# The Ideal Times of the Year to Purchase a Garmin Forerunner and Other Garmin Watches
Garmin’s Forerunner series has remained a popular choice among runners and fitness lovers due to its state-of-the-art tracking capabilities, impressive battery longevity, and flexible size selections. Whether you’re considering the entry-level **Forerunner 165**, the mid-range **265**, or the high-end **965**, strategically timing your purchase can result in significant savings. This guide provides insight into when to buy a Garmin Forerunner, what discounts you can anticipate, and how to align your purchase with new model releases.
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## **An Overview of the Forerunner Series**
The **Garmin Forerunner** line is specifically crafted for runners and athletes, showcasing a variety of models across different price ranges. Here’s a brief overview of the current options:
– **Forerunner 165**: The basic model equipped with essential fitness tracking features, making it ideal for novices or casual runners.
– **Forerunner 265**: A mid-range choice offering more sophisticated tracking metrics, a vivid AMOLED display, and enhanced battery performance.
– **Forerunner 965**: The flagship model, boasting a larger display, advanced training functionalities, and the longest battery duration among the series.
Each variant serves distinct requirements, yet all embody Garmin’s renowned precision and dependability. If you’re looking to make a purchase, knowing the optimal time can greatly impact your finances.
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## **Best Times to Purchase a Garmin Forerunner**
### **1. Black Friday and Holiday Discounts**
While Black Friday is often associated with exceptional offers, Garmin’s price cuts on Forerunners during this time are generally modest. Historically, discounts on Forerunners during Black Friday remain around **10%**, equating to approximately $50 off the $600 Forerunner 965. Though this is not trivial, there are typically better deals available at other times throughout the year.
### **2. Seasonal Promotions: February, June, and September**
Garmin frequently aligns its sales with notable times in the running calendar, such as marathon and racing seasons. These discounts typically emerge in:
– **February**: As runners prepare for spring events, Garmin often presents price reductions to entice new customers.
– **June**: The commencement of summer training season is another prime opportunity for promotions.
– **September**: The fall marathon period brings another wave of discounts, often surpassing those found during Black Friday.
During these promotional periods, expect discounts of **15-20%**, almost double the typical Black Friday reductions. For instance, a $600 Forerunner 965 could see a price drop of $90-$120 during these sales, making them the best time to purchase.
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## **Upcoming Versions**
Garmin generally adheres to a **two-year release schedule** for its Forerunner series. The Forerunner 265 and 965 were launched in **March 2023**, indicating that new versions are anticipated to arrive between **March and June 2025**. If you’re contemplating one of these models, consider the following to decide if you should buy now or wait:
### **Forerunner 165**
The Forerunner 165 is a fantastic entry-level model that is not expected to be updated in the near future. If you’re interested in this variant, feel free to purchase it during any sales event, including Black Friday. As noted in [my original review](https://youtu.be/ZKKCrGZ3sxo), the 165 encompasses all the fundamental features most runners require, making it a great option for those new to fitness tracking.
### **Forerunner 265 and 965**
If you currently have a fitness watch or Forerunner and are satisfied with its performance, it may be beneficial to wait for the next versions of the 265 or 965. The forthcoming models are expected to offer:
– **Elevate 5 heart rate sensor** (now featured in the Venu 3 series)
– **ECG support** for advanced health assessment
– **Enhanced battery performance**
– Possible **Sapphire glass screens** for added durability
– New metrics and interface improvements for enhanced usability
However, if you don’t currently own a fitness watch and wish to acquire one now, the Forerunner 265 and 965 remain excellent options. Even with a new version set to release in 2025, the existing models are unlikely to seem outdated, as Garmin’s updates usually involve incremental improvements rather than major overhauls.
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## **Extra Suggestions for Purchasing Garmin Watches**
1. **Seek Bundles**: Retailers frequently provide bundles that include accessories like additional straps or heart rate monitors at a reduced cost.
2. **Explore Garmin’s Refurbished Store**: Garmin’s official refurbished store offers substantial discounts on nearly new products that come with a full warranty.
3. **Keep an Eye on Third-Party Retailers**: Websites such as Amazon, Best Buy, and REI often run their own sales,