My FR 255 has a classic ski option, and it looks like the 265 does too: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/886785/#specs
I change my skate sessions to skate skiing in the Garmin app (edit activity).
This is bad info. The 265 has the older hr sensor, Venu 4 has the elevate 5 sensor. Venu has all the training features the 265 has, including training readiness, and more.
The 265 is a sweet spot as far as bang for the buck running watch IMO. I’m trying to decide between the Venu 4, 265 and 570 myself.
Sometimes I want to switch to another brand. Garmin have become such a behemoth in the industry it makes it less attractive to support their overpricing. The thing is the 265 is an absolute beast of a watch if you’re a runner. They nailed it. Oh and I want a web interface for data. I don’t think Suunto (which is where I’d go) have that? Also having so many years of data with garmin. But I can also see the pull of a fresh start.
I wore both an Apple Watch Ultra and Whoop for 3 years. Just cut both for a Garmin Forerunner 265. Haven’t missed the other 2, and I’m fully in the Apple ecosystem.
I’ve had both an Apple Watch and a Garmin Forerunner 265, and for me, Garmin has been the clear winner.
The biggest reason is battery life. My Garmin 265 lasts about three weeks, even while running six days a week and averaging around 40 miles total. With my Apple Watch, I was constantly forgetting to charge it, then stressing about whether I’d have enough battery to get through a run.
I also realized I don’t really use the smartwatch features. For texts, apps, and notifications, I’d rather use the bigger screen on my phone than a tiny watch screen. So the most important thing for me became having a watch I don’t have to think about charging, especially when traveling.
There’s also peace of mind. Whether I’m on a trip, out for a long run, or even hiking somewhere, I don't worry about my battery life or having to carry a specific phone charger with me.
I also like the Garmin app. It makes setting up specific workouts for runs incredibly easy. For sure battery life is #1. 3 weeks feels amazing. I have multiple friends who I convinced to switch from Apple watches to garmins and they will never go back. I would say buy one with a good return policy, use it as your daily for 4 weeks and see what you think.
Top Fitness Trackers on Reddit
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Garmin
Forerunner 255 Series
86% positive of 466 users
Long battery; but wrist HR tracking is inconsistent.
grammerenthusiast
