Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise out there, and it’s pretty easy to try it for yourself. All you really need is a decent pair of shoes. If you’re really serious, there’s advice and all kinds of other aids available. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is one of the latest and most advanced, there to help athletes optimize their running experience (https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/product-review-garmin-forerunner-165-series/).
Garmin has already earned itself quite a reputation with this kind of tech. When you see the Garmin name, you expect something reliable and built to last; something designed with the needs of its users in mind. That’s clear from the Forerunner 165, with its glass chemically toughened and its water resistance good up to 5 ATM.
Another part of Garmin’s fame is the innovations it’s made with its GPS. The Forerunner 165 has an incredibly precise GPS locator that’s sensitive to your every move (although it does work best when you have clear sky above you). Battery life, which is already a fairly impressive 11 hours when you’re in smartwatch mode, extends in GPS mode to as much as 19 hours.
That’s not even the most notable feature of the Forerunner 165. Topping its list of advantages is usability, specifically an Amoled touchscreen that is intuitive in its layout and responses and offers clarity in its display. There are buttons for those who are less comfortable with that hypermodern approach. Add compatibility with Android and iOS, plus Bluetooth and ANT+, and you’re looking at a shiny new device that can slide smoothly into your regular lifestyle. Analysis comes through Garmin Connect, a well-established piece of software.
Now, every device has its weaknesses. The Forerunner 165 has a good battery life, but it’s not quite as extended as the 20-30 hours of the COROS Pace 3. If you’re looking for a wider range of apps, perhaps because you’re using your smartwatch for a greater range of activities (such as triathlon) rather than just running, the Garmin Forerunner 265 has even more advanced options.
It’s not perfect, but the Garmin Forerunner 165 has a good balance of affordability and modern features, designed to suit a range of users but with the GPS, heart rate and sleep monitoring functions that make it ideal for those who want to track their running and how it impacts their health.