Garmin Fenix 5 - anyone got one?
Discussion
mondeoman said:
Torn on this, would really like to get one but struggling to justify the £700+ on one. Wondering if anyone has got some hands on experience that coud swing me one way or the other...
Forums are suggesting some accuracy issues with GPS distances and HRM which are putting me off a bit.
The fenix3 that I had consistently over-read by 10%, which was sort of OK as it was consistent so I could make allowance for it; it never felt a 'finished' product though, in GPS software terms, to me but was still handy for the little I needed it for. No idea on HRM issues.Forums are suggesting some accuracy issues with GPS distances and HRM which are putting me off a bit.
I'm tempted by the 5x due to the 75hrs in Ultratrac and the map feature, but won't be investing until everyone is swooning with delight with the GPS accuracy. The DC Rainmaker review seemed to show it was better than the 3 in this area but it's a lot to spend if it isn't...
I've had a Fenix 3 for a few years now. There were some slight over-reading GPS issues when released but some updated firmware solved that. I think it's now accepted as pretty accurate.
For me the 3 has been great, done exactly what I've wanted (running, MTB'ing and occasional other sports) with no issues or problems at all.
From what I've seen the big change with the Fenix 5 is maps and the ability to run the new apps and 24 x 7hr monitoring. As I'm not into any of these, I'm staying with the 3.
For me the 3 has been great, done exactly what I've wanted (running, MTB'ing and occasional other sports) with no issues or problems at all.
From what I've seen the big change with the Fenix 5 is maps and the ability to run the new apps and 24 x 7hr monitoring. As I'm not into any of these, I'm staying with the 3.
I had a Fenix 3 and really didn't like it. I found the gps unreliable and hopeless in wooded areas. The menu was very clunky and difficult to navigate. The battery life was limited and it needs a special cradle to recharge it. Quite a nice watch though and changeable faces. Overall not worth the money IMHO.
I've got a 920 XT, but "really" want to have wrist HR, Indoor rowing recording and skiing (Ski Tracks doesn't work on my Galaxy Edge) on just one gadget, which the 5 promises. I know WRH is flaky on rowing due to the constant loading / unloading (had a VivoActive that proved that issue), and as long as the GPS is comparable to the 920 I'd be happy.
Or is there another premium product that is compatible with Garmin Connect ( a lot of training data and history invested)
Or is there another premium product that is compatible with Garmin Connect ( a lot of training data and history invested)
I have a Fenix 5 and love it.
I use it to track all of my activities which include walking, cycling and weight lifting on a normal day.
The ios app that tracks everything, integrates well with MyFitnessPal and Strava is also fantastic!
I also like how you can customize the face and download new designs. It's a great watch and if you're interested in HR/Fitness/Calories burnt etc then it does a great job.
If you've got any questions, let me know!
I use it to track all of my activities which include walking, cycling and weight lifting on a normal day.
The ios app that tracks everything, integrates well with MyFitnessPal and Strava is also fantastic!
I also like how you can customize the face and download new designs. It's a great watch and if you're interested in HR/Fitness/Calories burnt etc then it does a great job.
If you've got any questions, let me know!
mondeoman said:
Interesting, how good a job does it do on hr when you're weightlifting?
It measures HR and I think a couple of other things so I won't take it as gospel but it serves a useful purpose to some degree in measuring and recording activity. I think the features/design/integration is why I like it so much. The battery life is also excellent.
I've had a Fenix 3 for two years now, bought to replace a Suunto Core.
Mostly used for hillwalking, a bit of running and cycling. No built-in HRM on mine, and I don't think I've ever used the chest strap.
The firmware and phone apps have got markedly better since I've had it, and Garmin customer service were first-rate, replacing a faulty unit quickly and with no quibbles.
Unless you use the GPS a lot, battery life is great (one to two weeks) . "Smartwatch" type features (weather, sms/email, calendar) are a useful bonus which I wasn't expecting to use, but actually are really handy.
If it died or got lost, I'd get an F5 without a second thought, but I'm not sure if it's worth me splashing out just to upgrade.
Mostly used for hillwalking, a bit of running and cycling. No built-in HRM on mine, and I don't think I've ever used the chest strap.
The firmware and phone apps have got markedly better since I've had it, and Garmin customer service were first-rate, replacing a faulty unit quickly and with no quibbles.
Unless you use the GPS a lot, battery life is great (one to two weeks) . "Smartwatch" type features (weather, sms/email, calendar) are a useful bonus which I wasn't expecting to use, but actually are really handy.
If it died or got lost, I'd get an F5 without a second thought, but I'm not sure if it's worth me splashing out just to upgrade.
I folded and got the 5x with the two straps, wear it every day now.
It does what it says on the tin...
My biggest gripe is that you really need a chest monitor if you’re doing anything other than running outside, because either your wrists are too mobile to get a good read, or you sweat too much to get a good read. Both of these are wrist monitor foibles, not unique to Garmin. Indoor rowing is something I really wanted it to work on, but hey ho.
Can’t wait to try it for skiing.
Don’t use it while you’re welding though, as weld splatter will ruin the glass, even if it is sapphire.
It does what it says on the tin...
My biggest gripe is that you really need a chest monitor if you’re doing anything other than running outside, because either your wrists are too mobile to get a good read, or you sweat too much to get a good read. Both of these are wrist monitor foibles, not unique to Garmin. Indoor rowing is something I really wanted it to work on, but hey ho.
Can’t wait to try it for skiing.
Don’t use it while you’re welding though, as weld splatter will ruin the glass, even if it is sapphire.
I've got the 935 - which is a Fenix 5 in a lighter, plastic body. Everything else is the same (well, allegedly the GPS is slightly more accurate in the 935 - but the components are the same.) It's a fantastic bit of kit from both a sports, lifestyle and general practicality (smart notifications) perspective.
The HR thing doesn't bother me - I'm a runner, and I wear a chest strap 90% of the time as wrist-based optical HR has always struggled to keep up with changes in intensity; there's less lag with a chest strap and it doesn't bother me at all.
I've got some of the AliExpress quickfit bands; strangely, some colours fit perfectly whereas at least one flavour will pop off when put on tightly. But at the price I paid for them I don't care, 4 out of 5 is plenty good enough.
The HR thing doesn't bother me - I'm a runner, and I wear a chest strap 90% of the time as wrist-based optical HR has always struggled to keep up with changes in intensity; there's less lag with a chest strap and it doesn't bother me at all.
I've got some of the AliExpress quickfit bands; strangely, some colours fit perfectly whereas at least one flavour will pop off when put on tightly. But at the price I paid for them I don't care, 4 out of 5 is plenty good enough.
Ive got a fenix 3 hr and to be honest along with my tacx neo turbo trainer its about the best thing I have ever bought, it does get used every day though and sometimes more than once a day.
I still use a chest strap Hr when training to heart rate though as i find it a lot more accurate than the wrist based monitor.
I still use a chest strap Hr when training to heart rate though as i find it a lot more accurate than the wrist based monitor.
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