Awesome watch!
I bought this watch when it first came out because of the OLED screen and I have not been disappointed. The screen is amazing, super easy to see, even in bright sunshine. The features of the watch are also excellent. I use it for training for triathlons and also while I am playing pickleball. Although this isn't a feature that automatically showed up like on my other Garmin watch. Overall I think this is a great watch for the price.... Show more
gott2tri
originally posted on garmin.com
Awesome watch, best Garmin I've owned so far
I've owned many Garmin watches: 305, 110, 230, 935, 745 and now the FR265. Obviously technology typically progresses, but this one has exceeded my expectations. Main improvements over the FR745 and FR935 are: 1) GPS accuracy and speed to acquire, 2) HR accuracy during activities, and 3) Sleep and stress tracking. The GPS is lightening fast, and uber-accurate. I rarely wear my HRM Pro during runs now, as the wrist-based HRM FINALLY gives me accurate and close to real-time readings as the chest strap. Sleep tracking was solid on the 745, but I feel the 265 is picking up even more nuance and detail. My primary reason for upgrading was the AMOLED screen, which is simply amazing. Anyone who says MIPS is superior in bright sunlight needs to examine the settings/config, as ... MoreI've owned many Garmin watches: 305, 110, 230, 935, 745 and now the FR265. Obviously technology typically progresses, but this one has exceeded my expectations. Main improvements over the FR745 and FR935 are: 1) GPS accuracy and speed to acquire, 2) HR accuracy during activities, and 3) Sleep and stress tracking. The GPS is lightening fast, and uber-accurate. I rarely wear my HRM Pro during runs now, as the wrist-based HRM FINALLY gives me accurate and close to real-time readings as the chest strap. Sleep tracking was solid on the 745, but I feel the 265 is picking up even more nuance and detail. My primary reason for upgrading was the AMOLED screen, which is simply amazing. Anyone who says MIPS is superior in bright sunlight needs to examine the settings/config, as thing is NO problem to read in any lighting conditions for my old eyes. Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed.... Show more
jimvanbo
originally posted on garmin.com
Everything I need
I had the Forerunner 235 and enjoyed it. The 265 builds on that foundation pretty well. I love the screen, and I appreciate the insights that Garmin Connect gives. The battery life is significantly better than the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro I used for a couple of months, the GPS locks in quickly, and the watch is just a breeze to use overall. So glad I came back to Garmin!... Show more
Jordy M
originally posted on garmin.com
Gorgeous Forerunner 265
I’m an old Garmin addict from over a decade ago when my brother-in-law introduced me to the Forerunner 405. A “watch” in theory but not a device you would want to wear for anything else. The form factor was clunky, the battery terrible, the operating system primitive and frustrating, the GPS not overly impressive. But all that cool data… hooked instantly. Since, there has been a long progression of many devices, often just iterations of their predecessors, but just enough to tweak interest and make me willing to lay down the big bucks. Fenix II, Fenix 3, Fenix 3HR, Fenix 5X and then 5P, the 6 Pro and my current workhorse, the Epix2 (now “Gen 2”). There were various Forerunners along the way, bike computers, and lifestyle models for my wife (to ease my guilt). Each ... MoreI’m an old Garmin addict from over a decade ago when my brother-in-law introduced me to the Forerunner 405. A “watch” in theory but not a device you would want to wear for anything else. The form factor was clunky, the battery terrible, the operating system primitive and frustrating, the GPS not overly impressive. But all that cool data… hooked instantly. Since, there has been a long progression of many devices, often just iterations of their predecessors, but just enough to tweak interest and make me willing to lay down the big bucks. Fenix II, Fenix 3, Fenix 3HR, Fenix 5X and then 5P, the 6 Pro and my current workhorse, the Epix2 (now “Gen 2”). There were various Forerunners along the way, bike computers, and lifestyle models for my wife (to ease my guilt). Each one better than the one before. The Epix2 does it all and does it all so well. I have no need for the 275. I bought one anyway. It’s a beautiful device… the Amoled screen is stunning… beautiful colors and animations running in a smooth, sophisticated, intuitive and impressive user interface. Lightweight, appealing style, sweet band. Yes, I mourn for the premature demise of my Epix2, but oh look at that Forerunner’s screen. Pictures don’t do it justice. This is the One. At least until the 965 comes out.... Show more
Sir E
originally posted on garmin.com
Great features and touchscreen!
Overall, I am pleased with the watch. Love the lightweight feeling of it and the available training metrics. I had previously wanted a forerunner but wanted touchscreen option. Glad this came out! The screen is absolutely beautiful. The only think I'm not a fan of is the band. It's just not as comfortable as my Fenix band. I also wish I could have seen theregular size 265 to determine if the smaller version is better for me. So far, though, I am loving it.... Show more
crazy4rainbows
originally posted on garmin.com
Great Features, OMLED is awesome day or night
I've had this watch for a month now and use it every day. I've had various Garmin watches for over 10 years. My latest was a Vivoactive 3 which finally died.Set up issue: My 265S default watch language came in Cyrillic, which is a language I unfortunately don't understand. It took some major guess work to get it changed into English. I used Garmin Connect and found the language change mode I needed there.Love the accuracy and data it provides. What I find challenging is trying to find a workout for the day. It is not an easy find. Then during the workout trying to figure out if I need to push the lap button or if it will automatically move to the next workout step is not intuitive, especially in the middle of a run when I am out of breath! A preview of the ... MoreI've had this watch for a month now and use it every day. I've had various Garmin watches for over 10 years. My latest was a Vivoactive 3 which finally died.Set up issue: My 265S default watch language came in Cyrillic, which is a language I unfortunately don't understand. It took some major guess work to get it changed into English. I used Garmin Connect and found the language change mode I needed there.Love the accuracy and data it provides. What I find challenging is trying to find a workout for the day. It is not an easy find. Then during the workout trying to figure out if I need to push the lap button or if it will automatically move to the next workout step is not intuitive, especially in the middle of a run when I am out of breath! A preview of the workout before you go run, is essential.If all you are going to do is push "run" and then go run, it works like a dream.I find that the preset viewing options with some minor customization is all that I need.Yes, I would recommend this watch to anyone who is a casual to intermediate runner. I would have given it 5 stars except for the two issues I noted above.... Show more
cmorgan
originally posted on garmin.com
Great upgrade from 945
The AMOLED touchscreen is great, and battery life is very good if you keep the screen set to gesture glance. The slightly smaller size than the 945 is not noticeable, and it feels more comfortable on my wrist. Features like morning view, training readiness, and HRV are a nice addition. Finally, the hrm seems a little more accurate during exercise than the previous generation.... Show more
Eddie66
originally posted on garmin.com
Perfect Garmin!
I had the Fenix 3 before and this is a major upgrade. After using my Apple Watch for 6 years, I felt that the features were not enough of my needs. When Garmin decided to release an AMOLED display Forerunner I was sold and pre-ordered it! Love it so far, and for the past 2 weeks, already pushed me to run more outdoors, and capturing all my fitness progress from Training Readiness to Body Battery that I didn't have on my Apple Watch. The HRV status does take 2 weeks to give a proper measurement, so waiting on that reading. Battery life is about 3-4 days with always on display, but I don't mind charging it that often. Loving this watch so far! Seriously the goldilocks/perfect fit of Garmin product line for sure.... Show more
zorennis
originally posted on garmin.com
Safety features setup issues
Tried to set up safety features on my pixel 6a and when that failed, tried to set it up on my Samsung. That failed as well. The issue is in the "Enter Your Information" page in the Connect app. Garmin populates the name, city, and state and there is no box for a phone number anywhere. Click on the Next page button and a pop-up appears stating invalid phone number. There is no way to proceed beyond this point. Cannot set up the incident safety function on androids at the moment. The number is correct in my account and everywhere else. 2 different phones same problem. The usual troubleshooting has been accomplished, including data deletion reinstall etc.... So basically this function is useless until Garmin gets the app fixed. Other than that everything else works ... MoreTried to set up safety features on my pixel 6a and when that failed, tried to set it up on my Samsung. That failed as well. The issue is in the "Enter Your Information" page in the Connect app. Garmin populates the name, city, and state and there is no box for a phone number anywhere. Click on the Next page button and a pop-up appears stating invalid phone number. There is no way to proceed beyond this point. Cannot set up the incident safety function on androids at the moment. The number is correct in my account and everywhere else. 2 different phones same problem. The usual troubleshooting has been accomplished, including data deletion reinstall etc.... So basically this function is useless until Garmin gets the app fixed. Other than that everything else works like normal. Third Garmin watch I've owned over the years so this is not my first rodeo with the app. First watch with the incident safety feature.....too bad it won't work.... Show more
Laughing Burro
originally posted on garmin.com
So much for my watch collection…
I usually rotate the watches in my collection on a daily basis but after using the 265S for a couple of days, I realized that I CANNOT take this watch off or else I’d lose valuable data to show trends in my fitness journey.I absolutely love this watch though. I’m so glad I didn’t get the 255 the week before this came out. The AMOLED screen is definitely worth the $100 increase from the 255. The sleep tracking has encouraged me to sleep more than my usual 6 hours a night as it affects my training readiness and body battery figures.This watch is a gem and my favorite fitness watch of all time.... Show more
Ian M.
originally posted on playbetter.com