maybe twice per week I plug it in while I'm in the shower. It can record activities for /days/ longer than my Garmin head unit. GPS accuracy is also stupendous -- I can see where I crossed the street, and where I went off the trail. Haven't tried it in any urban jungles (I avoid them) but reviews imply the GPS accuracy is excellent there as well.
I like this watch a lot although I must confess that I haven't mastered all it's features. It is much better at tracking a swim workout than my old 935. I love the bright face ' especially in the pool I can see it very well
I must agree with all the previous reviews. I cannot be happier or more impressed with this watch. Super happy of my choice of the Garmin Forerunner 965. I does everything I need and want and cost hundreds of dollars less than the Apple watch and does a bunch of stuff I haven't got to yet. The screen is beautiful! The battery is amazing. The face is big but not too big and it does not weigh much, or next to nothing.
Well, I switched to 965 from Fenix 6/7X and I would say that I'm not feeling it on my wrist. So light, so comfortable. The screen is crisp and internals are the same with Fenix 7/7X pro big brothers. The silicon band is so cozy than it was before. My friend also changed his F6 to 965 and he do play tennis, so he also doesnt feel it on a wrist. Data recording and other body parameter are in top, no issues here. I hardly recommend to switch to this model. By the way, when you sleep and your hand under a pillow, you will not feel that bump on a pillow )))
I have been a regular Garmin user for a number of years. Bikesdirect has been the best source for me for Garmin watches. I recenty purchased the new Forerunner 965 primarily for it's new OLED screen. What an improvement that made to their watch line. I gave up a Garmin Fenix, which I loved, to go with the Forerunner because of the new color screen. It's an awesome watch and unbelievably lasts quite a few days on a single charge. Perfect for my run days. No negatives to report so far.
I upgraded to this watch from the Garmin Fenix. Watch is lighter on the run and the display is amazing.
965 is a top notch model with all features that garmin can offer. But with latest ecg, skin temp and other amazing innovation, this model looks like outdated (it doesnt have elevate 5 hr sensor). So if you are not tech geek that uses every feature every, this model right option for you. Besides, it has less weight vs epix and fenix models which have the same feats, but in metallic frames.
Uodated OLED screen is fantastic. Battery life is above expectations.
I like that it has an OLED always ready display, works with STYRD Unit
Happy with on-watch navigation that I am using while cycling. Great screen, battery holds about a week with always-on-display. Love running data and overall well-being data
