Garmin Forerunner 265s (Whitestone/Neo Tropic)

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.

Love the display. Light years beyond my 235. And the multi-band GPS gives me much more accurate reads on my runs. Despite the ability to put the display "to sleep", this is misleading in that it's NOT asleep, it's just dim. You can make it 3 levels of brightness, but CAN'T make it turn all the way off when you're asleep with an option to check the time with a button press. As a result, watch sometimes wakes me up when it turns on when I'm sleeping. Garmin really should have had a "full off" display. Would also have been nice to be able to start an exercise session and then switch to the main display or something else, rather than be stuck on the exercise session with no option to go elsewhere. Watch isn't particularly intuitive, but the on-line manual plus Google ... MoreLove the display. Light years beyond my 235. And the multi-band GPS gives me much more accurate reads on my runs. Despite the ability to put the display "to sleep", this is misleading in that it's NOT asleep, it's just dim. You can make it 3 levels of brightness, but CAN'T make it turn all the way off when you're asleep with an option to check the time with a button press. As a result, watch sometimes wakes me up when it turns on when I'm sleeping. Garmin really should have had a "full off" display. Would also have been nice to be able to start an exercise session and then switch to the main display or something else, rather than be stuck on the exercise session with no option to go elsewhere. Watch isn't particularly intuitive, but the on-line manual plus Google lets you find how to do most anything you want. I really like the watch, but wish it could have done more (e.g., still jealous of my wife's Apple watch and the ability to be tethered to her phone via Bluetooth and receive calls and talk to her watch to continue the call. That's the tech Garmin should have.) Garmin is good at what they do, but Apple still has the lead for true tech innovation. Dick Tracy predicted we'd get here--too bad Apple caught up and Garmin is still behind.

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.