Garmin Forerunner 165 /// An Unbiased In-depth Review
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 8 июн 2024
- Garmin’s new Forerunner 165 is basically Garmin's entry level running watch and it's fantastic but it's missing some odd features.
Best place to buy the 165:
amzn.to/4aTMtkQ
The FR 255 is also on sale:
amzn.to/4bOmuwP
FR 165 Screen Protectors:
amzn.to/3VvUyrJ
Extra Watch Band options (20mm):
amzn.to/45hXtrp
More gear I use : kit.co/mlegrand
Some rad shirts: cottonbureau.com/people/matt-...
More shirt options: teespring.com/stores/swim-bik...
Music for this video was from Epidemic Sound : bit.ly/epidemicsoundRef
I seem to always be online somewhere:
Strava: / strava
Instagram: / matt_legrand
Twitter: / matt_legrand
Facebook: / mlegrand
Website: mattlegrand.com/
DISCLAIMER:
Some of these links are affiliate links, if you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my channel and allowing me to continue to make triathlon content!
Tags used:
Best GPS Watch,Garmin,Garmin 165,Garmin Forerunner,Garmin Forerunner 165,Garmin Forerunner 165 review,top garmin watch,affordable garmin watch,cheap gps watch,value gps watch,cheap garmin,affordable garmin,Garmin Forrunner,165,fr 165,Forerunner 165,Forerunner 165 review,165 review,fr 165 review,best Garmin watch,garmin watch review,gps watch review,top gps watches,under 300,under 200,amoled,why garmin,best running watch,top running watch 
Спорт
Thanks for checking this one out!
Best place to buy the 165:
amzn.to/4aTMtkQ
The FR 255 is also on sale:
amzn.to/4bOmuwP
FR 165 Screen Protectors:
amzn.to/3VvUyrJ
Extra Watch Band options (20mm):
amzn.to/45hXtrp
Just looking for first watch. Can I ask about the watch durability? Like if i accidentally drop it to the ground, or bump it to the door, or if i falling from a bike ride, would it easily be broken? And can i expect this watch to last 3-4 years ? Really appreciate your work matt.❤
@@khueta2804 - There are more durable watches on the market for sure but they also cost a good bit more. This watch uses a strong material similar to your smartphone so it can take an occasional beating but it can definitely be scratched up. You can see some very close up shots in this video of my watch after about 2 months of usage. I also linked a screen protector which I recommend using. 🤷🏻♂️ And yes, I would expect about 2-4 years or so. Lithium ion batteries tend to degrade over time. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
@@mlegrand thanks a lot for the reply. I don't care much about the looks so i don't have any problems with scratches on the watch. I'm just afraid it would stop working or functionality like heart rate measurement go wrong, etc.. So base on your answer I guess I shouldn't worry about that 🥰
I'm repeating myself...
For all considering the 165 you might as well check out the "old" 255! Apart from training readyness and the AMOLED touch display it has basically the same features as the 265 but nowadays for the price of the 165 (at least in Germany/Europe when on sale). So if you can live without AMOLED and touch the 255 is definitely the better pick over the 165.
Bigger display with Gorilla glass, better battery life, triathlon plus power meter support, much more sport profiles, better GPS options, advanced training analysis like training load and training focus, more data fields per each page during an activity.
Don't get me wrong, the 165 is a super nice little watch to get you into (running) sports. But given the fact that the Forerunner 255 is about the same price now I personally would go for it.
Very good point. I think this comes down to that AMOLED screen vs the extra features on the 255. But the 255 has been fantastic for me in the past. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
@@mlegrand
You're welcome! Thank you for your awesome work here on RUclips! 💪💪💪
Have to agree, i absolutely love my FR255. I'm surprised it doesn't get more praise, it's a great watch.
Where can I buy 255 ? It's not in shops anymore
@@chimeluoezechukwu1996 - Here's where I've seen it discounted: amzn.to/4ca5jWa
Ohh the battery life comparison. Ace!!! :) Fantastic editing and video as always :)
Glad you liked it!!! You know me. I love the editing part of the process!
Your videos are always highly entertaining, good work. Props for not forgetting older but still very capable watches like the 255 too!
The 255 is one of my favorites. I had very accurate data with that watch. I'm also seeing it on sale at the moment. Take care Rob!
"I guess I'm just cheap". No, you're considered. Love your videos, keep it up.
Thank you!
Love love love the new battery graphs!
They might be getting some reuse here. 🤷🏻♂️
As always a great review. You also grew up running without technology like me. I ran high school and college cross country before gps watches (or before I knew about them). I used to track my miles in a notebook. Lost that notebook in 2001 when my townhome flooded. I love all my gps watches now ( I have several from Garmin, Suunto, and 2 from Coros. My Epix Pro titanium is my favorite, with my Suunto Race and Vertical being close second but I like the simple lightweight Coros Pace 3, especially for track workouts and matching my race kits😂😂😂. My 50 year old self loves all of this gps watch technology. I normally gift my watches to our local high school or young runners in my local running group. The 165 is perfect for high school and college runners.
That’s exactly right. I didn’t have a GPS watch until after my collegiate running was over. I actually still feel that some of those older watches were better for things like track workouts. 🤔
Hope all is well buddy. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
I’ve been waiting for this review since I bought my FR165M almost three months ago just to validate my purchase 😂 but I would say this is great for someone like me who just started getting into running.. three months ago! Yes - I decided I wanted to start running, and I was looking for a replacement for my broken AWS6 so AMOLED is definitely an item in the list. This is the cheapest one out there that checks out all the boxes - great display, amazing fitness features that provide structured training plans for a beginner, and does not break the bank (too much). I love this thing. 😊
Great review as always! Better A-roll of you than the previous (I think you went to town with the vignette - the corners were very dark haha). One of the best quality fitness watch reviewers out there for sure.
Exactly! This is a watch that I'll be recommending to a lot of people. It's a very solid option. Sorry it took me so long to get this review out the door. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
Garmin accuracy... always a tough task to communicate during a concise video. Another nice wearable review & a fabulous intro 🤠
Yeah, it’s tricky to communicate that bit and I’m not sure I did it justice here. Oh well. 🤷🏻♂️
I use a Fenix 7 Pro. I’m only watching this video because Matt made it. Always bangers.
Wow, thank you so much!!!
Love this video! Great work. 😊
Wow, thank you 🙏
A small correction: Dual frequency does not mean connecting to multiple types of satellites at the same time; this happens also in "all systems" mode. Dual frequency means getting signals of two different frequencies from the same satellite. Garmin has a page for that, titled "What is dual frequency/multi-band GPS?".
Thanks for the correction Shlomy. I say in here "multiple types of satellite systems". But it's getting duel signals on different frequencies from multiple types of satellites and satellite systems.
I like the « kind of » Portishead instrumental intro 🔊
Yeah, I had to mix the audio a little bit to make it all fit together with the timing but I got the song from Epidemic Sound. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
I decided to go with 165 for my son. It's a great watch for kids. Not too big, easy to use and colourful. The screen is so flashy with It's design, that my Descent Mk3i looks sad beside it.
Is your son running XC or track? Best of luck to you both and Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
@@mlegrand we have a different use case here. Main Sport for him i Taekwon-Do and he tracks his training indoors. We try to run together some times but I run a bit less after my knee injury. But main idea is to track overall activity.
Amazing editing as always as someone who follows this
Great points. The non power meter biking blows my mind. But as a high school teen who did xc, swim, outdoor track this would have been perfect for me
the swim features I might point to my sister if they had the triathlon mode
Happy training
Thank you! It’s a good option for a certain person. Hope training by is going well and thank you for always watching these videos. 👍
@@mlegrand no problem when is your next race?
@@bonn1771 - I haven't signed up for anything here. I might do a small triathlon here at the end of the summer called the Columbia River Triathlon. It's a fun one.
Just picked up the 165 Music, having Spotify podcasts on the weekday runs is great without the phone. Weekend runs in areas with potential bear sighting I prefer to be more aware! First run with it today after configuring everything the day before including the new firmware to version 19.18. I turned off the touch screen completely as I like buttons. Trail run setting to show Distance, Pace, Avg Pace and Cadence -- HR, avg HR, Power (still trying to understand that metric) -- Current Elevation, Elevation Gain and Grade -- ToD and Event Time on the pages. I agree with you that All-Systems is really all that's needed, I've been fine with plain old GPS in the past so Dual-GPS may or may not be a benefit. The clarity of the screen is excellent, no issues there. Great review Matt, thanks for the info on helping me make my choice!
Be very bear aware out there!!! Glad you’re enjoying this one. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
Love your reviews. Do you ever review the Garmin Marq watches?
Not yet! Hopefully some day. Those watches are very cool. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
Thanks for the review it was very helpful, the 165 is suitable for my needs especially coming from a Apple Watch
Awesome, glad it was helpful in some small way. I think there might be things you’ll miss about the Apple Watch but the 165 is a fantastic training tool. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
@@mlegrand how does it compare with the forerunner 255 as Amazon uk are selling the 255 for £50 less
@@T29RAG - The 255 has triathlon if that's something you need. The 255 also has better battery life but the older MIP style display. Both are accurate in my testing.
@@mlegrand thanks
I just bought mine. I had to go music option. If I'm doing a long easy run than it's no biggie for me to take a phone and put it in the side pocket of my compression shorts. But for intervals and track sessions this will be a game changer. I didn't mind paying the extra $50
I think you’ll really enjoy this device. It’s a great option. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
@@mlegrand It came in today. Haven't done a run or sleep yet to analyze. The coaching plans seem a little weak. I'm finishing my 3rd week of a half marathon plan and the suggestion it was giving me was way below what I've been working at even though I put in my goal time. Also only let me run a max of 5 days a week, right now i'm running 6 days and going 7 days a week later in the plan. So I imagine it's more relaxed in mileage compared. I am going to test out the pace pro feature to try to run a negative split for a 5k on July 4th. Overall it's definetly a big upgrade over the apple watch I've been using. Also like how they partnered up with strava so everything syncs up including the livetrack and beacon.
Great review.I'm happy with my old 235 for running but I need the AMOLED as I'm feed up with not being able to read the display easily when running.I figure my performance will improve drastically without contorting myself to read the watch.
These AMOLED displays are significantly brighter than MIP displays. Especially when viewing indoors. They’re also significantly sharper. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
In my opinion Garmin watches struggle below the $400 mark - where an Apple Watch SE or even Series 8/9 delivers a lot more value and hardware to casual users not needing the stats of the Connect app. The higher end 965, Fenix, and Epix distinguish themselves with rock-solid hardware, mapping, and endurant battery life.
955 perhaps? 965 is way too expensive...550€ here.
The 955 is a great option. The battery life is solid and it’s loaded with features.
Apple Watch SE + WorkOutDoors and you’ve got basically every software feature the higher end garmins have
@@nilsalbAnd recharging it twice in a day
955 is unrivaled on the mip side of things when you balance features, accuracy and price. It's literally an epix without the chunky build and AMOLED screen, easy to find in the £300-350 range
Im actually just ordering the 165 music.. so perfect timing for the review! I chose this over the 255 simply because of the amoled screen. I don't need the triathalon support, and the dual band GPS as you said, is overrated in most cases. This is the best all rounder watch garmin has made so far.
I think you’ll love it. What color are you going with?
@@mlegrand I went with the white.. it looks very clean. I was concerned about how the color might hold up, but I heard they don't get too dirty with some cleaning.
Nice review! Why don't you usually recommend the music edition?
The day is there we are no longer watching gear reviews but what is on the reviewers wrist to speculate for something new to come
I think most reviewers will know well enough to not wear a pre-release watch within a video. 🤞🏻 I guess we could make a mistake but hopefully we're aware of what's on camera. 😬 Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
Why in the world does Garmin have soooo many watches. Probably all them can do the same thing with software and the same sensors
I’d like to see less products with different features based on those slight hardware differences that drive price differences. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
I have this as a light watch to wear when I get tired of the F7s. I've, funnily enough, found that the 165 works better when swimming 🤷 And it, IMO, has everything a casual / non-ultra runner needs for running. When biking I might not put a HR belt on, but use the 165 to broadcast HR to F7 and ise the F7S as my bike computer (for which I have a handlebar mount). But I find the screen going on and scrolling by itself insanely frustrating at times even though I have the touch to wake on.
Yeah, that’s a nice way to have options for different activities. Thanks for sharing this as I think others might enjoy some of those same things.
The Instinct series is a bargain right now. $200USD for Instinct 2 which has all the advanced recovery metrics and full multisport mode.
The Instinct series is super under rated. I've reviewed the Instinct 2 and 2X. They are fantastic. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
A few years ago I switched from the Garmin 55 back to Apple Watch, because as much as I loved the DETAIL with Garmin, I really missed the touchscreen and other smartwatch features that Apple had. This video makes me think the 165 may need to be my next watch though....it feels like Garmin resolved almost very issue I had with the 55
The 165 is a great option but I do think there would be things you’d miss coming from an Apple Watch. Things like speaker and microphone and all the functionality that those allow. Tricky call. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
I bought this watch about a month ago and really liked it, but felt some key features were missing that the 265 had. But, I felt the 265 was a tad overpriced @ $450. I returned the 165 and bought a 265, mainly because of the M Legrand discount Dialed cycling lab gives us - thanks to both of you!! I can't say yet which one is the better deal - but the 165 is a great watch and probably all that most runners need. Too bad there isn't something in the middle as far as price and accessories/options.
Nice! I’m glad you got some sort of discount from Dialed. 👌
Other than lackluster battery life, my forerunner 45 still works perfectly fine. I think if you are in the market for an upgrade you are better off going with the 255.
Yeah, that 255 is hard to beat. I think it comes down to whether you want the AMOLED screen or MIPs. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
After viewing this video and others of the forerunners I'm doubting between the 955 and 265. Prices are similar where I live. Which one would you choose Matt
I think it would depend on if you need the mapping, golf or battery life. Otherwise I’d go with the 265. 👌
I went with Venu 2Q because of more battery. But I do regret lack of data for running sometimes. Even if can't run that much anymore. 😅
The Venu is a cool watch. My wife is using one currently. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
I would really like to see gps tests in a city type environment with normal GPS and a watch with Multi band.
Good call 89. I don’t typically run downtown but if I make a “duel frequency is over rated” video, I’ll need to do that.
There's some on YT but not with the 165 AFAIK so if modern multiband vs older single band may not be apples to apples.
IIRC the non-music 165 is missing WiFi. I don’t use music on my watches, but the additional connectivity is nice for faster firmware updates.
Oh dang it. I should have mentioned this in this video. I have a music edition and over looked that distinction. Thanks Jason.
@@mlegrandIt’s one of those things people expect now by default. It seems like it’d be on the order of cents for Garmin to include it vs the cost of manufacturing differences.
In Brazil there is a big gap price between FR55 and FR165. More than double the price. That's why they keep doing the FR55, its simple.
That is very interesting. I wonder why there is such a difference in price in Brazil. Thanks for the feedback Adrian!
@@mlegrand I would say that Garmin want to keep the amoled displays in a mid range level and keep the FR55 as a really "everybody can buy this" watch. Running is becoming a thing down here. Love your videos by the way.
@@Adrianobolado - Sounds possible. Hopefully Garmin is thinking about that 'everybody can buy this' category. Thanks for the feedback Adriano! And thanks for the support with this YT channel. 👍
3:30 “11.5 inches in depth” 😲😂
That’s massive!!!! Did you see the tiny text correction? I did catch that mistake during the edit. Nice work on paying close attention here!!! 👏
Hi...you gave a lot of speculation about GPS accuracy but no real data. In my experience, multi-band (Garmin 255) is not only more accurate than just GPS (only), but more repeatable. I have compared extensively data between a Garmin 55 (using GPS and Galileo) and a Garmin 255 (all systems and multi-band turned on). Both watches set to record 1 Hz data. Tracks with the FR55 are kind of all over the place on a winding, tree lined course. Tracks with the RF255 are solid every time. At the end of this 3.11 mile (5k) course...the FR55 varies in distance by +-0.05 miles from the average of 10 runs. The FR255 varies by +-0.005 from the average of 10 runs. If you are running a 5k using your watch to accurately capture your pace...a +-0.05 is a big difference. At the extremes, your recorded distance could be short ~250 feet or long ~250 feet.
Also, you (along with a few other youtube running channels) get the description of how multi-band GPS works wrong. It is not the use of multiple GPS satellites at once that makes multiband work (older watches like the FR55 let you use more than one satellite at once)....it is the (wait for it)...multi-band (or duel frequency) nature of current GPS satellites that make this work. GPS satellites of late now broadcast their signal to earth receivers (like our running watches) on not one, but two frequencies. These signals at two different frequencies interact with not only the earth's atmosphere differently, but they interact with immovable objects (like trees, buildings, cliffs...etc) differently. These differences are used to extract a cleaner (more accurate) ultimate position with your watch. A more accurate position leads to more accurate total distance and pace information.
Hi Steve,
I don't think I said "multiple satellites" but instead said "multiple types of satellite systems" there's a subtle difference there. No GPS works with one single satellite.
I've also tested the FR 255 and I had very very good data from the Garmin Forerunner 255 but not as great from the Forerunner 55. You shouldn't compare distance totals when assessing GPS accuracy. It's a fine metric to look at but a watch can over estimate one mile and under estimate a different mile and end up with the correct distance even though the GPS track isn't very accurate. I'd also recommend you compare more than just the two watches and the single watch brand.
Let me know where I can review your results. Thanks for the feedback on the video!
@@mlegrand Ok...I disagree with most of what you just said. Total distance over the same course is a great metric to see how accurate a watches GPS is. A watch that spits out the same distance over and over again for the same course is going to give you better results as far as pacing goes. It is true I am only comparing two Garmin watches, but I look at the data and tracks very closely. Tracks are better for the FR255 compared to the FR55...hence pacing info is both better and more stable.
Of course a GPS receiver uses many satellites as they (the sats) circle over the sky. The FR55 (like a lot of watches) allows you to use more than one satellite system simultaneously (like Galaleo, GLONASS, etc). What the FR55 does not let you receive is duel-frequency measurements from said sats.
Regarding testing mulltiiple watches...I don't review watches for a living so don't get them sent to me for free like some of the running youtubers. Do you buy your watches outright or have them sent to you for review?
Ok, you mention how "Total distance over the same course is a great metric to see how accurate a watch's GPS is". My counter argument would be that if you have bad gps data and the watch measures your first mile long and your last mile short, it would provide bad pacing information and still provide a correct total distance. (My previous example) I don't think it's a horrible idea to mention total distance as an anecdotal metric but it's not nearly as good as looking at GPS tracks in my opinion.
You mentioned that the 255 shows better tracks than the 55. Great work. You should make a youtube video about it. (I promise I won't come over there and post negative commentary given how much work that would be for you make and post something). But in my video I did say "multiple types of satellite systems". But duel band gps devices are getting duel signals of different frequencies from multiple types of satellites and satellite systems. I think that's a very fair correction to make.
I buy most of the GPS watches but to be fair reviewing these watches does help pay for them. But very much like you, I don't "review watches for a living" I have multiple other jobs that pay the bills. I make free videos for people. I don't make sponsored videos for companies that I review. I've been very open about all of this but I'm guessing you don't know that and that this is your first time here on this channel. I also don't really consider this channel a running youtuber channel but I also don't find that too offensive.
Does it sync with the apple fitness rings?
Not that I’m aware of. I’m a big fan of closing my rings each day. It’s just a little fun reminder to move. I think you’d want to look into an Apple Watch and they typically announce new products in September.
Good that I switched to Coros, quit the GPS watch rat race and concentrate more on training.
Always smart to be concentrating on the actual training. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
On the run button, it’s also has subjectivity worse physical design than the higher end Forerunners. Looks clunky to me.
It does have a “more affordable” look doesn’t it. 😬 But I think these colors will be popular. My high school kids think it looks good. 🤷🏻♂️
@@mlegrand The rest of the design isn’t bad at this price point. When I look at the run button though compared to the 965, the latter is so much nicer. Let alone the simpler buttons on the last gen 255.
Why do you wear two Garmin? For 2x Vo2 Max 😅😅
Think about all of those extra steps, VO2 max metrics and training loads. 😆
I am typically always wearing two watches Helps me test more devices and helps to compare each. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍
For the same price 165 or 945?
The 945 is getting pretty old. If you’re looking for a good discounted option I might suggest the 255. 👌 www.amazon.com/dp/B09WTP57Z5/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_BNGC94ESAVE4TKX0F48G?linkCode=ml2&tag=mlegrand0c-21-20
The main difference is the screen.
How accurate is it for swimming? .
I see that 165 is missing gyroscope (compared to 265), is it a big disadvantage? what is it used for in 265?
I haven’t noticed a difference in swim accuracy between this and the 265 but that might be something interesting to test specifically. I think I’d be pretty disappointed if there was a difference. I’ll try to look this week. 🤔
Thanks! I have not seen any comparisons between 165 and 265/965 for swimming related parameters/measurements. Would be super interesting to see! 😊
I have 245 - it measures swimming distance quite average - usually shows 5-10% more than I swam actually. However, my Apple Watch SE2 measures swimming distance very accurately 🤔
@@djDuff86 - The swimming activity type hasn't changed that much between the 245 and these newer models. It'd be interesting to test but if you're only looking for a lap swimming watch, I'd probably get something affordable like the 165. 👌
@@mlegrand Okay, I see. Agree! Big thanks for valuable information! :)
GO PAPERMAKERS
Yes!!! 🙌
it doesn't support mapping and non music edition don't have wifi
Thanks for the help Hassan!
Do all these reviews just go over the specs with no real world use? You are mad the button says "Run" LMFAO. So many snowflakes these days. Did you know you can mod the 165 to get 265/965 features and music ;) Even maps and the Compass
Snowflake here. Does this review seem like I didn't swim, bike or run with this watch? And no, I don't think it's possible to mod the 165 to get 265/965 features.
In my opinion Garmin watches struggle below the $400 mark - where an Apple Watch SE or even Series 8/9 delivers a lot more value and hardware to casual users not needing the stats of the Connect app. The higher end 965, Fenix, and Epix distinguish themselves with rock-solid hardware, mapping, and endurant battery life.
That’s a really good point. Garmin needs to consider the AW SE when eliminating features. Thank you for watching and taking the extra time to comment. I really appreciate it. 👍