Is the Forerunner 970 Worth It? Key Considerations Before Buying

Sorry I made a typo. £30 increase for all the extra features and inflation is decent. US has been stung. 

My Thoughts on Garmin’s Pricing and Brand Strategy and since most people here seem to focus only on the price and not on the bigger picture, I’d like to share a few thoughts—not just about the cost, but about Garmin as a brand and where it’s heading.

Let’s start with the price: In the U.S., the Garmin Forerunner 970 costs around $750, while in Europe it’s approximately $850. For comparison, the average net salary in Europe is about €1900–2300 (roughly $2160–2600 USD), and living expenses are in a similar range—€1600–2300. I don’t want to spark a debate about salaries, but I do want to point out that purchasing power is weakening globally.

And this is the core of my concern: I feel like Garmin is heading in a similar direction to what happened with GoPro—a strong brand with a solid product that slowly loses touch with the broader user base. That’s unfortunate, because I used to feel much more connected to Garmin than I do today.

Don’t get me wrong: Garmin offers an excellent all-around package—better than many competitors in several areas. But the real question is: How relevant are all these features to the majority of users? I’d estimate that about 80% of customers don’t regularly use advanced features like lactate threshold estimation, ECG, flashlight, or offline route planning. For them, a watch with 1–2% less GPS accuracy, slightly less map detail, and fewer high-end features might be more than enough—at a much lower price point.

So the real question is:
Is it worth paying $680 more for a few additional features?

What matters more to me nowadays:

• How long will I get guaranteed software updates?

• What are the actual costs for battery replacement or repair?

• Will Garmin stay active as a brand, offering tips, communication, and presence in forums?

On the topic of production and corporate ethics, I also have questions. I don’t know how much is actually manufactured in the U.S., and I get the impression that Garmin isn’t particularly transparent here. That would be something that could rebuild trust and loyalty—if the company clearly communicated its values and commitments.

As a recreational athlete, I see myself in that 80% user group. A $170 watch that lasts two years often suits my needs perfectly. The idea of spending $850 on a watch that I might have to replace after 1.5 years due to a faulty battery, broken button, or cracked glass—no matter how durable Garmin is—just doesn’t feel sustainable.

Of course, for hardcore athletes or those with above-average income, this might not be an issue—$850 might seem like nothing. But for many others, that’s simply not the case. And that’s what this is really about:
It’s not just about the price, but about the actual value the product offers to the user.

It looks like the forerunner 165 is the watch for you then.  There's no point knocking a higher model that you have no intention of buying if its out of your price range and you don't need the extra features.

hello ronand :) , I don't want to buy outdated tech or support a brand like Garmin if it feels like they're going downhill. I just can't identify with the brand anymore — it seems like they care less and less about their actual users.

Why should I spend more money on a Garmin watch when I can get a brand-new model from another company, with modern features, great design, and maybe just a few functions less than the latest Garmin model — for even less?

I'm not going to pay a premium for a product that feels disconnected from its user base. If a brand doesn’t show long-term commitment to its customers, community, or transparency, I personally see no reason to support it.

Off you go then.

"I don't want to buy outdated tech"

But you are talking about Huawei and Amazfit watches whose algorithm quality is that of Garmin watches from 5 years ago (minimum).

A 165 is not "outdated". It's packed with features which meet the needs of a large majority of runners. If you can and want to buy a top-tier watch, then do it. It's up to you.
It's the same for every brand : why buy a Vertix if you get what you need with a Pace? A Vertical if you can take profit of a Run? And so on...

Oh, that sounds really promising! If you have access to the relevant data or information, it would be fantastic if you could share it here or send it to me directly. I'm particularly interested in comparisons with other companies, as well as any statistical analyses or collected insights.

This kind of information would certainly be valuable for everyone participating in the discussion

If you're able to provide it, that would be greatly appreciated—I’d genuinely be pleased. I trust you know what you're talking about and I'm looking forward to your contribution.

This thread is nuts lol. Does the product do what you want it to do and at a price you will pay, if so, great, buy it. If not, buy something else.