Garmin watch thread.

Had a bit more of a read up. What you currently have will remain free to users, its the new features you'll be locked out of. Slippery slope though, give it a few years and they'll be hooked on that monthly subscription fee.

Used to be new features came out with the new watches. I guess the side effect is hopefully old watches stay relevant with software updates, but it'll be locked behind a fee.
 
Not a Garmin, I just bought a Suunto Race S watch (and bike mount). I'm really enjoying trail walking at the moment and I'd like a first world method of telling me I'm unfit.

suunto_race_s-gravel_gray-ss051014000-perspective_right_b-map-route_en-1280x1280px.jpg
 
slider_phil said:
Had a bit more of a read up. What you currently have will remain free to users, its the new features you'll be locked out of. Slippery slope though, give it a few years and they'll be hooked on that monthly subscription fee.

Used to be new features came out with the new watches. I guess the side effect is hopefully old watches stay relevant with software updates, but it'll be locked behind a fee.
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I gave up on Garmin many years ago. Slowly but surely all the free access and downloads disappeared and a paid yearly version was introduced price was ok then they jacked that up then they changed the price structure and jacked that up.

Just bought a Amazfit GTR 3 pro watch for $135. It will do just fine for what I need. No way am I paying $800 for a watch for MTBing. I am on my 3rd full face helmet after smashing the other 2 into the ground in the last year. I'd be pissed if I smashed a $800 watch.
 
I was walking through Kmart the other day and they had a "GPS sports watch" on clearance for $15 bucks. I really wish I'd bought it now and tested it alongside my Garmin for shits and giggles. I bet it worked better than the price tag suggests.
 
I have a Coospo bike.computer and arm band hrm for mtb duties. It does the job well but the text isn't old people friendly.
 
Hambo said:
I have a Coospo bike.computer and arm band hrm for mtb duties. It does the job well but the text isn't old people friendly.
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Oh man, life story these days. That's why I don't bother with watches that have mapping on them. It's too small to see without glasses on.
 
bigdamo said:
I gave up on Garmin many years ago. Slowly but surely all the free access and downloads disappeared and a paid yearly version was introduced price was ok then they jacked that up then they changed the price structure and jacked that up.

Just bought a Amazfit GTR 3 pro watch for $135. It will do just fine for what I need. No way am I paying $800 for a watch for MTBing. I am on my 3rd full face helmet after smashing the other 2 into the ground in the last year. I'd be pissed if I smashed a $800 watch.
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The firmware downloads are still free, I just got one the other day for the forerunner 55.
 
droenn said:
Still going with the original Garmin Instinct from 2019. Had to replace bands a few times, but its been my daily watch pretty much that whole time.
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My eldest has mine because i upgraded to the solar, but both are still going strong (and I've had replace bands as well)
 
Something to be said about a simpler design I guess.

Although the elevation readings have always left a lot to be desired!
 
droenn said:
Still going with the original Garmin Instinct from 2019. Had to replace bands a few times, but its been my daily watch pretty much that whole time.
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Garmin make solid products. My map GPX 60 gps still goes strong I guess because Garmin the company want a shit load of money in subscription fees to keep it up to date I put it in the draw and haven't used it for years. Just like my Spot that was great until the company decided to try and suck their customers dry.
 
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I actually wanted to buy the Garmin Forerunner 265 but the last of the Australian stock at a decent price sold out, so I looked elsewhere. Suunto have a good reputation and their GPS/mapping is second to none, super useful for exploring walking trails in and around Cairns.
 
Got a Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar and a Fenix 6S Pro. The Solar is a great watch, titanium, very light, all the bells and whistles. The 6S is smaller and has a steel body and rubber watch band, and I actually prefer it for running; the Solar is a lot bulkier and tends to jump around on my wrist (or be too tight if I adjust the band....). The 6S is getting on to 5 years old now and doesn't hold charge too well, whereas the Solar only needs a weekly recharge. Haven't had a single drama with either watch in terms of functionality, connectivity etc, quality merchandise.
 
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Put the watch back on that got caught in a fallen tree root and left a permanent dent in my forearm that time I rode with @Hambo, Vivoactive 3. Took a few goes to get the Connect app running and connected again but all good. The thing I recall about the Garmin's we've had compared to others is long bettery life, this one still seems to be good, we'll see over the next few days.

Now I just need to do some fucking excercise!
 
I want to know why my Garmin Instinct keeps beeping and displaying apparently random numbers on the screen, are they number of steps? Why? Too lazy to read the manual...or not enough time.
 
I started swimming laps of the local swimming pool, 25m pool. I quickly noticed I was losing count of laps. Found my Fenix 5 that I haven't worn in years, charged it up and its been great for laps/distance!
 
Slowman said:
I want to know why my Garmin Instinct keeps beeping and displaying apparently random numbers on the screen, are they number of steps? Why? Too lazy to read the manual...or not enough time.
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Yeah probably the adaptive steps goal.
 
My trusty Fenix 3 is dying, the buttons are sticking and I’m getting mystery activities tracked (maybe I’m sleep walking and I don’t realise).

The Epix is being phased out (apparently it’s a Fenix with a AMOLED screen). Jagged one at 50%.

Hopefully I will get 10 years out of this and then I will only need one of the devices for when I fall over or can’t get off the dunny.
 
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