Why bother upgrade to 965

It's the same for the edge 1040 device.

I replaced my 935 with an 965 a couple of months ago, because the battery of my 935 started to show it’s age. Note that I call it a replacement not an upgrade.

There isn’t that much change between those two devies, as in new ways to support my training. Yes, a 965 produces more data, but I have better ways to gain insight in my performance. The biggest change for me, maps, is also the part that has the most bugs.

Yes, the 965 firmware has a lot of bugs. Or should I say, the way I use my watch I experience a lot of bugs. Or, because I’m a software developer, I notice bugs more often? Garmin doesn’t show any intent to fix the bugs any time soon. From the beta test period, loads of bugs are still unsolved.

I reported so many bugs to garmin that the dutch support wanted to exchange my device. Exchanging a device takes weeks. I still haven’t got a replacement.

So, in the meantime I use my old 935. Other that I have to charge every 3 days, it’s a good enough sportwatch. And I don’t really need better than good enough. But I do need a watch with less bugs than the 965.

Same story for me. Updated from 935, basically because of the nicer display and titanium bezel look. The 935 never felt as buggy as the 965 and the software fixes are way less frequent than with the 935. I also reported a lot of bugs, but the weeks are going by and nothing really happens, besides that more other Garmin watches get released. I cannot return to the previous firmware, which worked better. Many bugs are very basic stuff, which they could fix and release via interim updates, but it's been quiet for weeks. 16.17 was released to the public although the beta forum was full of problems. Generally it is a mistery to me why they need to have different software teams for their watches. Just have one software and then cut the features based on the model.  
I like my 965, and I will keep it for some years as it wasn't cheap. Honestly speaking, I am not sure I would opt for a Garmin again, other brands are gaining momentum as well. 
Another point that makes me unhappy, is that the 965 uses the older non-ECG compatible heart rate sensor. Just a few weeks after the 965 the Fenix/Epix were released, featuring the new sensor. I thought, okay, they cost twice as much, so they may have that, but when the much much cheaper Venu 3 was now released featuring that new sensor I was really dissapointed.

I didn’t know that about the HR sensor - making ECG available on the Venu 3 is really a slap in the face for premium paying customers.

It’s been the same story for the 945 tbh, it was plagued by software defects, battery drain issues and hardware button issues. Only now 4/5 years later is it relatively stable and now it has been retired and pretty much sunsetted. I’ve not even been able to get Lactate Readings since July.

The 965 looks seriously attractive and appeals but I just don’t think it’s worth it. I’ve been looking around and the new Polar Vantage V3 looks like it could be serious contender.

The impact of software defects is really underrated. People now value quality over price and expect it when paying premium. There is nothing more frustrating than sessions being delayed, interrupted or made stressful due to buggy and poor UX. You expect something to work as indicated, anything less is just not good enough. Sadly it’s becoming more and more common due to downsizing and overstretching of development and testing teams whilst prices increase.

B1nny said:

I’ve been looking around and the new Polar Vantage V3 looks like it could be serious contender.

Also the new Suunto Race looks attractive. 

I upgraded from a 945 and now 5 months later still consider it a healthy and solid upgrade.  I love the screen and the UX is improved (new menus) and everything just feels more stable and less buggy than my 4+ year experience with my 945.

Very happy with my 965. And don't feel like a beta tester at all.

Generally, early adopters are going to be OK with some hiccups. If that's not your thing, just wait 9-12 months and grab a device when it's on sale.

I agree, I traded my 955 for a 965 two weeks ago, I've been struggling with some Atrial Fibrillation heart rate problems and yesterday Garmin announced the ECG feature, this I believe wont come to the 965..... Gutted, fuming doesn't even come close....