Garmin Forerunner 165 In-Depth Review: Best Bang for Buck?
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- Here's everything you need to know about the Garmin Forerunner 165 running-focused GPS, from accuracy to features to what's new and plenty more!
0:00 Quick Overview
0:35 Pricing & Key Technical Specs
0:50 Forerunner & Vivo Comparisons
3:05 Watch Face & Widgets
4:29 HRV Status & Sleep Tracking
6:06 Nap Tracking & Sleep Coach
7:06 Music Edition
7:55 Sport Modes & Workouts
12:05 Training & Recovery Features (vs FR265)
13:58 Race Calendar
14:44 Post-Workout Data
15:09 GPS & Heart Rate Accuracy
17:31 Final Thoughts & Recommendations
#GarminForerunner165 #Forerunner165 #FR165 - Sport
I’m only here to see drones hit trees. Ray did not disappoint at 2:44
Was just going to post this comment as well. That was amazing!
I first thought it was his girlfriend who hit the tree with the GoPro 😂🤘🏻
@@hdmedia7404 - His wife Bobby is awesome. And she is fast. She is probably up the trail a little ways waiting on Ray. I don't know about her drone flying abilities. 🤔
Including that shot in the video was gold!
Everyone: Garmin has too many options, it should really harmonise the available options
Garmin: Here is the NEW Forerunner 165!
Yeah it is easy to get lost in the options. I don't know why some watches offer triathlon options while others with generally better features don't. Forerunners don't offer features for wheelchair users, whereas the vivoactive has them. I wish Garmin would make this more simple. The compare function on their website is not a nice feature, it is a must to use if you don't like to make buying decisions which you'll regret later.
@@hornsteinhof7592 for me it would be quite inapprpriate to sell a watch for(e)runner(s) to wheelchair users 😅
And still people keep buying Garmin while there are brands like Coros and Amazfit and Suunto
@@hornsteinhof7592 Polar has a nice comparison tool on their website. But sadly the watches are not so nice.
@@hornsteinhof7592100% agree. They are even losing customers. I still have a functional vivosport that I quite like but who knows how long it will last and the plastic around the screen is broken so it’s on its last days. I’ve been researching on and off for a new Garmin for months and I never can come up with a decision due to the immense amount of options and how hard is it to compare each
I agree with you about the number of models. I'm in a state of decision paralysis about getting a new one. I would love for them to cut it down to a manageable set.
I think I'm gonna buy this. This cleans up a lot of the problems with Garmin's entry level line, albeit for a price. For a while their cheaper watches didn't have Garmin Pay for example. My Venu 2 is OK but I like this thing's fitness focus.
That drone shot is hilarious
I have a hard time coming up with who this watch is for. The 255 can be found discounted for basically the same price and you get way more metrics, activities and multiband GPS. Maybe for people who don't want to pay for the 265, must have an AMOLED screen, and thus want a Forerunner "light".
Eventually, though, the FR255 will fade away. But yes, lots of overlap.
In sweden the 255 is $130 less. The 165 is $399 here, and the 255 $280 edit: 165 is $330 now!.
That’s precisely the reason I would buy it had I not already bought a watch
As a 245 owner who bought it when it was very cheap and thinks AMOLED looks prettier, but 265 is overpriced for my comparatively minimal use its sort of aimed at me.
My wife who is a casual runner, would rather have 165 for the nicer screen vs 255 with more stats.
I’m glad they’ve come out with their watch to be in direct competition with the Coros Pace 3, now they need to come out with one to be in direct competition with the Coros Vertix 2.
To answer the last comment, this watch is for me! I had a 245, and tried a 55. My vision is not great, so having an AMOLED screen is a huge factor. I just don't dig the style of the vivoactive 5, and the venues are too expensive.
I really like the 245, but you can't even increase the backlight on it. Under some conditions it can be hard to read if you're older like myself. Also, at my age, getting out is enough. I don't need the multi-band accuracy etc. that comes with the 255.
Keep the video bloopers in. I think they're awesome
The Venu/Vivoactive/165 product segmentation seems so strange.
Awesome & Thanks :)
Pleaseee i hope you consider making a video comparing coros pace 3 and FR 165
as somebody still using an old Garmin forerunner 45....if I upgrade i'm just gonna get the 255 when it's on sale.
About 18 months ago, I went from 230 to 945LTE . Multi generational jump. The 45 is still great watch, but that’s on your activities too.
945 has been fantastic for running and cycling for a while for me too @@henrihelvetica5835
Does this have turn by turn navigation? For example if I hit a fork in the trail will it direct me the correct way? (Before I hit the fork in the road will it have a notification on what way to turn?)
Feels like this is the death of the midrange non-touch watch. Glad I got my FR255 when I did, I'm going to be holding onto it until it dies.
You can simply disable touch here though, no reason to use it if you don't want to.
@@Dcrainmaker Didn't know that, thanks. It's still a lot of extra to pay for (both $$ and (I suspect) battery), but it's good to know that at least as things stand right now that's an option.
Not to mention the glass on the screen is chemical hardened not corning gorilla or anything. Also i feel the like 'music' version of watches are a dodgy upsell when 4 gbs of storage is plenty to store a few especially as few as 23 songs like the example given.
The FR255 and FR265 has had a update with the activity profile 'inline skating'. The Fr165 don't have it and will not get it with a update (looks like)... Is there a possibility to customize a profile and is there a differend with profile installed from Garmin?
I'm considering this watch, as my Fitbit's AMOLED screen has some pretty horrid burn in. Has that been an issue with recent Garmin AMOLED watches, or have they avoided burn-in issues?
Someone should tell garmin to stop insane product waste fragmentation
It seems like the 265 and 965 are a little bit more colorful and does a little color wave splash thing when you scroll through the widgets at the bottom or even the sport modes. Can you tell me if the 165 also does this? Or is it not as pretty-looking on the 165?
Have any garmins feature for look list of laps while in workout? Not only current / last lap. Or coros maybe?
How does it compare to the $230 Coros Pace 3?
2:36 that drone crashed into the tree didn’t it 😂
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 ??
I really need the garmin 365 and my wife needs the 565. Please garmin!
The 365 could be a more stylish Version (365 Days) and the 565 a bigger Version 😅
I need 1065🙏
@@footballshirtlegitcheck wouldnt that basically be a epix x
If u r using mostly for gym would u recommend this or vivoactive 5 or amazefit balance?
Excellent product insight as always!! Now I’m even more confused as to which watch to buy. Out of this and the Garmin 255 both at a similar price, which one would you go first? Thanks!
255 more complete watch
@@lowzyyy thanks 👍🏽
Off topic but how do you get such a high anaerobic workout! Is a chest strap a must? No matter how closely I follow the recommended workout I never get more than 0.5
Ah, no power meter support. That’s something I need. But I can see this being useful for a lot of people.
Can anyone comment on how quickly the 165 reacts to current pace changes? My current watch has a delay of about 20-30 seconds, and I'm having trouble managing my pace as a newer runner, especially during elevation changes. Will the 165 be significantly better?
Does the base model 165 have Wi-Fi? Comparing to the fact Garmin left that feature out on the 255 vs 255 Music.
Saw a lot of comment here comparing Garmin to Coros. Not sure about the watch capabilities as I only own Decathlon KIPRUN GPS 500 (it’s a Coros first model) after several years using Fenix 3, the most differences I can say it’s the ecosystem. I’m started using AllTrails app few months ago and it’s only supported Garmin. That’s the pain in the ass since I can’t seem to sync my hike to the app and loose the capability to verify my hike (from the list of mountains there). So it’s all go back to what you need and what you use it for. I’m definitely changing back to Garmin as I’m doing more hike now, just contemplating to choose either this new 165 or Instinct 2 Solar
If the 265 or 965 had a flat screen like the 165 for sure I'll buy them, but because of that I'll be holding even if that means years until they release they release a flat screen version sucesor of 265/965
I bought a 265 at a very good price about 2 weeks ago, but looking at the capabilities of the 165 model I feel a little deceived. What are you doing, Garmin? I'm looking forward to a detailed comparison, thanks!
According to Garmin official page, it has also open water swim…
Loving coros
can you elaborate? which model - comparison to garmin? thanks
I just bought a coros Pace 3 wishing it had amoled screen. I guess I could get this one too. Use them both for a while, keep the one I like better.
What will your feedback be on the FR165 vs the VA3s is the price difference worth?
Wow, looks like a direct competitor of Coros Pace 3. Coros probably should upgrade navigation from breadcrumb to GPS map in order to beat all extra features of Forerunner 165 (like Garmin Pay, Body battery, Spotify music).
Happy with my Venu 3
reply massage with t9 keyboard possible like vivoactive 5?
Just a quick note, i got the garmin FR165 and you cant export swim workouts to the watch its not compatible. Thanks Garmin! Also using their website looks like the swim 2 can and Venu 2/4 and vivoactive 4. Which i dont trust the Venu and VA4 to be able to do this so i might purchase a swim 2 since they still sell these new at the shops.
I want to know if fr165 gps works well in race day with single band gps, any info regarding this?
I am so confused with all these options. What Garmin watch would you buy, if you were a beginner runner but looking to advance, and a lifelong tennis player? I also do pilates and yoga. I don't really care about a pretty AMOLED screen so much as I don't think I'll constantly look at the watch while I'm running and don't intend to wear it for day to day activities, but just for sport. I'd like to listen to music without bringing my phone on my runs. I remember looking into the FR255 but the release of this watch just confuses me a bit. Thanks to anyone who can help :)
Seems like great value. I was set on the 265 @ $600 Canadian, but now have to consider this for $340 Cdn, 43% cheaper. Pretty big price difference to mostly gain multiband GPS, tri/multisport mode, and training readiness.
Gonna have to wait for the indepth 165 vs 265 video to decide
Where can you find out which watches have the newer HR monitor ?
Great vids I got the fr55 and I want a upgrade did want the fr965 but at £600 compare 2 the fr265 possible £300
I was expecting an update to the Edge 130 plus.
Still using my FR 245 that refuse to die.
I'm still using a FR230, 8 years going strong :-) but I'm interested in the FR165 once the FR230 would stop working.
Q: will the Forerunner 65 pull a course from your "favorites" that you downloaded from you run club and will it give you a verbale and audible turn by turn if you have your bluetooth headset on? I am a back of the pack runner and always get lost in our downtown streets. I am looking for a watch that will give me audible turn by turn directions as I am on a run. thank you
Also wondering about turn by turn for trail running.. does it have it!?!
considering updating my fr45
same here
Please compare FR 165 vs Coros Pace 3!
Just ordered this bad boy!!
What about a head to head Pace 3 and FR 165 ?
For me, Pace 3 is more affordable than 165 in terms of price cus you may get the dual frequency gps and more data fields setup, up to 8 data in one page including import running route for your run with lower price.
At this price if you luv the Garmin, 255s or 255 is the best choice.
Affordable price you should be looking for Pace 3 for the material Suunto is one of them.
@Dcrainmaker could you elaborate on a scenario where I own an epix2 and am looking forces lighter running watch and sleep tracker. Will Garmin connect merge all the data on the platform in a usable way?
The 965 Was released in March 23, and already has a amoled. So i think there will not be a 975 before mid 2025 earliest. Perhaps there will come a 965 Solar (there is a 955 Solar) or even a 965s but not an entire New Revision.
@@moritztweberthanks for the reply, but it doesn’t answer the question in my comment ;)
@@krzysztoftylek787 somehow this was sent to the wrong comment. Don't know if my fault or CZcams's 😅
Your pricing list is off. The 265 is still at $450 and not coming down.
Too many models even for Ray to keep track of. I think he mixed up the 255 and 265.
Ray we know you got the New Garmin edge 130 or whatever they are going to call it. Give the people what they want
I’m surprised you didn’t speak on how it compares to the Coros Pace 2. Seems they’d be direct competitors, outside of Garmin’s own line.
43*43mm right?
So a ton of metrics as us usual but...empirically NOK? That's why I sold my 955 and got a V2 after two decades of FRs. Not worth the aggravation.
Possibly miss the race predictions but Runalyze has them too.
Oh and there are great DFs for the V2 like GRun or GRun more with 8 fields.
So just an update i tried the Fr255 and FR165, FR165 was trash for swimming and 255 wasnt great. Swapped to a galaxy watch 6 which isnt the most accurate for working out and other health metrics. But oddly enough like other people have noticed the galaxy watch is extremley accurate in the pool recognised all strokes amd meters were perfect. Others at my swim club on amdroid noticed the same thing.
Is there actually a good watch for road-cycling which does wrist-based HR?
I had serious troubles with my Polar Vantage V basically failing and I had to buy a chest strap HRM.
No, because position of the arms can greatly affect heart rate. Chest strap is the way to go
Does it have only 4 data fields Max for each screen?
i think that Garmin needs like 9 more models so they achieve carbon neutrality because it is becoming a jungle!
Are 165 have navigation when used for trail run?
I dont need spotify, my card, touch screen or aoled display. All i want is a more affordable watch with maps.
Pace 3?
Forerunner 955. Get it second hand if you can. That will be best value for money.
But if it’s only for following a preloaded route you need maps for then the breadcrumb navigation on 165 will be plenty good.
Agreed. That's what I wanted as well. Ended up getting the 55 which is great, but sheesh I had to turn off all sorts of smart watch things just to make it a running watch lol
Apple watch Se?
@@brum293what is breadcrumbs navigation?
The price should start at $165 and Garmin should advertise it for people who have other Watches (Apple) and want another watch that is Sports Specific. This would persuade those users to most likely upgrade to future Garmin Sports Watches.
in my opinion, Garmin don't need a massif advertise, many athlete know the Garmin quality, Apple watch is only for those who need life style, just life style, they don't thing about many sport available, the endurance of battery etc
Is the 165 compatible with HRM swim during a swimming session?
2:40 funniest thing on the internet. How is the drone?
Totally fine. Little guy takes a beating!
I wanted to post the same thing. Ray was trolling the drone by taking that curve path instead of turning in on the cement path. 😂
hahahah.. testing the Hover Air X1 like no one else can hahaha
Felt that myself, lol.
Haha I didn’t even notice that. Hilarious!
I would be more interested in a new FR 55... a FR 65 or so. Does anybody know if such a watch is coming in the near future?
I think the 165 is the unofficial successor of the 55. What Do you think would be the difference between a 165 and a 65?
@@moritztweber The price! I do not call a nearly 300€ sports watch budget friendly. The FR 55 started below 200€ if I am not mistaken... I am looking for something like that. :)
Huawei Gt Runner and Huawei GT 4 are for sure more solid options!!
Speaking of too many Garmin watch options.
I suspect you confused 265 price with 255.
265 starting from 449$
Indeed, can't win them all! 😂
Can it send Heartrate to other devices? Does the 265 have the newer gen heartrate sensor? I'm thinking to switch from apple watch 9, as i like the body battery feature and other data. Athlytic doesn't really do it for me.
If the Forerunner 55 can, this surely can.
That was my thought with the apple watch.. but it doesn't haha. The FR165 does, as i found out. @@conrad6226
Does it have running dynamics and wrist based runnig power?
I just changed to the 265s from the 955. I never used the maps and navigation. So I didn't think I needed the 965.
I was hesitant about the AMOLED screen and battery.
Boy was I surprised. The bright crisp screen makes the watch feel like a whole new watch.
I normally work out early morning. So the sun is down or hardly popping out. So the screen looks great. The times I run in the day or cycle, the screen is still bright and visible. I'm getting a solid week of battery with allot of GPS activities.
This 165 sounds like a good idea. Just wish it was a little cheaper to really grab the new runners
Which should I get as an avid cyclist looking to track more health data?
I hope Garmin release a forerunner 65 with trans reflective screen, track mode, workout support, breadcrumb trails.
No need to tell me I slept well, or HRV, or an OLED screen.
I imagine the battery eating OLED screens will force consumers into faster upgrade cycles and negatively impact used market as batteries loose capacity. So I can see it makes business sense for Garmin.
That's why they're going all in on Amoled
Sounds like a good upgrade from my Vivioactive 3. I assume heart rate and GPS is better than vivioactive 3? Thanks
I actually spoke today to Garmin tech support about this comparison. Not sure about heart rate, but definitely the GPS tech in the 165 is a big step up from the Vivoactive 3
Vive les boutons!
And a comparisson with Coros Pace 3? It seems Garmin is afraid of it so this Fr 165
When am I going to get the "star stepper" activity?
Can you do comparison between venu sq2 and forerunner 165?
Can watch faces be customized? For example, is it possible to change default watch face to show heart rate? Is it possible to customize on each watch face each complication?
Yes, you can both customize complicaitons (including adding heart rate), as well as tons of Connect IQ watch faces.
can anyone share with me their personal opinion.... Is Epix series always going to contain all the features of a Forerunner 965? Or the FR965 may still beat it out on certain features?
no same feature. buy the epix if you want
I bought the 945LTE after 6yrs w/ a 230. But they then introduced the 265/965, and I’ve been waiting for a sale because that screen is just too awesome. Now this! The Canadian pricing feels off though. 165 is $339, 265 is $599 (!!!) and 965 is $799.
I don't understand their Canadian pricing (and lack of discounts/sales!)... I'm assuming they're selling plenty in the US and Canada is just gravy.
For what it's worth, DC gave the wrong USD price for the 265. As a fellow Canadian, if you know anyone who has Perkopolis through work benefits, you can get 20% off regular priced Garmin products. Maybe not yet for the 165 but it does work for the 265 and 965, if you're too impatient to wait for them to go on sale since they're some of the newest models.
@@Stephen9o3 Hmmm....my wife actually had Perkopolis benefits through her work. I'll have to look into that. 🙏
Upgrading from the FR245 should I go for this or the FR255? Not a huge fan of these AMOLED displays.
255 definitely. For the multiband GPS if nothing else. I have FR255 and it's a amazing value.
255 :) I have too, I love it. I love the classic screen and the battery is also amazing!
The only reason to get this is huge love for the Amoled display. If you prefer MIP the 255 is a no-brainer.
@@lencekkThe buttons on the 255 feel so cheap… I can even hear the little metal spring on the down button. Shit !
@@robhunt8378 Plus the 255 has been receiving loads of new features since launch. Cannot the same for other Garmin watches in the $350 price range.
What’s the difference between this and Vivoactive 5?
I don’t see the list of activities you can track
Althought this watch is pretty I would probably go for the Coros Pace 3
Is there a way to have a black screen that only lights up with gesture or when you press a button?
Yeah, that's the default gesture mode, where the screen is black, and only illuminates when you raise your wrist or press a button. You can even remove the gesture piece altogether, and just be button only.
@@Dcrainmaker very helpful, cheers for the reply!
Will there be a new 965 this year? Almost pull the trigger but hesitated because of this
No, they usually do updates every two years. And it will be the 975 next
Still watching, but does it have HR broadcast via Bluetooth smart?
Yes, both ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart broadcasting actually.
@@Dcrainmakermany thanks! Brothers wife looking for a nice smartwatch with HR broadcast (has to be white/feminine). Amoled will probably be mandatory.
So it's either this or the vivoactive 5 i guess, will probably depend if she is aiming for any running races in the future 🏃
2:44 Is the drone okay?
It seems like the Vivoactive 5 has a really hard stand against the FR 165 or am I missing something? The FR seems to offer more features at a lower price.
There's plenty of bizarre differences that benefit the VA5. For example, it has skiing/snowboarding support, but the FR165 doesn't. Because....I don't know why (writing this at the ski hill, unable to use the FR165 for skiing).
@@Dcrainmaker haha even though FR165 has an altimeter! I think even Garmin workers are confused with what the company is doing :D
@@Dcrainmaker geez. It really seems like the marketing department has too much say in the watch features.
I would get it if this was clothing: you'd buy special clothes for running, a separate set for skiing and another one for surfing. There is no special jumpsuit that fits every occasion.
But you don't buy a watch for skiing and another one for running etc. You'll only wear one watch. 🤷
They're just laughing at their customers.
Very confused why no power meter sensor support just seems a strange omission
Because it has to meet a certain price point and not encroach on features of more expensive watches. Cannibalizing sales is not good.
Very unimpressed with no powermeter connection. Why wouldn't it support them? Unless it's just to force you to spend much more. Otherwsise this would be exactly what I am looking for.
I mean, absolutely it’s to force you to upgrade. That’s how Garmin creates all these models. I imagine they figure people worried about cycling power meter support will also want the advanced metrics on 265 or can afford it. You’ve spent hundreds for the meter. It has built-in run power which is something even higher end Garmins didn’t have a couple years ago
I'm conflicted between the vivoactive 5 and the Forerunner 165. On one hand I think that the vivoactive is a much better/more elegant looking watch, and can go better with normal outfits as opposed to the forerunner which looks more sport-specific. At least in my eyes. If the vivoactive had the suggested workouts and pace predictor/pace pro then it would be an easy decision, but i'm not sure if those are dealbreakers or not!
Vivactive 5 doesn't have resume later which can be important for hikes or bike rides with longer breaks. Agreed it looks better.
hi, I would just like to know, which one is better, Garmin fr 165 or 255?
The FR255 has more features. Check out my FR165 vs FR265 video, the only difference between the FR255 and FR265 is that the FR265 has Training Readiness core.
Which garmin watch would you recommend for bicycle touring?
i would get something with solar charging. when i biked the GAP trail, using gps all the time drained the battery and charging it was a hassle i just didn't use it the last half of my trip
Garmin needs to stop producing so many new models. I think part of the problem people have, especially newcomers is they get overwhelmed with the amount of watches that are available. I appreciate Garmin having many choices. But to me, adding a 165 to the lineup isn’t worth it, i even questioned when they added the 265. I know they are trying to hit every price target but it seems pretty silly to me. I have a fenix 7x SS and absolutely love it. But this is getting ridiculous now lol
Any news on the Instinct 3 yet ?
I've seen many rumors of a release in March this year. But of course, still just rumors...
@@dnserror89With Amoled ?
amoled will ruin instinct, raw all arrounder,
@@hdmedia7404 of course not, the instinct line will not have amoled. Its main focus is batterylife