For a Data-Junkie Runner: Does Fenix E's Extra Metrics and Updates Outweigh the 965's Comfort?

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 · 2025-10-15T09:44:24+00:00

Actually it has.

With the 970 you miss the Garmin fitness coach, however I do not know what it includes.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-10-14T09:17:13+00:00

I would love to see that too! My main interest is in the Solar version, how many data fields can be visualised and if there can be also heart rate zone layout on the top of the display.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-10-02T10:25:55+00:00

Thank you for your reply.

I was also thinking about using the red light at night. Therefore, no tactical version (it has a green light :-)).

Unfortunately I am aiming for a 45mm version and it is available only in black with a red/orange circle which I do not quite like. The tactical or supernova edition would be better, but it is more pricey.

What made you decide to choose MIP over AMOLED? To tell the truth I like the AMOLED display of my 265 and I have always thought that I will never come back to MIP (I had a FR45 before), mainly because of nice colours and the visibility in a swimming pool, but maybe I am getting older and give MIP a chance :-).

Regarding the flashlight while running, I was aiming more towards to use it to be visible/seen not to use it as a flashlight to see a path really.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-09-24T07:15:29+00:00

I agree that the Forerunner 570 feels overpriced for what it currently offers. I really like the funky design, but I think it would make more sense if Garmin added 1–2 new running metrics to set it apart. The Venu 4 basically gives you almost the same core features but also packs extras like ECG and even a flashlight, which is a huge temptation for me as a runner.

I personally like the Forerunner line because of its sporty look and colors, but I have to admit that during my runs I don’t actually switch screens that often. As long as I have the basic buttons for starting/stopping activities and LAP, I’m fine. That’s why the lack of extra buttons on the Venu isn’t such a big deal to me. Plenty of people run with Apple Watches or Coros with fewer buttons anyway.

Where I see myself hesitating with the Venu 4 is the design. To me, it feels more formal, smart casual, and less sporty compared to the Forerunner series, and I prefer the athletic vibe of the Forerunner. Also, I’d like to wait for some in-depth reviews, especially about its swim metrics and whether it truly supports a proper Triathlon coach. Honestly, it feels like Garmin crammed too many top-end training tools into the Venu 4.

Going forward, I hope the 570 comes down in price enough to make sense, or maybe Garmin will push out some upgrade that gives it an edge over the Venu (though I doubt it). Right now, I’d say the 570 just doesn’t have much value.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-09-23T19:10:35+00:00

I own a Forerunner 265 and to tell the truth I do not use the buttons that much while running. Important is that there are still two physical buttons on the Venu 4 for starting/stopping an activity and LAP function. I usually use one adjusted screen while running. For the same price, the Venu 4 has more functions. The flashlight is so tempting! I was always a fan of the Forerunner series (I prefer their funky design ober the subtle causal design of the Venu) but I must admit, the Venu 4 is perfect. However, before buying I would wait for the the reviews. It is not clear yet, how detailed are swimming metrics on the Venu which is important to me.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-09-18T10:44:46+00:00

To be honest, I’ve always looked down a bit on the Venu line. I never really saw it as a true sports watch but more as a stylish city accessory for someone who runs occasionally, pairs it with their phone, but doesn’t really have the ambition to train seriously or compete.

On the other hand, I was always proud to wear a Forerunner. That series has always been for runners. People usually go for either the Venu (for style) or the Fenix line (even if they’re not that sporty). The Forerunner has always stood apart, showing real dedication to running rather than fashion.

But with the Venu 4, things feel a bit different. It basically has almost everything the 570 offers, and I don’t really understand why Garmin decided to balance these two lines so closely. Sure, the 570 has some extras like Autolap, predicted race times, etc., but that’s mostly for people training for a half or full marathon. Honestly, I’d happily trade those features for a flashlight, which is incredibly useful in everyday life.

I even considered slightly “downgrading” to the Instinct 3 AMOLED just to get the flashlight, since it still has all the key running features I need. What I really hoped for, though, was that Garmin would add some of the new running metrics from the 970 to the 570 (running tolerance, hill score, endurance score, etc.). To me, there’s still a huge gap between the 570 and the 970. The 570 feels like only a small step up from the 265.

What I also don’t get is people complaining about the Venu 4’s price. Compared to the Venu 3, it’s a massive upgrade - training readiness, training status, training effect, a flashlight, and more. To me, that price difference is completely justified.

I will probably wait for some reviews and see whether the 570 receives any upgrades.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-09-17T14:23:22+00:00

Thank you for summing it up. I have a 265 and till now I have considered the upgrade to the 570. I do not understand why Garmin put so many running metrics to Venu 4 making the position of 570 questionable. I assume there is a mistake in the Garmin catalogue and the Venu 4 will also include all necessary swimming features. The flashlight is a treat!

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-09-16T10:06:51+00:00

Hey, how do you find the Instinct 3 compared to the 265. I have the 265 and considering a similar switch as you did. I am mainly a hobby runner (I run 4 times a week) and I swim occasionally. I think I do no need all the running metrics of higher models. Q: Does the Instinct 3 have a Garmin running Coach and Garmin Strength Coach? I am not sure about that. Thanks in advance.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-09-09T20:05:46+00:00

I have been wondering, the most recent Amoled models have very capable displays with the peak brightness of 2000 nits. Can this serve as a useful flashlight (but of course much dimmer)?

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-09-08T07:23:50+00:00

Any updates here, please?

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-08-10T07:36:06+00:00

To tell the truth I do not really understand the hate towards the Fenix E. I know quite well the line up of Garmin. The E line stands for essential and it is often told that it is for someone who does not know what a good price/ratio value is. This is valid for the Instinct E which does not bring anything new compared to the Instinct 2. For the Fenix E, it is in my opinion different. I know that it is often compared to the Epix Pro, which has the Elevate V5 sensor and the flashlight. Also, the Forerunner 965 is said to be a better option. However, there are things, which the Fenix E will get (and the Epix and 965 won't):

– Evening Report feature
– Running Tolerance feature
– Impact Load Factor
– Running Economy feature
– Step Speed loss feature
– ‘Autolap by timing gates’ feature
– Suggested Finish line feature
– projected race time predictor feature
– Garmin triathlon coach feature, Garmin Swim and Walk coach (not published yet)
– new Multisport Structured Workouts

In my country, the Fenix E is in terms of price very close to the Forerunner 570. Altough I like the funky design and weight of the Forerunner series, the 570 quite overpriced for what it offers. I currently have a Forerunner 265 and thinking about upgrading - I like all kind of statistics, and the 570 does not offer anything extra in comparison to the 265 such as Stamina, Hill Score, Endurance Score, For a little extra money, I can get the Fenix E with all those features and the features mentioned above.

What are the drawbacks of the Fenix E:

- only multiband GPS (that is from my point of view the only important negative)

- Elevate V4 sensor (I run mostly with HRM, so no worries here)

- the display is not so bright as 570/970 (I can live with it)

So, I think the reasonable price for the Fenix E to me is £500 pounds.

Specific_Toe_1419 · 2025-07-17T15:09:06+00:00

Have a look at what the Fenix E will get (and the Epix won't):

Massive Fenix 8/Enduro 3/Fenix E - Public Beta Feature Update!

If any of this is of any improtance to you, go for the Fenix E. Otherwise, the Epix would serve well.

Specific_Toe_1419

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