Review: The Garmin Forerunner 165
Note: this was purchased by me, and not a promotional item/given to me for purposes of review.
As a runner who has spent years with various Garmin watches, I’ve come to appreciate the journey from a basic running device to sophisticated training tech. My experience started with the Garmin 920 XT, a fantastic entry point into the world of running watches. I then upgraded to the feature-rich 955, which introduced me to a new world of recovery metrics and advanced features. But after my 955 broke, I realized I didn’t necessarily need every single feature available, just the right ones for my needs as a marathoner and triathlete.
My goal was simple: find a running watch that offered the perfect blend of essential training features without the hefty price tag of the ultra-premium Garmin models. After some research, I landed on the Garmin Forerunner 165. After using it for a month, I’m happy to report that the experience has been better than I expected.
A Brighter, More Enjoyable Display
One of the first things that stood out to me was the watch’s display. In the last three years, Garmin’s watch faces have become so much more colorful, bright, and enjoyable to look at. The OLED interface, with its vibrant colors, makes the watch look nicer across the board, from the various glances to the text messages that come in. It’s a small detail, but being able to clearly read a text on the watch face is a cool and useful feature.
All the Right Features at the Right Price
For me, the best part is the price. For a runner who is taking training seriously, the 165 hits a sweet spot, providing all the necessary recovery stats—Body Battery, Sleep Score, resting heart rate, and HRV—to take training to the next level beyond just pace. It also provides elevation data for my runs. I was also pleased to find that it picks up satellites fairly quickly. While not as immediate as my previous 955, it’s a huge improvement over some of the very low-cost Garmins that are known to have trouble with satellite accuracy and pace timing.
Small, Light, and Surprisingly Accurate
The Garmin 165 is very small and light, even more so than the 955. While it might not seem like a huge difference on paper, the mental peace of having less weight on your wrist during a run is a definite plus. It feels like the watch isn’t any bigger than it needs to be, which is perfect.
And speaking of a great experience, I have to mention the customer support I’ve received from Garmin over the years. When my previous 955 broke past its warranty, I had low expectations, but they offered a free replacement from their refurbished stock. That kind of support has made me a loyal Garmin customer for life.
Final Thoughts
The Garmin 165 is a great fit for serious runners who are ready to take their training to the next level. It has all the essential features you need to monitor recovery and gain insights into your body, all at a reasonable price. I’ve even shared my old watch with my partner, hoping to get her hooked on the insights that running data can provide.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to keep up with daily life, understanding your body’s data can have a positive impact on your quality of life. The Garmin 165 is a great tool for that.