I Upgraded From the Garmin Forerunner 165 to the 970, and It Was Worth the Cost for Me
My journey with running tech has been a wild ride. Not long ago, I was a defiant minimalist, scoffing at watches. Then, I dipped my toe in with Garmin's entry-level Forerunner 165 and became a humble fan. Now? I've gone full enthusiast, leaping to the top-of-the-line Forerunner 970.
This wasn't a small step. Imagine skipping a ladder and taking an express elevator to the penthouse. The price jump alone – from article50 to a hefty $750 – is enough to make anyone's wallet sweat. But having made the switch, I'm ready to share my honest take on who truly needs this significant upgrade.
The Forerunner 165: A Solid Foundation
For its price, the Forerunner 165 is an absolute powerhouse. It's ideal for casual to intermediate runners, offering features like daily suggested workouts, HRV Status, morning reports, and running power, all wrapped in a simple, effective package. It gives you core running metrics without overwhelming you with complexity. For many, this watch punches above its weight and will serve them incredibly well.
However, as my training became more structured and my goals more ambitious, I found myself craving insights the 165 simply couldn't provide. Features like Training Readiness, Training Status, multi-band GPS, and built-in maps were absent, and I realized I was ready for more.
The Forerunner 970: Peak Performance
The 970 is a different beast entirely. Hardware-wise, you're getting a titanium bezel, a sapphire crystal lens, and a stunning AMOLED display that's brilliant even in direct sunlight. The built-in LED flashlight (a true game-changer for early morning or late-night runs) and the addition of a speaker and microphone for calls and texts push it beyond a pure running watch.
Under the hood, the upgrades are even more significant. The new Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor brings ECG capability and skin temperature tracking for more accurate recovery and sleep data. The improved GNSS chip means superior GPS accuracy, even when darting through city high-rises. While many features cater to triathletes, even dedicated single-sport runners benefit from this level of precision and insight.
My Experience with the Upgrade
For me, the 970's advanced metrics were the real draw. Running tolerance, for example, immediately transformed my training. It provides a weekly mileage ceiling based on your individual impact history, acting as a crucial guardrail against overtraining injuries – something I'm notoriously prone to.
The built-in, full-color maps with turn-by-turn directions are a huge quality-of-life improvement, especially on trails. No more fumbling for my phone! The round-trip routing feature is also a fantastic tool for exploring new areas safely.
It's not all perfect; some metrics like running economy require an additional chest strap, which is a bit of a bummer given the watch's price. But overall, the depth and actionable nature of the 970's data have genuinely elevated my training.
Who Should Make the Leap?
So, is the $750 price tag worth it? For me, yes, but with a huge caveat.
Do NOT upgrade if: You're a recreational runner logging a few runs a week without specific, aggressive race goals. The 165 is still your champion. Invest that $500 difference in shoes, race entries, or a nice massage!
DO upgrade if:
- You're a dedicated runner training seriously for events (marathons, ultras).
- You're a triathlete needing comprehensive multi-sport tracking.
- You run trails and rely heavily on navigation.
- You've truly maxed out the insights your current watch offers and crave deeper data to optimize performance and prevent injury.
The Forerunner 970 isn't just a data collector; it's a training partner that can actively change how you approach your runs. If you're ready to unlock that next level, it just might be worth every penny.