Garmin - Fenix 7 Series

There is Garmin Swim (IMHO essentially it is a ForeRunner, but swim has been put in focus; review here https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/10/garmin-openwater-review.html). However, modern Garmin watches are all able to track pool swim as well as gym workouts (you might have to set exercises later in the app if you want to track muscle groups affected). Essentially ForeRunner is for runners mostly, Forerunner 9xx is focused on triathlon, Fenix is mostly for outdoors - but again, all of them can do almost the same. I’d go with Fenix if budget allows.

All true except advanced metrics. They are also present in Fenix (it has even more features for hiking) and Instinct. Forerunner is not more advanced. The rugedness is mostly about the bezel. In fenix and instinct it has a rim which gives extra protection to the screen. But that means rugged watches are more bulky what can be a problem in the gym. The real question is lightness of forerunner vs battery life of fenix /instinct

Garmin Fenix 6 and 7 are having some hot deals right now. Go Sapphire for the extra protection. But if you only need the bare minimum, Forerunner 2xx

there's more of us out there than you realize. I'm actually realizing the reason I got the fenix was to have the smallest sports tracker with the highest battery (woman with small wrists) and the best screen (Amoled is visible, wehre MIP is lmost invistible) But I'm finding the overnight data from garmin to be less and less useful or even mentally healthy, so I'm going back to using my analogs more and more. And they are prettier.

Actually the buttons on apple watch ultra are far better. The buttons on my new Fenix are spongy crap with no click.

I just bought a Fenix solar last night and so far it's a giant POS. The UI is ass, syncing Bluetooth is stupid, Garmin pay is garbage and the battery life isn't anywhere close to advertised.

Had AW 6, 7, 10... Had Garmin Fenix 7 somewhere between AW... Now with Garmin instinct 3. ALl has pros and cons. none is perfect. For me it's great to switch from time to time... I would happily do the same between iphone and android, but the cost of switch in terms of software is crazy...

https://preview.redd.it/2rcsj00wjqrf1.png?width=2782&format=png&auto=webp&s=7b6878d4d1f0a615c46203df89d721be01f4dc8c I have fairly small wrists (just under 13cm) and I wear the fenix 7s, I’m on the 2nd to last hole so it’ll go even smaller if I had to. I think it looks appropriate for my proportions.

Get a garmin Fenix, doesnt really matter which model as long as it’s not ancient, off eBay

Another vote for the Fenix 7. It’s extremely durable and gives you plenty of metrics about sleep, HRV, VO2 max, ect. The battery life is great and I don’t have to charge it every day unlike my old Apple Watch that would die after less than 12 hours. They’ve also have good running workouts that I’ll sometimes do.

It probably has something to do with seals under pressure. 1-2feet isn’t much. The fenix 7x is rated to 100m. Anyhow, not my watch, not my problem.

I think it’s more about pushing buttons while completely submerged. I’d avoid that.

I got a fénix 6 that works great. Will sell it to ya for $250. In great condition. I use fénix 7 w whoop and it’s great. Lmk

I’ve just come from an ultra to a fenix 7, and the data the garmin gives me, through plugging into my bike computer and the sensors, it’s much better. The ultra was easier to use for recording free workouts, I don’t get the garmin structured workout thing at all, I don’t want it giving me a list of activities often, I just want to record the effort. I found the navigation on the ultra easier. However when you’re working out garmin and buttons is better. The overall layout and data from your everyday is more comprehensive with garmin, I find the body battery and training level really useful. Battery life obviously a great improvement with garmin. Ultra felt more of a lifestyle and health watch, the garmin and ecosystem to it feels much more sport and much more about supporting structured training. I wore my ultra 24/7, I wear my garmin 24/7, I’ve yet to have a moment where the ultra would be preferable against my priorities at the moment.

I don’t think it’s “much more.” It varies from person to person. For me, the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Garmin Fenix 7 are within +/- 1 bpm compared to the Polar H10. However, I do agree with you that a cheap chest strap (connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth) is the most affordable way to measure heart rate accurately during workouts.

I have this one and I love it. It is not the cheapest but it was worth every penny. Being able to use maps and tracks is a giga + .  

Yeah I feel like apple sleep tracking is similar to its specificity with fitness tracking. Instead of in depth (and maybe somewhat disappointing data) it gives you the positive fluff version to encourage general day to day health. I compared whoop vs. AW vs Fenix and Apple was the only one that just skipped my mini awake times. Found that strange

As a lot of users will point out, the Apple Watch is a smartwatch, quite a remarkable one, and acts as an extension of the iPhone, while Garmin watches are sports watches. If you really like and rely on your notifications and other smart capabilities of the AW, but also want some fitness and performance tracking, then maybe the Ultra 3 would be the right fit. to answer your questions Was it worth it? - absolutely Which model would you recommend for everyday use + workouts? - Garmin has an extensive lineup of watches for all needs and purposes, even budgets, kinda... I'm having a Fenix 7Pro Sapphire Solar Anything you miss from the Apple Watch? - nothing, I had already disabled notifications on my AW, and I'm definitely not missing the battery life Garmin actually change your life or your habits? - I was already cutting down on alcohol consumption, but after the Garmin sleep scores and overall stress index, I stuck to one or two beers a week, and not after 7 pm. Good luck with your quest, and whatever you choose, I hope it will benefit your needs.

Or Fenix 8, 43mm. Maps are awesome. I had a Fenix 7S but my last one is an Epix Pro 42mm. Fenix battery is far superior but the Epix screen is much easier to see.

I’ve used several generations of the Garmin Fenix for resort skiing, backcountry skiing, and Nordic skiing in extremely cold temperatures without issue. They’d be fine in very cold weather, but it’s also important to note because you’re exerting yourself and it’s on your wrist, they’re actually probably a lot warmer than the air temperature, so they’ll be more than fine.

I am currently using the Garmin Fenix 7 + MyFitnessPal specifically for that purpose. The calories burned throughout the workout are quickly synchronized with the MFP app, through the Garmin integration. As a disclaimer, I only use the Strength workout from the watch, and start/stop the set.

I have a Fenix 7X SS, and an OG Instinct. Mind you, I haven't used the instinct since I got the Fenix... I should really get rid of it...

Good choice! I also enjoy the availability of the connectivity but now opt out of the constant notifications. Also why I went with regular Fenix as opposed to the pro. The disconnect is good. Everything I was worried about with the switch from Apple to Garmin ended up being what I appreciate. Apple does many things better but Garmin is for me.

If you just want to use it for golf, S70. If you want to use it for everything, the AWU. If you want better battery life, with a little less of everything but focused on more than golf, Fenix. I have the S70 and AWU. I only use the S70 on the course, and the AWU for everything else simply because I like the focus better on the S70 and I use the garmin sensors. You will probably have to pay a sub for the gold functionality of a S70 on the AWU, so you have to see if it’s worth it.

Most of these calorie counters are estimates and not even close to accurate for any sport with high amount of directional changes, they're more accurate for more straightforward sports like running cycling and swimming, but even then those are broad estimates. I use a relatively high end garmin, fenix 7 pro which I wouldn't recommend for badminton as it is heavy and sometimes will smack into your racket and your racket will lose the clash. If you want to try one I would recommend the Forerunner 265, or basically any sports watch thats not too big, garmin has significantly better optical sensors but aside from hr data don't trust the calorie estimates too much.

Garmin Fenix 7 - gives me more than everything I need for golf and all my other sports

I have heavy black full sleeves both arms and I've found none that work. I have a Garmin Fenix 7 that's essentially just a watch now since I had my sleeves done last year. I have an Oura ring which isn't much for fitness and it's all beat up just in a few months or wearing doing yard work and I'll ditch it once my annual sub is finished. I've heard the newest Whoop might work, thinking about trying it but it's nearly $30/mo which is significant and I'm not sure I'm ready to stop wearing a watch.

Fenix7 here. Run about 3times week + crossfit also 3 times a week. Always chest strap connected and runs right now are around 25km/week. Charge it every 2 to 3 weeks. FR165 definitely has a smaller battery than fénix series

I have the Fenix 7X. But there are many cheaper options in the Garmin lineup depending on your needs! Some watches are more specialized too, but the Fenix serves me great and has everything I need and then some, including massive battery life, and it’s just extremely usable. The flashlight is a godsend as well and I use it daily. Especially when you’re outdoors at night Just figure out what you’ll actually use the watch for and it will make your choice easier.

I’ve used both. Awu and fenix 7pro and i went back to the fenix. Gps was more accurate and hr data was the same. Overnight hrv on garmin was much more useful (since apple doesn’t distinguish overnight). Lastly garmin connect is 100x better than Apple health and fitness. I was expecting a lot more from the awu from what i read and was very unimpressed. If it were better i would deal with the crappy battery life.

The only time that I had issues with a Garmin watch they replaced the watch well over the warrant. I got a forerunner that lasted a lot (6 years?) and then I gave it to a friend. I'm sporting an almost 5 year old fenix and I got it second hand. The watches they make are sturdy

I wear a Garmin Fenix 7x sapphire solar while bouldering but only because it's made from titanium and has sapphire glass so if I bump the wall, the wall has a dent. Most watches I'd say just leave them off.

The first one i broke rock climbing. 245 i replaced with 255 bcs i started trail running and i wanted elevation tracking. 255 was the reasonable choice (price vs function) even though I liked fenix 7 more

Wife loves her Forerunner 255 not too big or small for her liking. Lasts about a week and half and her exercise is close to what you describe. Definitely worth the look; if you did more rugged and outdoors I'd suggest fenix 7xss (have it and absolutely love it for my 1-2 week back country hiking/camping) or instinct 2 but since you're primarily in gym and paved areas the forerunner line or the venue line will be great. I personally haven't met anyone with a vivo but garmin generally does well across all lines. Like others have suggested watch several videos for each that interests you and then make an educated decision.

I wear both my Garmin Fenix 7S and Oura 4 24/7, but I only track runs with the Garmin and only care about the sleep/cycle/wellness metrics from my Oura. They each serve their purpose, and I like having both of them.

I am using Garmin Fenix 7 pro watch. It count reps. My whole trening plan is in this watch crested through Garming app. DM me if you have any questions regarding this watch.

Im not an Apple Watch expert, so let me know if I’m wrong with the following: In my experience, Garmin’s mapping abilities are more robust. For instance, I can create custom maps on CalTopo and upload them to my Garmin, and it works seamlessly. I don’t need any additional apps, and I have full trail detail including ascents/descents, any campsites or points of interest, etc. I can also stitch together multiple activities for multi-day hikes easily. Even the AllTrails “Send to Garmin” feature is super convenient. For instance if I’m going to a national park this weekend, I can upload all of the trails I’m interested in hiking in just a few clicks, sync my watch, and I’m good to go. These types of features and more (along with battery life obviously) sold me on the Fenix. In the backcountry subreddits I see a lot of lamentations about the AW’s lack of mapping abilities.

can't say for garmin but general rule is like that * garmin have more features. you can route maps on watch which means you can set a point where you wanna go without use of phone while on suunto you need to do that via your phone which can be annoying in areas where singal is questionable. also suunto have no names on watch itself on map but yea, their maps re more snappier, faster, etc. * garmin have way more data. now some were locked behind subrsicption, i'm not sure which data excat. suunto have less data but imo better organized * application on phone matters for me alot and there suunto is just better. they have one app for everything which imo is more user friendly. garmin have more apps for each purpouse one and steeper learning curve (my father have garmin edge 1040 bike computer and yea) but thats just from user to user, at the end it matters how you fell. * smart functions there is no question that garmin is better. suunto is really behind. you will get basic notifications with opiton to control music on your phone and call my phone function and function to turn down phone call with a SMS and thats pretty much it. garmin here have huge edge with their stuff * battery life on the other hand, here suunto wins no question at all! while in smart watch mode they re about the same, maybe 2 or 3 days difference, on gps mode there is just too much difference IMO, garmin is more than 2x behind in battery. now, does that matter to you? are you gonna do some multi day hikes or really some long lasting stuff like running 100km or you just in general wants more battery life? thats up to you. * as of GPS accuraccy, i can't really speak but i ve doubt you will be dissapointed by any of those watches. GPS recievers came soo long way in few last watch generations on all devices including Polar, Coros, Suunto, Garmin, even Amazifit and others that you can't go wrong with any of those devices in terms of gps quality. yea there re some minor + - offs bettwen watches, for example i can compare Vertical vs Fenix 7x pro sapphire on same route we logged 4,45km on Fenix vs 4,6km on my Suunto, I ve started my watch slightly faster soo there might be 50m. we also both logged slightly different alltitude gain, me with around 1065m alttitude gain vs my friend fenix 1059m allitude gain, my highest point on watch was more towards official readings of 1242m (it showed 1243m while my friend logged i think 1236m or similar soo yea, if you are like "well well, garmin for 800€ can't beat vertical from suunto i ve got for half the price" kind of attitude then sure, be my guest but in reality those re soo minor difference that if you re gonna argue on that..... yea. but just to show you what i ve meant * HR data i ve heard that suunto really did a big step foward with Race 2, still some minor problems but they really solved that issues Vertical and Race have. but imo me as some1 who do more trail runs / hikes / bike rides i just took my polar h10 with me and this is by far most accurate data imo. still just to point out suunto issues * can't say for sleep tracking or quality of life features since i'm not using that, maybe will start in future. soo yea at the end imo its more towards your usuage case. me as a trail runner or bike rider or hiker i preffer battery life, snappier maps and overwall better application more than garmin extra fuctions. plus yea in my case suunto vertical costed me 400€ while back then garmin forreruner 955 and 965 costed around the same but imo inferior watch with far less battery on gps mode + plastic desing with only gorrila glass which imo is bad for hiking specially if you go some via ferrata route or more demanding rocky area where its real fear to strach your watch. and garmin 7s solar sapphire glass costed me 600€ and yea, that was far too off to spend on. soo yea, your user case will determine at the end what you wanna buy, simply as that, what you preffer more, what u value more in your watch bcs at the end you can be happy with both options or just hated them soo its really hard to say.

Just a few weeks since my switch, but still in love. ;) 90% of „how the watch works“ just suites perfekt to me and my usage. I am just missing a view things like, control spotify via watch or the sync of the focus modi.

IMO, a Garmin watch suits your needs better than apple. The way that it tracks health metrics and lays them out in the app is better. Apple watch is a smart watch first and a health tracker second. I’ve had both for long periods of time. I’ve had an Apple Watch since gen 3 and upgraded to all the versions aside from the newest one. Prior to that I had Garmin watches. A little over a year ago I saw my good friend’s Fenix 7, and got very curious. It seemed to do everything having to do with fitness better, and the battery lasted literally 10x longer. I do miss controlling Spotify and having cellular on my watch, but giving that up was well worth the switch. I can’t see myself going back unless Apple somehow makes the battery last for a week or more, and even then I’m not sure I’d switch again. Having the ability to customize the faces is pretty huge as well. I never much liked any of the default displays Apple allowed. Take whatever you’d have spent on an Apple device and spend that on a Garmin.

Might just depend on the amount you want to spend vs what you are going to get out of it. You could get a less expensive Garmin like a Venu Sq ($100-$150 refurb) that gives you body battery, sleep score, steps, heart rate, etc. The standard run of health metrics that can help with recovery and measuring general activity. I wear a gamin daily and do a lot of weight training. I can confirm that it doesn't do well at measuring anything related to lifting. You'll get a standard heart rate increase, but even intense weightlifting sessions aren't able to trigger the auto activity sensor. I still appreciate the data though. but you don't need a $1,000 Fenix to get helpful data. That is the one thing I wish I would have known before buying a Fenix.

Used 965 or if you want flashlight and ecg a used fenix 7 pro.

Its the Fenix without speaker/mic and without diving features, but better overall performance as tradeoff (longer battery life, MIP screen, better solar charging, more lightweight...)

True. My Fenix 7 stopped receiving new features befor i had to charge the watch. Which is good because the charger port suck big time

Grabbed a nearly mint Fenix7 on eBay for less than 300 dollars. Fits my life so much better than an apple watch. No more wasted time looking at goofy shit. Just data that I care about.

I was in the same dilema 3 weeks ago, i dont run that much i go to the gym surfing windsurfing hiking etc. i dont dive but im in the water a lot). Tried both of the on. 970 is lighter and more slik. I went with the fenix after all as i like the rugged look and since i spend a lot of time in the water i thiugh it was a good idea to get something water certified lets say. For you maybe 970 would be the right choice!!

Apple Watch charges about 3x faster, so charge it for the 10 mins you take a shower. Garmin is about the same in that regard. They both charge for about 10mins a day to sustain you forever. They’re about equal. The only real advantage would be if you have no access to charger for multiple days, but how often would that be realistically? You charge your phone every day, it’s not that much more of a hassle to charge your watch especially at 5 watts which is crazy fast. And i have a fenix 7pro, but tbh battery isn’t great on it for long activities. 18 holes of golf demolishes my battery. AWU drains way less during long activities from what I’ve seen (I’m only a week in though).

If you havent had your answer yet (my experience for the fenix 7xpro, however they didnt change much) dnd sync does not work. Alarm sync does not work. The enduro has no.microphone (only the 8 has this but only for watch actions, which are faster with the buttons). So no voice. Talking about those buttons they are the best... when in water no using the touchscreen which you can easily turn of with on buttonpress (handy for sea activities). These watches are fitnesswatches with some smart features, not smartwatches with some fitness features (e.g. apple watch). So you can make some standard respondses but thats it, and it is nog quick to responds in my opinion. The rest you already answeered yourself. I'd recommend a fenix or enduro to anyone (or other garmin watch), and everon I know that fell for my recommendations never looked back at their huawei, apple or galaxy watch. They are garmin fanboy and girls now;).