Garmin Forerunner 965: The Complete Beginners Guide

[@jrldude8719]

1 year later, I'm waiting for my 965 to be delivered, and find this video immensely helpful even before I actually have the watch. Thanks for making this, it's excellent. 🙂👍

[@lhzsdgsfbvv]

How you like it?

[@eagle63-94]

1 an ? Quelle patience

[@ryanmartin5456]

Omg, I thought u meant u have been waiting for it to arrive for a whole year

[@RideAlongside]

Same here. Ordered and waiting for the watch. Rays video is super helpful.

[@Conejoblanco-7726]

A year later and I just got my forerunner 965- after using an Apple Watch this was SO HELPFUL for me to learn how to use the watch properly. Thank you!

[@claytontaylor6155]

Never thought I'd watch an hour long video about a watch but here I am

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha...I tried so hard to edit it back under an hour (like, 59:59), but after slicing more than 30 minutes out of it, it just wasn't meant to be!

[@claytontaylor6155]

@@Dcrainmaker haha no worries at all. Tons of great info. I just personally never imagined I could find an hour long video on a watch interesting, but you made it so

[@yasma5460]

Just switched from an Apple Watch Series 8 to a Forerunner 965, my first Garmin ever! 🥳 thank you for this video!!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Cheers!

[@ufcfan3940]

I’m about to do the same

[@mojo14520]

@@ufcfan3940was the switch worth it? I’m currently trying to convince myself the price is worth making the switch

[@AlBundysDuster]

Same here! I ordered a series 11 to replace my 8, but returned the 11 after seeing the reviews for the 965. Loving this battery life so far!

[@feezee82]

4:58 I actually prefer Garmin in this regard - that it doesn’t react to tiny wrist movements. I make small movements all the time, for example when typing on the keyboard, and I don’t want my watch to light up then. So for me Garmin pretty much works perfectly here.

[@aeriegrove]

Great stuff. Just got my 965 today and it makes my old 245 look like the original Gameboy

[@potbeagle]

I'm thinking of making the jump from my 245 right now haha wow this comment makes me wanna get it

[@timallenuk]

New Forerunner 965 owner. Even though I’m a tecchy this review has taught me a lot, many thanks! Each watch gets a little more complicated and I want to maximise my purchase and use it to benefit my running journey. These videos make it happen!

[@igloozoo3771]

Where did you get it from? Is Garmin finally shipping?

[@peterullinger2814]

Jeez, over one hour of amazingness.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!

[@muradm9407]

Thank you for this extensive review, very useful! Got my FR965, coming from Vivoactive 4, huge difference. Love it so far.

[@MadDogTannen]

You are a LIFESAVER! I just got this watch and I have been SO overwhelmed trying to navigate this thing. Your video is exactly what I was looking for, so thank you for making this! Merry Christmas!

[@bsmukler]

I love this, not just for the overview of the new model, but as a refresher on the ever evolving features of my current Fenix 7X.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed, it really is covering most of the new features that came to the Fenix 7 over the past year. Thanks!!!

[@bsmukler]

Thanks Ray! I am kind of surprised Garmin does not release Garmin Retail Training videos regarding all the features added to Fenix and other watches. Your videos serve as a great substitute (not to mention being fun to watch anyway!).

[@thepatternforms859]

Enduro 2 beats the fenix 7x better battery life and brighter flashlight

[@divinusfilius3771]

What's really cool is that it's not trying to be some sleek mini smartphone on the wrist but an actual watch, so it has all those buttons!

[@emilycantrell1062]

Just got mine today!! Such a helpful video for someone new to the Garmin-verse! Thank you!!!

[@jasonlavere5071]

This is a great video. I've been sitting here scratching my head all day. Thank god for YT!

[@emildimov8955]

14:27 hits hard. The sudden realization you've been to Florida and are back in NL where it's consistently raining and debating your place of living choices. 😄

[@Dcrainmaker]

Very much doubting our life choices after such warmth!

[@windvlaag4404]

​@@Dcrainmaker I was already wondering why your english was so good without any trace of dutch accent but I guess your an American expat working in NL ;). What I am wondering, how durable is this watch against chlorine pool water and what is the life expectancy with everyday use for such a watch? Would an expectancy of 8 to 10 years be way to long?

[@RevengeRunning]

Just a phenomenal video, can't thank you enough for helping me figure out this new purchase. You're killin' it! (the good killing)

[@PatrickDelorenzi]

Great video as always DCR, I think I will upgrade from the 945 to the 965 it looks amazing with all the new features

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Patrick!

[@mbaum4613]

I'll be doing the same. It's a nice upgrade from the 945

[@brunomonteiroelias]

Thanks for this massive tutorial! Regards from Brazil!

[@MrBennyrick77]

Thankyou. 31 minutes in, adding the different activity. I just want to count calories in the gym without setting every single rest/work/set/reps I do on the watch, because if I can do more I do, if I am sore, I do less, so setting set workouts does not work for me. Anyway I could not find that info anywhere else, as Garmin has crap support, so thankyou, this is the second time I have used your page, the first being when I first got the watch, and again it was super awesome and exactly what I needed!. Garmin should be paying you for the work they dont do in making things clear and easy to understand.

[@RobPrice-z8e]

Thanks

[@toggie35]

I bought my FR965 after watching your videos, thanks for the reviews. Now I have to watch this video to understand the basics! :) In 2024 because I upgraded my previous FR 735XT I have to upgrade to racing distance IM70.3 rather than Olympic Tri.

[@mojo14520]

Interesting, are you saying the forerunner 965 is not a good option for Ironman races? I do not have the watch yet so I’m curious if I need to find something else

[@toggie35]

@@mojo14520 no FR965 is the perfect watch for any distance with it’s capabilities. I was racing with 735XT and Olympic Distance. I now have a better watch so I should upgrade my race segment to 70.3 :) Don’t have enough time for 140.6 and it’s way too hard for me.

[@stoic_turtle2]

Switched over from an Apple Watch ultra. I needed this so bad. Thank you!!

[@divinusfilius3771]

I didn't even know it was literally a stand-alone navigation device! Holly krap I've been under the rock. So glad there's a black version, I'm sure I'll get it as soon as possible.

[@Vivungisport]

Im glad it was a white version. For me black look like an ordinary watch.

[@divinusfilius3771]

@@Vivungisport I do get what you mean! It's quite unique looking in white, the more subtle design language stands out little better. I just know I'll stain it, so black is for me for now. 🍻 🍻!

[@BiG__Disgruntled]

I would love to see Garmin add a nap feature. I'm not a big napper these days but I feel like it would be cool to record and see what data comes out of recording naps

[@kazooduck]

yeah, sometimes as a student I cant fit in good sleep, but maybe 1 or 2 naps after 5am, and my 955 just won't track it

[@charlesxavier8640]

Yeah uhhhh an exercise watch is not for that

[@kazooduck]

@@charlesxavier8640 yeah it has sleep tracking though, why can't it track this sleep

[@JaredPerez-hq1hf]

Has it now. I just got mine and it has been automatically noticing whether it's a nap or full on sleep

[@ShaunakDe]

Mine records naps... using the 965

[@tonycole8709]

Done deal after watching this. Buying the 965

[@fitgearhunter]

Dude - you got a 5 aerobic effect! I'm sure that's hard for you to hit with how much daily load you carry on the norm - must've been some workout! Great video - I just watched to look at the amoled screen while I wait 5-8 weeks to get mine haha

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha, thanks!!!

[@negomi340]

Thanks for this - very useful! (I had to slow it down to 0.75 so you sounded drunk, but with that and a lot of pausing I managed to keep up! )

[@rowe6]

This is a class video, waiting on mine, appreciate the detail - really good

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@JuanMartinez-hj9xm]

This is undoubtedly the best review of the 965. It is one hour long and it is worth it. What could be improved? One single item only: since you are taking over an hour, you may as well take 1h15-20 and try to go through everything in a slightly slower pace.You speak way too fast and that does not always help the viewer to keep up. Rather than that, amazing work! Thanks!

[@ShervinShares]

59:21 I spy Kygo!!! best artist every imo

[@neby_nebs]

i'm with you on the sport modes. they have all the crazy once a year ones but nothing common like basketball or soccer

[@veloz7860]

Thanks for the video. Was hoping you'd start with an overview of the buttons and what they are intended for, and maybe talking a little bit about how the UI is organized. I understand information better if I'm given a context first, and not just given a stream of details.

[@divinusfilius3771]

Omg, what????? This is insane lol, had no clue Garmin poured such insane ammount of effort into their watches, this imo obliterates anyone else, in terms of fitness. This is like a whole lab on your wrist. Only now I realize it was probably always worth the price tag. Plus it does have that amazing battery life, seems like even longer better than Huawei watches?! That's really epic, plus the power of Garmin mapping tech, I really want it now, like, really really want it! Need to get back into shape, this will make it all the more interesting and fun. Thank you for the video efforts, really appreciate it!

[@berndkosnar4111]

Great Summary - thank you! I enjoy the video and set up my 965 while watching ... all I need to know 🙂

[@sallakallio2947]

Thank you so much for this video! :) This was so clear and helpful. I’ve had Polar for as long as I can remember but after watching this video I finally made up my mind to change to Garmin. Gonna buy it now 🤩Super excited about all of these features! Thanks :)

[@erva1976]

Thinking about the same switch - how did it go for you? Still on Garmin or back at Polar?

[@pauldaniel2527]

Very informative Ray, love this, can't wait for it to be released in the UK.

[@NielsGoedvolk]

Thanks for the extensive guide. Going to buy me the 965 instead of the 265, because the maps look really useful to me. After years of running with the (relatively) basic Polar M400 this will be a huge upgrade for me!

[@mussabgasmelseed5079]

Can't wait sleep stages 965 or 265 vs apple watch to see if they update accuracy cause garmin sleep sucks even it use as important factor for data

[@rebecca4508]

Thank you for another fantastic video. Also, so pleased you touched on the issues with VO2 max. In the last few months I've gotten myself a coach, been working towards a marathon and dramatically changed my training, seen my predicted times drop and NO CHANGE to the Vo2 max score. I was finding it disheartening, but now I'm wondering if it's not me, but the watch somehow not updating. Super interesting.

[@Slowhand871]

That’s all a bunch of mojo. The best thing you did is get a coach. Congrats on that and enjoy that marathon!

[@georgibg]

Same here with my Fenix 6X Pro. I have yet to see if this will change with my new FR965. My VO2Max hasn't budged for months except up and down when I run on trails. It's always back at the same number after a couple of days though. Pretty frustrating.

[@ia6980]

​@angrrybird any change with 965 in v02?

[@georgibg]

@@ia6980 Nope. I rely on Stryd Next Gen, it's much more accurate in terms of effort prediction and pacing.

[@waynebinky]

Mine started at a vo2 max of 41. Now after several months I'm around 51-52. Who knows how accurate this is but I'm 58yo so I'll take it!

[@tibbydoe]

Got a FR965 to replace a thrice broken FR645M. I appreciate your guide.

[@aclsass]

Awesome video as always!! To see all those bike trainers in that studio, man I would love to test those out ☺. Another thing if you are switching from a Fenix/Epix to the 965 and you have been using the quarter turn adapter for your bike, you will need to switch to the forerunner bike mount with straps attached as the watch won't click in. DesFit went over this in a video last year about this issue.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed, that is a bit of an annoyance!

[@nrudakov]

9th 😊

[@BikeRunTech]

Sold my 255 music S. Receiving my 965 tomorrow 🎉.

[@georgibg]

Ordered mine the other day. It will arrive by the end of the month. Upgrading from Fenix 6X Pro.

[@bhoomiupasana3747]

Dear DCR, Thank you for your informative video on the usage of the Garmin FR965. It has been an extraordinary and elaborate resource for me as I recently made the switch from a Samsung Watch. I am confident that with the knowledge gained from your video, I will be able to fully utilize the features of the FR965. Sincerely, Srinivas

[@Gabrielerf]

I love your videos, this one is great, thank you so much for cover almost every single detail.

[@Miesjel]

Heel blij met je uitleg! Heb hem besteld. Dank.

[@eleftheriazigiri8403]

Have been watching every single detail of the video to stumble upon the frozen screen that you get when pressing the back button from the controls screen at 55:44 😂 have this in mine too and I was devastated 😂😂 amazingly helpful vid thanks Ray!!

[@Hitch-82]

I have venu 3 ,great watch but I miss all these training features and I'm thinking switch them

[@ericwes7351]

Never noticed folder option on glances. I need to explore further. thank you PS. The options on this Garmin blow me away. My last Garmin was a FR235. PPS. Was intrigued by "heat acclimation", but did not find on my 935.

[@gjsvid]

Thanks for this insightful video. Very helpful!

[@AnthonyLCasey]

I was waiting for the Polar vantage v3 but this may pull me back to Garmin

[@robmcrorie6324]

If the VO2 max is off and all of that data doesnt correlate then all the data is wrong. Crazy to me that point wasnt really emphasized. Essentially you said for some reason the VO2 max doesnt update properly. However that single data point is involved with all the most important metrics.

[@grllaspeak]

I don't buy Garmin's for what I can get with Apple or Samsung. Cause Garmin can't compete with eco system smart watches. Now the 965 should've had a speaker for talk to text. Nice video

[@davidbraswell1481]

I have the ultra but soon as I can get this in stock at best buy its coming home with me I will just have to own two high dollar watches and then maybe the Quatix 7 also as I have a decent sized boat ....I am addicted to these damn watches lol thanks to Ray for all the awesome reviews!!

[@justinhopkins5036]

I agree with you about additional sport modes. I'd love to see indoor or outdoor soccer.

[@TheGizmoGarage]

Thank you for the review Ray, I tried to convince my wife to switch to a 955 from the Fitbit sense and she hated the low res display on the 955, this seems a perfect alternative to the big bulky Epix2 for ladies.

[@Garfie1d73]

The Epix actually is smaller in diameter (by 0.1 mm). But maybe the lugs are smaller. Epix: 47 x 47 x 14,5 mm. 965: 47,1 x 47,1 x 13,2 mm

[@locke1402]

Thickness and weight makes a bigger difference imo. Wish 965 had an S though

[@johnbuchheister9142]

Love your long-form deep dives. I know this is off topic but PLZ do a review of the Casio GBD-H2000. Thnx.

[@erva1976]

27:10 So Training status and VO2 max status are somehow stuck despite your training load increasing and Garmin can’t figure out why? Doesn’t it make the whole point of this watch useless?

[@erva1976]

Ray, did Garmin figure out your VO2 issue?

[@monkeymerv]

Have Garmin improved sleep tracking on this latest forerunner? My fenix 7 never records sleep cycles accurately and rarely shows deep sleep, and as sleep quality is heavily linked to Training readiness, Body battery and Recovery time, it makes these metrics worthless. In contrast my Whoop 4.0 does a much better job and usually shows around 80-90 min of deep sleep, which is where it should be in terms of % Would love to ditch the Whoop subscription

[@tellyawhatmate]

Owned a couple of Fenix, and the forerunner has outlasted both of them. Far better

[@eleftheriazigiri8403]

Also missing deleting notifications by sliding left as it is at the epix!! Hope they add it later😅

[@clingenpeelc]

Great video, regarding V02max, I upgraded front the 935 to the 955 last summer and while my running V02max has not changed as mentioned, my cycling V02max has changed. I do capture power data on the bike. Interesting that I upgraded recently to the HRM PRO, which does allow the watch to capture a power reading while running, and the running V02max is unchanged. I made sure to remove the 935 from the list of devices, thinking that’s what was confusing things, but no luck. I can absolutely say my 935 had variations in running V02max, depending on what type of workouts I was doing.

[@davidmaskew]

Thanks for taking the time to go through all this. I'm still torn between the 955 and this with the screen set to a low brightness. I like the better detail of this screen especially on maps and I'm thinking updates will go on for longer on the 965. Just a shame there's no ECG found on a watch half the price even if it's not that useful it seems odd not to be on a flagship of a series.

[@alexhaschen]

As a Venu 2 Plus owner with the ECG... I have no idea how its helpful and or when I would even want to use it.

[@swampy2b]

If you ever feel light headed, or just “off” in some way, you could take an ecg and make sure the symptoms aren’t related to your ticker.

[@davidmaskew]

@@alexhaschen I can appreciate that it's probably not the best ECG and it's unlikely to be used very much. I just don't understand why a company would bring a feature into the market and then not put it on flagship models within its various ranges. Unless of course they aren't happy with it and are not intending to continue with it.

[@alexhaschen]

@@swampy2b no I don't but I can see how some might find that helpful!

[@vaslek7243]

@@alexhaschen you will only need that feature, probably ONE time in your life... And you will thank garmin for this m8. Trust me I hope and wish, you never need it!

[@Khabib9-z8w]

Am using 945,it already so cool but lcd display is dull comparing to 965 and its touch screen great

[@bradonvega4965]

Im going to watch this video everyday

[@bilal7217]

Hello, To be honest with you I’m more frustrated than ever. I’ve the epix 2 and the AWU and can’t decide which one should I keep. The Epix gives more data but it’s not accurate at all while the AWU is the best accurate watch in the market in every aspect (sleep tracking, heart rate, Vo2 max, Spo2...). With which one should I go ? I’ve no idea. I’ve been watching tons of videos, reading tons of comments and getting tons of confusions. Please help 🙏🙏🙏

[@jonnyc8208]

I have had exactly the same issue. I have ditched the AWU and ordered the 965 and a second hand Apple Watch 7 cellular. That should do the trick for me.

[@Serjenga]

Does anybody recommend getting a screen protector or is the gorilla glass pretty strong enough stuff?

[@14bommerlunder]

You can also double tap the light button for flashlight

[@Dcrainmaker]

Not at launch you couldn't. Since my video, they added it.

[@a.krause790]

Want to upgrade from the 945 but the watch is not available in europe (germany) right now... I have to wait two weeks before I can order... By the way - great video!! Thanks!

[@jrjsax]

I recently purchased a 965 and I am unable to use the touchscreen feature to view or scroll through my map. Touchscreen is enabled for all activities. I reviewed the manual and tried to tap the screen, but nothing happens. Any clue on what I could be doing wrong?

[@ted363636]

Thanks for clarifying screen stuff. Still prefer MIP for its analog watch resemblance and battery. Plus solar charging, although often useless, is a lot more geeky 😉 BTW: do you make some kind of vlogs from your trips? I would love to see some behind the scenes from Florida or Tenerife/Alps when you were filming Fenix/Epix reviews 🙂

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! I do vlog's occasionally, and have a few from last fall I'm still editing in the Alps. Some epic ones! :)

[@divinusfilius3771]

LOL I've been sharing this video since this morning with friends and family, spamming just about everyone, cuz I just had no idea Garmin was this EPIC!!!

[@mariosgeorgiou6647]

Great video and thanks a lot for all the explanations. After spending unsuccessfully 3 hours to find the « race calendar » and taking your video back and forth, may I ask you please to let me know where can I find it? I searched at all apps etc. Thanks a lot

[@moreybrown870]

I've really been enjoying my Fenix 6Pro for the last couple years... but damn. might be time to upgrade. My local running shop already had the 265 in stock.

[@DonGivani]

14:26 Hahaha,it is snowing like crazy right now in Amsterdam (10/03/23), had to abort sprint training because of the slipperiness

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, just got back from tempo run, shorted it from 60 mins to 40 mins due to snow slippage...

[@sk1sy]

You explain specifications nice! But i have to say that you have not mentioned anything about "background color setting" of this watch in activities! Infact this watch with all the glorious stuffs "HAVE NO" background color setting in activities like FR-955!

[@aymenehlasa8863]

Hello Please can we save a locations but not during the activity ? Thanks

[@joeslatt]

Somehow, I have an activity that I completed that is "Treadmill Running." (have had the watch for about a month) I'd love to be able to recreate that with a workout but I can't seem to figure it out.

[@niles_stone2742]

Round trip… you can use 100 units km or miles. So if you are cycling you might want to swap to miles to set that up then you can switch back.

[@SidharthDeshpande]

Great video….just wondering if so many sensors lead to any concerns with cancer from these watches?

[@JakubBogusawskiPL]

Great video! Thanks!

[@angelcolin51]

Will garmin make a solar version of the 965? That would be awesome i want to get the 955 solar but i like the brightness of the 965

[@thani7963]

Great review as always, there is an issue with sleeping if wake-up for 30 min or more between sleep its counted as sleep which will give you the wrong info. Even if you manually want to fixed its not doable.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I haven't had that issue on their newer watches (in the last year or so). Previously, it was an issue, as it would break it (had plenty of experiance with that with young kids). Note that generally a 30-minute gap will be included in the total 'sleep timeframe' but excluded from the 'asleep' timeframe (meaning it'll show it as awake and reduce the amount accordingly).

[@thani7963]

@@Dcrainmaker unfortunately it always happens to me which give wrong data in recovery. Thank you for your response DC.

[@notmedude]

It's hard to enjoy maps when it's so choppy and the bezel is so big. Gotta give it to the workoutdoors. That app runs great on watch half the price of Garmin.

[@Jayy_Arra]

Thank you!!

[@sonitclef8675]

What if your legs feel terrible (and body feels like it too) but your score is like you're being lazy, when should you or shouldn't you listen to the watch in term of readiness

[@paul1458]

I’m gonna be using this watch for predominantly running and then hiking. Can this watch display incline profiles for loaded courses?

[@AlexeyDnepr]

During the day in bright sun where is the display better readable - FR965 or FR955?

[@AlexeyDnepr]

3:05 what model of bike?

[@JaredPerez-hq1hf]

Thanks for this. 🙏🏽

[@jugglerman7]

Great video! Question regarding the maps; what are all the yellow lines already showing in the map? At first I thought it was a heatmap of where I had ran with my previous Garmin Watch, but it doesn’t add up…hope someone can answer this

[@lasereyesss]

Just picked up my first Garmin watch and its the 965! Very excited (coming from a long time Apple Watch user) Thanks a lot, Sir!

[@michellebones]

Can I ask how you feel about the switch from Apple? I’m just thinking about it!

[@carzoparazzo9698]

On offical Garmin Argentina still not there but it will cost like 800 USD for sure.

[@hasimhendem8374]

Thank you for the great video. I try to run 2 days and swim in the pool 2 days in a week. Is there any Garmin models you can recommend in terms of price and performance? Thanks in advance.

[@therealpinkyskull]

The thing is my 745 is RED and has the 7 day load on the display. I can’t give that up.

[@jasper7257]

I have the same one, love it! But missing the maps so looking to upgrade to 955 or this.

[@rhfritz]

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.

[@BiG__Disgruntled]

My biggest hesitation is the curved display. Gorilla glass seems to get weaker and less scratch resistant with each generation. I wear my 945 constantly, play contact sports and don't really baby it. Screen protectors have saved my watchface often enough. I feel like this design is a ploy to generate more repairs. Going to wait until I find a SP with great reviews.

[@ayowser01]

Supershieldz tpu; not impact resistant, but it nearly vanishes and provides scratch protection.

[@elinamichailidou914]

Would you maybe know if the activity background colour can be updated to white? The 965 does not seem to have this option in the activity settings. The screen brightness does the trick for most of them, but struggling with open water swimming due sunlight glare.

[@Ucrankdat1-lx8bl]

I am new to the smartwatch community. This is a weird thing of mine, but can i add a daily checklist that will refresh every day, and I manually get to go check it off?

[@stevenm2949]

I prefer the 965 because of the better battery life. I worry it’s too large of a watch and won’t be comfortable to sleep in and wear all the time. What has been the user experience regarding comfort for the 965