I Ran 100 Miles with the Garmin Forerunner 965 - My Settings / Battery Life Explained!

[@tattooed_dude]

Huge props for completing the ultra, seriously impressive!

[@redos111]

And this is why I like your channel - you test watches not only for review but use it on racing

[@PTOnTheTrail]

I wore my 965 during the VT100 and finished with 6% battery remaining after 28.5 hours. I set the brightness to the minimum and the timeout to 4 seconds. I didn’t use navigation during the race, but I did leave the GPS set to “auto select.” For my next 100-miler, I’ll definitely switch to GPS-only!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for sharing and awesome to see another data point on this with similar settings! I think by using "Auto-Select" the watch likely reverted to "All Systems" since most of the course is under heavy tree cover . GPS-Only will take a slight sacrifice in terms of accuracy but I'm sure you'd agree with me when I say superb accuracy isn't super important at these long events! Thanks again!

[@SurirPi7]

Did you have the always on display activated?

[@PTOnTheTrail]

@@SurirPi7 No. I set the timeout to 4 seconds.

[@ОлегСурженко-с7ж]

Data recording, smart record or every second also plays a big role

[@michaelanderberg]

Congrats on completing the 100-mile Ultra, that’s seriously impressive! Interesting topic, very useful, thanks!

[@username65585]

Ran a 100K with an Apple Watch Ultra (1st Gen) earlier this year. Always on display off, theater mode on (disables raise to wake), brightness on lowest, low power mode, and full GPS accuracy. After running for 14:51 I went from 100% down to 22% battery. Extrapolating out, 100% should be good for around 19 hours.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Pretty impressive!

That is really good for an AWU.

[@username65585]

@@Jay151 Nope, Apple Watch doesn’t support navigation in workouts and I had AOD off.

[@hwjgage]

It'll be interesting to see what AWU can do in super low power mode after Sept '24. My guess is, if you are prepared to forgo constant HR tracking and you are on known roads or trails, it'll deliver ~50hrs with a high degree of route accuracy. Even recently (in my testing) using low power with GPS at every one minute, the watch fell back on Apple maps data which now appears to include known trails, so I ended up with a highly accurate route map and power usage at between 1-2% per hour. Obvs, not so special on the HR front, but over 50k or more I'm really not that fussed.

[@dutchovenguy]

Congratulations on an impressive run! Many thanks for all the settings. The 965 is really the sweet spot in the Garmin line right now because of its light weight and full functionality. My other watch is an Apple ultra and I won't live without an AMOLED display.

[@splatmatt]

Great tips! Just a note these AMOLED watches have a brightness sensor. So even when you set the brightness to the lowest setting... if you are in bright room or outdoors on a bright day the watch will simply start at the setting you defined and brighten up accordingly. So many times your watch was probably running at the brightest setting during the day, but around sunset, twilight, dusk and night the screen would not brighten as much or remain at the user configured level.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

For sure! I think the course at this race was a good example though. Lots of sections in full sun, lots under heavy tree cover!

[@40beyondfashion]

Congratulations on completing the race really impressive 💪 from yourself and not forgetting Garmin 🎉. Now I know my Garmin Epic 2 will last for my 100 mile race. Regards from South Africa 🇿🇦 Cape Town. Awesome video as always.

[@toptrigger]

I ran the pinhoti 100 with the 965. Basically the same settings as you except I used SatIQ, turned Bluetooth and wifi off. I had 25% left after 25.5 hours.

[@chrisking6448]

Another great video!! I love the battery life of the Garmins and COROS devices and Dave- your battery testimonial is seriously impressive but I can’t seem to break free from my AWU 😂

[@SimeonKremzowTennie]

Congrats on completing the ultra! Great to see in-depth how to set thewatch properly for such runs!

[@jasonlavere5071]

Great video! Just the kind of info people need to hear about. I had thought about choosing another brand based off battery life, but it's clear you can tune the Garmin's to get more out of them 👍

[@KnigthMare69]

I got my 165 music about 2 months ago, now I’m looking forward to change it for a 965, this video is quite helpful, even though I won’t be doing any ultramarathons - might start triathlons though. And congratulations on your completion😊

[@DingDong-fq2mo]

Well done on rhe race. Super useful info on the watch, too.

[@Gabrielerf]

Great video, the Garmin 965 is one of the best watches in the market. thanks for sharing.

[@kenknepper5226]

Congrats on your finish,I’m not a “warm weather” ultra runner. Will use these settings on my 955 for 100 miler in October. Always enjoy your videos.

[@justinhongphotography]

Great video! Exactly the info I was looking for especially with navigation on! Thanks Dave!

[@lucasesteves6324]

excellent content man, really useful! i’m about to get this watch and i don’t care paying full price for it because it’s meant to last for years on. thanks for the data!

[@adyton]

A very useful content. Thanks and congrats for the 100 miler!

[@DouglassJ]

So good to know. I was afraid to consider the 965 because I didn't want to mess with charging during long events like VT.

[@nobushan4100]

Haha! Congratulations Dave runner 78 on your VT100! My time is literally just seconds ahead of you (I’m bib #281 just FYI). Thanks for the review!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@nobushan4100 awesome! We must have crossed paths out there! Congrats!

[@OrdMandrell1]

Hah! Thanks for this. I can't count on one hand the number of useful videos that show the sorts of settings needed for ultras. My own Epix Gen 2 Pro ran out of juice halfway through a 110 miler because I had every bell and whistle turned on so I know how the wrong settings can make a race more difficult.

[@luboyanev]

Playing offline music on the watch drains them super fast too. If it's through bluetooth, playing the music on the phone and controlling it from the watch doesn't have the same effect. Congrats on your ultra!

[@NickW90]

2:20 data screens color. This is a small thing but it’s one thing I liked about the 965 is that you can change the color. On the epix and marq you can’t

[@pedrovorpholiveira9154]

Obrigado, Dave. Realmente o 965 é uma máquina. Tenho o Epix (e recentemente também o 965) mas o peso pluma do 965 é muito confortável, sobretudo para corridas de longa distância. Espero que já estejas recuperado. Abraço desde Portugal

[@wanhamidiaziz346]

Thanks for this review man, I have an ultra coming yup, this gives me peace of mind 🎉

[@medicalgenious]

Thnx for your great video's. I am moving from polar to garmin, but still making my mind up wich one. 965 is on my wishinglist

[@nostoneunturned6291]

I think I charged my Epix 51 mm a week ago but I honestly am having trouble remembering the last time I charged it. True story! Love my Garmin 😎

[@tommyrunner]

I hardly thinking between this one and Vertical Suunto Solar. Thanks for Video

[@tonywhite5883]

Cracking video. That said I am way off this level. I was running and cycling and hiking and swimming until maybe 10 months ago then heart said nope! Two operations later and now in cardiac rehab and just getting out on bike and walking, keeping heart rate low as per advice but building up. I have found my FR55 to be great for my needs at the moment - no ultra anything for bit. That said, I enjoy this type of content, and from other quality channels, and appreciate the effort you go to here. Great vid too with Mark Lewis… he got me off my butt to Parkruns here in. Top chap.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks! Mark's the man!

[@frankniethardt1813]

I never did a marathon or even an ultra, but I have replaced my Fenix 6S Pro with an Epix Pro a while ago. Both have about the same battery life for my usage. Even more the Fenix 6S Pro fully charged claimed 9 days of battery life that reduces quite quickly when you do activities. A couple of runs or walks over a week give me about 5 to 7 days with the Fenix 6S Pro. The Epix Pro fully charged claims 6 days. So I was a bit nervous how much it had left after my first run with it for an hour or so. Over the weeks I learned that I get about those 6 days even with various activities for 30-60 minutes on every of those days, what is quite impressive. The only time it was feelable shorter has been on holiday as I tracked our hiking over the days. I got only 3 to 4 days in that case, but I think the Fenix 6S Pro would have been about the same...

[@Panagiotis-Skordilis]

Touch affects battery life, you can check it right away from drop down menu or with controls menu :)

[@ajm1352]

I leave touch on " maps only" but yes turning off the touchscreen helps with battery life. With the touchscreen off it adds 3 days of battery to my watches estimated days of battery life left

[@tombargerstock3419]

Great info Dave! Thanks

[@GravurUnmasked]

Wonderful video, Chase🤣 I think i don’t need your tips tho since i have a fenix 7x which is a BEAST and since I‘m not planning to do a 100 miler anytime soon🤯 but i will come back if that is gonna change👍

[@MichaelDavis-uu9zh]

Have to love Garmin’s battery life. I upgraded from an Apple that would die in 10 hours to a fenix 7 pro solar with 21 days of battery. Game changer!

[@Andrii_Shved]

Is the mip screen enough for you for comfortable everyday use? I am choosing between fenix epix and forerunner 965 so l am looking for an advice.

[@MichaelDavis-uu9zh]

To be honest I don’t use the map too often. Most of my training are routed I know or marked trails. I will say it works I’m just not proficient 😊

[@richardjablonski5893]

Just curious Dave you have the epic pro gen 2 51mm I believe sorry if I am wrong but what was your decision in not using that? I know you had plenty of battery left on the forerunner 965 but I am sure for the epix you could have left all systems gps on and still had a lot to spare. Just curious what went into the decision on what watch to wear if there was any? Great video very helpful!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Truth is I'm spoiled and have access to just about every modern day GPS watch on the market. I'm drawn to the Forerunner 965 because of its light weight, larger display, and lower profile feeling on the wrist. The Epix would be perfect for this kind of event as well.

[@ahmedelshahawi]

great video thanks for the effort, I was on a budget and I usually go on runs 4 times a week and lift 3 times a week. i did not like coros. would you recommend the FR265, FR955, or really save up and get the 965. I feel like the 265 might be the best option as a future proof because it is new. but also the 955 is one of the top dogs and is still future proof. I think I didn't like coros due to the MIP maybe, which brings me back to the 265. what do you think?

[@philipcoates11]

Great video dave :-)

[@jeffreymartinez5981]

27 hours of just running....jesus khrist good on you!!

[@bonn1771]

Solid setup

[@sunserfer]

Thankf for sharing and congrats with completing so long and difficult trail! Considering the settings - did you keep it connected to a phone via Bluetooth or turned it off?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yes, it was connected to my phone via bluetooth the entire time. I also had the watch connected to a Garmin InReach Messenger so I could read incoming messages from my family while moving!

[@sunserfer]

Wow, really impressive for FR965! I did 40k mount trail last month with the same settings (only Auto select mode for gps) and it took ~40% of battery for 8h35min

[@mck1598]

I think your video pretty much ideally explains why garmin is finally moving to amoled screens, and I think they will ditch the MIP technology sooner rather than later. Recently I showed my friend some watches at a garmin store and when she saw the old screen with mip she just commented "no way". Even the seller couldn't really explain the advantages to the average person. Also, how many people actually do so many hardcore ultra runs? The average person would prefer less battery life but more speed and better cpu on those things. My epix pro is super slow and gets laggy when I turn on fje navigation. Otherwise, congrats on your performance 💪

[@frstesiste7670]

Great to see OLED getting there, clearly usable for many activities. Personally, for hiking (and travel) I prefer a watch that I can just wear and not another device that needs daily (ideally weekly) charging. Still the OLED screens look much better so it's not an easy tradeoff.

[@stevendeckert6373]

I charge my 965 once every 10-14 days depending on how many training hours I'm doing (usually 5-10 hours/week, all outdoors).

[@nolanrome]

Great information and congratulations Dave! Do you use a screen protector or film on your watch?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@nolanrome thanks! Yep I use a cheap film protector from Amazon

[@carlbarnes1821]

On the Map page you can add 1 or 2 data fields. I don't find it interferes with reading the Map. I have Lap Pace and Lap Time on my 965 map. You can have 3 data fields, but then the Map only shows on 1/2 the screen and the 3 Data on the other 1/2 with a black background.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

For sure. I prefer just to have a single unobstructed map page but having some data on there can be nice!

[@ryancolleran245]

What would be the main difference between the Trail Run and Ultra Run in the Garmin activities? Any reason for selecting one over the other? Awesome video and race recap!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The "Ultra Run" activity profile has a feature that lets you time how long you spent at aid stations. This is a manual button press at every aid station to set in/out points. After the activity you can then see a metric for how much time was "wasted" at aid stations to let you optimize your run next time. I personally don't bother with this as it adds too much distraction from my activity but it could be useful at shorter events like 50K, or 100K.

[@ryancolleran245]

@@ChaseTheSummit Thank you for the explanation on the key differences

[@voranopyoung6435]

265 i close also HR run 100k , 13 hr , remain >50%

[@supo_sk]

GPS only is in some cases more accurate than other combinations.

[@emanC94]

So the new Fenix with the OLED display shall be fine I guess... 🤔 I still love my 7 series though 😅

[@ChaseTheSummit]

MIP displays are still awesome. In some ways I prefer them for their ability to sort of “get out of the way” and be less distracting like an analog watch. But it’s hard to deny that amoled is the future at this point!

[@1111italia1111]

Bro im looking for my first running watch ever, i do trail too training and races. i use only strava premium and my iphone, im looking for this garmin vs coros pace pro or suunto race s. i know metrics are BS cuz they never the same in distance and elevation even on official races. but well i think it's time for me to get one ! ahah

[@przemkos23]

Which one would you choose if it comes to battery life 955 or 965?

[@chriscarpunky]

Any screen protector recommendations?

[@eddietaikokfoo]

Why GPS not trying to mode Auto Select? I thought Garmin has advance technology under this mode for saving battery. Anyway, to mitigate low battery risk for 160miles run I think you choose GPS mode only should be very best call indeed.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Auto select would have most likely worked but I didn't want to take any chances. This wasn't about making a video, it was about making sure my race was successful lol.

[@factsudidintknowabout]

Hi, great vid. Just have one question: how does the battery life compare with gps only and ultratrack? Thanks

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Ultratrack is much longer but honestly I avoid that at all costs. The accuracy is terrible.

[@jonathantimm4645]

Epic!

[@constantinvijoli]

1 million dollar question: is it still worth buying the FR 965 for $590 or the Epix Pro Gen 2, 51mm steel for $1050 now, or should I wait for the new models to arrive in fall-winter? Maybe FR 965 than Epix Pro...

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@constantinvijoli that’s really up to you and your wallet. The 965 is like 99% of what the Epix is without the flashlight and build quality. I like its lighter weight and screen/body ratio.

[@carlospagos89]

i have fenix 6 pro and my battery goes down 5% every hour but could have some battery degrgation by now and also i have an external HR strap attached

[@stevendeckert6373]

The external HR actually saves quite a bit of battery. The battery on the 965 is much bigger (it's the battery from the enduro 2) than the fenix 6 battery. The amoled screen takes up less room I guess.

[@coffeemuncher01]

Get a one time 50 percent off discount with garmin through work. Thinking about getting this one or the 265

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Great deal!

[@matthiasschorghofer7129]

Congrats to that race. Did you have bluetooth and wireless turned on? You could even save a little bit more. It is so great to see your videos. Not like the normal testers. Testing everything out of the box and that’s it. I have always been searching for videos like that until I saw your channel. Many thanks 🙂👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yes, Bluetooth on the entire time so I could read incoming messages from my phone and inreach without getting my phone out.

[@pg5470]

Garmin Forerunner 965 or Suunto Vertical? Which one is better?

[@darren6028]

Touch screen reduces battery life. The Epix pro battery indicator decreases when you turn on the touch screen.

[@mirmohsanalitalpur5884]

Any cheap alternative?

[@zoltantokarszki3064]

really love this watch (using it for 2 months now), but i don't know how to get battery drain data from FIT file like that 8:08 ... :(

[@ChaseTheSummit]

DC Rainmakers Analyzer tool!

[@zoltantokarszki3064]

@@ChaseTheSummit Thank you!!!!

[@nzhiker]

Welp, looks like I'm getting a FR965 for ironman training

[@ryanlemley7736]

I've a Garmin forerunner 945...it died at mile 49 of my 100K in April. I'm thinking i probably had the settings screwed up or the battery just won't last that long. Maybe an upgrade is due? :)

[@MyViewon_Life]

Hey there Chase! Hope you're doing well, I am looking at buying a used fenix 6s, do you think that is a watch that is worthy still in 2024-2025? I would like to use it for some races as well and eventually a 100 miler so I am not sure if this is a good option, thank you in advance for any input you may give me. I understand its an old watch but working with a budget means old is best hahaha

[@stevendeckert6373]

If working with a budget I would get a new 265 or 265s. They have all the features of the 965 and more than the fenix 6 except breadcrumb only for navigation- no base map.

[@marioplus321]

I guess shifting to gps only was crucial to battery life.

with Suunto Vertical no battery problem 🤣

[@АлексейЛ-в9ж]

Нихрена не понял😅 Но если речь о времени записи, то у меня зарядилась 26 с половиной часов на 100 милях. Даже осталось 7% после финиша.

[@aliasgharkhoyee9501]

How was the stamina displayed in this race, did Garmin recognise this time that you can keep going for more than 5 hours?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It went from 100% to 1% after 9 hours of running during this event.

[@aliasgharkhoyee9501]

@@ChaseTheSummit Oh how disappointing, I wonder why it didn't use your previous successful 100 miler as a data point.

[@Sinasi08]

You think you would have been able to complete this ultra with SatIQ?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Check out the comments in this video. Another person who ran this race with the same watch had it in SatIQ mode and made it with only a few percent to spare at 28 hours and change. So it seems do-able but too close for comfort in my opinion. I'd rather set GPS-Only and simply not worry about it.

[@krsma236]

Since you ran 100 miles both with 955 and 965 which one did you prefer more during 100 miles race?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@krsma236 I’m a fan of the Amoled!

[@jovecvetanoski4057]

What do you think between fenix 7 47mm (base model) and 265? Fenix is ​​$50 more...overall

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Depends what you're looking for. The Fenix is a big tank of a watch even though they both state "47mm" form factors or similar. The 265 is plastic and much lighter weight and feels lower profile. The Fenix has full mapping/navigation... 265 does not. I think you need to decide which features are the most important and go from there.

[@jovecvetanoski4057]

@@ChaseTheSummit I need to get one tomorrow, your recommendation? It really matters to me

[@hassanszaidi9]

If you play golf fenix is really good 265 doesn't have golf features

[@jovecvetanoski4057]

@@hassanszaidi9 walking, running, hiking, cycling...I will also connect speed and cadence, and hrm pro

[@username65585]

So, based on your testing, if you had gps set to all systems, it would not have lasted?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I think it could but it might be close. I would guess around 25-27 hours in "All Systems". I don't think it would have made it with Multi-Band enabled though. There are a lot of variables that determine battery life which is why it makes adding specs so difficult! Reality is over the course of a 100 mile event having perfect accuracy isn't really that important.

[@johnl1275]

Can a Garmin forerunner 965 be set to auto-splits and also take manual splits, but show both types in Garmin connect after the run is done? I tried this the other day and it did not seem to work.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Yes

[@johnl1275]

@@ChaseTheSummit Okay cool. I must have a setting wrong then. Thanks

[@blitzenJunior]

I have problem with my Garmin Forerunner 965. I just got it btw. But sometimes when I turn my wrist it doesn't show the time, idk why is like that, its annoying:/ How can I fix it??

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Are you using a screen protector? I've noticed with one applied sometimes the gesture raise to wake gets confused.

[@blitzenJunior]

@@ChaseTheSummit No screen protector!

[@johnpascal2651]

Would it be possible to run a 50k with a forerunner 165?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Easily

[@Faileduserattempt]

Just got my 965 ton replace my Epix 2, perfect timing on this video!

[@simaomarques99]

Why the change? I’m stuck between the two 😅

[@Faileduserattempt]

@@simaomarques99 The Epix started rattling on the inside when vibrating, and it felt a bit heavy on my skinny wrist. So I let my girlfriend have it and bought the 965. So far, very happy with it. It's smaller footprint fits me better, and the weight difference with a nylon strap is noticable when moving the arm around. Much more noticable than I thought it would be. I even managed to get a 100 in sleep score today 😂 might be unrelated but still! If I could and it existed though, I'd buy an Epix 3 pro in 45 mm. I miss the ruggedness of it!

[@KingPickler]

So in theory a coros pace 3 could last this long too

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Probably in GPS-Only but I haven't tested it first hand. The MIP display certainly helps.

[@JPG-Sweden]

You should have used a Whoop on your bicep for a fun comparing of numbers. I belive you hade one at another clip? Not many people going on ultra marathons like you do... Hopefully you will share more data later on. And one other question. Because you did make it with battery to spare, would it been possible to use all GNSS data with all satellites on and still have some battery left?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I'll be diving through some of the data from the Garmin and Oura Ring I was wearing during this one. I thought about adding another watch + whoop but ultimately prioritized my success at this race over collecting lots of metrics for KZbin videos lol. 27 hours is a long time to wear like 4 different devices. In terms of the "all systems" mode another commenter posted on this video who also ran this exact race with the 965 and had it in All Systems mode. They finished a little over 28 hours and only had a few percent left on the battery. So yes, it can be done but not enough of a safety buffer for me!

[@GarminPro]

Coros would have let you just keep things normal and still finish with plenty of battery life lol

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Depends on the model. But yeah the MIP displays help quite a bit. I’m curious to see what happens when COROS inevitably is forced to move into amoled displays by consumer demand. 🤔

[@Ithorian]

I still think this watch is too expensive

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Really? $599 seems like a bargain considering it's got 99% of the features of the Epix/Fenix Pro at substantially less money. It's also on sale quite often these days!

[@tadejdanev5030]

omg dude how? :)

[@QuantumFantasy]

Wow I got here early