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From the 945 -> 965

Levon
over 1 year ago

For those who upgraded from the original 945 to the 965, I would be curious to hear your impressions of the 965, what you like, and what you don't. In particular I'm curious about

  • Screen comparison (colors/resolution, and from the videos the glass looks almost domed? More susceptive to scratches?)
  • GPS performance
  • Battery life.
  • Sleep tracking
  • Can I really get rid of my HRM strap and get accurate running dynamics?

plus anything else you may want to share that may have been a surprise (good or bad).

I've seen various reviews, but if there are comparisons between models, they are between the 955 and 965. 

Also wonder if there will be a solar 965 or they will just release a 975 (next spring?)

I bought my 945 right when it came out, at the end of April 2019, but recently have been sort of mulling over upgrading perhaps. I'm hoping this thread might be useful for anyone else contemplating an upgrade.

Thanks!

PS: I've only seen one related thread to this, which I have read.

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    Very similar performance all round, but MUCH better display and nicer UX.

    No major functional enhancements, but a worthy upgrade for old/tired eyes ... if you can afford it!

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    - Screen is much nicer, more fun to look at and the touch is also nice sometimes (e.g. map panning, or plot scrolling). Domed yes, I guess a screen protector if you care about scratches? I don't care about them.

    - GPS performance is the same to me, except the lock on time at the start, that is much faster for 965.

    - Battery life feels similar for me, I charge it about once per week, probably a bit more than I charged the 945 - the main difference there is if you don't do activities the 965 doesn't last as long as the 945, as that is mostly display that drains the battery. The more activities you do it evens out, as the 965 is actually more efficient at many things during activities.

    - Sleep tracking is the same

    - I would say a HR strap is about measuring accurate heart rate, and running dynamics are a gimmick that has little use, so why care about their accuracy? If you are into that kind of data I would recommend a Stryd footpod, which gives you superior distance/speed/pace, superior running power and probably the best accuracy running dynamic gimmicks :D.

    TLDR: Nicer screen and faster gps lock time, not much else that I care about, but worth it to me.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to mngreene

    I upgraded last week from 945 to 965 - main motivation was more readable for old eyes. I can easily read a screen with 4 data fields on 965 where I had to only use 3 fields per screen on 945. Map display and navigation is also much more readable.

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    Screen is infinitely better and GPS is infinitely better and so far the wrist HR works whereas the 945 did not (consistently).

    The 945 had a sony gps chip that would occasionally get weird error shifting or whatever the technical stuff is. On the 955 and later they switched to the same chip that's in the coros as well they have dual band gps.  Super accurate.

    Battery life as a result of the screen is down a bit but totally worth it.

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    The RD does not include GC Balance , which to me is an important metric. Also the reliability of readings and HR is much better with a HRM than just wrist based. I kept using my HRM

    No 965 solar is expected as far as I understand. Even the Epix has no solar.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to mngreene

    Thanks .. that was my initial impression, but I wanted to ask. I'm sure my eyes would appreciate the update - my wallet probably not to much :)

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to S.M.R.

    Thanks, didn't know that about the GC balance, I too pay attention to that, so the HRM belt would stay. Be nice if solar was standard on all of these going forward, but I'm sure that would be reflected in cost and it may possibly price them out of the market.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to Fredderic

    Super, thanks for the detailed answer, much appreciated and very helpful.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to BRENTK

    Thanks .. yes, the display seems to be a (the only?) major upgrade. I'm not a spring chicken, so a better display would be a nice bonus if I decided to upgrade.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to GarminMarathoner

    Glad to hear this about the GPS in addition to the improved screen. Dual band and improved sounds substantial - definitely a plus. Thank you for sharing.