After using the Garmin Forerunner 265S for several months, I can confidently say it's one of the best running watches I've ever owned. The 42mm size is absolutely perfect for my smaller wrist (160mm circumference) - no more bulky watch bouncing around during runs!
The AMOLED display is a game-changer. It's so crisp and colorful that I actually catch myself staring at my stats longer than necessary. Sunlight visibility? Flawless. Night runs? The backlight makes everything perfectly readable.
Battery life has been incredible - I consistently get about 9 days with daily GPS runs and sleep tracking. That's with the always-on display enabled too! Charging is quick when needed, usually full in about an hour.
The training metrics are where this watch really shines. The daily suggested workouts have genuinely improved my running performance. I love how it adapts based on my recovery status - when I had a poor sleep night, it automatically suggested an easy recovery run instead of intervals.
The only minor complaint? The 18mm band feels slightly narrow compared to my previous watch's 20mm band. While still secure, I do notice the difference during intense workouts.
For runners with smaller wrists who want serious training metrics without sacrificing comfort or style, the Forerunner 265S is absolutely worth every penny. It's transformed how I train and recover.