# The Optimal Times of the Year to Purchase a Garmin Forerunner and Other Garmin Timepieces
Garmin’s Forerunner series stands as one of the top fitness watch collections for runners, presenting various models with different features, price ranges, and performance levels. Whether you are considering the basic **Forerunner 165**, the mid-tier **265**, or the premium **965**, choosing the right moment to buy can result in considerable savings. This article will outline the most favorable times of year to purchase a Garmin Forerunner, the sales trends to observe, and the expected timeline for new releases of these devices.
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## **Overview of the Forerunner Lineup**
The Garmin Forerunner series is specifically tailored for runners and fitness fans, offering sophisticated tracking capabilities, remarkable battery longevity, and various size selections. Here’s a concise overview of the current lineup:
– **Forerunner 165**: The entry-level model, ideal for newcomers or casual runners. It features necessary fitness tracking capabilities and provides excellent value for its cost.
– **Forerunner 265**: A mid-range choice with more sophisticated tracking features, a vivid AMOLED display, and enhanced battery performance.
– **Forerunner 965**: The top-tier model, loaded with advanced features such as detailed performance metrics, a larger screen, and longer battery life.
Every model is designed for specific user needs, but no matter which option you are contemplating, knowing the right time to buy is essential for securing the best price.
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## **When to Purchase a Garmin Forerunner**
Garmin watches, including the Forerunner series, exhibit predictable sales trends throughout the calendar year. Being aware of these patterns can aid in maximizing your savings.
### **1. Black Friday and Holiday Discounts**
Though Black Friday is often a favored time for technology bargains, Garmin’s reductions on the Forerunner series during this period tend to be modest. Historically, Black Friday discounts hover around **10% off**, which would mean approximately $50 off the $600 price of the Forerunner 965. While this discount is reasonable, it isn’t the deepest savings you could achieve.
If you are in pursuit of larger discounts, you might consider waiting for other sales events that occur throughout the year.
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### **2. February, June, and September: Prime Purchasing Months**
Garmin is known to provide stronger promotions during certain times of the year that correspond with running and marathon schedules. The months of **February**, **June**, and **September** are when you’re most likely to encounter reductions of **15-20%**, which is double that of a standard Black Friday discount.
– **February**: This is an ideal month to buy, coinciding with the onset of the spring running season. Retailers frequently hold promotions to motivate fitness enthusiasts to prepare for the new year.
– **June**: Mid-year sales generally align with summer marathon activities, presenting another great chance to find a deal.
– **September**: With the arrival of the fall running season, Garmin often provides discounts to entice runners gearing up for competitions.
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### **3. Steer Clear of Late-Year Purchases**
In contrast to numerous other electronics brands, Garmin does not heavily mark down its Forerunner line during the year-end holiday period. Should you be contemplating a purchase in November or December, it might be wise to delay unless you discover a rare bargain.
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## **Upcoming New Releases**
Garmin Forerunners follow a reasonably predictable release schedule, with new models typically debuting in **March**. For instance, the Forerunner 265 and 965 were both launched in March 2023, and updated versions are anticipated between **March and June 2025**.
### **Should You Wait for the Next Generation?**
– **Forerunner 165**: If the 165 is on your radar, there’s no need to postpone. This entry-level model is not expected to see an update in the near future, and it already includes all the fundamental features that most users require. If you find it discounted during Black Friday or one of the key months mentioned earlier, feel free to proceed with the purchase.
– **Forerunner 265 and 965**: Conversely, if you already possess a fitness watch that meets your needs, it may be worth waiting for the next iterations of the 265 or 965. The upcoming models are likely to come with meaningful enhancements, such as:
– The **Elevate 5 heart rate sensor** (currently available in the Venu 3 series).
– **ECG capability** for advanced health monitoring.
– Enhanced **battery life**.
– Improved **scratch-resistant Sapphire glass** displays.
– New performance metrics and revised menu structures.
Nevertheless, if you don’t own a fitness watch and wish to acquire one now, both the 265 and 965 are still outstanding selections. Even with a new version potentially launching in a few months, the