Comprehensive Review: Garmin Forerunner 165

Garmin continues to solidify its position as a leader in wearable fitness technology with the release of the Forerunner 165. This mid-range running watch is designed to cater to both casual runners and serious athletes, offering a balance of advanced features and user-friendly design. Here’s an in-depth look at what the Garmin Forerunner 165 has to offer.

Design and Build Quality

The Forerunner 165 boasts a sleek and lightweight design, making it comfortable for all-day wear. Its round, 1.2-inch colour display is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The watch features a durable, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens and a sturdy silicone band that can withstand the rigours of daily use and intense workouts. The watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities.

Key Features

1. Advanced GPS Tracking:
   • The Forerunner 165 excels in GPS accuracy, offering multi-satellite system support (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) to ensure precise tracking of your routes, distances, and pace. Whether you're running in an urban environment or on a remote trail, you can rely on accurate data.
2. Heart Rate Monitoring:
   • Equipped with Garmin’s Elevate™ wrist-based heart rate monitor, the Forerunner 165 continuously tracks your heart rate, providing valuable insights into your fitness and performance. It also features advanced metrics like heart rate variability (HRV) and stress tracking.
3. Training and Performance Analysis:
   • The watch includes a range of performance metrics to help you optimize your training. VO2 max estimates, training status, and training load assessments provide a comprehensive view of your fitness level and recovery. The watch also offers personalised training plans and adaptive coaching through Garmin Coach.
4. Smart Features:
   • Stay connected with smart notifications for calls, texts, emails, and app alerts. The Forerunner 165 also supports music control, allowing you to manage your playlists directly from your wrist. Integration with Garmin Pay™ provides a convenient contactless payment option.
5. Battery Life:
   • One of the standout features of the Forerunner 165 is its impressive battery life. It lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 36 hours in GPS mode, making it ideal for long-distance runners and endurance athletes.
6. Health and Wellness Tracking:
   • Beyond running, the Forerunner 165 offers a suite of health and wellness features, including sleep tracking, body battery energy monitoring, and women’s health tracking. These features help you maintain a holistic view of your overall health.
7. Customization and Connectivity:
   • The watch is highly customizable with a wide range of watch faces, data fields, and apps available through the Garmin Connect IQ™ store. Seamless integration with the Garmin Connect app allows for detailed activity analysis, goal setting, and community interaction.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Forerunner 165 stands out with its quick and accurate GPS lock, consistent heart rate monitoring, and detailed activity tracking. The user interface is intuitive, and navigating through menus and settings is straightforward. The responsive touchscreen and physical buttons provide versatile control options, ensuring ease of use during various activities.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Accurate GPS and heart rate tracking
• Long battery life
• Comprehensive training and performance metrics
• Lightweight and comfortable design
• Robust health and wellness features
• Customisable and connected ecosystem

Cons:

• No built-in music storage
• Lack of advanced navigation features (compared to higher-end models)
• Limited third-party app support

Conclusion

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a well-rounded running watch that offers a rich set of features for both casual and serious athletes. Its accurate tracking, extensive health and fitness metrics, and impressive battery life make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their performance and overall well-being. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, its balance of functionality and affordability makes it an excellent choice in the mid-range market.

Whether you’re training for your first 5K or looking to take your marathon training to the next level, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is equipped to support your journey.