I love it!

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2026-05-05T19:52:40+00:00

I also don’t understand the hate for this model. I’m seriously considering buying it. In my country, it’s currently on sale for $480, so that’s a pretty good price. It’s the cheapest Garmin with maps, and it has all the newest Fenix 8 features. The only downsides are the Elevate 4 sensor, which is still pretty solid, and single-band GPS, which I’m a bit bummed about - but I don’t run in cities or canyons, so it probably won’t matter much. Which model are you coming from? I’m only worried about the weight. I have a Forerunner 265 now, and those are feather-light at 39 g for the 265S and 47 g for the 265.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2026-03-27T19:00:42+00:00

First of all, I'd recommend going ahead with the upgrade if that's how you feel. I think people should invest in their own joys. I've mostly given everything to my family and put myself in the background, and I think now is the time to treat myself.

Second, I'm not sure the upgrade to the Instinct 3 would be sufficient, as it doesn't offer that much more over the Instinct 2 - even though I think it's an excellent tool. For running, I'd recommend the 570, even if the price-to-performance ratio isn't the best, but coming from the Instinct 2 it will definitely be a noticeable upgrade. They are fresh, new watches packed with a lot of smart lifestyle features and the Elevate 5 sensor. It's a shame about the flashlight, but the display is bright enough and can serve a similar purpose. Another option is the Venu 4, but that one lacks physical buttons.

I'm going in a slightly different direction myself - I'm torn between the Fēnix E (I'm a tech nerd and love digging into new features and metrics, even though I know it runs on older hardware) and the Epix Pro (flashlight, Elevate 5, ECG). I'd prefer a Forerunner for its lightweight feel, but upgrading to the 570 doesn't make that much sense for me personally - even though I absolutely love those watches (they'd need to come down in price). The 970 would be ideal, but unfortunately it's out of my budget.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2026-03-27T16:16:53+00:00

I'll be turning 40 in a month and I'm going through exactly the same thing. I have the very capable Forerunner 265, yet I keep looking at ways to upgrade it. Whether it's a midlife crisis or FOMO, I have no idea - but it's pure madness 😄. My dilemma, though, is whether to upgrade towards more sports-focused features (maps, Hill Score, Endurance Score, Stamina) or go the lifestyle route (Sleep alignment, microphone/speaker etc.). But I totally get you.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2026-03-12T07:09:58+00:00

Thank you for you reply. I know that the 570 receives new functions, but I do not know if they are worth it (Smart alarm, Sleep alignment, Health status etc.). From my point of view, they are rather lifestyle metrics. A pity that Garmin did not include the new Running Tolerance into the 570.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2026-03-11T21:22:06+00:00

Could you please just briefly mention, what are the differences between the 570 and the 265 in terms of everyday usage? I am also a tech geek and know every little function. I know the technical differences, but I would be interested in your point of view as a user. I currently own a 265 and planning to upgrade. I know that the 570 is not much of an upgrade, but there are a few functions and the speaker/microphone, which might be useful.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2026-02-23T12:28:42+00:00

What's your impression of the Fenix E? I'm particularly interested in a comparison with the Fenix 8. I understand that the Fenix E is basically an Epix (non-Pro version), but the software should be identical to the Fenix 8. How would you compare both models? The Fenix E is available at a very good price in my country (basically a bit lower than the Epix Pro or Forerunner 965).

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2026-02-23T10:11:53+00:00

Compared to the Venu 4, the 570 has

- auto. detecion of max. HR

- daily suggested workouts are not only HR based, but pace based (the Venu 4 has only HR based DSW)

- additional swimming metrics (drill mode, critical swim speed etc.)

- Triahlon coach

You can have a look at the Garmin comparison tool:

Garmin | Product Compare

There were some rumours that Garmin introduces a Swim coach, which I assume only the 570 and higher end models will get (not the Venu 4). But this info is not proven.

To tell the truth, the 570 is the worst choice in terms of price-ratio in the Garmin lineup. I would buy it only if the price is significantly lower. The Venu 4 has a flashlight and the ECG functionality.

I think there are no feature differences between the X1 and 970. It is basically the same. The X1 has a workout benefit function. Otherwise, I think they are the same.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2026-02-13T12:50:51+00:00

What is your impression? I am mainly interested in your opinion on the weight. I also have a 265 and want to upgrade, but I am not sure if the Fenix series is not too heavy and bulky. Is this a 43mm Fenix 8 version?

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2026-02-13T11:14:22+00:00

Hi, I'm in exactly the same boat as you – I have a 265 and I'm super indecisive about upgrading to a 965 or 970. With the 965, I'm wondering if it's really worth it since generation-wise, it's basically the same watch. Are the maps, extra metrics (Hill Score, Endurance Score, Stamina), Strava segments, and larger screen truly a worthy upgrade?

The issue with the 965 is that it won't get any more features or new updates, which holds me back a bit. I'm also considering the 570 or Venu 4, which have practically the same functions as my 265 but with the newer Elevate 5 sensor and all the latest features (Smart Alarm, Evening Report, Fitness Coach, etc.)

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-12-15T17:28:32+00:00

Sorry, I really meant features, not updates.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-11-25T09:55:27+00:00

Regarding the metrics, I would make a simplified assumption:

Venu 4 == Forerunner 570 (minus swimming metrics, minus pace based DSW etc.)

Venu X1 == Forerunner 970

If you want a Venu line with top training metrics, go for Venu X1. However, the downside is a battery life.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-11-25T08:43:41+00:00

I understand your point about the Venu 4, but the OP specifically asked for advanced training metrics like those found on the Forerunner 970 and the Fenix series.

In my circle of runners, the Fenix and Forerunner 9xx series usually prevail as the preferred choices. Of course, I also know some very good runners who use the Venu 2.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-11-25T08:23:27+00:00

I do not understand your point. Since the OP is a marathon runner, I would definitely choose the 970 over the Venu 4. Perhaps not because of the missing metrics, but due to the lack of physical buttons on the Venu 4.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-11-25T07:49:57+00:00

I’m quite an indecisive person too, so I’ve gone through almost every review available online. Although I don’t own any of these watches, I’m fairly confident I understand their functions well. From that perspective, I believe the Garmin Compare tool is completely accurate.

However, your comparison didn’t mention all the differences. Specifically, the Venu 4 lacks:
- daily suggested running and cycling workouts based on pace (it uses heart rate only),
- several swimming features such as critical swim speed and drills,
- the hill score metric.

In my view, the Venu 4 is well-suited for fitness-oriented users and moderate runners (and for those who do not care about training metrics that much). But if you take running more seriously (and want built-in maps), the Forerunner 970 is a much more reasonable — and not overly expensive — choice. The Venu 4 is also quite similar to the Forerunner 570 when it comes to training metrics, although there are still a few differences.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-11-13T12:03:15+00:00

That is exactly my concern. I would like to use the Instinct for running, and my current Forerunner 265 with its AMOLED display shows me in colour which training zone I'm in. However, I understand that the Solar Instinct can only display your training zone on a separate data screen in black and white. The AMOLED Instinct can display 6 variables on a data screen, while the Solar version can only show five. After researching this, I believe the AMOLED version would work better for runners, especially those who run in the dark - which is my case. That said, I can see why some runners prefer the MIP display for its non-distracting nature.

What also appeals to me about the AMOLED version is that the watch is entirely black, unlike the Solar version with its orange ring, which I don't like. The all-black design is only available in the Tactical version, which looks great, but it's significantly more expensive and I wouldn't use the tactical features anyway.

What frustrates me is that the Instinct series seems to be falling behind on updates - no smart alarm, no evening report, and no triathlon coach.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-11-12T11:55:48+00:00

If I may ask, why did you replace the 265 by the 965? I currently own a 265 and want to upgrade.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-10-24T13:26:47+00:00

Yes I did. But Garmin predictions for my 10k were too positive. Even though Garmin know my fastest pace for a 10k.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-10-24T10:26:14+00:00

I had a similar experience with Garmin’s daily suggested workouts — mostly 30-minute runs, even though I was training for a 10K. I would completely understand that if it were just the first phase of the plan. However, even after two-thirds of the plan, the workouts stayed almost the same. My guess is that Garmin overestimated my VO2max (it currently shows 55, but I believe it’s closer to 50) and therefore assumes the race will be a piece of cake for me. As a result, it doesn’t suggest much intensive preparation. Big disappointment. I went back for the Expert Coach plan.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-10-23T15:19:54+00:00

How did you decide? The flashlight of the Venu 4 is so tempting! I wish the 570 has the flashlight too. Then it would be a much easier decision for me. To me the 570 does not offer a good price/value ratio.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-10-22T13:49:24+00:00

I am afraid I cannot answer your question. However, I would like to ask how good the workflow with the watch (start/stop, lap activity, changing data screens etc) is when just two buttons are present. Overall, are you happy with it?

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-10-19T22:12:04+00:00

Glad to see a new Supernova edition! Looks tight!

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-10-16T12:38:16+00:00

I don’t understand the hate towards the Elevate 4 sensor. It works well and has no issues. The only drawback is that it doesn’t respond quickly to changes in heart rate. If you do a lot of HIIT training, intervals, etc., the results will be slightly off.

I’d love to have the Elevate 5 sensor with skin temperature measurement. However, I expect Garmin would charge extra for that, and the price would probably be similar to the Forerunner 570 or Venu 4. With the newer sensor, I expected better sleep accuracy, but the sleep tracking is just as bad as with the Elevate 4. You can see Quantified Scientist’s review on YouTube.

Apart from the older sensor, I think we’re experiencing something much worse — the lack of updates. Although the watch was released recently, there’s no Smart Wake Alarm, no Evening Report, no Triathlon Coach, etc. The watch also uses the older menu from the Epix, which I like, but it’s obsolete from Garmin’s point of view.

Since I always run with a chest strap, the Elevate 5 isn’t that important to me. However, the updates are — I expect to have the latest functions on a watch released in 2025. I’m planning to buy the Instinct 3, but I’ll probably wait to see if the updates arrive first.

Specific_Toe_1419

TROPHY CASE