Brand: Garmin
Category: Running Watches
Recommended by Derek Steele, Runner — Salt Lake City
The Forerunner® 965 by Garmin is a premium GPS running watch designed for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. With advanced performance metrics, a vibrant display, and long battery life, it empowers users to optimize their training and achieve their fitness goals. 1. Advanced GPS and multi-band satellite support for precise tracking in challenging environments. 2. AMOLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels for vibrant visuals and easy navigation. 3. Comprehensive health monitoring features, including heart rate, sleep tracking, and stress management tools. 4. Up to 23 hours of battery life in GPS mode, ensuring reliable performance for long-distance activities. 5. Built-in sports apps for running, cycling, swimming, and more, catering to a variety of athletic pursuits. 6. Customizable training plans and performance insights to help users enhance their workout efficiency. 7. Water-resistant design suitable for swimming and outdoor activities, providing versatility for all conditions. The Forerunner® 965 is ideal for runners, cyclists, and multi-sport athletes seeking to elevate their training experience. It performs best in outdoor environments, whether on trails or roads, and is suited for users of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned competitors. This watch excels during long training sessions, races, and everyday fitness activities, making it a perfect companion year-round, regardless of the season.
Price: $599.99
- Who it's for
- Endurance and ultra-distance athletes who prioritize GPS reliability and long battery life over smartwatch polish. Works across gym sessions and trail runs, including 50k-and-beyond efforts.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the 2-week-plus battery life and GPS/course-mapping as the core strengths. One host is candid that the software and UI are not a selling point and should not be the reason to buy it.
- Worth noting
- The notes are largely positive with one clear caveat: the software/UI experience is considered a weakness, so buyers who want a polished smartwatch interface should look elsewhere.
Derek Steele's review
I needed a watch that had the battery life to handle long back to back training days, this watch is it.
Recommended by Derek Steele, Runner
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Forerunner® 965 for?
Endurance and ultra-distance athletes who prioritize GPS reliability and long battery life over smartwatch polish. Works across gym sessions and trail runs, including 50k-and-beyond efforts.
What do experts say about the Forerunner® 965?
Hosts consistently praise the 2-week-plus battery life and GPS/course-mapping as the core strengths. One host is candid that the software and UI are not a selling point and should not be the reason to buy it.
What should you know before buying the Forerunner® 965?
The notes are largely positive with one clear caveat: the software/UI experience is considered a weakness, so buyers who want a polished smartwatch interface should look elsewhere.
What does Derek Steele say about the Forerunner® 965?
I needed a watch that had the battery life to handle long back to back training days, this watch is it.
Why does Derek Steele recommend Garmin?
Derek Steele recommends the Garmin Forerunner® 965 for running watches. I needed a watch that had the battery life to handle long back to back training days, this watch is it.
Is the Forerunner® 965 a good running watche?
Yes — Derek Steele recommends the Forerunner® 965 by Garmin as their running watches pick. I needed a watch that had the battery life to handle long back to back training days, this watch is it.
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What other hosts are saying
6 experts recommend the Garmin Forerunner® 965.
Never get lost with the course map. Plus, you can geek out on your running stats daily!
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Jasmine Brown, Road Runner | Hiker| Trail Runner
I love this watch. It does everything and I can record any workout I decode to do. Love it!
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I’ve used this reliable watch in the gym and on the trails. From leg day to 50k. Very easy to use and a must on my gear list!
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Allen Au, Exceptional Amateur
You are only getting this watch because you wanted GPS and Battery. You aren't getting it because its a smart-watch with fitness tracking or UI. You are truly getting it because of its performance as a reliable, long lasting, piece of hardware and you've accepted software experience isn't key. That said I love having 2 weeks+ of batteries, and never charging it in an ultra distance run.
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Nevaeh Reddy, Ultra runner and personal trainer
Amazing watch ticks all the boxes for me
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