Is anybody using a Garmin and an AW?

[xxBlack]

Currently owning an Ultra but i'm a bit jealous about the Battery Life of the Fenix 7. It's getting warmer and I do more runs and ride my gravel bike.

Why I love the Garmin:

I like to see things like solar (how much my watch was exposed to the sun I'm sorry but thats so cool haha)
Battery Life
Garmin Coach
That it has always on display but without brightness. I hate it when watching tv late at night and my Ultra always goes on when moving my hand. Sure I turn off always on but then I can't see the time haha
Sometimes it's nice to be disconnected (I turned off all notifications) Sure I can do that with my AW too but sometimes I want notification
I realized that I don't use most of the smart features of the Ultra. On day to day I watch my Rings (for me the important one is the red ring) but dont call , read emails etc

Apple Ultra:
I can use Apple Music while running
I have LTE for safety reasons while running (I twisted my ankle once during a run and called my GF to pick me up)
For gym it's better with my Gym App (i can track all my weights, sets, reps etc)
Better screen.

My workouts are 70% weight lifting with maybe 1-2 runs per week and 2-3 rides with my gravelbike.

Currently thinking to own both watches and change every few days. I also think while running to wear both watches. Maybe the Ultra just in my pocket if I need it for calls? Its smaller to carry as a phone.
I need a coach for running bc currently I just run 5k's and max out every single time with avg. 180 hr. I know it's not the right way. Garmin already suggests that I do 5 min Zone 2 and 5 min Zone 3 etc.

So my question. Has anybody both devices? How are you switching between both? Still want to close my rings bc for bulking and cutting it's good accurate for me (My rest kcal are around 2000 kcal so when my red ring says 800 kcal I eat 3100 kcal and I gain slightly weight for muscle building)

 

[tommacao]

I have the Utra and I had the Garmin 955, I found the Garmin challenging to sync with Spotify, and with the Apple Ultra I can use LTE without downloading music. For the gym, I found it easier to use my iPhone. Try running with both, but then which one do I sync to Strava having two devices, means having to babysit both, and what should I use at night?
I will most likely use the Apple watch for gym and non-running/ non-hiking days and get the Garmin 965 (once it's available for running/hiking) (maybe I will use the Apple watch on the other wrist for music) and Garmin for sleep tracking. I miss the daily reports and training readiness.

 

[MGoetz]

I use the Enduro and AW5. Started with the AW (18+ months) and then grabbed the Garmin due to a 1/2 price sale (always curious with these but believed they are way too expensive). I use both now, Garmin all day/night and AW during activities for backup and music. Love the battery on the Enduro (charge every month or month 1/2), the activity and performance stats and I have finally gotten used to the display. Love the AW for its ease of use with music and run outdoors data and display. Both stats match very well (to my needs) as I only do running 5-10km 3-4 X a week. The Enduro is my primary data device as it collects 24/7. If I could only have 1 it would be the AW and I would put up with battery anxiety.

 

[Monkswhiskers]

Garmin has just released the 965/265 with amoled displays, I find this quite interesting but the reality of wearing 2 watches (you need to wear the Garmin 24/7 for the analytics) is too much for me. I am too familiar with the Aw smart features to give them up and it does what I need it to for sports .

 

[satchmo]

Garmin has just released the 965/265 with amoled displays, I find this quite interesting but the reality of wearing 2 watches (you need to wear the Garmin 24/7 for the analytics) is too much for me. I am too familiar with the Aw smart features to give them up and it does what I need it to for sports .

The 265 is a interesting option to the Apple Watch. It may not have as good smart phone Apple integration, but the battery life is still better. Many athletes also swear by physical buttons with selectable on/off touchscreen options. I wish Apple had this option as well.

But at $450 USD, it might be a bit overpriced compared to a $400 AW8.
However, there are sometimes discount codes which can be used on Garmin’s official site which bring it down 20-30%.

 

[alphasports]

I have both and use them each for different reasons, AW primarily for its great utility features and Workoutdoors as a backup fitness recorder, Garmin for everything fitness oriented, its metrics, analysis and fitness-centric architecture run rings around AW. I also use Android and iphone, but hate watch notifications so I'll often wear my AW while using my Pixel as my daily driver, no issues. The Garmin of course will work on either phone platform.

 

[d3vp0ll]

I have gone back and forth twice between my Series 8 LTE and my Fenix 6X Pro.

What I like most about my Garmin:

1. Training data - from readiness to training status, to performance to rest and recovery (+Body Battery)
2. Durability - it’s a tank
3. 24/7 HR monitoring

What I hate about my Garmin:

1. Software/UI/UX - it really feels like I go back 25 years in tech every time I interact with it
2. No cellular connectivity - I HATE, absolutely loathe, taking my phone with me everywhere I go.
3. Media - it is so cumbersome to sync music and podcasts on this thing, only to have my Beats Fit Pro just drop connection occasionally. When I am running or even mowing my lawn, I hate this

What I like most about the Apple Watch

1. Cellular Connectivity - I’m the weirdo, who for the last 4+ years, leaves his iPhone at home 90% of the time. I have a hard time not having this. I can also lock my keys in my truck via a keypad so when I run and explore outdoors I truly feel uninhibited
2. Quick actions - message replies, setting reminders and times, answering a quick call, controlling my HomeKit devices, requesting Shortcuts commands
3. Media - opposite of Garmin, media is a dream in comparison

What I hate about the Apple Watch

1. Durability - it’s just fragile, had my Series 4 replaced twice. I opted not for the Ultra, perhaps regret it, but not sure it was worth the extra price when I use AppleCare+ anyway. And boy do I use that lol.
2. Lack of insights - it collects a whole bunch of data, but does very little with it. I use Athlytic Pro, Training Today, Tempo, Health, HeathFit and Fitness Stats just to get the same experience as Garmin, and it’s frustrating because none have all, but all have some and even overlap in a lot of areas. So you need to peck and find what you want to see. On top of this, I am not even sure if all this data from these 3rd party apps are even correct lol. Ugh.
3. Lack of training plans - I like Apple Fitness+ but after using it since it launched it seems static and only geared towards folks who want to be more active, but not truly athletic - if that makes any sense. I want to take my fitness to the next level or two and it just feels like I am never going to get there with an Apple Watch on my wrist.

I truly cannot decide which I am keeping honestly, I am leaning more towards the Garmin at this point but dealing with carrying my phone everywhere I go - which I hate. I have to decide what I hate less, carrying my phone everywhere or having a subpar fitness tracking device. Sigh.

 

[xDKP]

Great list. I run around 70K a week and consider myself a pretty serious runner. I would love some more insight in my body data, but not enough to drop the Apple Watch. The ultra is truly an amazing partner on every run with great battery and superb durability.

I think many of your issues and missing pieces will be solved down the line. They have a much higher focus on this than earlier years

 

[sarc]

I have gone back and forth twice between my Series 8 LTE and my Fenix 6X Pro.

What I like most about my Garmin:

1. Training data - from readiness to training status, to performance to rest and recovery (+Body Battery)
2. Durability - it’s a tank
3. 24/7 HR monitoring

What I hate about my Garmin:

1. Software/UI/UX - it really feels like I go back 25 years in tech every time I interact with it
2. No cellular connectivity - I HATE, absolutely loathe, taking my phone with me everywhere I go.
3. Media - it is so cumbersome to sync music and podcasts on this thing, only to have my Beats Fit Pro just drop connection occasionally. When I am running or even mowing my lawn, I hate this

What I like most about the Apple Watch

1. Cellular Connectivity - I’m the weirdo, who for the last 4+ years, leaves his iPhone at home 90% of the time. I have a hard time not having this. I can also lock my keys in my truck via a keypad so when I run and explore outdoors I truly feel uninhibited
2. Quick actions - message replies, setting reminders and times, answering a quick call, controlling my HomeKit devices, requesting Shortcuts commands
3. Media - opposite of Garmin, media is a dream in comparison

What I hate about the Apple Watch

1. Durability - it’s just fragile, had my Series 4 replaced twice. I opted not for the Ultra, perhaps regret it, but not sure it was worth the extra price when I use AppleCare+ anyway. And boy do I use that lol.
2. Lack of insights - it collects a whole bunch of data, but does very little with it. I use Athlytic Pro, Training Today, Tempo, Health, HeathFit and Fitness Stats just to get the same experience as Garmin, and it’s frustrating because none have all, but all have some and even overlap in a lot of areas. So you need to peck and find what you want to see. On top of this, I am not even sure if all this data from these 3rd party apps are even correct lol. Ugh.
3. Lack of training plans - I like Apple Fitness+ but after using it since it launched it seems static and only geared towards folks who want to be more active, but not truly athletic - if that makes any sense. I want to take my fitness to the next level or two and it just feels like I am never going to get there with an Apple Watch on my wrist.

I truly cannot decide which I am keeping honestly, I am leaning more towards the Garmin at this point but dealing with carrying my phone everywhere I go - which I hate. I have to decide what I hate less, carrying my phone everywhere or having a subpar fitness tracking device. Sigh.

If you’re looking to take your fitness to the next level on the training plan front, the Apple Watch and Garmin may not be the best options for you. While Garmin does offer training plans, these are just cookie-cutter plans and not tailored to the individual. The best thing to do is hire a trainer who can look over what you complete and plan out your weeks for whatever fitness target you’re working towards. This way, you can get a personalized plan that will help you achieve your goals more effectively.

 

[Monkswhiskers]

I think in terms of health metrics and recovery we are still 10yrs off of meaningful individualised software.

More health sensors, better algos and AI will build a complete picture of you as an individual.

All the while these devices are collecting data that can be retroactively included in any health picture in the future.

The big question is of course will this data remain private.

 

[d3vp0ll]

If you’re looking to take your fitness to the next level on the training plan front, the Apple Watch and Garmin may not be the best options for you. While Garmin does offer training plans, these are just cookie-cutter plans and not tailored to the individual. The best thing to do is hire a trainer who can look over what you complete and plan out your weeks for whatever fitness target you’re working towards. This way, you can get a personalized plan that will help you achieve your goals more effectively.

Sure, right after I fire my butler

 

[xDKP]

Sure, right after I fire my butler

Nobody said you should hire Kipchoke here It doesn't have to be very expensive and lots of great options for a custom made program.

 

[Mike75]

I've barely worn my Fenix 6 since I got my Ultra in September. The battery life of my AW4 was always the biggest knock on it and the Ultra gives me enough for my purposes. I use workoutdoors and IMO it gives the Ultra the same functionality as the Garmin. Plus the Ultra is just a better user experience.

 

[akidokraja]

Currently owning an Ultra but i'm a bit jealous about the Battery Life of the Fenix 7. It's getting warmer and I do more runs and ride my gravel bike.

Why I love the Garmin:

I like to see things like solar (how much my watch was exposed to the sun I'm sorry but thats so cool haha)
Battery Life
Garmin Coach
That it has always on display but without brightness. I hate it when watching tv late at night and my Ultra always goes on when moving my hand. Sure I turn off always on but then I can't see the time haha
Sometimes it's nice to be disconnected (I turned off all notifications) Sure I can do that with my AW too but sometimes I want notification
I realized that I don't use most of the smart features of the Ultra. On day to day I watch my Rings (for me the important one is the red ring) but dont call , read emails etc

Apple Ultra:
I can use Apple Music while running
I have LTE for safety reasons while running (I twisted my ankle once during a run and called my GF to pick me up)
For gym it's better with my Gym App (i can track all my weights, sets, reps etc)
Better screen.

My workouts are 70% weight lifting with maybe 1-2 runs per week and 2-3 rides with my gravelbike.

Currently thinking to own both watches and change every few days. I also think while running to wear both watches. Maybe the Ultra just in my pocket if I need it for calls? Its smaller to carry as a phone.
I need a coach for running bc currently I just run 5k's and max out every single time with avg. 180 hr. I know it's not the right way. Garmin already suggests that I do 5 min Zone 2 and 5 min Zone 3 etc.

So my question. Has anybody both devices? How are you switching between both? Still want to close my rings bc for bulking and cutting it's good accurate for me (My rest kcal are around 2000 kcal so when my red ring says 800 kcal I eat 3100 kcal and I gain slightly weight for muscle building)

Just don't get Fenix 7 as compass locks up all the time. Enduro 2 is little better in this regard.

 

[DontGetTheCheese]

I have both. Generally when I'm working out I settle on one and just go with it. Garmin is usually my preference for any serious workout program but I haven't done that in awhile.

My general preference is the Ultra. That said, I've had trouble with Apple watches digging into my wrist and hitting a nerve. The Garmin watches have a lower rear profile so that doesn't happen which is why, right now, I'm wearing a Garmin.

 

[satchmo]

The more I’m running these day, the more I think I may need to invest in a Garmin. Frankly, I cannot get past the usability of having to push two buttons or swipe right and tap to pause.

Wish Apple would allow devs to modify the side button on non-Ultra watches so it can serve as a single start-stop button.

 

[xDKP]

The more I’m running these day, the more I think I may need to invest in a Garmin. Frankly, I cannot get past the usability of having to push two buttons or swipe right and tap to pause.

Wish Apple would allow devs to modify the side button on non-Ultra watches so it can serve as a single start-stop button.

Pushing both buttons on the Ultra is super easy and makes sense - if your action button could pause it I’m afraid it could do it unintentionally as well

 

[satchmo]

Pushing both buttons on the Ultra is super easy and makes sense - if your action button could pause it I’m afraid it could do it unintentionally as well

The side button on the regular Apple Watch is flush with the body and hence would not be easy to push unintentionally. Unlike touch screens, buttons have enough resistance that brushing up against won’t affect it,

 

[sarc]

Pushing both buttons on the Ultra is super easy and makes sense - if your action button could pause it I’m afraid it could do it unintentionally as well

Yeah I've never had an issue pushing two buttons to pause the workout. I find it easier while running to push two at once than a single button to be honest.