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Anyone buying Garmin Fenix 6

Well, I currently am trying both a Series 5 and a Fenix 6S. I got both for a steal. However, I can only keep one... Seeing how much the battery life has fallen in the series 5 is making it hard for me to choose. I love never worrying about the battery life on the Fenix and honestly really like the weight and look of the Fenix. It clicked with me quickly. However, I’m already seeing some software bugs with Garmin Connect (which I experienced in the past, too), and I’m not blown away by the GPS accuracy or the OHR.

Man, I wish there was a device with the best of both worlds! I’m really torn. I’m not a hardcore runner, and I don’t compete in anything sports wise. Any words of wisdom?
 
PaladinGuy said:
Well, I currently am trying both a Series 5 and a Fenix 6S. I got both for a steal. However, I can only keep one... Seeing how much the battery life has fallen in the series 5 is making it hard for me to choose. I love never worrying about the battery life on the Fenix and honestly really like the weight and look of the Fenix. It clicked with me quickly. However, I’m already seeing some software bugs with Garmin Connect (which I experienced in the past, too), and I’m not blown away by the GPS accuracy or the OHR.

Man, I wish there was a device with the best of both worlds! I’m really torn. I’m not a hardcore runner, and I don’t compete in anything sports wise. Any words of wisdom?
Click to expand...

The Apple Watch Series 5's HR accuracy is nowhere near as good as the Series 3. GPS accuracy is still very subpar.

I resolved this matter by using my 6X Pro Solar for tracking and my AW for streaming music and for emergencies (not having to bring my phone along has been great);

I wouldn't have any doubt whatsoever about what I, personally, would pick if I had to choose one..
 
NickYanakiev said:
The Apple Watch Series 5's HR accuracy is nowhere near as good as the Series 3. GPS accuracy is still very subpar.

I resolved this matter by using my 6X Pro Solar for tracking and my AW for streaming music and for emergencies (not having to bring my phone along has been great);

I wouldn't have any doubt whatsoever about what I, personally, would pick if I had to choose one..
Click to expand...

Assuming you’d pick the Fenix?

I still find my series 4 & 5 OHR much more accurate and able to more quickly respond to quick changes in HR.
 
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PaladinGuy said:
Assuming you’d pick the Fenix?

I still find my series 4 & 5 OHR much more accurate and able to more quickly respond to quick changes in HR.
Click to expand...

Without a shadow of a doubt. The Apple Watch is, naturally, far better for day to day use. Can't say I am not a fan of my SBSS watch with the black link bracelet.

I have a Vivosmart 4 that has True Up when I'm not wearing the Garmin.
 
NickYanakiev said:
Yes but the OHR on Series 5 is far worse compared to what it was on the Series 3.
Click to expand...

It’s interesting that you have had that experience. I have found the series 4 and 5 much more accurate than any of the previous series Apple Watches. I stopped using a chest strap for strength training because it got good enough for me with the 4.
 
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PaladinGuy said:
It’s interesting that you have had that experience. I have found the series 4 and 5 much more accurate than any of the previous series Apple Watches. I stopped using a chest strap for strength training because it got good enough for me with the 4.
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That's what all of the review websites I have read have claimed. Including DC Rainmaker.
 
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Fenix 5X user here. Been using Fenix 3 for almost 2 years, sold it and went for 5X. It's a great SPORT device with smartwatch CAPABILITIES, whereas I would say that AW is quite the other way around. I've also been using AW3 for 2 weeks, but it felt like a toy to me and I was pretty much scared of breaking this thing against walls, doors etc. (yeah, I tend to wave my arms around sometimes to much 😂). Fenix series for me is a rugged piece of equipment that I'm not afraid to use for bike riding, snowboarding and other outdoor activities. Plus the battery life, which is great.
 
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PaladinGuy said:
Man, I wish there was a device with the best of both worlds! I’m really torn. I’m not a hardcore runner, and I don’t compete in anything sports wise. Any words of wisdom?
Click to expand...

The Polar Grit X, same price as an AW5, is very interesting. There are some things about it that might not work for you, and it's not really a smart watch, but for training, it's an interesting split between the devices. Basically, good training metrics, solid enough battery, seems reasonably accurate but with a couple of warts.

So you kind of have a choice between,

Premier but pricey: Fenix
Smart but no battery: Apple
No so smart but solid fitness: Polar Grit X

I'm a little sour on both the AW5 (battery) and Fenix (oHR, sleep a couple of other things) right now and the Grit is very interesting. I think they really nailed some things or at least pointed themselves in the right direction with this watch.
 
I ended up returning my Fenix 6s. Just didn’t really feel like it was going to fit my needs. I don’t do super long events like ultras or marathons or triathlons. I got an amazing deal on a series 5, which I alternate with my series 4. Now I never worry about battery life.

My Oura ring provides me with recovery data that I like tracking.
 
PaladinGuy said:
I ended up returning my Fenix 6s. Just didn’t really feel like it was going to fit my needs. I don’t do super long events like ultras or marathons or triathlons. I got an amazing deal on a series 5, which I alternate with my series 4. Now I never worry about battery life.

My Oura ring provides me with recovery data that I like tracking.
Click to expand...

How are you finding the Oura? Never seen one in person..does it integrate with Apple health?
 
No. I just recently sold my Fenix 5X Plus to help pay for Apple Watch series 5 SSSB with cellular. My only gripe with the aw is the battery life but I charge the watch when I charge my phone so as it turns out it’s really not a big deal, so let‘s not make it a bigger deal than it really is. The functionality (understatement) I get from the aw more than makes up for the relatively minor inconvenience of having to charge the watch nightly. It’s a pretty safe bet that most of us are not Ironman triathletes so I decided that the practical convenience (as an example) of being able to go on a run and leave my phone and keys at home, lock and open my door (Smart lock), have great music control and just stay connected via cellular was the way to go for me. Besides the space black aw is beautiful and comfortable to wear especially at night for (auto sleep) sleep tracking. None of our phones last for a week on a full charge so charge your phone and (I know, I know) your watch and enjoy all of the conveniences and practical uses this beautiful piece of tech provides.
 
NickYanakiev said:
How are you finding the Oura? Never seen one in person..does it integrate with Apple health?
Click to expand...

It integrates with Apple health for basic sleep information. Maybe steps...I don’t know about that. You cannot get any HRV the other data the Oura ring collects in to Apple health. Apple Watch workouts do sync with the Oura app.

I like it. It is slightly bulkier than a normal ring, and I don’t get the advertised battery life most of the time (still about 4 days though).
 
Techmaestro said:
No. I just recently sold my Fenix 5X Plus to help pay for Apple Watch series 5 SSSB with cellular. My only gripe with the aw is the battery life but I charge the watch when I charge my phone so as it turns out it’s really not a big deal, so let‘s not make it a bigger deal than it really is. The functionality (understatement) I get from the aw more than makes up for the relatively minor inconvenience of having to charge the watch nightly. It’s a pretty safe bet that most of us are not Ironman triathletes so I decided that the practical convenience (as an example) of being able to go on a run and leave my phone and keys at home, lock and open my door (Smart lock), have great music control and just stay connected via cellular was the way to go for me. Besides the space black aw is beautiful and comfortable to wear especially at night for (auto sleep) sleep tracking. None of our phones last for a week on a full charge so charge your phone and (I know, I know) your watch and enjoy all of the conveniences and practical uses this beautiful piece of tech provides.
Click to expand...

I totally see your point. That was my reasoning too. As nice as the AWS5 is (I also have the SBSS), I feel that its Stryd support elevates it to a proper training tool. For me, this means that I am not too fussed about going all for a run with just the AW as I know that my runs are all being aggregated in the Stryd app (same goes for using my phone to start recording);

Still, when I require better accuracy or want to use my watch to navigate (I got lost once as I set out on an unfamiliar route), I always reach for my 6X Pro Solar. Typically, my setup involves the Garmin+AW for streaming podcasts and as a safety device. Being able to run without my phone has been a revelation.
 
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NickYanakiev said:
I totally see your point. That was my reasoning too. As nice as the AWS5 is (I also have the SBSS), I feel that its Stryd support elevates it to a proper training tool. For me, this means that I am not too fussed about going all for a run with just the AW as I know that my runs are all being aggregated in the Stryd app (same goes for using my phone to start recording);

Still, when I require better accuracy or want to use my watch to navigate (I got lost once as I set out on an unfamiliar route), I always reach for my 6X Pro Solar. Typically, my setup involves the Garmin+AW for streaming podcasts and as a safety device. Being able to run without my phone has been a revelation.
Click to expand...
the fenix 6 pro solar is really a nice device. I like the music ability on the fenix 6. Podcasts would be great though
 
Fthree said:
the fenix 6 pro solar is really a nice device. I like the music ability on the fenix 6. Podcasts would be great though
Click to expand...

Fenix will play podcasts through both Spotify, and in my case, Apple Podcasts. You need a cable for Apple Podcasts and Spotify, well, it's wi-fi but painful.

Something like Overcast is much better than either of the above on the Apple Watch.

I went the other way from some of you and sold my AW. We'll see what happens when the Series 6 shows up if there's any better battery life. Maybe I'll reshape if something like that happens.
 
chiefs1968 said:
I love my apple watch series 4 stainless steel but I am itching to purchase the new Garmin Fenix 6x pro and then again I might not. Anyone in this forum also interested in the Garmin fenix 6?
Click to expand...
I know I’m late to this thread but I think it’s relevant bearing in mind the timing.
I’ve had Apple Watches in the past and took the plunge into Garmin Fenix 6. The 10+ days charging was a big attraction for me.
Well, inevitably, Litium Ion batteries wear out, it’s widely known and accepted all over the world.
After almost SIX months of back and forth with Garmin Support I finally got them to commit that they DON’T replace batteries and DON’T have replacement batteries available for sale. In essence, buying a $1,000+ Garmin watch one must accept it is a ‘disposable’ device!
There are online 3rd party options which I dare say get the product from the likes of Alibaba. I see mixed reviews about those 3rd party batteries and opening the back up in a DIY fashion is risky.
Anyways, just thought I’d share it if folks come to this thread to help make their own decisions.
 
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That is very poor on Garmin's side. Despite my recent flirtings with the idea of a 255, the applecare+ on my SS S5 means that the fast degrading battery will be replaced for free before Jan '23 if it drops below 80%, and even if I don't qualify then I can just replace for a small fee when the time comes.
 
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