It is closing on nearly two years since Garmin initially announced the first generation Fenix in June 2012. Since then the watch has transformed from what was originally seen as a hiking focused unit, to more of an ultra-runner’s unit, to finally settling in on a full-fledged multisport watch as seen now in the recently announced Fenix2.
I’ve spent the last six or so weeks with the unit, putting it through daily activities across a wide variety of sports. Last week, the Fenix2 started hitting retail outlets as the firmware moved into the production state. In the past week alone however, even further unannounced additional features have been added. Nonetheless, it’s time for my full in-depth review.
To be clear, Garmin sent me over a Fenix2 to start testing with until retail availability. Like always, I’ll be shipping that back to them in Olathe, KS, in the next few days and going out and getting my own via regular retail channels. That’s just the way I roll.
Lastly, at the end of the day keep in mind I’m just like any other regular athlete out there. I write these reviews because I’m inherently a curious person with a technology background, and thus I try and be as complete as I can. But, if I’ve missed something or if you spot something that doesn’t quite jive – just let me know and I’ll be happy to get it all sorted out. Also, because the technology world constantly changes, I try and go back and update these reviews as new features and functionality are added – or if bugs are fixed. So – with that intro, let’s get into things
Unboxing:
The Fenix2 comes boxed in two variations: One with just the watch, and one with a heart rate strap. Specifically, the HRM-RUN. I’ll dive more into the HRM-RUN later on, but it’s an important distinction compared to previous ANT+ enabled straps, as far as enabling advanced functionality on the Fenix2.
Inside the box splits into three pieces, two of which contain the goods. The third just sits there and looks pretty.
If you dump out the contents of those two boxes to the left, you’ll see the below. Note that the non-bundle version does not contain the heart rate strap (the two left pieces).
I’ll go ahead and walk through each of the components in the box.
First up, the power adapters. Note that some readers have asked what the difference is between the US and European editions are. It’s simple: It’s just the power adapter for the USB power block. That’s it. You can still use your Fenix2 with any USB port in the world, and you can still use the power adapter with a 99 cent adapter in any outlet in the world. So don’t fret too much there.
Next we’ve got the HRM-RUN heart rate strap. This ANT+ capable strap transmits your heart rate strap to the Fenix2 (as well as any ANT+ device in range that’s been paired with it). In that way, the HRM-RUN is just like any other ANT+ strap. However, it also has a secondary private channel that carries with it additional information only accessible to Garmin devices, that constitute the Running Dynamics pieces. So while you can use the Fenix2 with any ANT+ strap, you won’t get some of the Running Dynamics pieces without it. Also, it’s $40 cheaper to buy the bundle than the two separately (usually, it’s a wash price-wise).
Next, Garmin decided to toss in a fabric strap. This can be used with the screws and pieces seen below to replace the plastic strap. This is useful because it goes quite a bit larger, enabling you to place it over ski coats and the like.
You’ll use these two little incredibly sharp screwdrivers to remove the pins. It’s a two hand job. Ok, I guess that came out wrong.
Finally, we get to the watch itself. If you’re a past Fenix/Tactix user, you’ll notice a few changes up front. First, the buttons have been changed around. This (in my opinion) makes the flow much cleaner, and much easier to navigate. It also mirrors the Garmin Forerunner line. Second, you’ll notice the display is ‘inverted’, which means its white text on black background. This is non-changeable.
On the back, you’ll find the charging pins. The unit connects to a USB charger I’ll show you in a second. The reason the Fenix2 (and most other well waterproofed watches) use contacts like these to charge versus using a standard micro-USB or mini-USB port is for waterproofing purposes.
Here’s the USB charging cable. The cable can be used both to charge the unit, as well as to transfer workouts/tracks/routes/waypoints/maps/etc… Garmin provides apps for PC and Mac, but the device enumerates as a standard USB mass storage device, so that functionality will work fine on other operating systems like Linux.
The clip snaps onto the back, thus it would be able to pass the ‘ceiling fan’ test, which tests whether or not the charging clip is strongly enough attached to the Fenix2 to tie one end to a ceiling fan and turn it on. Aside from being fun, the more practical implication of this is that you can charge it on the go, without worrying about a finicky connection.
With everything unboxed, let’s see how it stacks up against other units.
Size & Weight Comparisons:
As always, I’ve combined all the competitive units in the running and triathlon segment together for you to get a feel for how they compare size-wise. Roughly speaking, the bigger ones are on the left side – and those are the ones we’re mostly comparing between.
Below, from left to right: Adidas Smart Run GPS, Suunto Ambit 2, Polar V800, Garmin Fenix2, Suunto Ambit 2R.
Next, I’ve flipped it over so you can see the depth of the units themselves.
If you look at the Fenix1 and Fenix2, you’ll see they are virtually identical. After all, they are basically twins, just not identical twins. On the visible side, the button layout changed. On the internal guts side, the unit received a slight change in the accelerometer to enable the swimming tracking scenarios, that wouldn’t have been fully possible with the same level of accuracy with the accelerometer that’s contained in the Fenix1/Tactix units.
And remember, these watches are part of a longer line of siblings that share nearly identical physical hardware, but change in software – from the Quatix for marine use, to the D2 for pilots.
For those that haven’t followed along on the Fenix journey, the Fenix1 actually has received substantial updates over the last 4-5 months. In fact, outside of multisport mode, power meter support (cycling), and swimming support – the Fenix1 gains almost all the features of the Fenix2. Even things like mobile phone uploads and satellite pre-caching. These features were introduced in beta recently, and will ultimately be brought to full production status on those units as well. However, neither the Fenix1 nor the Tactix will get the Fenix2-only features like swimming, multisport or power meter support. Expect to see Garmin cease manufacturing of those units by summer.
One minor little tidbit that I thought was interesting – the Fenix2 strap is slightly longer than the Fenix1 strap:
Next, while you’ll see the watch on my wrist throughout the review, I did briefly want to include what it looks like on a smaller female wrist – in this case, my wife. She’s tiny, and her wrist size is 14cm (or 5.5 inches).
She found it heavy for her, but I pretty much said the same thing when I wore it initially. She hasn’t spent any time running with it though, nor getting used to it.
Finally, when it comes to weights, here’s a lineup of the devices you’re most likely to compare:
The key difference in weight between the Fenix1 and Fenix2 really comes from the change to the back plate on the unit.
And for fun, here’s two more units you’re likely to compare:
As you can see, weight-wise they’re all basically in the same camp. Note that for the FR910XT, I had the quick-release kit on there, which likely adds a tiny bit of weight.
With comparisons done, let’s head onto actually using the product.
Running:
Without question, running is one of the most fundamental features of the Fenix2. And in that respect, the Fenix2 has come a long way in the running feature category since the initial release of the original Fenix. So while it’s easy to compare the initial review of the Fenix1 to the Fenix2, in general, all of features discussed in the first two chunks of the running section (Basics & Features/Functionality) are on both units. Where the features become Fenix2-only is within the Running Dynamics portion, and then the subsequent recovery/VO2Max/etc… pieces (separate sections). Don’t worry, I call those out specifically.
The Basics of Running with the Fenix2:
To start any activity, you’ll put the watch on and tap the red button in the upper right. This brings you to the sport selection menu. Don’t worry, you can lock the screen by simply holding down the upper left button (light), to prevent accidental sport triggering.
Once you’ve selected the sport, in this case running, the unit will search for any paired sensors – such as a heart rate strap. It’ll iterate through each one until complete, and then move onto satellite reception.
The Fenix2 automatically caches the satellite location data based on a download from Garmin Connect that occurs both via USB with Garmin Express, or via Bluetooth Smart and the Garmin Connect Mobile app. This satellite caching data helps to allow the unit to very quickly find satellites. In general, if I move to a new location on the globe and have up to date satellite cache data, it is in general taking me about 15-45 seconds. For example, two days ago in Mexico City, after walking out of the hotel and across the street, that’s how long it took. Whether or not the 27-story building was impacting things is unclear to me. If I haven’t moved to a new location and just walk outside my house and start the unit, it tends to find satellites in about 2-5 seconds (as it did about an hour later in a test in the same general area).
Once you’ve got satellite reception, you’re good to go, and can press the red button to start the activity recording. During activities, the red button is the start/pause button, and the lower right button is for creating a lap. Meanwhile, the bottom left buttons are for changing the view.
While running the unit will show you any data fields you’ve configured (see the Data Field section of the review). But in general most folks will use fields like pace, distance, heart rate, and time. For me, I prefer the lap variations of those. So I’ve got Lap Pace, Lap Time, Lap Distance, and then Heart Rate.
But, I can simply tap the up/down buttons and change to a different page, such as this one showing the Running Dynamics page:
Or this one showing my total run time and distance:
The unit will use GPS when outdoors to track your distance. In the event of a tunnel where GPS signal is lost, the unit will switch to using the internal accelerometer to measure distance and pace, and then upon exiting the tunnel it’ll switch back to GPS.
When you’ve completed your run, simply tap the red button again, which puts the unit into a paused state. At this point a menu is given for you to decide your next step.
You could resume it (if you plan to start running again), or you can save it. You can also discard it, as well as use the ‘Resume Later’ option, which is my favorite option for long activities.
With the resume later option, it’ll turn off the GPS to save battery, but will keep the activity without ending it. This is ideal for multi-day hikes, or places where battery life conservation is critical. Also of note is that if you were to run out of battery, the unit will automatically put the file into the ‘Resume Later’ state. To access it, simply tap the red button and you’ll see the option to resume/save/discard/etc…
Running Features and Functionality
I’m going to run through (no pun intended) a number of features the Fenix2 has. This isn’t really exhaustive, since there are so many smaller features that it’d be hard to include every single item. In general, these features are actually available across most sport profiles, but I’m just putting them in the running section for simplicity’s sake.
Auto Lap: Perhaps my favorite feature, auto lap allows you to automatically create splits based on a predefined distance – such as every 1-mile. I tend to use this on long runs where I’d like to more easily compare splits over the course of the run. On the flip side, I turn it off for interval runs, where I’m manually controlling my splits (or, having the automated interval or workout function do it for me). You cannot specify auto lap based on time, nor by position. It’s distance only, but in either kilometers or miles.
Auto Pause: This is useful for city running where you may stop frequently at stop lights. The unit automatically pauses the recording when you come to a stop, and then will automatically resume it when you start running again. The auto pause on the Fenix2 isn’t configurable, so whether or not the trigger point in pace is right for you might vary. Despite living smack dab in one of the biggest cities in the world, I personally tend not to use it, as I mostly just run a different direction when I hit a stoplight. I don’t much like stopping mid-run, as it simply lengthens the time I’ve gotta wait till I can eat cookies or something.
Virtual Partner: Virtual Partner allows you to specify a target pace that in turn acts like a virtual running friend. The Virtual Partner does not stray from the pace (even for hills), so it’s best used for flatter courses. As part of the Virtual Partner feature, the unit will show you how far ahead or behind the Virtual Partner you are – both in distance and in time.
Note that you’ll enable the Virtual Partner through the menus, but you’ll need to also add the Virtual Partner screen as a data page to your sport profile (just as if you were configuring other data fields/pages).
Alerts: Alerts allow you to set high/low thresholds for various events. For example, you can create an alert when you run 10 miles. Or an alert when your heart rate goes above or below a given threshold. Alerts can be defined for proximity, distance, time, elevation, navigational arrival, speed, pace, heart rate, cadence, and battery. While alerts might seem appealing (and they can be in certain scenarios), for most athletic pacing and or training efforts, it’s usually better to use custom workouts (see later section). That’s a much more refined way of doing it, whereas alerts are very basic.
Running Dynamics:
Running Dynamics is Garmin’s term for a number of new metrics that were added to Garmin’s top-tier running watch, the FR620 earlier this fall, and have now found their way to the Fenix2. These metrics attempt to capture various running efficiency data.
There are as of today three specific pieces of information that’s being captured:
Cadence: Total steps per minute – this has previously been available on the footpod, but this brings it internal to the HR strap (and inside the Fenix2 itself).
Vertical Oscillation: This is measuring the ‘bounce’ in a runner’s torso within each step. This is vertical motion, measured in centimeters.
Ground Contact Time: How much time your foot spends touching the ground, measured in milliseconds
Cadence has long been available on Garmin devices with the footpod, but the FR220/FR620 added it to the unit itself, using internal accelerometers. Then, Garmin extended that into the Fenix1 and Tactix watches, and now, it’s also in the Fenix2.
The other two, Vertical Oscillation (VO) and Ground Contact Time (GCT) are new to the FR620 and Fenix2, and not available on other units (nor coming to other units, such as the FR910XT). To see these metrics, you’ll need to ensure the Running Dynamics page is enabled on your Fenix2. This is done via the data pages settings in the running profile. Once that’s done, you’ll see this screen:
While running, the unit shows values for each of the three running dynamics pieces. Meanwhile, the edge of the screen will turn into a little needle, indicating whether you are at a low/high value for that particular parameter (i.e cadence).
You can change the upper value by holding down the menu button for a second, which allows you to select a different primary value.
This data is then recorded on Garmin Connect for you to analyze later. It is interesting in terms of correlation of fatigue to your values, or the impact of intervals or other varying workouts. For example, here’s a long run:
And then here’s an interval workout:
Like many new metrics captured by sports technology devices these days, there remains to be a clear-cut reason on what to do with these metrics (VO/GCT). Sport scientists don’t actually have any hard data or studies to clarify how best to use them. Thus, while it’s ‘geeky-fun’ to look at the data, there isn’t anything clear-cut as far as training guidance that either Garmin or anyone else will tell you to do with these.
Cadence is a bit more clear-cut given it’s been around for years, and there’s plenty of documentation on ideal cadence ranges to get the elastic recoil effect that high performance runners aim for. But when it comes to the other two metrics, VO/GCT, it’s still the wild west a bit. Note, do not confuse VO with VO2, as they are two totally different things. Speaking of which, now’s a great time to discuss VO2Max.
Race Predictor, Recovery Advisor, VO2Max Estimates, and Training Effect:
Like the FR620, the Fenix2 carries with it a number of new training progress functions. These functions aim to give you feedback on rest, recovery, and estimates on where you might find yourself on race day. To start, the quick list:
VO2Max Estimation: This utilizes information from the heart rate strap and heart rate variability (HRV) to determine a VO2Max estimation. This is then displayed following each run.
Race Predictor: Race Predictor uses simple lookup tables to take your VO2Max combined with age/gender and determine ‘best possible’ race times.
Recovery Advisor: Recovery advisor gives you the estimated time until your next hard workout. This counter is always available on the watch to see how much time is left.
Recovery Check: This status is provided about 6-10 minutes into the workout, and tells you how recovered you are from a previous workout.
Training Effect: Training Effect provides a score of a given workout and how impactful that workout was on your body.
All of these metrics depend on the heart rate strap, which is analyzing heart rate variation (HRV) data using algorithms by FirstBeat, a Finnish company that specializes in heart rate and calorie metrics.
The VO2Max piece is likely the piece that fascinates most athletes, primarily due to the ones-upsmanship game that people want to play on who has a higher VO2Max value. Ultimately though, there’s actually little that you can do to influence this number, as it’s largely genetic. And in that same vein, while an untrained person would see immediate and sharp increases in VO2Max over a short period, a well trained athlete won’t. And in fact, the more that athlete trains – the less likely this number is to fluctuate. Effectively, you plateau from a VO2Max standpoint. After all, if you could keep training and increase the number – we’d see everyone with a VO2Max in the 90’s, or beyond. Ultimately there are only a handful of people on this earth anywhere near that.
Which isn’t to say that your training or your race results will hit a plateau. As there are many things that impact your race day results. Looking at those results in the next feature – ‘Race Predictor’. This feature does a very simple lookup of your VO2Max estimation and compares it to tables of records of people of the same age and gender, and then gives you the race estimates. In reality, this should really be called “Race Potential”, which would line up with what it really is. It does not take into account any training you’ve done from a mileage standpoint, nor a pace standpoint. It’s purely based on the VO2Max value meshed with data from the Cooper Institute.
Next we have the ‘Recovery Check’. This check is done about 6-10 minutes into your run, and gives you feedback on how recovered you are, such as ‘Fair’. Ultimately however though, I’ve only ever seen ‘Fair’ or ‘Good’. In part, the challenge here is twofold. First is the science of it. For that, I think in general Garmin/FirstBeat probably have that figured out. The second part is the delicacy of it. Meaning that if you return a message such as ‘Terrible’, people get offended. No really, they do. I had people complain in the FR620 review because of seeing lower status on both the Recovery Check and VO2Max. Personally, I put that in the category of “Life’s not fair”.
Following along the recovery trail, we’ve got ’Recovery Advisor’. This value is a post-workout value that lets you know how long you should wait until your next hard workout. Now listen triathletes, read the previous sentence again. Which parts did I put in italics (hint: hard workout). Which isn’t to say that you can’t have a bike workout, or a swim workout, or even an easy running workout. It’s simply focusing on running, because that’s the only thing that the Recovery Advisor tracks today. It doesn’t take into account anything else.
In general, I find that the Recovery Advisor is a bit cautious, but actually not too far off the mark for what my schedule would have in it recovery-wise. Remember that your muscles only get stronger when you allow them recover, not when you workout hard every single day (go ahead, you can Google it).
Finally, we’ve got ‘Training Effect’. Training Effect is designed to give you a rough estimate of how ‘impactful’ that workout was. This helps you to structure an overall workout schedule with varying types of workouts that help to put in place a more cohesive training schedule. You’ll see it listed as TE on your summary screen:
Below, the table of those levels, from the Fenix2 manual. Note that these values take a few runs to calibrate, so don’t freak out if it says your 20-minute easy run was disastrously high.
Now, as I alluded to above – all of these features are run-specific, except training effect. They aren’t included on any of the other sports profiles at this time – just like the FR620. So keep that in mind from a training standpoint. If you run 20 miles on Saturday, then go ride 112 miles on Sunday plus a swim in there somewhere, by time you get to Sunday evening, the unit is really only aware of the 20-mile run from a recovery standpoint.
Treadmill Usage:
Finally, the Fenix2 supports the ability to run indoors on a treadmill – either with or without a footpod. In the case of without a footpod the unit will use its internal accelerometer to determine pace and cadence. It does this by ‘learning’ your pace and cadence while outdoors on GPS runs. It does this over time, across different pace ranges. So it’s not a one size fits all approach. Nor should you immediately open your Fenix box and go straight to a treadmill and expect accurate data. The more miles you have outside, the better.
Thus, in order to really put it through its paces, I’ve been running for weeks outdoor across pace ranges from 4:30/mile up to about 10:00/mile (+ some at walking paces). Hundreds of miles worth of data. In order to keep things as consistent as possible, I was the only one who wore the watch, and I always wore it on the same wrist. Thus, in theory, it’d be the most perfect data set possible.
So this week while in Mexico City I hit up the treadmill at the gym to test things out. Like most of my treadmill tests, I find a simple pace ladder or pyramid the most effective way to test accuracy. And thus, the results:
Looking at the paces, I had done a ladder starting at 5:30/KM (~8:50/mile), and going down to 3:30/KM (~5:40/mile) every 60 seconds, in 15-second/KM increments.
Above, is the Fenix2 pace using the internal accelerometer, and below with a standard footpod. In this case, you can see my increases in pace each minute (below), whereas above it’s a bit muddled. It appears there’s some smoothing added, likely to filter out things like touching the treadmill. I actually consider this a good thing, so I’m not complaining too much there.
The paces tracked very well in my ‘primary’ running zone (of about 6:30-7:30/mile), and tracked ‘fairly well’ outside of that, perhaps 5% off at the high/low end. In this case, the Fenix2 internal pace seemed to top off at around 5:55/mile, so a bit off, but again, in the ballpark.
This is a vast improvement over what I’ve seen both in other Garmin products (FR620 at release) as well as even earlier versions of the Fenix on a treadmill. In talking with them, they’ve spent a fair bit of time in this area. The data looks rather clean. It’s notable that while I didn’t do much with my left arm (where the unit was) as far as touching the treadmill, I did occasionally wipe sweat off without any impact to pace. Also of note was that for this test I actually did NOT wear the HRM-RUN strap, so everything was inbox.
Ultimately, for pace on a treadmill, I’d give the unit a “B+” rating currently. It’s not perfect, and does require a bit of outside running to fill in the pace tables for calibration, but it’s pretty close. And quite a bit better than what I’ve seen previously, which I would have given more of a “D” rating.
Now, the next piece is cadence. I had a look at this a few times recently with the Garmin FR220 and FR620, both of which can measure cadence internally. With the Fenix2, like the FR620, it comes from one of three sources: The internal accelerometer in the watch, the accelerometer in the HRM-RUN, and a separate ANT+ footpod.
Each measurement place has minor pros and cons to it. For example, on your wrist you’ll be prone to see small drops/spikes when you take a sip from a water bottle, or when you change the treadmill’s speed, as you’re impacting the motion detection there.
In my case, I’ve done a lot of comparison of data – and ultimately for cadence I see all three methods producing near identical results. As I noted, the only variation I see is in a scenario without the HRM-RUN using just the internal accelerometer and doing something with your arms that impedes measurement. But given that’s likely only a brief moment compared to your entire run, I’d really look to skip the footpod if your focus is cadence.
Swimming:
Probably the most significant addition to the Fenix2 is its ability to support swim tracking – both in a pool as well as in openwater. The unit utilizes much of the same functionality as found within the Garmin FR910XT for swim tracking. To enable swim mode, you’ll press the red button and go to Swim. At which point, you’ll choose either Openwater or Pool.
Pool Usage:
Pool should be any pool, be it indoors or outdoors. When in pool mode the unit uses internal accelerometers (not GPS) to determine your stroke and distance information. It does this by knowing the pool length, and then measures each time you push off the wall at either end of the pool. As such, inputting in the correct pool size is critical, which is why it’s the next question the unit will ask you:
The Fenix2 offers a few common pool sizes – like 25y/m, and 50m. But it also allows you to create custom sizes. Within this menu you can select any size between 18M/20Y and 150Y/M.
With that set, it’s into the pool we go. You’ll press the red button to start tracking. Because the unit is using accelerometers, it’s important to keep activities strictly swim-focused while the unit is recording. For example, if you stray to flirt with the life guards, pause the unit. Especially if there’s a lot of arm flailing going on. Same for jumping out and making a quick escape to the bathroom.
The unit has a number of swim related metrics it can display (see full listing in ‘Data Fields’ section later). The core one most folks tend to use is swim pace, which is typically given in time: 100y or 100m depending on the pool length. For example, you might have a pace of 1:30/100y.
In addition, the unit will track lengths (or straight distance, if you prefer), as well as time and splits. In this case, a ‘lap’ is really more like an interval, as it’s the time since you last pressed the button ‘Lap’.
You can create these laps to separate out different chunks of the workout. For example, I would create a split/lap for my warm-up, and then another one for each segment of the workout (such as 10×100). The lap button is used when you want to enter a rest break. This will automatically create a rest on the unit visible later on Garmin Connect between the intervals:
When on Garmin Connect, the unit will show your different sets, including paces for each one. You can dive down into per-length splits if you want as well. It’ll also attempt to identify the stroke. In my case, I keep my stroke attempts to purely freestyle, so I can’t really comment on the accuracy of other stroke types.
Garmin Connect (as well as the unit) will also show metrics like SWOLF, which is literally derived from SWIM + GOLF, and assigns a score to the number of stokes for each length. In my case, my pool is a bit messed up (dozen plus people per lane), so my SWOLF scores vary quite a bit depending on how many backstrokers I get stuck behind on any given length.
Ultimately though I’m able to very easily and accurately track swimming with near 100% accuracy across many workouts. The most important tip I can give on getting accurate results is to remember that everything the watch measures is based on motion. Thus, making a crisp and firm push-off the wall each length is important (you can do either flip or open turns, it tracks both fine). Additionally, stopping mid-length in the pool will confuse it. Try and avoid that (seriously, people have e-mailed in to complain that other units don’t track their mid-pool stops).
Now, since my initial post exactly 30 days ago on the Fenix2, there’s been a lot of feedback around adding in the FR910XT’s ‘Swim Alerts’ (which enable alerts on things like time or distance while swimming), as well as adding in the Garmin Swim’s ‘Drill mode’. I’m happy to report that the Fenix team has heard your feedback, and both will indeed be coming to the Fenix2. Here’s a shot on a recent beta firmware showing the Swim Alert piece just starting to be coded in:
Finally, note that no Garmin watches support the creation of pre-defined workouts for swimming on Garmin Connect. Meaning unlike running or cycling, you can’t create a workout on Garmin Connect and then transfer it to your unit to iterate through.
Openwater Usage:
Next, is openwater swimming (OWS). This mode is for any outdoor body of water that’s not a pool. For example, the ocean, a lake, or a river. Generally speaking, the body of water should be non-frozen for a successful swim.
In this mode, the unit uses both the GPS as well as the accelerometer. It uses the GPS portion to track distance, and uses the accelerometer to track stroke information. It merges the two together for certain data fields. In an openwater swim scenario, the GPS is constantly losing GPS signal each stroke (as it goes underwater) and then trying to regain it each stroke (above the water). As such, the unit gets rather messy data to work with. Data that might be off +/- 3-meters or 100-meters. So instead of giving you a precise path, it gives more of an estimation.
It looks at the general splatter of the direction of points and attempts to determine where you’re going and the distance associated with it.
While doing so, it’ll give you details such as pace and stroke rate as well as time and other common distance fields. You can create laps if you’d like (such as at a buoy or turning point).
Because it’s still sorta winter in Europe, my time with openwater swim mode has been slightly limited. I’ve had a couple of swims with the unit, but the most recent one has been a few weeks back in firmware. Thus my testing is limited, and I’ve been told the algorithms have been further refined since then.
Still, the results were generally positive. For my tests I wore four units. I used a Garmin FR910XT, Suunto Ambit 2, and then the Fenix2. I then added a Garmin FR620 as a ‘reference’ distance onto a little swim buoy floating behind me. This keeps the unit above the water at all times and records a perfect track of where I actually went to compare against the units on my wrist.
Below, you can see the results of this:
Suunto Ambit2: .52mi
Garmin Fenix2: .68mi
Garmin FR910XT: .62mi
Garmin FR620 (REFERENCE): .58mi
Overall, the results are roughly about what I’d expect (sorry, it’s fuzzy, it looked much clearer in the camera lens when I came out of the water).
In general, I look for about 10% error rate with openwater swim units, though at shorter distances it’s harder to assign a number as it usually starts to get closer the more you swim. Sometimes it’s spot-on scary, but sometimes it’s a bit further away. Thus, if using the unit on your wrist and then doing a race, don’t be upset when the distance don’t match. In all likelihood, the swim course wasn’t measured correctly…and your unit didn’t measure it correctly on top of that. It’s actually quite rare for most non-Ironman triathlon swim courses to be accurate.
When it comes to data afterwards on Garmin Connect, you’ll get maps of where you went (which are smoothed), as well as some basic information like stroke rate and distance/pace:
One strength of the Fenix unit is the much strengthened wrist strap. I’ve often stated that I’d be hesitant to use some devices on the market in the swim start of a triathlon due to the band being somewhat fragile. And ultimately, people have lost other units to the bottom due to such. In the case of the Fenix2 however, I’d be reasonably impressed if you could snap it off. The pins are beastly, and screwed in from both directions. I think it would basically take getting run over by a boat to pull it off. I suppose we’ll see by the end of the summer.
Cycling:
The Fenix2 greatly extends the Fenix/Tactx cycling support, primarily in the area of power meter capabilities. As part of adding full triathlon support, the cycling mode was further beefed up to include full ANT+ power meter compatibility, including the support of the latest left/right and related metrics for power meters from Garmin, ROTOR and others.
From a logistical standpoint, you can wear the Fenix2 either on your wrist, or on a bike mount for your bar. Garmin sells a simple rubber one for $9 that fits the bill. You can find a similar ones branded by other companies that all basically do the same thing. For triathlon bikes, you can use a solution like the profile designs one seen here, or, some of the newer Barfly options (Universal Mount).
When it comes to sensors, you can pair any ANT+ speed/cadence sensor, including both speed-only and cadence-only (as well as speed/cadence combo sensors). This is done through the sensors menu:
It’s in this area they you’ll define wheel size for usage either indoors or outdoors. You’ll also see an option as to when to utilize the speed/cadence sensor. This is somewhat interesting as this option isn’t found on most of the other Garmin cycling devices.
When it comes to power meter support, you can pair your ANT+ power via the sensors menu.
In doing so, you’ll also be able to set options including crank length (critical for Garmin Vector):
You can trigger calibration (zero offset) via this menu sub-area as well.
Within the power meter section you’ve also got the option to setup your power zones, as well as your FTP (Functional Threshold Power). Setting the FTP on the device is critical to getting the same Training Peaks values on the device as you’ll get on Garmin Connect and Training Peaks. For example, if I set my device to an FTP of 315w, but then I set Garmin Connect to 275w, I’ll see differences when I upload.
Speaking of which, the unit supports all of the power-meter driven Training Peaks values of TSS/NP/IF (Training Stress Score, Normalized Power, Intensity Factor):
When it comes to on-bike display, the unit allows you to select up to four fields to display concurrently on a single page. And just about as many pages as you’d like.
I cover all these later on in the ‘Data Fields’ section. These data fields include the left/right power meters:
Indoors on a trainer, you can go into indoor mode for cycling, and thus disable the GPS and get speed/distance data from an ANT+ speed/cadence sensor:
Afterwards, on Garmin Connect, your data is available for you to view. Or, you can take the .FIT file and upload it to any 3rd party site – such as Strava, Training Peaks, or Sport Tracks.
Finally, it should be noted that the singular omission from the Fenix2 is the lack of bike profiles. Meaning, you can’t have a road bike and a triathlon bike. You’d have to re-pair the sensors for each one individually. And unfortunately, there isn’t any mechanism to manually enter in the ANT+ ID’s like other Garmin Edge/Forerunner units. So you’ll have to ensure no other cyclists are around when you make the switch and re-search for sensors.
Multisport Mode:
The core differentiator when it comes to a ‘multisport watch’ and a watch that happens to do multiple sports is the ability to have a multisport mode. This is essentially a fancy term for ‘triathlon mode’, without making the duathletes feel insulted. What it means though is that in a race (or training) you can seamlessly transition from Swim to Bike to Run (or, back to Swim) – all as a single cohesive activity.
The Fenix2, like the Garmin FR910XT/FR310XT/FR305, contains a multisport mode. Within this mode you can take any of the different sport profiles (or your custom profiles) and mash together a multisport event. Note however that at this time you cannot add a pool swim to multisport mode.
For example, the traditional swim/bike/run threesome:
When in multisport mode, if you switch from swim to bike, then all your normal bike pages are displayed. And then the same when you go from bike to run, then showing all your run pages.
You can specify whether or not to include transition times in this. Note that as it stands today, upon uploading to Garmin Connect each of the sports are broken out individually into separate activities.
So the real benefit of using multisport mode is the quick transitions from sport to sport, and that it’ll show total time (such as in a race) from the first sport leg until that point.
Battery Life:
Of course, for many endurance athletes, the next question that follows is what does battery life look like. The unit supports multiple battery modes. At one end you’ve got 1-second recording with constant GPS on. This is the mode that most athletes will want to be in, as it updates most frequently (every second). This is especially true of anyone using a power meter, where 1-second data is critical for accurate analysis.
In 1-second mode (with GPS on and ANT+ sensors enabled), Garmin states about 16 hours with “good satellite reception”.
I’ve done two tests thus far that pushes the battery boundaries. For both tests, I use the ANT+ simulator to simulate sensors being used. In this case, I went with the ANT+ HR strap, but there’s no difference in battery consumption between one and multiple ANT+ sensors, it’s all the same. Next, I completed two scenarios with the watch. For the first, I placed the GPS inside, where I’ve got a GPS repeater hooked up outside a window. It’s not super-great satellite, but it does the trick.
For this first test, I hit just over 15hrs of battery life (15:07:40). The fact that I had less than ideal GPS coverage no doubt reduced my total time. The unit automatically went into standby at 13% of battery. The activity was saved, and I was able to resume it upon adding more battery.
For the second test, I put the GPS on top of my roof, and then connected a lanyard to it, as I was somewhat concerned the pigeons wouldn’t take it (seriously, these pigeons are vicious). I changed though from using a HR simulator to the Tempe ANT+ accessory. The reason for this was I was having some minor difficulties in ensuring clean ANT+ signal on the roof the entire time, which would adversely impact battery life. I validated with Garmin that the battery burn profile between the Tempe ANT+ accessory (which I could leave next to the unit) and an ANT+ HR strap is identical from the Fenix2 standpoint.
For this test, I just left it up there all night long, and the battery lasted about the same – 15:00:10. The unit automatically went into standby at 13% of battery. The activity was saved, and I was able to resume it upon adding more battery. For those curious, you’ll see a tiny shift in elevation as the pressure changes. In my case – about 5ft in total.
So both of those modes are likely suitable for the vast majority of iron-distance athletes. If you need to increase battery-life for an Ironman to cover the maximum allotted time of 17hrs, you could reduce the GPS sampling rate for one of the sports. I’d recommend lowering the rate for running, since the reality is that you’re walking the run if you’re finishing in 17-hours (simple math makes this a fact), and thus, it’s of less importance to have 100% up to the second data. Though, you’d be losing any heart rate sensor data – since that isn’t enabled in UltraTrac mode.
Next, there’s the ultra-long battery mode, which gets the unit up to 55 hours of recording time. In this mode, the unit samples GPS every 60-seconds. This means that it only gets a GPS fix every minute, and records it then. As such, this is not really ideal for running events, but is generally perfectly suitable for walking/hiking events.
To understand why this is the case, I’ve gone out and wore two Fenix units. One with 60-second sampling, and one with 1-second sampling. Then, I simply did a quick wander around the neighborhood and some of the curved little streets. Here’s the results:
Above, is normal GPS mode, which samples every second. Whereas below is UltraTrac mode, which samples every 60-seconds on GPS by default. Note this has nothing to do with recording rates. It’s purely how often the GPS is enabled/polled. You can configure UltraTrac for any polling interval you’d like – such as 20s, but how that impacts battery life isn’t fully clear. However, be clear that in UltraTrac mode sensors are not enabled – so there is no ANT+ data.
In the normal mode above you can see my wanderings around the streets (and people/cars/busses). However, below, you only see it picking up points every minute, cutting off entire sections of the route. As a result, the distance was substantially less as well (.42mi vs .55mi).
Finally, for those who really need even more battery – you can combine the Fenix2 with a portable battery charger, or solar charger. This works with any device that simply provides a charge (but not a computer, which switches the modes).
I’ve used both the little USB portable battery pack seen above, as well as the solar chargers sold by Garmin (made by PowerMonkey) at the end of the review.
Note that you can indeed wear the unit while using the charging clip with the battery pack. One option would be to put the solar charger (or small USB charger) in a CamelBak/similar and then just run the cable down to your wrist. The other option (and probably what I’d do), would be to temporarily stick the watch + charger in my backpack for 45 minutes or so to let it charge. It’d still be running/recording, just would keep you from getting tangled in cables.
Custom Workout & Interval Support:
The Fenix2 supports both the creation of custom workouts using a variety of parameters, as well as the use of simple interval workouts.
Starting with simple interval workouts, the Fenix2 can be setup on the fly from the watch itself to run you through a straight forward interval workout. To do so, you’ll start from the Workout Menu, and then go into Intervals:
From there you can simply start with the last interval workout you setup, or you can edit the workout. When you edit the workout you can define the work period (the part where you run hard), the rest period (the part where you lie on the ground gasping for breath), the repeats (how much pain), and then both a warm-up and cool-down.
For the work interval period, you can define it as either distance (miles/kilometers) or time, or, specify it simply as ‘open’, which means until you hit the lap button.
For the rest interval period, you’ve got the same options: Distance, time, and open. The unit will combine the work + rest interval period together, and repeat them as many times as you’ve specified in the ‘repeat’ option.
Finally, for both warm-up and cool-down you can specify to turn it on or off. There isn’t a pre-defined time with basic interval mode, it’s just until you hit the button again.
While in the workout the unit will walk you through each step and give you a countdown as you approach the next step. It’ll automatically create laps for each segment of the workout, which can be reviewed later on Garmin Connect or any 3rd party app.
Next, we’ve got the much more advanced custom workout creation mode. Within this mode, you can create an almost unlimited workout as far as complexity goes, with a slew of different steps and targets. For example, you can specify cadence, pace, or heart rate targets, as well as durations including both time and distance. Or, just until you’ve pressed the lap button to advance.
It’s easiest to create these workouts on Garmin Connect using a computer, and then transfer them to the watch using either your phone or a USB cable. Here’s an example of a variation on an interval workout I created on Garmin Connect:
Once you’ve transferred the workout to the unit it’ll be available both on the unit as well as Garmin Connect forever. So you can always come back and edit it later if need be.
Note that you can’t edit the custom workouts on the unit itself, only from Garmin Connect. But that’s reasonable, since it would be a bit of a mess to do so on the unit anyway.
While in workout mode, the unit will walk you through each of the steps and the targets. Now, at present there’s a bit of an odd bug where no matter what I define the step as (such as ‘Interval’ or ‘Rest’), it just spits it out as ‘Run’ on the screen. Garmin is working on fixing this. For my workout though, it still listed the targets (i.e. pace/cadence/HR), as well as times and distances. Given I roughly knew the workout structure, I was able to easily figure out when I had to run, versus when I got to be lazy.
Note that workouts cannot be combined with multisport mode.
Finally, it’s worth noting that in addition to both interval mode as well as custom workouts, you can define basic ‘Alerts’ which are triggered when you hit certain criteria. These alerts can be configured for any sport profile, based on the following attributes: Proximity, Distance, Time, Elevation, Navigational Arrival, Speed, Pace, Heart Rate, Cadence, and Battery.
Generally speaking, you can configure a minimum threshold, and a maximum threshold for most of the categories (such as heart rate). The unit will beep and buzz when you go under/over those thresholds.
Mobile Connectivity (Live Tracking, Uploading, Text/E-mail Notifications, etc…):
The Fenix2 builds slightly upon the mobile connectivity that was introduced in later beta firmware with the Fenix1 and Tactix units – which enables Bluetooth Smart connectivity to mobile devices for a variety of purposes. This connectivity includes the ability to upload workouts, enable Live Tracking, as well as turn the Fenix2 into a smart watch with notifications from any phone app on your device.
As it stands today, mobile connectivity on the Fenix2 stems from three difference places:
Garmin Connect Mobile (App): Upload of completed workouts, download of scheduled workouts, Live Tracking, Transfer of courses
Garmin Basecamp (App): Creation of waypoints, viewing of tracks
Native OS notification functionality: Configuration of Fenix2 as a smart watch for notification alerts from any app (e-mail/text/phone/Instagram/etc…)
I’m going to briefly run through each one and the functionality. Before that, it’s important to note that while the Fenix2 does contain Bluetooth connectivity, it requires a Bluetooth 4.0 or higher capable phone. This is any iPhone 4S or higher, or any Android phone with Android operating system 4.3, as well as Bluetooth 4.0 on it.
When it comes to Bluetooth on the Fenix2, there’s a few modes you can configure it for. These include leaving it on 24×7, enabling it only during an activity, enabling it only outside an activity, and enabling it briefly for sync only. Because the Fenix2 wasn’t designed battery-wise for Bluetooth to remain on 24×7, you’ll likely want to focus on using it only to sync data, or for the period you’d want to use it for. But more on that in a minute.
Garmin Connect Mobile:
Garmin Connect Mobile (GCM) is Garmin’s primary application for fitness focused devices to connect to phones, and integrate with Garmin Connect (the online site). The app recently went through a bit of a refresh about a month ago, which has increased the stability quite a bit after largely stagnating for a number months.
On the application itself, it’s roughly divided into four sections: Home, Community, Devices and LiveTrack. Home is where you’ve got a bit of a dashboard into your overall Garmin Connect stats – dependent on which devices you’re using. You can see some of these below:
Next, there’s ‘Community’. This is where you can look at people you follow and the most recent activities. This is similar to how other social media communities work. You can follow people, have them follow you, and restrict what they see.
Then we’ve got ‘Devices’. After we’ve paired up the Fenix2 to the phone, you’ll see it listed in the device settings. It’s here we can also click on settings and configure whether to automatically upload completed activities to Garmin Connect. Beyond this, there’s really not much more to configure specific to the Fenix2 itself:
With that, let’s head over to ‘Live Tracking’. This is where you can setup a live tracking session that allows others to follow your activity live. This includes your location information, speed/pace information, as well as some basic splits.
When you setup a live tracking session, you can invite people who will receive a link to a site to track your activity. Additionally, you can configure it to share on Facebook or Twitter. Finally, you’ll see an option for ‘Extend Sharing’, this means that the ability to see your activity will last 24 hours, otherwise, it’ll end as soon as you end the activity. I recommend always setting this to ‘enabled’, otherwise your friends and family who joined late won’t be able to see anything. Further, if you have a loved one following along they may become concerned when the page abruptly ends with no further information.
Once you’ve configured your settings, you’ll go ahead and click ‘Start LiveTrack’, which will enable the session. Note that this won’t actually start the activity. It simply starts monitoring. Folks can see a blue dot on a map of where you are, even before you start. It’s at this point that the e-mail notifications/Tweets/Facebook posts go out.
After those have been sent, people can then click on the link which takes them to a page on Garmin’s site which shows them your current progress.
They can change from metric to statute, as well as zoom in on the map, switch it to satellite view and see some basic splits.
Note that in the case of the Fenix2/Tactix/Fenix1, you cannot concurrently stream ANT+ metrics like heart rate, power, or cycling cadence. This because the chipset used in these watches does not allow both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart to be used at the same time.
Said differently: If you want to display/capture/record heart rate data (or any other ANT+ data sensor), you cannot enable Live Tracking of that session. It’s one or the other. It’s a physical hardware limitation that will not change with a software update. Note that this is different from the Garmin FR220/FR620 & Edge 510/810, which do enable you to stream those metrics at the same time.
Once your activity is complete, you can save it on your watch and have it automatically transfer. You do not need to enable Live Tracking to do so. In fact, I rarely do, but I do use the upload functionality. When you finish the activity you’ll see an option that says ‘Sync’.
When this option is selected, it’ll temporarily enable Bluetooth Smart on the watch and connect to your mobile phone to the Garmin Connect app to upload the workout. This is perfect for folks (like me) who want to use ANT+ sensor data during a workout, but still want to briefly use Bluetooth Smart to upload the data afterwards via phone.
Now, the only catch here is that in my testing the upload process from the unit to the phone is incredibly slow. For example, a 40 minute run (with HRM-RUN ANT+ data), it took approximately 20-30 minutes. [Note/Update: Other users are reporting much faster times, in the order of a minute or less, perhaps it’s just me. Update 2: In the latest version, I’ve got my 2hr 30min run down to 8 minutes to upload…progress.]
In addition to uploading completed workouts, you can also transfer scheduled workouts to the Fenix2, as well as transfer pre-created courses. Both of these must be created first on Garmin Connect – and then sent to the Fenix2 from the app.
Lastly, by connecting to the Garmin Connect Mobile app, you’ll update the Fenix2’s satellite cache information, which allows it to quickly find satellites in a matter of seconds.
Garmin Basecamp:
Garmin Basecamp allows you to quickly create waypoints using online maps from your phone, and transfer those waypoints to the Fenix2 (or Fenix1/Tactix). In addition, it allows you to look at tracks (saved courses) on your Fenix, as well as look at saved waypoints that have already been created on your unit. Finally, it allows you to look at adventures from ‘Garmin Adventures’, which combine tracks (like hikes) with photos.
To start, you’ll need to kick your Fenix into Bluetooth enabled mode. Then, you can search/scan from within the app to find the unit. You’ll also want to sign into your Garmin Connect account, which enables you to save some items up to the ‘cloud’.
Next, we’ll start with creation of an adhoc waypoint. In this case I can choose to create a waypoint based on my exact location right now. From there I can select an icon, choose a name, and also give it a description. I can then push this immediately to the device, or save it for later use.
I can also create a waypoint in another location – such as a few miles away, and repeat/do the same process there.
From the app I can pull up existing tracks on my device. These are what Garmin Connect calls courses, and aren’t completed activities, but rather routes to follow. Within this I can look at the track, zoom in, change the map type and even edit the name. But I can’t edit the actual track itself. It’s a look but don’t touch sort of thing.
Finally, we’ve got Garmin Adventures. This has been targeted at the hiking/outdoor segment, but allows you to combine a track/route with photos and other information for someone to follow. Sorta like giving someone instructions with a photo book. The app will automatically show you nearby Adventures, but you can also search other adventures. You can pull up the photos from the adventure on the phone as well as any of the waypoints along the way.
Once you’ve found an adventure you like, you can go ahead and transfer it to your device. Once on the device, it’ll follow/navigate it like any other track (as discussed in the navigation section earlier).
Ultimately, the Garmin Adventures are ‘interesting’, but I’ve got the same complaint I did nearly two years ago: Why on earth isn’t it integrated into Garmin Connect? It sits there like the bastard step child never really getting the attention it deserves. I can only hope with the Garmin Connect overhaul there’s plans to pull it in, and integrate it. In the mobile connected world, Garmin is leaving so much on the table here. They could easily tie this into the phone app to allow folks to take photos, create an adventure and then send those to Garmin devices. Tons of potential…none realized.
Smart Watch Mobile Notifications:
Finally, in addition to fitness focused functionality, you can configure the Fenix2 to display notifications from applications and OS services on your mobile device. This includes everything from text message alerts, to e-mail alerts, to notifications that a friend has commented on a Facebook post.
You’ll simply pair the watch to your phone via the Bluetooth menu. Once you’ve done that, you can enable the notifications prompt within the Fenix2:
Apps then use the notification center to surface notifications to the Fenix2. As noted before, this can be any application that you’ve enabled. A notification can then trigger an audible alert, or a vibration alert.
The only challenge with this functionality is that the Fenix2 wasn’t really originally designed like a traditional low-power smart watch, from a Bluetooth notifications standpoint. As such, the battery life here is about 24 hours in this mode. So you’re basically charging it every day if you choose to leave Bluetooth enabled-on constantly. For most folks, I’d recommend against this.
Android Notes: As of today, all of these functions in the mobile action are limited to iOS devices and do not yet work on Android. Garmin is currently planning these to be enabled on Android devices in in a few different pieces:
– Garmin Connect Mobile Fitness Features: Live Track, EPO (Satellite Pre-Caching), Activity Upload, Course Download, Workout Download – ASAP, could be any day, or any week.
– Smart Watch Notifications: This is the notifications piece for things like text messages. This is slated for “Q2 2014”, so anytime between April and June.
– Basecamp functionality: You won’t likely see a specific separate Basecamp app on Android, but rather, see those features surface into an existing app. Which, is something I’ve somewhat argued for, for some time. The timeframe for this is also more Q2.
Garmin Connect Website:
As previously noted, Garmin Connect is Garmin’s activity tracking log and website. It’s where all data from the Fenix2 ultimately gets funneled to. While in the previous section I talked about the mobile uploads, I want to briefly talk about the new Garmin Express desktop app. This app aims to quickly upload your completed workouts to Garmin Connect, as well as keep your device up to date. The app had some initial first week teething pains back a few weeks ago, but seems largely functional when it comes to the Fenix2.
While the device is plugged in it’ll show you if you have any updates pending to install, as well as if any items were recently sync’d (or still to sync). When the device isn’t plugged in, it’ll remind you to update the device – a way of ensuring the unit is kept up to date.
It’s from here that you can associate it to your Garmin Connect account, look at how full the storage is, and also transfer additional languages to it.
While Garmin Express takes care of the ‘dirty work’ of uploading the files to Garmin Connect, you can still easily access the raw .FIT or .GPX files should you wish to. For example, if you wanted to upload them to Strava or Training Peaks. These are accessible just like any other USB thumb drive’s data would be, via the ‘Activity’ folder under ‘Garmin’. These files work with pretty much any 3rd party application out there without issue.
Now that we’ve got the data up to Garmin Connect, I’ll give you a super-quick rundown. I say quick, because I’ve been sprinkling parts of it throughout the review already in the relevant sections. Further, as it stands today Garmin is part-way through a large overhaul of the platform, so showing you how it looks today will likely literally change next week. In any case, here goes.
To start, you’ve got your main dashboard. This is where you can see an overview of various activities and connections you’ve made (like social networks).
Then diving into a given activity you’ll get an overview of all your stats for that particular run/bike/hike/swim. Along the left is summary information, whereas the right is graphs/charts, and maps.
You can click on any given chart to expand it, which allows you to also snip certain sections to zoom in on.
Down lower along the left you’ve got your laps/splits (either via auto-lap or via manual lap button pressing), as well as details from the Running Dynamics components.
Finally, towards the bottom you’ll see the device that was used, along with the firmware, as well as whether or not elevation correction was turned on. In the case of the Fenix2, it will rarely make sense to turn on elevation correction, since it comes from a barometric altimeter. However, at the moment there’s a bug with GC2 that doesn’t enable you to turn it off (nor, does it enable you to turn it on for devices that should need it). There’s also a visible bug in the temperature, which appears to be showing Celsius but with a Fahrenheit label (well, actually, a Fahrenheit label and a random question mark…so even it knows it’s confused).
Despite it’s bugginess in the current migration from GC1 to GC2, Garmin Connect generally does a good job at showing you the main stats on a run, ride, or swim. You can change mapping platforms between Google and Bing, so that you can find and see maps that make the most sense for your area. You can also export data from here, though I wouldn’t recommend doing that, as some of the data (such as Running Dynamics) isn’t included. Rather, I’d take the raw file off of the Fenix2 instead.
Garmin VIRB integration:
The Fenix2 follows in the footsteps of the original Fenix and includes the ability to control the Garmin VIRB & VIRB Elite action cameras. The Fenix controls the devices via ANT+, thus, the mode is not compatible with Bluetooth Smart enabled. You can access the VIRB control via the Menu button, which allows you to search for a VIRB and control it.
Note that you’ll need to set the VIRB to be remotely controlled. Once you’ve done so, you’ll have to basic options from the Fenix2. First is that you can take a photo. To do so, you’ll simply tap the left hand down button, which triggers the camera about .5 to 1.0 seconds later. The VIRB will follow any of the photo settings you’ve previously defined (i.e. burst mode, etc…).
You can also start and stop video recording from the Fenix2. To do that, you’ll press the start (red) button. Once the unit starts, it’ll display a counter showing you the recording time. You’ll also see the camera light turn to red.
The feature is particularly handy on a bike, especially if you don’t have a Garmin Edge unit (which can also control the VIRB) to trigger the camera. I only wish we’d see VIRB control also implemented on some of the other Garmin high-end running watches, such as the FR620. It would only seem like an easy and logical move to increase adoption of the Garmin VIRB.
Ski-Board Mode:
The Fenix2 includes a new mode called ‘Ski-Board’, which automatically calculates and tracks skiing/snowboarding runs based on when you board a chairlift.
I previewed this when it first came out last year for the Fenix1 (and before it had a trendy name), but since then Garmin has been chugging away adding a number of features in this area. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to fit in a skiing trip in the last 6 or so weeks, thus, I haven’t had a chance to test it (but one reader did this weekend and noted it worked flawlessly). Nonetheless, here’s the low-down on the core features, which is known as ‘Ski-Board’ mode in the menu.
Ski Mode Run Detection: Each time you get off the lift and start to ski, it’ll automatically create a new lap within the unit. In addition, there is a run counter, which shows you how many runs you’ve completed.
3D Speed and Distance: As I covered in my post last year, this mode takes into account the horizontal and vertical components within the speed and distance calculations – basically accounting for the drop in vertical.
Ski Mode Auto Pause: This will automatically pause the time and distance of the track file when you are sitting on a ski lift.
Ski Pages Know When On Lift: While on the lift, the unit will automatically switch to showing you stats about your last run, rather than just stats about the chair lift.
Beyond these core features they’ve also added in more ski-specific data fields, such as total vertical drop and run-specific details around max speed, vertical drop, etc….
As you noticed at the very beginning of this post, the unit includes a fabric extender strap – which is specifically designed to fit over bulkier winter jackets, typically worn while skiing or snowboarding (unless you’re in Dubai of course). Hopefully I’ll be able to sneak in a quick getaway at some point to get some skiing in, though, at the moment my travel schedule doesn’t look good for cold-weather locales.
Navigation & Trail functionality:
When the Fenix lineup was originally introduced nearly two summers ago, it was built as though it was a hiking/navigation watch, ideally suited for multi-day treks on non-paved terrain. In fact, the team building the Fenix isn’t even part of the Fitness division at Garmin, but rather, part of the Outdoor division – which traditionally focuses on ruggedized handheld units. Of course, over time the Fenix has grown to be more fitness-minded, adding in the swim/bike/run components we see now in the Fenix2. But at its core, the Fenix2 hasn’t removed any of the navigation/hiking/trekking features that it started with or picked up along the way.
Waypoints/POI’s:
The Fenix enables you to navigate to predefined or ad-hoc waypoints, which are simply recorded locations. When you navigate to a waypoint, the unit takes the most direct route – like the crow would fly (assuming the crow isn’t drunk). It’s not like a car GPS that navigates based on known streets/trails (more on that in a bit). This is just point to point.
You can create waypoints either offline (using a computer), or via your phone, or directly on the unit itself. On the unit itself you can either program in coordinates, or if you’re staying at the spot you want to save for later reference, you can create that as a waypoint then. To create waypoints using a computer you’ll use either Garmin Basecamp or Garmin MapSource. To create waypoints using a phone, you’ll use Garmin Basecamp mobile. I cover how the mobile piece works later in the mobile section.
Once you’ve placed the waypoint on the device you can pull it up via “Navigate | Waypoints”. Or, if you want to navigate to a set of coordinates, then “Navigate | Coordinates”.
Once you do this, you’ll see a list of saved waypoints that you can select. After selecting a given point, you can pull up additional information about it as previously defined, or you can navigate to it.
When navigating to a waypoint you’ll be given a compass that you can use to follow the dots along the edge to the location. Further, you can also engage the map as well (more on that in a bit).
Note that the compass in the unit is a magnetic compass, and thus would orient itself based on the direction it’s being held. This is different from a digital compass, which requires you to actually make forward progress to determine the direction you’re going.
Routes:
In addition to navigating straight to a waypoint, you can also navigate along routes. Routes are simply breadcrumb trails that you’ve loaded onto the device to follow. Routes can be breadcrumb style, or a combination of direct-to-waypoint courses. You can load these routes via a number of methods, from phone to a multitude of Garmin desktop-based apps. For this section, I’m going to stick with the desktop app side of things. However, down in the mobile section I talk more about those options there.
In order to create the routes, I generally use Garmin Connect (web site). While I could use Garmin Basecamp (desktop app), or Garmin MapSource (desktop app), or 3rd party options, I find that Garmin Connect is the quickest and simplest. Further, unlike Basecamp/Mapsource, I can use Google/Bing maps and satellite imagery, which makes it much easier. While Garmin Connect is in a bit of a transition phase right now, you’re ultimately looking for the ‘Courses’ option, and then select to create a new course.
Once you do that you can simply connect the dots, choosing to follow roads or not. Obviously, if off-road on trails, you’ll probably not want to follow roads.
Once you’re done, you’ll simply select to ‘Send to device’, and then select the Fenix2. Alternatively, you could save the route/tracks (I’d do that anyway), and then transfer it from your phone directly – no USB required. No matter which way you choose, once you get it on the device it’ll all look the same. To access it, you’ll go to ‘Navigate’ and then choose the option to “Navigate | Tracks”, which enumerates up any courses sent to it from Garmin Connect.
From there you can select one of the saved tracks. When you do so, you’ll be brought to an overview page where you can get details on the track, including a map of where it is, as well as navigate to it.
When you navigate along a given track you can customize different pages to show various navigational metrics, such as your ETA or distance remaining.
The map screen will show a dashed line for the route, which you can see below going upwards and then across the river:
Meanwhile, on the compass, the two dots along the edge will indicate the direction of your next waypoint. You’ll simply line these up with the marker at the top of the screen near the word ‘Garmin’ to head in the right direction.
Basic Maps
Finally, the Fenix2 retains the Fenix lineup’s ability to load a basic map onto it. This feature was rarely (if ever) advertised, and even less information about how to accomplish it. My goal here isn’t to provide a full technical overview of how to do so. There are other, more capable, instruction sets out there already. Rather, just to make you aware that you can do it.
The maps are available freely from 3rd party sources, though, you could technically load a paid map from Garmin. Given the data quality though that the Fenix2 is able to present, I’m not 100% clear on the value of buying maps for the unit (versus using free ones). At a high level, these are the steps to get the maps onto the Fenix2:
1) Install Garmin MapSource application (PC)
2) Download applicable maps from free 3rd party site
3) Use 7-Zip (or similar tool) to unzip maps to a temporary directory (i.e. DesktopMaps)
4) Open temporary directory, use Maps Installer (see Step #2 for instructions).
5) Open Garmin MapSource application
6) Zoom in, and select tile area of interest, click Transfer > Send to Device
7) On the Fenix2: Add the ‘Maps’ data page to your data fields, via settings menu
Again, these are the high level steps, and this isn’t meant to be a tutorial or troubleshooting locale for loading maps onto the Fenix2. The Fenix2 has the same amount of space as the Fenix1, about 25MB. In general, map sizes are 1-3MB at these resolutions. For my entire region (Paris) of a diameter of about 50-miles, it was about 1MB.
In any case, once loaded onto the Fenix2 you’ll be able to access them after adding the ‘Maps’ data page to any of your sport profiles. Once done, the maps page will show up, with the Etch-a-Sketch style map visible:
You can zoom in by briefly holding down the Menu button, which activates Zoom/Pan options. In cases where you’re navigating a track, or, if you want to see where a waypoint is, you can display those on the map.
Ultimately, given the black and white display, and more importantly, the low-resolution of it, I find little usefulness in how it’s implemented today. That said, down the road in a future generation I suspect they’ll eventually transition to a color display, which would ultimately provide more value.
Day to Day Watch Functionality:
The Fenix2 can be used easily as a day to day watch. With Bluetooth disabled, the watch can go weeks in non-GPS mode.
The unit’s home/default screen can be customized in a variety of styles to show different information, from the sunrise to moonrise, and from the day of week to the time of day in multiple formats.
In addition, you can create multiple alarms. Alarms can be one-time affairs, or recurring alarms. In the case of recurring, you can configure it for daily or weekday alarms.
When an alarm triggers, you can specify whether you want it to be ‘Tone only’, ‘Vibration only’, both, or message display only.
Finally, the unit also supports the timer function (simple start/stop, as well as reset, notification, and auto restart), a simple stopwatch function (including lap support). Also in this menu area of the watch is the ability to configure alternate time zones.
Fenix2 Sensor Supportability:
Below is a consolidated list of the different sensor types that the Fenix2 supports today. I’ve covered virtually all of these sensor types in this first chunk elsewhere in the review. But this just consolidates them a bit:
– Running Footpod (ANT+)
– Heart Rate strap & HRM-RUN strap (ANT+)
– Cycling Power Meter (ANT+)
– Speed/Cadence Combo, Speed-Only, Cadence-Only (all ANT+)
– Chirp Geocache Sensor (ANT+)
– Tempe Temperature Sensor (ANT+)
Now, while it does support all the above ANT+ accessories, there are a few things it doesn’t support on the sensors side. The first is it doesn’t support Bluetooth Smart sensors (i.e. a Bluetooth Smart heart rate strap). It also won’t support any non-ANT+ HR straps, such as ones from Polar or Nike. And then there’s a few things on the ANT+ side it doesn’t support either, including both weight scales and gym equipment. Given Garmin has moved away from supporting either of those in recent products, that’s probably not too much of a surprise.
To sum it up, the following are NOT supported on the Fenix2:
– Any Bluetooth Smart sensors (BLE)
– Weight Scales (ANT+)
– Gym Equipment (ANT+)
– Polar straps of any sort
– Nike/Nike+ straps of any sort
I don’t anticipate to see any of those sensors not currently supported, being supported in the future. The one potential exception could be weight scale – merely because there’s still a small but vocal number of folks who have previously invested in ANT+ weight scales that request it often.
Data Fields, Pages, and Customization:
The Fenix2 offers a multitude of ways you can customize it, dependent primarily on which sport profiles you’re using. Within the unit it contains a set of default sport profiles. These profiles are as follows:
Profiles: XC Ski, Ski-Board, Mountaineer, Hike, Navigate, Trail Run, Run, Bike, Swim Open Water, Swim Pool, Workout (Interval or Custom), Indoor Run, Indoor Bike, Indoor Custom, Indoor Workout, Multisport
In addition to these profiles, you can create up to three custom profiles with a name of your choosing. It could be called “Kayaking” or “Cowtipping”, totally up to you.
Each of these profiles in turn contains data pages. These data pages contain data fields. Each data page contains up to four pieces of information (fields). You can have almost limitless data pages (no specific number was given, but the Fenix team has tested into the dozens of pages).
Here’s an example of a four-field page:
A three field page:
And a two and one field page:
Some pages can also have graphs, such as this:
You can customize any of the sport profiles (in-box or custom) with any pages you’d like. And in turn, any fields you’d like. The following fields are available for you to select from (click to zoom):
Finally, there are a number of other areas that you can customize in the watch. To cover all of them all would take pages upon pages. But, here’s the most commonly requested items:
Sounds/Vibrations: Whether there are beeps/buzzes for everything from pressing buttons to notifications to alerts to the alarm clock.
Display: You can tweak how long the backlight stays on (and how bright it is), as well as the contrast.
Time Related: You can change how the default time page on the unit looks, as well as which format (i.e. 12hr or 24hr), as well as the date, or even if seconds are displayed on the default page. Or whether sunrise/sunset times are displayed, or the date. Tons of flexibility. Finally, you can either go with automatic time zone, or override it to stay in a specific time zone.
Language: You can change the language to a slew of different languages.
Units: You can separately specify each how Distance, Pace/Speed, Elevation, Weight, Height, Depth, Temperature, Pressure, and Vertical Speed are displayed, with respect to metric or statute formats for each one. For example, you could show distance in kilometers, but elevation in feet.
There’s many more little settings in there, from the GPS update mode, to alerts to data recording rate and whether distance and elevation is recorded in standard mode or 3D mode, to the method the compass displays degrees. But the above covers the common requests.
Updating the Firmware:
The Fenix2 supports the ability to have its firmware updated. This allows Garmin to both fix/address bugs, as well as introduce new features.
The Fenix team falls under the Outdoor division at Garmin, not the traditional Fitness division that devices like the Garmin Forerunner and Edge units come from. Historically speaking looking at the first generation Fenix unit, the Fenix team has introduced a stunning number of updates and feature enhancements. Even as recently as a week ago it was still getting new feature updates – for a product released nearly 2 years ago. Hopefully that trend will continue with the Fenix2 and expansion of new features and bug fixes over time.
Updating the firmware can be done via Garmin Express, or Garmin Web Updater – both on a computer. Additionally, the Garmin Connect Mobile app will also notify you of firmware updates to be installed.
Generally speaking the update process only takes 1-3 minutes, and is painless. I haven’t seen a scenario yet in the last 4-5 weeks where I had to re-setup my settings or configuration. All of that has been kept.
Bugs and Miscellaneous:
As I’ve been doing on all reviews over the past year or so, I’ve been including a section on bugs and/or issues that I’ve seen within my timeframe using the unit. Do remember that a ‘bug’ is different than ‘by design’. For example, the lack of a feature is something I highlight within a given section is considered ‘by design’, whereas something not really working right is considered a bug. In the case of the Fenix2, such bugs fall into one of two categories: The device, and the platform (app/site).
Looking at the device side of things, the Fenix team continues to be mind-bogglingly efficient at resolving anything and everything I see bug-wise. Thus, after having the unit for well over a month now, any bug I’ve raised they’ve fixed. They’ve also added many (almost every) feature/tweak that I’ve requested. The vast majority of these feature requests were really requests coming from you (readers).
Now, there are a few areas that are potential grey-area bugs, where it’s likely a situation that they can’t do much about:
1) Phone upload times: This just takes a month of Sunday’s to transfer the file via Bluetooth to the phone. I don’t think this is so much a bug, as just a case of ‘it is what it is’. Update: This has been improved dramatically in the months since my initial review.
2) Saving a workout: Same thing here as well, this takes forever. In the grand scheme of life it’s not a big deal, but to wait a few minutes (or more) to simply save a workout can be a touch bit annoying. Update: This has been improved dramatically in the months since my initial review.
3) Swim does not show rest periods on Garmin Connect: This is part Fenix dependent, and part Garmin Connect dependent. Either way, it’s not showing the rest time (Added post-review).
Beyond that though, the device is really solid from what I’ve tested. Note that it’s slightly challenging however in that the Fenix team has been iterating versions quite quickly – so re-checking every single item on firmware released as often as yesterday is impossible for me.
Next, we’ve got the app. On the mobile app side, I’m just not seeing any issues functionality-wise there with respect to the Fenix2. It simply works, from my use of the iOS app. There’s the slowness piece on transfer I noted above, but beyond that – it all works.
Lastly, we’ve got Garmin Connect (the site). I talked about this a fair bit last week in my Vivofit review. As it stands right now, things are a bit of a mess in Garmin Connect. They launched a new Garmin Connect interface about a month ago, and it’s still pretty rough. In general, if you stay within the ‘classic’ mode, you’ll largely be fine. And in due time this will sort itself out. But for now, they need one of those 1990’s style ‘Under Construction’ blinky icons that web pages used to display.
Again, this doesn’t mean this is all the bugs out there. These are just the ones I saw during my use. As a single person I can’t possible test every possible feature in every possible combination to reproduce every possible scenario. Sure, I’d love to – but companies have entire teams of testers and they still miss things. So I do the best I can to note what I’ve seen above. If you have bugs, please post them to the Garmin Forums, or report them to Garmin. That’s the correct channel to get them fixed.
Comparison Tables:
Before we wrap things up I’ve put together the comparison charts of all the features of the Fenix2 and original Fenix, compared to the Garmin FR910XT, and Suunto Ambit 2 (closest competitors). You can of course create your own comparison tables using this link with any of the products I’ve previously reviewed/looked at, such as adding in the new Polar V800, which is Polar’s upcoming tri watch.
| Function/Feature | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT |
|---|
| Copyright DC Rainmaker - Updated April 29th, 2021 @ 5:06 am New Window |
| Price | $399 | $299 (on sale) | $319 | $399 |
| Product Announcement Date | Feb 20, 2014 | JUL 10, 2012 | APR 29, 2013 | OCT 4, 2011 |
| Actual Availability/Shipping Date | March 2014 | AUG 2012 | May 2013 | JAN-APR 2012 |
| GPS Recording Functionality | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data Transfer | USB/Bluetooth Smart | USB & Bluetooth Smart | USB | ANT+ Wireless |
| Waterproofing | Yes - 50m | Yes - 50m | Yes - 100m | Yes - 50m |
| Battery Life (GPS) | 50 Hours | 50 hours | 50 hours | 20 Hours |
| Recording Interval | 1S to Variable | 1s to variable | Variable | 1s or Smart |
| Alerts | Vibrate/Sound/Visual | Vibrate/Sound/Visual | Sound/Visual | Vibrate/Sound/Visual |
| Backlight Greatness | Great | Great | Great | Great |
| Ability to download custom apps to unit/device | No | No | Yes | No |
| Acts as daily activity monitor (steps, etc...) | No | No | No | No |
Connectivity | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | Bluetooth Smart to Phone Uploading | Yes | Yes | No | Via Wahoo Fitness Adapter |
| Phone Notifications to unit (i.e. texts/calls/etc...) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Live Tracking (streaming location to website) | Yes | Yes (as of Feb 2014) | No | No |
| Emergency/SOS Message Notification (from watch to contacts) | No | No | No | No |
| Built-in cellular chip (no phone required) | No | No | No | No |
Cycling | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | Designed for cycling | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Meter Capable | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Power Meter Configuration/Calibration Options | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Power Meter TSS/NP/IF | Yes | N/A | No | Yes |
| Speed/Cadence Sensor Capable | Yes | Yes (full support added Sept 2013) | Yes | Yes |
Running | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | Designed for running | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Footpod Capable (For treadmills) | Yes | Yes | Yes (internal accelerometer) | Yes |
| Running Dynamics (vertical oscillation, ground contact time, etc...) | Yes | No | No | No |
| VO2Max Estimation | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Race Predictor | Yes | No | No | No |
| Recovery Advisor | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Run/Walk Mode | Yes (Added June 13th, 2014) | No | No | Yes |
Swimming | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | Designed for swimming | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Openwater swimming mode | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Lap/Indoor Distance Tracking | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Record HR underwater | No | No | No | No |
| Openwater Metrics (Stroke/etc.) | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor Metrics (Stroke/etc.) | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor Drill Mode | Yes | N/A | Yes | No |
| Indoor auto-pause feature | No | N/A | No | No |
| Change pool size | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor Min/Max Pool Lengths | 18m/20y to 150y/m | N/A | 15m/y to 1,200m/y | 20m/22y to 100y/m |
| Ability to customize data fields | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Captures per length data - indoors | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Indoor Alerts | Yes | N/A | No | Yes |
Triathlon | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | Designed for triathlon | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Multisport mode | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes |
Workouts | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | Create/Follow custom workouts | Yes | Yes (As of Dec 6, 2013) | No | Yes |
| On-unit interval Feature | Yes | Yes (As of Dec 6, 2013) | Barely | Yes |
| Training Calendar Functionality | Yes (Added June 13th, 2014) | No | No | Yes |
Functions | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | Auto Start/Stop | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Partner Feature | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Virtual Racer Feature | No | No | No | Yes |
| Records PR's - Personal Records (diff than history) | No | No | No | No |
| Tidal Tables (Tide Information) | No | No | No | No |
| Weather Display (live data) | No | No | No | No |
Navigate | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | Follow GPS Track (Courses/Waypoints) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Markers/Waypoint Direction | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Routable/Visual Maps (like car GPS) | No | No | No | No |
| Back to start | Yes | Yes | Yes (added Aug 30, 2013) | Yes |
| Impromptu Round Trip Route Creation | No | No | No | No |
| Download courses/routes from phone to unit | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Sensors | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | Altimeter Type | Barometric | Barometric | Barometric, GPS (FusedAlti) | Barometric |
| Compass Type | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic | GPS |
| Heart Rate Strap Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Heart Rate Strap Capable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Speed/Cadence Capable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Footpod Capable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Power Meter Capable | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| ANT+ Remote Control | No (can control VIRB though) | Yes | No | No |
| ANT+ eBike Compatibility | No | No | No | No |
| Shimano Di2 Shifting | No | | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart HR Strap Capable | No | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Speed/Cadence Capable | No | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Footpod Capable | No | No | No | No |
| Bluetooth Smart Power Meter Capable | No | No | No | No |
| Temp Recording (internal sensor) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Temp Recording (external sensor) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Software | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | PC Application | Garmin Express | Basecamp | Moveslink Agent | GTC/ANT Agent |
| Web Application | Garmin Connect | Garmin Connect | Movescount | Garmin Connect |
| Phone App | iOS/Android | Garmin Basecamp (iOS) | Suunto Movescount | iOS/Android |
| Ability to Export Settings | No | Yes (profiles XML) | Yes (online) | No |
Purchase | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | Amazon | Link | Link | Link | Link |
DCRainmaker | Garmin Fenix2/Fenix2 SE | Garmin Fenix | Suunto Ambit2 | Garmin Forerunner 910XT | | Review Link | Link | Link | Link | Link |
The tables are updated dynamically and thus if/when things change that’s represented automatically in this section. And again, remember you can create your own charts easily here with any product you’d like.
Which watch?
Trying to decide which watch makes the most sense? Well, there’s a lot of options on the market today, and almost all of them have a compromise in one way or another. There actually isn’t yet the ‘perfect’ device in terms of taking advantage of all the technology advancements we’ve seen in the last 6-12 months. Instead, the picture is still a bit fragmented. That said, let’s look at the options in the same general price range:
Garmin FR910XT: Up until the Fenix2, this has been the most powerful triathlon watch on the market. There’s no two ways about that. The Fenix2 coming along snuggles up next to the Garmin FR910XT, but doesn’t actually blow it out of the water. It adds areas like Bluetooth Connectivity – but at the cost of concurrent ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart (like the FR220/FR620). It also adds/has integration with a slew of devices that the FR910XT doesn’t support (i.e. VIRB, Tempe, Chirp), as well as Ski-Board mode and navigation capabilities that far exceed the 910XT. However, it does lack some smaller features currently, such as ANT+ weight scale integration. For those with a FR910XT already, who are primarily using it just for swim/bike/run, I’d probably stick with the FR910XT. However, if you wanted greater navigational features, Running Dynamics, or Bluetooth upload support – then I’d look more closely at the Fenix2. Ultimately, there won’t be a direct FR910XT successor this triathlon season, so the options you see on the table now in this price range – are the options that are available for the season.
Polar V800: Polar launched the V800 back in January, with the unit set to hit retailers later this spring (looks like May at the moment). The V800 is purely Bluetooth Smart only, so there’s no ANT+ support for folks with existing accessories/sensors. The exact specifications of the unit in a triathlon configuration remain somewhat murky though. Initial plans around swim functionality (lap tracking, etc…) have been pushed to “later in 2014”, and many of the planned phone and navigation features have suffered a similar fate. The unit’s built-in 24/7 activity tracker is a huge market differentiator to other devices on the market, however, the implementation of the device remains to be seen. At this point, I really can’t make a recommendation one way or another on the V800, simply because I don’t know yet what’s going to be included within the unit upon initial availability this spring (and my recent repeated asks have gone unanswered). And ultimately, that makes a huge difference in determining whether it’s basically just a waterproof Polar RC3 with Bluetooth Support/Activity Tracker, or if it’s a major new competitor in the market.
Suunto Ambit 2/2S: Suunto makes what is today the most direct competitor to the Fenix/Fenix2. Like the Fenix, the Ambit started off in the hiking/navigation realm, and like the Fenix2, it wandered into the triathlon scene with the Ambit 2/2s. From a swim/bike/run standpoint, the Ambit 2/2S is a very capable unit for racing and training. It contains the ability to load small ‘apps’ onto it, developed for the Ambit. Though, it lacks any of the Bluetooth capabilities, thus mobile connectivity is out. From a hiking standpoint, it contains many of the same core features as the Fenix2, though most would argue that the Fenix lineup has a greater breadth of features. Whether or not you (or most) need some of those features like ‘Man Overboard’ or ‘Area Calculation’ is likely a valid question to ask.
Garmin FR620: Let’s be clear up front, the FR620 is not a triathlon watch, and it never will be. It’s a runner’s watch – and that’s it. A really darn good one, but, still, not a device aimed at either triathletes or a hikers. It doesn’t contain a barometric altimeter, or any of the navigational capabilities of the Fenix2 (or FR910XT). it does however allow you to concurrently utilize Bluetooth Smart and ANT+, which means you can do Live Tracking while still using ANT+ sensors. And that in and of itself is a huge thing. While the unit will gain a cycling mode with ANT+ speed/cadence sensor support later this spring as part of a firmware update, however, Garmin has confirmed the FR620 won’t be getting any navigation related features this spring.
TomTom Multisport: The TomTom unit is a good option, but it’s also not really in the same price range as what we’re talking about. It also lacks all of the advanced features. If you were to put together a detailed feature matrix (even beyond what I have in the comparison tables), you’d find that the TomTom unit has about 5-10% of the total features of the Fenix2. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good triathlon unit – as it is. Rather, the TomTom unit isn’t a good navigational/hiking/ultra type unit – it simply isn’t targeted there. And that’s perfectly fine.
Summary:
Make no doubt about it, I’m impressed with where the Garmin Fenix team has brought the Fenix over the last 2 years, culminating in the Fenix2. Many triathletes have asked Garmin to make a watch that doesn’t look like a bulky computer on their wrist, but still does all the swim/bike/run goodness. Now they (mostly) have that. By the same token, understand that there are tradeoffs right now in what the Fenix2 offers, especially around Bluetooth Connectivity.
The industry is simply in a slightly awkward phase where there’s a lot of new technology integration partly implemented and coming, but getting it all in one single killer device seems to be a bit elusive. When I look at ‘new technology integration’, I’m talking about integrated Bluetooth & ANT+ support (concurrently), integrated activity monitor/tracker (24×7), optical heart rate, and phone apps that not only simply pair to the device – but extend the functionality. In many ways, for any device on the market today you’re going to have to make some sacrifices.
But at the end of the day, I feel it’s better to pick a device that fits 90% of the bill today, rather than wait a season or two for a device that does it all (or, does it all until you learn about some new ‘must-have’ feature). After all, if the theory is that the device improves your training and thus your results (or simply brings joy), then waiting simply delays those training benefits. Which isn’t to say you should or shouldn’t pick the Fenix2. As the previous section outlined, there’s a lot of great devices on the market – all of them will help you train quite well. It’s the details that differentiate them. Hopefully, this post and its few thousand words on details helped illuminate those key device differences.
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Hopefully you found this review/post useful. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase – so my review is written from the standpoint of how I used the device. The reviews generally take a lot of hours to put together, so it’s a fair bit of work (and labor of love). As you probably noticed by looking below, I also take time to answer all the questions posted in the comments – and there’s quite a bit of detail in there as well.
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Since the Garmin Fenix is no longer sold, I recommend looking at
Garmin Fenix 6 Series:
Here's a few other variants or sibling products that are worth considering:
And finally, here’s a handy list of accessories that work well with this unit (and some that I showed in the review). Given the unit pairs with ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart sensors, you can use just about anything though.
This is a dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart cycling cadence sensor that you strap to your crank arm, but also does dual Bluetooth Smart, so you can pair it both to Zwift and another Bluetooth Smart app at once if you want.
This is one of the top straps I use daily for accuracy comparisons (the others being the Polar H9/H10). It's dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart, and in fact dual-Bluetooth Smart too, in case you need multiple connectons.
Seriously, this will change your life. $9 for a two-pack of these puck Garmin chargers that stay put and stay connected. One for the office, one for your bedside, another for your bag, and one for your dog's house. Just in case.
This speed sensor is unique in that it can record offline (sans-watch), making it perfect for a commuter bike quietly recording your rides. But it's also a standard ANT+/BLE sensor that pairs to your device. It's become my go-to speed sensor.
This wifi-connected scale will track your weight and related metrics both on the scale display and in Garmin Connect (plus 3rd party apps like TrainingPeaks). It'll also then sync your weight to your watch/bike computer, to ensure accurate calorie data.
On Sale!The HRM-PRO Plus is Garmin's top-end chest strap. It transmits dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart, but also transmits Running Dynamics & Running Pace/Distance metrics, stores HR data during a swim, and can be used without a watch for other sports. Also, it can transmit XC Skiing Dynamics as well.
And of course – you can always sign-up to be a DCR Supporter! That gets you an ad-free DCR, access to the DCR Quarantine Corner video series packed with behind the scenes tidbits...and it also makes you awesome. And being awesome is what it’s all about!
Thanks for reading! And as always, feel free to post comments or questions in the comments section below, I’ll be happy to try and answer them as quickly as possible. And lastly, if you felt this review was useful – I always appreciate feedback in the comments below. Thanks!
Current pace is jumping.
Just received my fenix2 on saturday. One of the main purposes was to use it as a pace maker. But now, I am getting really inconsistent current pace on my display.
During my initial 10k on the same day: While not changing my running speed, the number on the display changes from 3’20/km (and I am clearly not that fast) to 5’40 (and I am not that slow either). With these numbers, the device becomes useless for me in terms of being a pace maker.
My questions:
(1) Is this common behavior or did I receive a faulty unit?
(2) Is there a way to improve the measurement – WAAS/EGNOS (as I am from Germany)
(3) Would a foot pod improve accuracy in terms of current pace? And if yes, which one should I get?
Thanks lot for your help in advance.
[short addition] I am using FW 3.3 – in case that matters.
Add the GPS accuracy field to the screen and check how does it look like. Should be < 10m once signal stabilizes. It can be a temporary signal issue depending on where are you running.
Ive purchased foot pod that reason and it helped a lot. There is still delay 1sec or so in speed reading update but pace is constant and more accurate than from GPS.
OK, I decided to buy a foot pod, too.
Which one should I get? Are there any alternatives?
They’re all the same made in the same place, simply with different branding. Go with whichever is cheapest of Timex/Garmin/Suunto.
This seems like it should be really really unnecessary to me.
1. It is a top end watch and it’s older brethren can do a decent job of it. Surely this is software
2. The Fenix 2 has built in accelerometers, to be used instead of a footpod for indoor running. Sure this should be helping to smooth/confirm/assist the system.
3. If you bought it with the HRM Run heart rate strap it also has accelerometers and advanced bits for running dynamics.
What are all these accelerometers doing if we NEED a footpod to make pacing more consistent?
(I also think this relates to the virtual pacer/racer etc – just software)
If the 910xt worked with my stages power meter on my left wrist I would sell my Fenix 2 and buy downwards. (I do appreciate the swimming metrics)
With my f2, I only get a value of < 10 meters, if my f2 is not in motion, if I wait for 15 meters (and more…):)
And garmin knows about the bad gps accuracity, because a lot of official beta testers are using the garmin DIAG tool (you too, ray?)
I might be able to answer a couple …”The Fenix according to the Fellrnr website has accuracy issues with the pace and distance. But maybe according to your website the Fellrnr guy may have needed to do more outdoor running for it to workout his speed and cadance etc.”
Here is what Jonathan Savage of felrnr.com said, “My testing for GPS Accuracy shows similar appalling accuracy to the 620 and 10.” So, it’s a commonality in Garmin GPS watches that use the new GSP chipset. Also, all watches using GPS are unacceptable for pace. Then Fenix2 uses an accelerometer for cadence.
“Would a footpod make the distance more accurate?” Some devices will use a footpod for pace and it could also be used to increase accuracy while using GPS.
I’ve replied a few times before (approx 8 actually) on Fellrnr, here’s what I’ve noted:
“It’s only a single route repeated over and over again and units aren’t compared at the same time (thus, you can’t see if an issue affects both units worn the same day/run). No doubt he does cool work, but I don’t see it as a very good sample of real world conditions.”
With respect to the comment that you can’t pace off GPS watches, that’s just silly. Thousands of runners seem to do that just fine every day on GPS devices. A footpod is certainly likely more useful on off-road terrain with twists and turns (which it appears he primarily runs), but for the vast majority of non-ultra runners, GPS pace on most devices is more than acceptable.
Ray…. Pardon if this should not be in Fenix2 posts… but figured the 620 and it a related as far as the GPS goes and I haven’t made up my mind yet. I went back to your review of the 620 and saw your clip showing a steady 7:20 pace. Later in the comment section you said you would add a video showing current pace… so I take it that it is not average and looks very stable to me with no footpod.
Another comment entry you made in the 620 said, “No, the footpod data is simply used for pace, but it doesn’t override the other running dynamics data.” I am glad to hear that, is it a selection that needs to be made in the Fenix2 or 620, to have pace taken from the footpod that is and not GPS, or does it automatically happen when a footpod is connected?
Thanks!
“What is the running cadence hierarchy?”
Run cadence hierarchy: HRM-Run, Footpod, WDR (Trail Running and Running modes only)
“Is protocol for pace: GPS > footpod > strap/watch combo?”
3D Speed (horizontal+vertical(If turned ON)), Footpod (if set to Always), WDR (Indoor Mode only), GPS, WDR (Outdoor Run mode), UltraTrac is always GPS…no hierarchy
WDR is ‘Wrist Dead Reckoning’, which is the internal term Garmin uses for determining pace/distance without a footpod using the internal accelerometer data on the wrist.
Thank you Ray, your reviews are fantastic.
I am also a triathlete and I own a Garmin 910xt. I think a major functionality these watches are missing is the ability to automatically switch sport in the multi-sport mode based on GPS points (just like you count laps by setting a GPS point).
I always forget to press the “lap” button before or after the transitions as I want to keep the focus on the race not on the watch. It would be much easier to just decide the GPS points (entering and leaving the transition zone) before and just running through it. Is this something that has been implemented in the Fenix 2 model?
Thank you,
No, it requires a button press. I suspect the challenge on GPS points would be variance on accuracy. While it’s used in auto lap by position, that gets tricky with a race because you’re probably looking for exact splits, which would be different because many transition zones have two entries (for T1/T2 enter/exit).
Thanks for the immediate response Ray. I understand.
Maybe it would make sense to have a functionality where you can set 2-3 GPS points and have the sport switching between them, I’m sure Garmin could figure something out.
Exact splits are also an issue when you have one hand on the bike :)
Hi Ray,
Are there any technical limitations preventing the implementation of a functionality allowing you to “rotate” the screen on the F2?
Given the non-existence of a quick release kit, I wear the watch on my wrist, facing down, to be able to read the display when in the aero position on my TT bike. However, this means that the screen orientation is off by 90 degrees and thus difficult to read. If screen view could be rotated by 90 degrees counter clockwise I think readability at speed would be greatly increased.
Thanks,
Rasmus
I’m not aware of a specific technical issue preventing that down the road, though, I could see some confusion with the buttons though.
Great review. I’ve been researching the Fenix 2 and Forerunner 910xt and am not entirely sure which one to go with. Does the Fenix 2 sync with a PC, especially since I don’t have smartphone capabilities? Also, I’m not much of a triathlon/runner anymore. I do mostly just escalator, weights and swimming now with the few cycles thrown in. Which watch would you recommend?
Yes, it connects to a PC no problem. For recommendations, check out my recent recommendation post as I outline a number of scenarios/thoughts there: link to dcrainmaker.com
Great review as always. Would the Fenix 2 be able to capture all the data, running smoothness/saved HR while swimming, from the Wahoo Tickr X? Do you know if Garmin has any plan of updating the HRM-Run with a save feature?
No, unfortunately not. Garmin has kept that portion of the transmissions private, thus it would take Wahoo reverse engineering it.
As for adding in memory, I don’t know if the HRM-RUN pod contains any memory in it or not.
Also same problem with Tanita scale!…
I’ve been using a910XT for a long time and I wanted to upgrade to Fenix2…I was in the shop, close to buy when suddenly this question: what about Tanita settings and compatibility, nothing appear in the manual or description of the Fenix2!!!
Decided to look on the web and found out this thread that made me very disapointed and angry…
Then I did not buy the Fenix2 because of this! So stupid as I guess it would not be such an important issue for Garmin, was perfectly working on my 910XT for a while.
Hi Ray, Garmin 910 for price or fenix for additional features?
Fenix 2 that is !!
There are rumours of a newer batch of Fenix2’s with serial number starting 3N20, instead of 2QA, which are reporting much better GPS accuracy, as low as 3m. Could Garmin have tweaked the hardware? Should us earlier adopters with poor accuracy be requesting an exchange?
Maybe that was you posted in the Garmin forums. I’ve got a 2QA also. I can’t say I’ve ever noticed it get below 10m. But then again, I can’t say my accuracy is ..horrible.. One friend has a 910xt another a 405. And we run together all the time. And F2 tracks pretty darn close to their once we all upload to strava.
The tracking shown after a run or ride isnt too bad but is sometimes offset by 10m or so, this is less of an issue but when following a track (navigating), especially in hilly area, I find that with the watch thinking it is offset it is telling me to go sideways rather than ahead. I cant trust to use it on a route i dont know as it would always have me heading off course. This could be especially dangerous near cliff edges!
The other thing is out of principle if Garmin have changed something in the hardware and are now producing a better and more accurate/more reliable watch why should we who had the faith to buy it early suffer with sub par performance.
Hahaha…”dangerous near cliff edges”
Anyone who blindly follows their wristwatch off the edge of a cliff would only be strengthening the human gene pool. Navigate away! Funny.
Sf I dont know if you have ever hiked in the UK Lake District or Peak District when a fog descends, but you can barely see a metre or two infront of you and it gets very disorientating. The point was however that if in this situation and relying on a navigational device which is sold to be used for navigating what use is it if it cant be trusted. There are many narrow ridge tops paths only metres wide, so how can you use a thing to navigate which is telling you that you should be over the side, rather than pointing ahead as it should do. Im not saying I would blindly trust an electronic device but if caught in a thick fog you just cant trust the device enough at the moment to try to use it, I have to use my knowledge and map reading in clear day to override what the watch is telling me, and it calls into question the point of having the watch at all. My GPS tracks are ok to review a bike ride but what is that for really other than to review workouts, where it should really be useful, i.e. for navigating, its just not good enough at the moment.
Just to go full circle here, Garmin noted that there was no hardware change made. link to forums.garmin.com
And they know some people aren’t happy with the GPS accuracy and are working on it.
link to forums.garmin.com
Yes, they are focusing on and working on a number of items – but in particular some of the high-pain point items as noted in comments here and on the forums. I think you’ll see some progress in an upcoming update that will chip away at some of those issues.
Hi all,
When in mutlipsort mode is there anyway of having a pool swim 1st as it looks like I can only have open water first. I did my 1st tri at the weekend and that was a pool, the watch worked great but I put the pool in as a custom activity but that didn’t seem to work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Wayne.
No, unfortunately not. For me I just go ahead and make sure I have signal outside in that spot before the event (helps quick-fix). Then I just manually end the pool swim and then start the next two events manually.
Thanks Ray.
New FW just came out:
Changes made from version 3.30 to 3.60:
Added support for Android Smart Notifications
Added support for Power Alerts
Improved battery life when enabled ANT sensors are no longer present.
Apparently still no improvement in GPS, but hopefully there are some background tweaks to improve stability. Here’s hoping, I really want to love this watch!
There are initial fixes in there for areas of recent concern that aren’t called out, they’re working away on both. Thus, they highly encourage folks to update to this release
3.60 appears to introduced some issues when in “Trail Run” mode. The first of yesterday’s runs saw the watch freeze completely and subsequent lose all activity data. Today’s multi-sport (bike-trail run-bike) activities were merged into one activity which won’t sync with GC2 or Garmin Express, and were truncated by 5km.
Similar reports of freezing and missing data from friends who just upgraded to 3.60. Anyone else seeing any issues?
Yes, just had 3.6 freeze up only 50 minutes into a trail run yesterday – big bummer was getting my hopes up that these issues were resolving with updates.
Just a questions as I’ve not had a single freeze/lockup in quite a few firmware releases. Have you performed a full factory reset upon the new firmware? Read that helps and since I started that, seemed to work
I had no such issues with earlier versions and it appears to be limited to trail runs only. Other than data pages, alerts and other configurable options I wasn’t aware there was any underlying differences between activities.
What happens to this?
Changes made from version 2.90 to 3.10:
Improved reliability of connection and file sync with Garmin Connect Mobile (iOS only)
It still doesn’t work with my iPhone 4s. I have tried to write to Garmin, but their suggestions does not help.
Base Camp and notifications works fine.
I’d ring up Garmin support so they can troubleshoot with you. While e-mail is nice, the reality is that like most companies telephone is really the fastest method to get it to work (which, it does for most people).
With the new Update it still does not work, but now the GF2 restart each time when trying to sync.
Again, I’d strongly recommend calling Garmin support to try and get it resolved.
Ray do you have a recommendation on who to contact to request to get onto the Beta test team? I sent an email to fenix@garmin.com, but never got a reply. I have a couple things going for me that might support my request. Two of which are long time GPS user (a handful of devices and models), and I’ve been in R&D as a Software Engineer for embedded systems for 20+ years. Hardware, Software, Firmware is my thing. Would really like to try and contribute to the efforts of the team. Got any contacts or pointers?
That inbox goes to the same place as the folks I talk to. Other than detailing what you’ve detailed, there’s not much more I can do there. For the most part, Garmin doesn’t do to much in the beta tester realm however, beyond people they already know (employees, etc..).
Hi Ray, first of all, thanks for your job.
Weekly i´m reading post about Fenix 2 and the other… “Ambit 2” and now Ambit 3, I have own a Garmin forerunner 305 but after six years i want a new one to improve catching satellites, and other features.
I prefer Fenix2 than Ambit2 or 3, but accuracy errors and so related on garmin official forums, take me behind.
Do you think that it´s possible solve all issues related with firmware updates? I love this watch but if it can´t work properly…
Sergio, I was about to give up on my fenix2 until I saw for the first time, Garmin acknowledging that they have a problem with stability and GPS accuracy and they’re currently working to resolve this.
link to forums.garmin.com
This is all I needed to hear, as I was personally convinced it was a hardware issue, but apparently it’s fixable through a software update. Thks to that response, I’ve decided to stick with them for the time being, as aside from that and some visibility issues it’s an awesome watch and I’ve grown surprisingly addicted to their smart notifications which is working remarkably well.
Sergio,
My recommendation is not going for the F2. I bought one and due to the bugs I sold it last week. Now I got the Ambit2. Such an amazing watch!
I’m garmin user for long time (I also tried on before polar but I moved to garmin because they were much better at that time than polar). My first was FR405. Still working and I use it for backup. Two years ago my brother gave me a present, FR910XT. 910 is a fantastic watch IMO but it doesn’t work like a daily watch so after using it without any problem for a year I decided to buy new one, the FR610. After two months using FR610 it completely freeze and was unable to swicht on no more. So sent it to RMA and garmin gave me new one. I sold it because I need a reliable watch for races and went for the new F2. Such a big mistake!
I got some freezes during long runs but the worst was I got also frezzes during my last 2 races. So after three months waiting for garmin to fix it I sold the F2 and now I’m wearing an Ambit2. I’m very happy with it, with the screen, with such a nice accuracy (just like the old garmin used to be) and very impressed with how fast the satellites lock (about 2~4 seconds only).
Hi Ray,
As ever thank you for all you do!
Do you have any idea if the Fenix team have any plans for multiple sensors? I bought the Fenix 2 with the bundled HRM Run for the running dynamics however would prefer to use my 4iii Viiiva to transmit my ant + speed cadence data to my iPhone which I use as my cycle computer. It’s a bit of a pain to have to re-sync them each time and end up wearing both monitors for cycling.
Mike
I don’t expect to see them introduce multi-HR sensor support. Only one other Garmin product, the Edge 1000, has such a capability.
Thanks Ray!
Suspected as much.
Hi Ray, How about multi sensors but one per profile.
EG two bike profiles, one with power meter and std hrm strap, the other with cycleops powercal or viiiiva.
A bit like the 310xt can do now with speed and cadence sensors with a different one on each bike.
Yeah, I keep hoping they’ll add multiple bike profiles to the Fenix2, but to date not yet. Even in that case though, if following the model of all other Garmin devices (except the Edge 1000), the HR strap is constant across all profiles.
Hi Ray
Loved the review, went and got one. Love it! One quick question, is there a way to display overall total distance covered, like an odometer? Not just the current run, but in the lifetime. Keep up the great work
Ralph M
Yes, there’s an odometer field. You can see all the fields in this section: link to dcrainmaker.com
Hi Ray, have you try get off the swimsuit /neopren with Fenix on your wrist? any recomendation to safe put of over the watch?
need to know for triathlon, thanx
Hi All!
I’m choosing multisport watch, and unfortunately need to buy one this week, so in need of a smart advice!
Most interesting features for me:
– running;
– swimming;
– navigation.
There are two watches that I choose between (and I think I’m not the only one): Garmin Fenix 2 and Polar V800 (Suunto is too overpriced in my region).
And here’s my thoughts about these devices.
Garmin Fenix 2
The most interesting device for me, as it tracks running, swimming, has navigational capabilities, and very customizable.
But recent problems with GPS accuracy and freezing, and even more important – the fact that the source of that problem is unclear (SOFTWARE or HARDWARE) are stopping me from buying Fenix 2 now.
Polar V800
Very good hardware that (maybe) will have a ton of functions with firmware updates. MAYBE or WILL?
And an 24/7 activity tracker as a bonus (but will it be able to display steps count someday???).
So, two main questions about these devices:
1) What is more likely the source of the Fenix 2 problems – software or hardware? Does it make sense to buy these watches now?
2) Will V800 have the same funcionality at swimming/navigation as Fenix 2 in the future?
What would you recommend to buy now?
P.S. Or maybe half-priced Garmin 910XT…
P.P.S. Or maybe overpriced Suunto???
Thanks in advance!
Go for the Ambit2 for faster satellite lock and daily watch use or go for the 910XT :-) Don’t go for the F2 at this moment.
And what about V800? ;-)
V800 hasn’t got navigation (well, I’ve got but only using compass)
I’ve been adding sets of burpees into my long runs. I’ve noticed the fenix 2 seems to record the burpees as distance covered, I assume due to the internal accelerometer? Is there a way to avoid that, short of pausing the workout?
Thanks again for the in depth review.
I have now had Fenix 2 for more than 1 month and I am very very happy about the device. I have not had any problems with it, no freezing, no GPS inconstancies. Everything works just fine! Thanks Garmin for a beautiful and robust device. This was exactly what I was looking for!
Thanks for your review! Very helpful. I am a civilian athlete that runs, swims and one day will bike and enter at least one triathlon. But, my passion right now is mud runs…mostly tough mudder. Been looking for a gps watch that can survive mult mudders. In your opinion, is fenix 2 that watch?
I don’t think you’ll see any structural/physical issues with the Fenix2 for a mud run of any sort.
Thanks for the reply. Im gonna give it a shot. Really appreciate your review and reply
I recently purchased the Fenix 2 after reading several reviews including yours. Thank you for taking the time to go so far in depth, it is very much appreciated. I absolutely love the watch but I’m not to fond of the inverted screen. I’m an avid hiker, climber, and cyclist. I’m debating returning it and purchasing the original Fenix, just for the screen purposes. Seeing how the features I use are on both watches from what I can see. Would this be a step in the wrong direction? Or should I just live with the inverted screen? I don’t really see to many differences between the two watches. Thank you
Hi all,
Having F2 for 1 week, happy so far on 5 hour biking trips.
When displaying the HR as %HRMAX, I don’t see the same results on the watch and later on the connect. E.g., I have positively seen 103% on the watch (you remember that) and only 94bpm on the connect (that it should read rather 94% is likely another thing).
Would the watch be using another HRMAX than GC?
Thanks for comments.
@DC: Great pages and reviews.
Terrific reviews, terrific site. I bought a Fenix 2 on the strength of this review and I’ve been very satisfied that I got what I expected. Thanks!
Hi Ray,
Planning to buy a Fenix2, but i’m concered whether or not will it have a HRV \ R-R recording feature to work in pair with firstbeat. Do u have any update on this? I Would use mainly for bike \ running , what is your recomendation: Fenix 2 or V800 ?
No change there on the Fenix2. On the V800, recording of RR data is coming later this year (along with export/etc…).
Hi DC,
thank you very much for this great review – it was your detailed story that made me buying the fenix2.
Since the last three week I used it while biking, hiking and – of course – running. I had litte issues with gps accuracy & reception and I hope G will fix these issues in forthcoming firmware versions. And again your review an all the comments here helped to decide to upgrade the fenix2 with the footpad (SDM4). Because of I’m deep into running statistics a accurate measured distance & pace are mandatory. So my setup as for now is:
fenix2
HRM-1G
SDM4
rubiTrack 3
…and it works perfectly!
So for all those who are doubting – go and buy the fenix2! The more people use it the more likely G will fix the little GPS issues!
Thank you, man!
BTW: Based on your review I’m looking for the FR220 for my sister as Christmas present, yeah!
Hi Ray,
deeply impressed from your passion about this reviews. Thanks, all valuable information!
Is there a way to display the HeartRate variability or at least any SW that can read out the measured HR variability, e.g. FirstBeat?
And second, I’m using a Garmin Edge 800 Series and I’m wondering if I could display and save HR at both (Edge and Fenix) while using an older Ant+ fitness sensor strap like the classic or premium one (instead the HRM run version with additional functionality)
Thanks a lot in case you know the answer,
Tobias
No, not yet at this point – it doesn’t record HRV/RR information yet.
As for the older strap – yup, no problem there, but as noted you won’t get the Vertical Oscillation or Ground Contact Time.
Sorry Ray, I’m a little confused. Above you say it doesn’t record HRV/RR but in the review you say:
“All of these metrics depend on the heart rate strap, which is analyzing heart rate variation (HRV) data using algorithms by FirstBeat, a Finnish company that specializes in heart rate and calorie metrics.”
Is HRV and HRV/RR two different things?
Nope, the key difference is the ‘recording it’ part.
Garmin uses the algorithms from FirstBeat in the Fenix2 to determine calorie burn, VO2Max and effort related metrics. But it doesn’t actually record the HRV/RR data to the .FIT file (as some of the other Garmin running watches do). So you can’t then take that .FIT file and do other HRV/RR analytics on it.
Ray, I know you speak often with the development team. What are the chances they add the HRV/RR in a future update?
It’s been discussed on and off, but I haven’t heard them making any movement on it.
Right now the firmware update focus for the next release is 100% on fixing a few outstanding issues some folks are seeing. I suspect after that they’ll re-evaluate feature requests as they’ve been doing for the past few months.
I like the in-depth-review you’ve done on Fenix 2. Actually I’ve ordered the watch and the Scorche Rhythm+ at CleverTraining.com, I got a discount from your coupon, Thanks.
Hope after I’ve received the items here in Abu Dhabi, UAE I could join your discussions/experiences.
Thanks again and hope to read a lot more of your reviews.
Thanks Erickson for the support!
Thank you for your in depth review!
Unfortunately I’m still trying to work out the better watch between the
Tactix and fenix 2
I’m not so passionate about the fitness side of things but I am about the tracking/hiking side. I like to disappear off grid for sometimes months at a time and need to know the watch that wil perform for me.
I have read your tactix review. And really liked it.
I’m concerned about the barometer reading for predicting the weather once gps is turned off on the fenix. I read that the tactix is better for this. I’m so confused and I think I’ve read over a million reviews!!
Also can you stop the light flair on the fenix 2 and create a nicer finish like that of the tactix when the light is used?
And if you would please(I know I’m asking a lot here) in real simple terms list the differences on both watches in terms of just hiking/trecking?
Thank you
Tobi
From a hiking/treking standpoint they’re basically identical for other functionality.
From a light perspective – they are actually somewhat similar, but the Tactix is designed to minimize issues with night-visiion goggles. I think for the vast majority of non law enforcement folks they really won’t notice the difference.
Ultimately, in my opinion unless you need NVG compatibility, I’d go with the Fenix2 over the Tactix. Simply for the reason that the Fenix2 will continue to get further enhancements, whereas I see that as less likely for the Tactix (I do think the Tactix will get more firmware updates though, just not new features).
I bought a Fenix 2 less than a week ago and it won’t save long workouts (>4 hours) – the watch powers off each time I try. From the forums, this is quite a common problem, but no feedback from Garmin about a fix. I am using the latest Firmware.
It also has a couple of other minor quirks, but this is a major issue – I do a 4+ hour session at least once a week.
I suggest people check the forums before buying – it looks as if there are quite a few issues with these watches still.
I’d upgrade to the firmware released today, it has some fixes around powering off in it.
That said, I’d also remove all your existing workout files and course files from the unit (just cut and paste to your computer temporarily). It sounds like you may have a corrupted track, which in turn can cause what you’re seeing.
On this note, of removing files to put them back.
On V 3.6 I broke my habit of hard reset (to stop the freezing) and of course it froze.
I then kicked myself and reset only to have 3.7 come out to fix more freezing.
My only real hangup with the hard reset is that I loose my treadmill calibration data, I have a short stride high cadence. Is there anyway to save a file before reset, hard reset and then put the file back back which preserves the calibration?
Thanks for the in depth review. I bought one about 2 months ago, but still haven’t figured out how to get it to connect to a Wattbike. I saw that you did an indoor triathlon in Paris and said that you *could have* connected it. Are there any instructions anywhere how to do this?
Thanks
It requires that the Wattbike have the correct head unit, as well as the correct firmware. Details here: link to wattbike.com
Thanks for replying. I believe it does have the correct firmware as other people in the spin class are able to connect their Garmin Edges. When I have tried, either pedaling or not, is when I go into my Fenix 2 settings and try and set up through settings–>sensors–>Bike Spd/Cad–>Status to on, it searches but doesn’t find anything – same thing when I try to just connect to the power or cadence alone… I know that I am supposed to enter the ANT+ code, but the Fenix 2 doesn’t offer me the opportunity – it just says something along the lines of “nothing found”…
Hmm, it almost sounds like that (bike) firmware unit is using the Fitness Equipment Profile See on the Edge devices it actually does support the Fitness equipment profile – which the Fenix2 does not. :(
The Fitness Equipment profile is slightly different in that it allows you to connect to gym equipment, so it’s basically like an entirely different sensor type than a speed/cadence sensor.
As you can see from the instructions though it does support the individual sensors, which is what the Fenix2 uses. Can you validate what firmware version the Wattbike is on?
Got it working at yesterday’s spin class. It won’t pick up the signal if more than one bike is transmitting. It says “multiple modules detected” or something like that and doesn’t give me opportunity to enter the code manually. Anyway, I have it working for THAT bike, so now have to use THAT bike each and every time, or show up before anyone else to re-tune to a new bike… But surely there should be a way to enter the code manually?
Yeah, I’ve asked for it for a while now. It’s just about the only thing left on the list of things that I’ve asked for that hasn’t been knocked out. For me, it’s more for power meters. For example, today I used the unit in the Alpe d’Huez triathlon. But I didn’t have it paired to any of the power meters on this specific bike, so I had to re-pair.
But that was a wee bit tricky since there’s three power meters on the bike. So I had to take out the battery out of the ROTOR, then take off the PowerTap wheel, then walk half-way across the parking lot with half a bike and the Fenix2 to get it to pair to the Vector.
Obviously, I realize this is a non-normal problem…but at the same time, it’s exactly the reason why the Edge and FR910XT units all permit manual entry.
Any ideas how to set up the Fenix 2 for Stand Up Paddling (SUP)?
I have used the Open Water function to get an idea what my paddle cadance is. But it then does not record my HR.
Unfortunately Garmin hasn’t enabled the swim metrics with the HR ANT+ connectivity in a mode. As a result, you can’t get both. And while you could try a running mode, I don’t think you’ll get enough swing cadence-wise to fake that.
With respect to battery life, when the battery is getting low and it is important to keep on tracking, why not slip the charging base onto the watch and wear it on the wrist connected to a portable USB battery pack charger that is banded onto the arm or wrist or with a longer cable in a pocket or belt case? The Fenix2 should be able to keep on functioning while it is being charged, of course this would only work when water is not an issue as most portable USB battery packs are not waterproof, but it would extend the useability of the watch’s battery. Have not replaced my returned Fenix with a Fenix 2 yet so can’t try this out, but it should work.
It works this way.
Software update for Fenix2: 3.70 is available:
Fixed potential issue where device could become unresponsive during an activity
Fixed potential issues with ANT sensor communication consistency
Fixed potential issues with Garmin Connect Mobile syncing
Hi Ray!!!
Very good review, much better and complete than owners manual.
I have one question for you.
I use my Fenix 2 both for running and trail runing. Runing trought flat tracks I have no problem with distance recordings, but trail runing the unit records almost 10% more distance than real. Could this problem dissapear by turning on 3D distance and 3D speed? How do those two features work?
Thank you very much.
Hi Javi,
This is because the fenix2 has a crap GPS chip. No setting can solve this, I’m affraid. The only solution is to replace your watch to good one like the 910xt or ambit2. :(
BTW, I have the same issue…
Hmm, I’d say virtually all GPS units struggle with trail running in trees/mountains with lots of switchbacks. I haven’t seen any clear winners there.
Oh, as for 3D Distance/Speed, that’s for cases where there’s substantial vertical elevation drop. Details in this: link to dcrainmaker.com
Hello Rainmaker:
Having heard that Polar excels in heart rate sensors and Garmin does it in GPS reliability…looking at your great reviews on Garmin Fenix2 and Polar RCX5…Do you think Garmin HR technology is good enough to get from it a nice performance as good as Polar does AT LEAST in running and biking?
Thank you.
For the most part, recording HR is recording HR. Garmin and Polar basically do the same there. It’s how you analyze that HR in terms of analytics that the two companies differ. That said, Garmin has moved forward in that category where Polar has traditionally won. But Polar still includes things like time in zone on their site, which Garmin lacks. But in terms of on-device functionality, I find them pretty even for HR data.
DC Rainmaker,
Thank you for a wonderful review. I bought the watch after reading your input, waiting for it to arrive.
For prolonging the battery life during ultra trail events, would it be possible to set it to record a position every 2 secs? Would this prolong battery life?
60 secs per recording is too long for a running event, any other suggestions?
Thank you.
Will they be making these in Women’s Sizing? The specs state the dimensions as 4.9cm x 4.9cm which is wider than my wrist and I am a fairly athletic build. It would be nice to have the same functionality without looking like I have a small plate strapped to my arm. :-)
No, I’d doubt it at this point, as I don’t think the market would be big enough to justify it. For some lines they have (such as the FR10/15), but that’s about it these days. Others they keep the same shell but change the colors.
Has anyone reported water leakage problems yet? I used to read the comments daily but haven’t kept up recently and I did scan through the comments but didn’t see anything.
My Fenix2 is apparently dying, most probably due to moisture getting into the unit.
I bought mine shortly after it became available, and have been using it and enjoying it (except for the reversed display which is still annoying) while swimming, biking, running, and hiking. I swim either in a pool or in a lake about 3 times/week. About two weeks ago I noticed a small halo in the middle of the screen which came and went, and it continued to get worse. Usually when the watch goes from a cooler environment to a hot one. It functioned properly however so I didn’t give it too much thought at first but now even water droplets are visible sometimes and it got so bad that I couldn’t read the display while biking so asked for a replacement a few days ago (waiting for it to arrive, while it seems fair, I had to buy a complete new unit and will be fully credited when I return my defective unit they tell me).
Also, my heart rate reading seems to fade in and out of connection, my 1.5 mile open water swim three days ago was recorded as something like 15,000+ miles, and today it refused to go into pool mode. I brought it home and set it down and it now works again. But its definitely toast. I truly hope this is a one-off sort of issue!
For what it’s worth, this was a common problem with the original Fenix. I had one leak water and had to have it replaced, and there were many complaints about “fog behind the glass” on the Garmin forums. I’ve seen very few complaints like this about the Fenix 2, so I’d say you were just unlucky.
thanks paul, good to know
Yes, if you’re seeing stuff inside your Fenix2, I’d ring up Garmin and get it swapped out. Eventually it’ll die.
As Paul noted, there were certain original Fenix units that had fog/waterproofing issues. Garmin issues a recall for those and actually stopped Fenix manufacturing for about 45 days to deal with the issue. That was well before the Fenix2 though, so it shouldn’t be an issue sounds like a one-off defect (I don’t recall hearing anyone else seeing it with a Fenix2).
HI all,
regarding common issues with GPS accuracy and non stable run pace in F2 and 910xt, realize that I´m quite sure it´s not a problem with the GPS chipset. I´ve been using GPS hand devices nearly 20 years ago, even the worst ever accuracy devices, and in all of them speed was completly stable.
Afte some personal tests, I can undertand it´s a problem caused by the calculation factors in the devices. Try this test personally. Select Run mode, and ride some miles with a bike, with speed variation, braking and accelerating softly. You will can note a completly smooth and stable run pace. Even you can note a little increments of pace in 0:05 seconds per mile, smoothly in every case. Why this? Is it probably used the internal acelerometer for the pace calculation? Is it the wrist movement the problem that is causing the non smoothly run pace? Probably yes. Definitely it´s non a hardware issue, the problem is software configuration, and I´m sure Garmin team could repair it easily. I consider Garmin like the benchmark in outdoor GPS devices, but lately I´m loosing the trust in them. Garmin guys, please recover your best position. In contrary case, this device will be the last Garmin.
Of course speed will be much more stable on a bike than with running. And even more in a car. Why? Simple, mostly because signal/noise ratio is better. Noise (GPS accuracy or better said inaccuracy) is very significant if you are moving very few meters/sec. How you want precisely calculate speed if you are moving say 3 meters per sec and GPS accuracy would be 10 meters? You simply can’t, you need to apply a lot of smoothing. GPS noise becomes less and less significant as you gain speed.
Thanks for the great review! Was very tempted with the Fenix 1 as it has come down in price somewhat, but now also very tempted with the Fenix 2 for additional cycling and running features. However my original aim was to use it for hiking / navigation.
Do you know if whilst in navigation mode and following a route or waypoints you can still use the sport features in the “background” to track your current progress? Say I want to cycle from point A to B, can I use the device for navigation but still record cycling data as well?
Thanks a lot and keep up the great work.
We stopped to have a coffee at the mid-point of my ride on Sunday, the Powertap went to sleep – and the Fenix absolutely would not pick it up again when it woke up again.
Which is really odd, as the day before it had done just that.
Anyone have any ideas?
I’m gonna be totally honest, I don’t do half the stuff this watch does. But I still love the navigation features and run a little bit so some of this may be helpful in the future. I love the outdoors, riding Dirt Bikes on trails, exploring wildness, etc. $400 investment on a cool watch is ok but it is the top end of ok. My question is this, Suunto Ambit2 or Garmin Fenix 2? Which to buy. The ambit2 is around $75 less than the fenix 2. Fenix 2 seems cool but still seems to be giving people problems. I have no experience with Garmin where as I have had the all black core for 5 years or so and it’s still ticking!! Any advice here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I will be honest too :) Such questions are a waste of time, no offense. Nobody can tell you if you will have problems or not. And you need to decide if you want to risk it or not. The only thing we can safely tell you that some people have problems and the rest doesn’t :)
I had the Ambit before the fenix2 came out, hands down the fenix 2 is the better watch .. The Bluetooth sync and live tracking are awesome features .. The only issues were because I failed to update my software .. Hands down the best watch I’ve ever had
I had the Ambit before the fenix2 came out, hands down the fenix2 is the better watch .. The Bluetooth sync and live tracking are awesome features .. The only issues were because I failed to update my software .. Hands down the best watch I’ve ever had
I had the Ambit before the fenix2 came out, hands down the fenix2 is the better watch .. The Bluetooth sync and live tracking are awesome features .. The only issues were because I failed to update my software …
thanks!
I am so happy that Garmin has finally sorted out nearly all of the important issues regarding calorie expenditure and MFP integration that I decided to recommit to the Garmin Fitness fitness space and buy a FR620. After re-reviewing your reviews I decided on the Fenix2 instead. Actually I was going to buy a Swim and 620. Seems like the Fenix combines the best of both for the same money. CT has my order for a “Performer Bundle”. Looking forward to retiring my trusty 410.
Thanks for the excellent review! You wrote that the Fenix 2 can be used with ANT+ sensors. And as far as I know Suunto uses ANT and not ANT+. Do you know if anyone has got a Suunto ANT Dual Belt or Suunto Foot Pod Mini to work with the Fenix 2?
The Suunto Ambit units these days all do Suunto ANT & ANT+.
The sensors however are a mix. Only the Suunto Footpod does duel ANT+ and Suunto ANT. So that’ll work with anything (and I’ve often used it with the Fenix/Fenix2). Whereas the other Suunto accessories will not.
That said, I would ask yourself what exactly you want from a footpod. If it’s cadence, I wouldn’t bother (just use the units internal capabilities). If it’s pace on a treadmill however, that’s a more legit reason.
I currently use a foot pod with a Suunto Ambit because it gives quicker and more accurate results where I mostly run (in dense woods, narrow streets between high buildings, through tunnels etc) especially when it rains, which is very often here. Only for trail running on sand in the dunes the GPS works better. Maybe the Fenix has better GPS than the Ambit though.
Bit disappointing that the Suunto ANT HR Dual belt can’t be used with the Fenix, because it is great for HR under water. Swimming with the Dual belt and a 5KHz capable HR watch (most basic “analog” HR monitors), is great, no need to change HR straps between swimming and biking/running. It’s also nice to have HR displayed on gym equipment. Are there perhaps dual-frequency ANT+ HR belts on the market or in development?
(I know the Ambit 3 and Polar V800 do HR under water, but the Fenix is the only one (correct me if I’m wrong) that can be attached as a USB mass storage device, which is important to me. I am more than a bit bored with the constant uploading and then exporting to GPX and FIT via Movescount, and having to change settings on the Ambit via Movescount is also bothersome. The Ambit is a really good engineered watch, it looks great, and I love it, but being dependent on that web service for every change and every review of a training is just too tedious for me).
very please to see the field
“RECORD HR UNDERWATER”
wish this was more often a feature for which the answer is yes.
Thanks for your great blog.
Thanks for the elaborate review! Yet a question I can’t seem to find the answer on.
We want to use the Fenix 2 on a hike of nearly 20 days in the wild, ideally tracking the entire route. A solar system can cover the problem of battery use, but what about the storage? The watch itself will not be able to hold 20 days of GPS tracking data, if I’m not mistaken. Is it possible to daily backup/copy the data logs to a simple memory device or do you always need computer programs or apps to be able to transfer data? For we want to travel light and simple, and would rather not purchase / take more hi tech material than necessary. What would you suggest us to do?
When comparing to the Ambit 2: does either the Fenix or the Ambit has advantages in this regard that the other has not?
Since Garmin sent me a new/packed version of the (old) Fenix, I am thinking about selling and replacing it with the Fenix2.
What are the key differences/improvements of the Fenix2? When would you replace it? (Also in terms of hardware).
I’m mainly hiking, trekking, trail running, ski touring, mountain biking, running
Thanks a lot!
One important thing: Is it right that without the Garmin Heartstrap, the VO2 estimation and other features will not work? (Because of this heart rate varability
I’ve got a Rhytm+ which I clearly prefer and this would basically make the Fenix2 even more similar to my existing Fenix..
why there is no recovery indication after a cycling activity or a indoor one , is that normal ?
my previous watch ambit 1 had that
thanks a lot
DC RAINMAKER
Hi DC rainmaker,
Bit of an essay to follow, but hey! I ain’t too good at synopsising.
I have recently bought the Garmin Fenix 2. However, I have the following issues with the product which are not mentioned in your review but I think are worth noting.
Firstly these issues have been present since I bought the watch and are still present despite my watch being on the latest firmware version 3.70.
BUGS not mentioned in your review:
BIKE MODE: Works perfectly with my road bike which has a garmin speed/cadence sensor attached. However when riding my mountain bike (has no speed/cadence sensor) the watch does not register my speed or distance. However when I upload the ride to garmin connect I get a map of the route I took but no data such as speed or distance (HR works fine). When I go into bike mode and the watch searches for HRM, speed/cadence sensor, satellites I press skip on the speed/cadence sensor search when using the mountain bike (note the road bike is not in the vicinity, it’s several miles away!). If I try the watch in Run mode while on my mountain bike then I get all the metrics! But obviously this is no good as all the data fields are different than what I need while cycling and also the watch will think I’m running sub 2min/Km with a heart rate of 140bpm, I’m sure that will screw up the VO2max data. So what’s going on here, it’s obviously not a satellite issue.
CUSTOM MODES: Once again I have the exact same issue here. I set up a custom mode called Walk and another called Kayak. Again no data on the watch while doing the activity except HR. And once again the gps route map is available after I upload to garmin connect but again no metrics.
I think both these issues are related to the bike speed/cadence sensor. As the watch automatically searches for it in both bike mode and any custom mode (even though I press “skip” when it starts to search for it) but doesn’t search for it in running or hike modes. As a work around I’ve figured out that if I switch off the speed/cadence sensor in Menu/sensors/speed-cadence sensor and select off then everything works perfectly on the mountain bike or on the kayak or out walking. However this is not ideal as while in an adventure race and using multi sport mode I may wish to go from road bike to kayak.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS.
1. Why is multi sport mode limited to 5 activities? I participate in adventure racing which usually involves more than 5 activities. A few weeks ago I took part in an adventure race which included a trail run/bike/hike/bike/run/kayak/run (7 activities). In August I will be taking part in Ireland’s largest adventure race called Gaelforce West which involves a trail run/kayak/run/bike/hike/bike/run (7 activities). This is typical for adventure races. Therefore in these races I have no way of splitting up my activities and transitions and have to record run and kayak or run and bike together as one activity etc., making this watch useless for such races in determining splits for each discipline. And since this is an outdoor adventure watch and has perfect features for those participating in adventure racing then hopefully Garmin could add the ability to have more than 5 activities in multisport mode in the next firmware update.
2. Supply a MOUNTAIN BIKE MODE with metrics like those found in the trail running mode and ski mode such as vertical speed metrics, altitude, etc.
3. What about a KAYAK MODE with metrics such as stroke rate and stroke distance? Surely this could be easily implemented with the current hardware as the watch can measure similar metrics while in swim mode.
4. TIDAL INFO. As an adventure watch that even tells us good times to hunt and fish!!, as well as moon and sun rise/fall, then surely the additional feature of tidal information for low and high tide would also be useful in an adventure watch that is also geared towards outdoor swimming. I personally would find this information useful in planning swims in my locality where the difference between high and low tide can mean the difference of the tide being an extra mile out to shore. Also, in adventure activities it would be useful info in planning camp and mooring of kayaks etc. This information could surely be easily implemented with a firmware update since it already tells lunar info and even cheap Casio watches can provide tidal info.
Apart from these issues I find the Fenix 2 an excellent watch for outdoor enthusiasts like myself. Everything else works perfectly and seamlessly with garmin connect. The level of data is excellent for analysing my training and racing (except the above mentioned issues), and the map function has worked brilliantly while in the mountains on several occasions when the cloud cover came in rapidly and I got disorientated and has prevented me from becoming lost or going off track without the need for a smartphone/map/compass, which makes the watch perfect for high trail running and hiking in unfamiliar surroundings and bad weather.
So hopefully Garmin could implement the above suggestions and correct the above bugs and I would be an extremely happy adventure racer/enthusiast making the FENIX 2 the perfect multi sport ‘adventure watch’ (as is advertised). But at the moment it falls slightly short.
I have emailed Garmin with the above suggestions but I’m sure your feedback to them is much more powerful than mine!
A big fan of your reviews,
Stephen.
I haven’t read the whole essay :) but I think you are talking about the rather stupid way Fenix 2 handles pressing Skip.
With Tempe, when I don’t have it with me and press Skip, it doesn’t record temperature using the internal sensor. Instead, it doesn’t record temperature at all. I need to disable Tempe in menu to record it. It’s probably the same with all sensors. Don’t use Skip, disable or unpair the sensor if you want the watch to fall back to normal behavior.
Mirek is correct. I noted recently in Hiking mode it was not registering distance and speed; however, it was recording my track on the map. After turning off the foot pod it started recording speed and distance. Hopefully, they can update the firmware so that when we “skip” searching for a device that it automatically defaults to defaults to another means of recording that data (eg internal accelerometer or GPS)
Hi Stephen,
With regards to the bike speed/distance. When on your roadie, do you have the F2 set to take your speed and distance from the sensor? Like you, I have a second bike which does not have a sensor on it. The F2 doesn’t default to using the gps for speed and distance if the sensor isn’t found and you have it set to take those values from the sensor. It will record the track but not the others. You have to set the F2 back to taking the values from gps for it to work.
I talked to a numpty named Matt in Fitness Support today. They still haven’t fixed it. Matt said it’s not possible because the F2 does not even look for a foot pod sensor in hiking mode. he is dead wrong about this of course. It does look for one if it is enabled. If you skip it—no speed, no distance despite a nice GPS track that goes on for miles.
Exact same thing happens in Run mode. Skip your foot pod and your run will be infinitely short and infinitely slow.
From Garmin’s perspective—it ain’t broke and they ain’t gonna fix it.
hello! if i clearly understand, recovery information can be accessed only from device, not from garmin connect?
I’m looking for something to handle ultras, I’m not a tri-athlete and really I’m looking for a watch geared toward running trails.
Is there something better suited for that than the Fenix 2? I bought a 610 before I got into the ultra scene and it works wonderfully other than the limit to the battery life.
First, I’ll say as a tri newie, I LOVE my Fenix2. I’ve had only one or two major issues with it in the several months I’ve owned it. 95% of the time it works fantastically for me.
That said, I cannot recommend it RIGHT NOW if you are looking to run really long distances. Just about half of the complaints I see on the forums are of freezes and problems saving 3+ hour activities. Something’s just wonky with long activities and garmin is still trying to fix it.
It may be fine in the future, but I would wait on it if ultras are your thing.
I’ve had my Fenix 2 for nearly 3 months now and I’m really happy with every aspect of the watch but one that’s not mentioned in Ray’s excellent review; it’s poor GPS accuracy once there’s a little bit of folliage cover or other physical obstructions (when compared to my old Garmin FR404cx). Adding all the complaints on this issue accross all the Garmin forums together, it would appear this is common accross Fenix 2, Fenix, Tactix, FR620 and FR220. Most complaints coming from people who, like me, are upgrading from older Garmin GPS watches to one of these and have observed the reduced accuracy of the newer units in the real world. A bit more digging reveals Garmin swithed to MediaTek GPS chips in these devices from the SIRF Star chips in the older watches. Maybe this is just a strange coincidence, but do take a look at the Garmin forums before considering the Fenix 2 if you regularly run/cycle/walk/whatever in an area that has some trees, hills or buildings and a good GPS track is important to you. If anyone is aware that Garmin are seeking to fix this via GPS chip software update then that would be good to know….
I can’t update to the verson 3.70.
Anda when i press to see my trainings the watch blocks.
That kind of anoying :(
Does anyone have the same problem?
When is the Ant+ standard not so standard?
I recently got a HRM-RUN bundled with a Fenix2. It’s a pretty cool thing. Lots of new graphs on my runs. Don’t know what to do with the information but I get a lot of utils from looking at it :).
Wanted to benchmark the Fenix2 against my Edge 705. Could not get the Edge to pair with the HRM-RUN. Next tried to pair it with my Forerunner 410. Same result. No go. Finally tried paring it with my Vivofit. That worked.
It seems to be common wisdom that devices other than the FR620 and Fenix2 will not receive the run dynamics data from the HRM-RUN which is supposedly transmitted on a “private channel” to those devices. However, it also seems to be common wisdom that the HR data from the HRM-RUN should be readily available to all Ant+ devices. This has not been my personal experience.
Does anyone have an explanation for this apparent incompatibility? A list of other Garmin Devices with which the HRM-RUN is incompatible?
I have had a friend’s Garmin 610 pick up my HRM-RUN on a few different runs. Can’t speak to any other devices.
I’ve had no problems using the HRM-RUN that came with my Fenix2 with my Edge 500 or my Sunto Movestick Mini (Ant+ USB dongle for computers). Both pick it up every time.
Since release of the HRM-RUN last October, I’ve only of one case where someone couldn’t pair it to an older device. In that case it was an older CycleOps Joule. I’ve paired mine to just about every device I have, all without issue.
Here is the definitive answer. Looks like both of my older devices are on the list.
link to support.garmin.com
Here is the text from Garmin Support:
The HRM-Run strap can be used with a many ANT+ compatible devices; however, there are a few models that it will not pair with.
Devices that will not pair with the HRM-Run strap:
Colorado Series
Edge 305
Edge 705
Forerunner 305
Forerunner 405
Forerunner 405CX
Forerunner 410
Foretrex Series
Wow, that’s pretty interesting. There must have been a very slight (breaking) spec change that must have changed compatibility in the ANT+ HR profile that was probably changed about 3-4 years ago.
Hi Ray,
my foot pod (SDM4) was working perfectly so far. After updating to FW 3.70 the distance (foot pot is set to “always on”) seems to to *long*??? app. 2 % longer than before (FW 3.60). No drop-outs within the fit-file and battery in a good condition. Still the same calibration factor…
Any ideas – or just the “normal” deviation…
Thanks,
R.
Hmm, 2% is about normal to be honest for footpods (sometimes it’s spot on, sometimes not). Just depends on factors like terrain, running form that day, etc… It’s also possible it got bumped in the shoe, or somehow the calibration factor is no longer valid from an accuracy standpoint. It might be worth re-doing.
Hi Guys, Can anyone tell me how it is possible to set the indoor pool size to 18.6 meters. It seems that when i try to put 1 it doesnt allow me so i end up using the 20meters. Thanks a lot
What firmware are you on? I’m running 3.7 and when I go to Start (push red button) > Swim > Pool it asks me for a distance. I choose “Custom” and I’m able to set it to “Meters” and then edit that to “18.6.” I didn’t seem to have an issue doing this so I don’t know what problem you’re having. Can you give us more of a description?
I have the latest version 3.7 and i cant do this. Also when i run is it possible to watch my heart rate at the same time with my pace? In this description it seems that you can but in my watch i can see my heart rate separate and i have to push the button to change the screen to the pace. Thanks.
as for custom pool size, be sure to scroll all the way down, probably “custom” option is the last after all predefined sizes and it is not displayed at first page, but will apear when You will keep scrolling down.
As for data pages, You can customize the pages whatever You like (this goes for all Garmin devices). You can display from single data upto 3 data per each page. Refer to manual for details (page 11).
I found about the data pages and i resolve my issue. As for the pool size i know that i have to go to custom menu and and set it there but the problem is that it doesn allow me.I try to put number 1 and it blinks and vibrate meaning that doesnt allow me and if i put 2 then everything is fine.
From review:
“The Fenix2 offers a few common pool sizes like 25y/m, and 50m. But it also allows you to create custom sizes. Within this menu you can select any size between 18M/20Y and 150Y/M.”
Are You possitive that You have “meters” set as units? As in case of yards, 20 is the minimum size. In meter You should be able to start from 18m.
Hi I had this problem I think a while back. If the second digit isn’t first set to 8 or 9 the first digit can’t be changed to 1 as it is below the minimum distance.
i.e. you can’t change 21m to 11m but could change 28m to 18m. It won’t let you change the ‘tens’ units to 1 if the ‘0-7’ is in the first digit. So first set the distance to 28 start the activity and discard it then go back in and set it to 18m
Hope that makes sense.
Mike
For open water swims or triathlons using the Mio Link for HRM with the Fenix 2, would you recommend using the “Custom” activity or “run” activity to capture heart rate (since swimming modes don’t support HRM)? Any advantages/disadvantages for either?
That’s tough. I’d probably go custom, simply so it doesn’t mess with your WDR paces (treadmill).
Hi there.
Thanks for the review. Just wanted to know of there is any updates on when/if they will be updating the watch with virtual racer.
I haven’t heard of any plans/changes there.
Hi,
I’ve purchased the Fenix2 recently and I am wondering if I can create swimming workouts, the same way it can be done for cycling and running.
Thank you
No, unfortunately not. No Garmin devices support creation of structured/planned swim workouts.
Any workaround to add indoor pool activity to multi-sport mode?
Hi. Thx for the review -we bought it!!! Loving our new F2. Bought the bundle-box and went out for a little mountaneering and came back really dissapointed -or after we checked the calories on the report, we were dissapointed. Both having the same “fault”. It was half of what our polar crx5 report. And it is not a polar fault -we where walking uphill for an hour and then down again. So I should have gotten more then 293 calories burned. It should be around 550 for me. So my question is; what might we have done wrong?
I have read that there are many problems with the F2, but hoping that this is just us not understanding the device…. We had the hrm-belt on, the pulse reported was right, the height more or less right, the timer was right, our height, weight, age, fitnesslevel, vo2max (not on the watch, but on the garmin connect page -I have not done the 10 min VO2max since I know it is 52), are all right -and I set it to non-athlete.
What more is there? I really want this to work out. I love the possibilities of F2 and choose to believe that it is user induced and not a bug, but please help me understand where to start searching for the fault…
Veronica -hte norwegian mountain goat :-D
Hi Ray,
I have the Fenix 2 and really enjoy it. One thing I would like to begin to take advantage of is the smartphone notifications. I understand that the included heart rate strap won’t work while the notifications are enabled. Is there a strap that will allow the Fenix 2 (not a smartphone app) to obtain and store my hear rate information while also allowing me to receive smartphone notifications on the Fenix 2? If there are more than one straps, which one would you recommend?
Thanks!
Unfortunately nothing compatible with the Fenix2. Suunto recently introduced such a strap, but it’s only compatible with the Suunto platform at this time.
Hi Ray,
This must be the silliest question ever, but do you or any of the many readers know if GPS tracking works during open water swimming using breaststroke only? I assume it won’t because the arms are under water all the time, but you never know..
Is it possible to manually adjust the distance of an open water swim session afterwards on the watch itself, or/and on Garmin Connect?
Hmm, I’d have to defer to others on that – never tried it myself.
I know the 910XT doesn’t do well with it; had my own experience with that at XTERRA Portland a couple weeks ago. Sidestroke and breaststroke were how I finished the swim, and the unit had a bugger of a time holding a signal. I’d imagine the fenix2 would be similar. YMMV. Hope that helps!
Hi everyone, i’ve been training with my Fenix 2 for over three months, and it had worked fine, but on the must important day, my first triathlon (witch is the reason i bought this sport watch) it did not work. so i’ve been trying to use it on the multipsort mode but i can’t find the watch to work, all the data when I’m working out it seems ok, but when i transfer the data to garmin connect it’s all over the place, the map doesn’t appear and the HR doesn’t;t show the results, does anybody have the same problem?
Hi Carlos,
Your not alone with this problem.
I also did a multi sport event at the weekend and the watch screwed up bad after 3 hours or so. Like you I was getting all my data during the race, but when I uploaded or garmin connect it was all over the place. It even created 2 files for my cycle, one had all the right metrics and time but no map, the other had no metrics like heart rate etc but did have the map and recorded my 35k cycle as 17 seconds with an average speed of 1,900 Km per hour!!! My last run had no data at all, and my hike only recorded the decent for some reason, I definitely remember hiking up the mountain, but the watch makes me believe I was teleported!!
The same thing happened a month ago during a 3 hour multi sport event. This makes the watch of little use during these events at the moment. Let’s hope it’s just a bug and gets fixed or else I will definitely be looking for a refund.
I wonder has anybody done an ironman with it and had the same issues?
Stephen.
I will do an IM nest Sunday and keep all of you updated with the sucess…or not…. ;-)
I have done half IM with no main problems with the Fenix, the other dau I did a 4 hours bike ride and all worked well too….lets´s see with Multisport on Sunday
how did it go?
Any thoughts DC on whether they’ll release a new 910 soon given it’s been around a while and integrate some of the features of the Fenix 2 into it? Thinking the Fenix 2 makes sense as a new purchase, but it’s a bit of overkill, but then again why buy older tech if newer stuff is avail… Decisions decisions!
Ray,
Thanks for all your reviews, I am often asked by my company run a bike club team members about fitness gadgets and I refer those that ask to your reviews.
I purchased the Fenix-2 back in April and have been trying to like it however I have had some pretty major issues with the GPS accuracy when running. I run in and around the City of Philadelphia for most of my runs and many times I will run 2 to 3 miles and then all of sudden when I am around some of the high rise towers the watch will show that I went from a 9-minute mile down to a 4-minute mile (auto-lap is on) I wish I could run a 4-minute mile however this is not possible for me well maybe on a bike. With this issue I contacted Garmin multiple times over a couple months and they had me perform hard resets, delete history as they indicated that old data could have corrupted the recording data. Finally Garmin seems to have given up on my watch and sent me a new Fenix-2. I have had the new Fenix-2 for about a month now and the same issues are present (yes I have the latest firmware). I know this is not just a Philadelphia issue as I even experienced this issue when I was in Paris 2-weeks ago running around the city especially when I ran down smaller streets in the more residential areas where the buildings I would guess are about 8 to 10 floors high. This issue is very discouraging as I run/bike with an I-phone using both Wahoo Fitness app and Strava app which are very close in accuracy and don’t experience the same GPS issues as the Fenix-2. I then have pulled out my older Timex Run Trainer 1.0 and have not experienced the GPS issues with the old watch either. By the way I have had no issues on my road bike, however the few open water swims that I have done seems to not be that accurate as well
With all my issues I am asking your readers if they experienced the GPS issues that I have had? I would also like to know if the FR-620 has similar issues as I am contemplating trading the Fenix-2 for a FR-620?
Your opinion & feedback would be appreciated
Accuracy will vary in cities. In general, I find it fairly good. There are certainly cases where it and any other GPS watch struggle. But as one that runs almost daily in Paris (as you did), depsite all the small streets and buildings, it usually works out.
No doubt if I’m running down a one-lane road in between two 8-10 story buildings it’s likely to have issues (though it doesn’t always). I generally find that most times when I take 3-4 GPS units out for a run, they all end up being about the same (within 1-2% at most).
There are many comments in the 2,616 comments here about accuracy – some with problems, and some without. You can search through them on the word ‘accuracy’. Without knowing what percentage of the total units sold, it’s really hard to understand if there’s actually a problem or not. I do find it interesting that since the Fenix1 and Fenix2 share the same hardware, there were virtually no complaints on the Fenix1. By the same token, there were far fewer units sold there – so if someone did have a problem there might be fewer people. Same as any other device. If you scale up 100,000 units and even just .5% of people have problems – that’s 500 people (or 99.5% without).
I don’t understood why the BAROMETER does functions on Fenix2. It seems to shows the value on sea level but if I change my position in altitude it changes!
Now it shows 1000-1040 in the last 48h… Sometimes shows 1080/1100 MB!
I think they are bad values!
Hi Ray,
I got now my Fenix 2 here in UAE thru Clever Training…Thanks for the discount coupon ;)
Anyway, I would like to know how view the maps in the watch, I’ve installed it and followed the details(as you’ve mention on your review), and it doesn’t show on the watch…I’ve used “NAVIGATE” activity..still NO maps shows.
I don’t know what I’ve done wrong. Pls. help..Thanks.
I just read this bit in your Ambit 2 review: “Now, let me repeat that again – as it’s a pretty big stumbling block. Instead of supplementing your speed/distance data in cases where the GPS data may drop out (such as a tunnel), it will flat-out replace it for the entirety of the run. This sucks. This means you’ve got to have the footpod calibrated correctly, and even then, it still sucks. That’s sorta the point of buying a GPS watch.”
My Fenix 2 is doing the exact same thing and suck it does.
Talked to Garmin support, (Matt in Fitness). He said this is just the way it is and always will be. Said a properly calibrated foot pod is way more accurate for distance than GPS. Said all Garmin running watches had always worked this way. I told him he was wrong for sure on this last point. He told me I was confusing him. So I guess we are stuck with this mess unless someone with some pull—Ray Maker maybe—straightens out someone with more authority and grey matter than Matt in the wrist worn outdoor department.
@Ray: regarding accuracy: do you have any observation about accuracy for the Fenix 2.
You use a lot of different GPS devices, so you should have seen it either.
Like on you last interval training – can you publish the track to see how it looks like?.
THe small picture you published did not have any scale to match (except it shoud maybe
be 400m qquarter mile that you had the intervals).
As my 310XT is broken I also focus an 910XT and Fenix 2.
But also my 310Xt lost GPS connection in high mountain valleys if there are very high mountains
(e.g. just lcck to 2 satelites is to less).
I usually use the GPS watch to capture my running effort, trekking bike tours (2-3 days) and hiking.
So battery needs to last at least a full day (12h). Navigation with a penny size display is no help – therefore I use a Android app on my Note 3 or paper maps. Usually mountains does not change that fast.
Kind Regards,
Sergio
You can see my track up on Strava, here: link to strava.com
From what I’ve observed with the units I have (three different Fenix2 units at this point), all are basically within 0-2% of any other GPS I test it against.
Hi Ray,
First of all, thank you for a great site!
I’ve had the Fenix2 since it became available, and have logged about 80 activities on it without any significant problems. Accuracy is mostly on par with my Edge 500 and my FR610, but there is one thing that bothers me a bit, and I wonder if you have seen this happen:
Sometimes the track suddenly veers off course and then follows a track parallell to the correct one. After some hundred meters it is back on course again. This is very visible when comparing the activity from the Fenix2 with an activity from the Edge 500 recorded during the same ride.
Here are two examples:
link to haukvik.com
Distance on the Fenix2 was 41.23km and on the Edge 40.89km, about 1% difference, which is more than fine, but the deviation from the course on the Fenix 2 compared to the Edge is enough to cause Strava to not recognize the segment.
link to haukvik.com
Distance on the Fenix2 was 27.41km and on the Edge 27.23km, again about 1% difference, and again a deviation from the course big enough to cause segment recognition failure.
It is not a big deal, but I find the behaviour a bit strange…
Hi Ray,
can you share if the temporary price reduction will only be applicable to units sold via retailers in the US or will this it be worldwide?
It’s only applicable to US retailers to my knowledge.
That is a relief, I had just ordered one in the Netherlands yesterday! :-)
Hi guys,
maybe a stupid question but I’m struggling a bit with my fenix 2. Basically if I create a workout with a pace target I can’t see a way of using lap pace rather than instantaneous pace. Hence, I get an awful lot of notifications especially when running on a windy day. Is there something I’m missing or a good work around?
Thanks
@ Moritz – one of the fields is Lap Pace (LPace) which is what I use for my pace-based workouts when I need to stick to a specified pace.
I hope this helps.
I bought the F2 recently and like it with two exceptions. I have NEVER been able to get a track on the F2. Mind you the accuracy is not what I expected but it is close enough for walking and running…but to do ANY sort of actual field work which requires 20m or better accuracy, this definitely in not near that accuracy so far.
Its a bit deceiving when the advertising talks about GEOCACHING…it would be a pretty weak cache for the F2 to be of any real help. Which is too bad since the field is primarily the reason I got it. Would hope that the accuracy is able to be fixed with an update…and I really hope that the tack will start showing up at some point on my watch and not wait until I get linked in to Garmin Connect….
The 620 “It does however allow you to concurrently utilize Bluetooth Smart and ANT+, which means you can do Live Tracking while still using ANT+ sensors. And that in and of itself is a huge thing.” Does this mean that the Fenix2 does NOT support this?
Correct, it does not.
Did you talk with Garmin developers about the accuracy issues?
On this webpage there are 168 times accuracy. At least some must
be related to issues like I have. Big deviations off the track. Then you
see the pattern of the route but somehow like with an offset.
Why should that happen – if an incorrect position would be calculated it happens.
But if later the reception will be better – then the watch should calculate the correct
possition and this should be writen to the track. Or is GPS that much guessing?
Have you opened up a support case with Garmin?
Sergio, I too have had GPS accuracy issues and I’m on my 2nd Fenix. I suspect there must be some Garmin quality control issues involved as that’s the only that can explain so much variations with people like Ray not having accuracy issues, and someone like me and you experiencing exact same accuracy issues with 2 separate brand new Fenix2 watches.
In contrast, my iphone’s GPS track accuracy has been consistently better than my Fenix2, even with latest v3.7. I’m pretty fed up and ready to swap my Fenix2 for the Suunto Ambit 3 that’s about to be released in a little over a week. I’m current very disappointed to say the least.
Brian & Sergio,
I am also on my 2nd Fenix-2 and experiencing GPS issues, and also I uploaded a workout from Garmin Connect for a tempo run and after I got through the warm-up the watch buzzed about every 15-seconds and then after about 5-minutes it just decided to stop working. I then cleared that workout from the watch and then use the LAP button to segment my run and that locked up the watch also.
Yesterday I contacted Garmin again about 5 or 6 times now for the Fenix-2 and as always they act like I am the only person with this issue which I know cannot be the case. So now their customer service is asking me to be the Test Dummy to resolve the issue which is quit frustrating when I am trying to train for a marathon not be Garmin’s tester.
Please if you’re having a problem contact Garmin at 800-800-1020, maybe if enough people tell them about this issue they will seek out a solution to resolve it.
I have now been looking at the FR-620, however I have read many reviews on (REI.com) that this watch has a similar problem with GPS accuracy, drop outs and locked screens.
I am giving Garmin until early September to resolve the issue and if not resolved or greatly approved I think I will trade the Fenix-2 for an Ambit-3.
Great review! Was really excited about this watch and so far like it as my 610 was wearing out. However, I noticed there is a current price reduction by $100 going on at many different retailers. This seems rare for Garmin to do. Are they phasing them out already or just trying to bost sales?
See this post for reasons: link to dcrainmaker.com
Doing a 5 day backpacking trek next week; is it possible to create on continuous file for the trek without having to put the watch in pause which will eat battery?
I have my Fenix 2 exchanged at amazon.de already. Garmin Germany just give the advice to reset the watch and but it for 30 minutes to a place with free view to sky.
I had FR 305, 405 (worse), 310XT and now ended up with the Fenix 2.
Honestly I am not satisfied. Also how officials like to explain that 30-50m off the track would be fine and also that in some alley (like Schönbrunn/Vienna) it is obvous the track can not be on spot. Sorry why all my previous Forerunner we mostly on spot (+-3/5 m) but usually on track. Now I suffer from 30-50m off the track. Sorry.
I know how to use a watch – just Garmin pull somebody’s leg if they state it is normal – I say yes for Fenix 2 with GPS problems.
I think I will try to exchange anyother time – but then to think to move to Polar (which is more or less new to GPS watches.
Apple iPhone is some different thing as it has A-GPS with support from phone network.
So some different thign – for training recording a iPhone is even more suitable.
I find it quite strange that this gps accuracy problems exists uncommened from garmin.
Hi, excellent review. I have a forerunner 610 and and thinking about a Fenix2 for me as I consider triathlon/ironman (just a runner now). My oldest 17th bday is coming up and he is a runner planning on running D3 or maybe D2 (depending on his progression) next year in college. Fenix2 is an awesome device. I think having a good GPS watch to track pace and mileage may be of some utility for him. I hesitate on some levels to get one as he is really pretty good at estimating pace and distance now. That being said, do you have a review or suggestion for a less encompassing and smaller device for a small framed male that does not need so many bells and whistles? I really hope you see this soon. Thanks.
Garmin 220 then?
Yup, I’d agree, check out the FR220.
Hi,
I had a look on you strava workouts and look especially on the fenix 2 ones. With this gps tracks I would be happy. I will try Garmin/Amazon give me another exchange. Your recordings looks no different from what I used to get from my former 310XT. If you start in the city it is obviously not that precise but as soon gps lock is good the tracks is fine.
Hope it makes a (ex-)change for me.
Unfortunately, in terms of accuracy during running, my Fenix 2 seems to be one of the “bad apples”. I have had two other Garmin GPS watches before (FR 210, Fenix 1), and have only very rarely had poor tracking. Now, within a few months of the Fenix 2, I have had so many poor tracks that it has become a real issue. Pace, whether instant or lap-averaged, also fluctuates wildly, sometimes during the whole run, sometimes only for a few miles. Various firmware updates have not seemed to make a difference. All these problems make my Fenix 2 a really poor tool for speed based training or for pacing in races – I appreciate the fast satellite lock, but I wished I had the accuracy of the FR210 instead.
Hi Ray,
Like I’ve said before…After I got my Fenix 2 and tried it out for my self.
I like the watch…seems to be everything’s fine with its 3.70 software version except for the experience I’m having on whenever I try to check my previous workouts on the “HISTORY” page it got “FREEZES” every each time and I keep doing this “reset” just to make the watch usable.
Have experience this kind of problem?…Can you give me advice ti remedy this issue.
Thanks.
In general, with Garmin products (though, this actually often applies to many consumer electronics devices) – if you see freezing/lockups, it’s very often due to a corrupted file. In the majority of the cases with Garmin products, it’s because a past history file is corrupted on the device.
To validate this, plug it into your computer and cut/paste all the files from the history/activity folder to your computer (no need to delete, just move them). Additionally, do the same for any courses you’ve created.
Now, I realize this makes it hard to access your history – but it helps to narrow things down. If you can then create a new activity (just for a few seconds sitting at home), and save it, then access history and see what happens. If that works, and if you’re feeling lucky – go ahead and put back a few of your history activities starting with the most recent first.
Again, might not be the issue, but it seems about 90% of the time it is.
Ok..I’ll do it..Thank you very much.
Its all about the Ski-Board mode for me!
When I first discovered the 910XT I wanted it so bad. I’m not a swimmer(yet) but the fact that it could measure your swim stroke made me giddy. Plus it was a running watch with an altimeter! Couldn’t justify the price (though I tried!). My phone got the job done (ANT+ via USB). I did end up buying an Edge 500 for cycling when it went on sale because my phone’s battery wouldn’t make the 200miles of the STP, and I started using my roommates old FR305 for running.
Then, here comes the Fenix 2 and how it had a ski-board mode! Didn’t really care about the running dynamics (well I shouldn’t say that. The new stats are pretty cool). I had tried to use a FR305 for snowboarding and it was mostly a failure. Of course I couldn’t justify the price at the time. Then there was the temporary price drop and I jumped on it. Now I can’t wait for it to snow!!!
The whole map/nav feature will probably come in handy at some point. I was initially planing on selling my Edge 500 to recoup some of the cost. I guess I will have to try it out first. the E500 having up to 8 data fields on one screen is a big plus compared to the 4 on the Fenix2. And the out-front-mount is far more convenient for reading the device. Also, I would assume, I could use the Fenix2 just for navigation or live tracking while still using the E500 for ride stats…
I understand that you prefer a cycling specific unit, but did you find it difficult to read the display with four data fields while riding? Or find it annoying to only have four data fields up at once? I currently use four for running (pace, HR, dist, time) but five for cycling (spd, cad, HR, dist, time), and could see adding power in the future.
[Gatmin Fenix 2] What is the difference between Garmin Mode and USB Mass Storage Mode?
Comment #902 link to dcrainmaker.com
I just got my fenix 2 and took it for a swim in my local pool. I cannot get the swim to upload to Garmin Connect. I am on the latest 3.80 firmware. I tried via bluetooth connected to my LG G2, I tried plugging in via USB and the Garmin Express app wouldn’t transfer it. I even tried manually importing it from the Garmin Connect website and it just hangs. Any one else seeing this or is it just me?
I am having the same issue! yesterday no problem in updating a swim and a bike workouts, but today i lost my morning run.
Another friend confirmed that his workout did not appear on Garmin Connect. However, we have a program at work that scrapes Garmin’s data of workouts and the workouts are there. We got credit for them, it just appears as though Garmin Connect isn’t displaying them for some reason.
Seeing this as well. Oddly enough it pushed the workout through to Training Peaks, but does not appear in Connect.
Yes also the same here. Training Peaks picked up the workout. I contacted Garmin and they said there was a glitch on the website. They said I should be able to upload it now. When I tried syncing, it would not load, but when I manually uploaded it this time, it did show up on Connect. It did not get duplicated on Training Peaks, so I am not sure if it just refreshed the workout to show on Connect or if Training Peaks filters out duplicate workouts. Either way, it is there now. I have not done another swim since to test if it is just a problem with the swim, but hope to soon.
Hi Ray
Thanks for the help on “History” page problem I had.
Once more can you help me out with Vo2 Max functionality… I’ve already run more than 10mins outside and devices I’m using are HRM Run Strap(came with the bundle) and garmin footpod that’s paired with fenix 2 watch.
Each time I’ve finished my runs it only shows Recovery Time buy no Vo2Max,have you also experience this on your 1st use?
Ray
So the heart rate monitor and the fenix2 dont work even in a wetsuit. that’s strange because my old polar HRM would still give me a heart rate. That’s unfortunate.
In the open water i lose GPS signal understably under the water but does Garmin account for the loss in terms of total distance? or is this one of those dreadful issues like where i forget to hit the start on my Edge 510 and lose miles and Garmin can’t extrapolate that you actually biked between the stop and start into the overall distance
i did use the fenix2 in the pool this morning and i was impressed that it autolaps. very cool!
Hello,
i am wondering how to set HR rest on Fenix 2. This is the main information for calculating % of max HR. My watch shows me incorrect information about % maxHR. For example: My HR rest is 50 bpm (max app193 bpm) so in this case 50 % of load is app. 123bpm and NOT 95 bpm as my watch calculate it now??!! Becouse of that, this error continues further on… Does anyone have any idea how to solve this problem.
THX
MH
Yes. Set it on Garmin Connect. Click your profile and click on edit. HR zones is there and you can input your resting HR and your % max will then change. Then click send to device
It does not worked for my… I got no compatible device.. is any one with the issue
I did that but the system tells me that i do not have the compatible device. Thx enyway.
I just purchased the Fenix 2 a few days ago and am already thinking about returning it. I mainly use it for trail running and love all the data and features, but I hate the display while running. Maybe someone here could help find some solutions for my issues before I return it. I apologize if I overlooked any answers to my questions.
– Is there any way to turn off the clock data field off on the run/trail run activity? I love the Autoscroll feature, but hate to look down and see the clock.
– When I lock the keys during a run, it disables the Autoscroll. Any way to lock the keys and keep Autoscroll going?
– Is it just me or is it hard to read the white on black display? It’s especially hard while running on a trail with scattered light. My Garmin 210 with the black on white display was much easier to read while on the run.
Thank you!
I am thinking about purchasing a VIRB and I was curious to know if I could still control the VIRB via the Fenix 2 while in Ski mode?
Ray,
I am in my mid-40s and trying to get back to my old running ways. I have run half marathons in the past but backed off from running as life got in the way. My intent is overall fitness more than competition. I currently use the Vivofit – which I love – and am trying to add a more run/bike-specific watch to complement it. I also hike a lot.
I think Fenix2 is clearly too much for what I am looking for but the support for training plans/recovery analyzer interests me a lot. I am not the most disciplined trainer and usually end up hurting myself. The only other watch that has these features is a 620. The price of Fenix2 is what makes it attractive right now. Do you see these two features as being useful or are they gimmicky? If I use the Vivofit HRM strap with Fenix2, do I lose anything other than running dynamics? Is it worth getting the HRM-RUN strap just for that?
The size of the Fenix2 does not bother me since my everyday watch would continue to be the Vivofit.
Thanks.
Hi Ray, I was kind of where you are except I already had an Edge, a Forerunner 410 and quite a collection of HRMs both BLE and Ant+.
I bought the Fenix2 (when it was $100 more expensive) because I wanted swimming support and the alternative was a 620 and a Swim. I like it. The 15 hour GPS-On life is a biggie for me because I do a lot of things other than running that go well past a 620’s time limit. It’s nice not to have to sweat the battery.
As for the HRM-RUN, I really wanted to have that experience. Now I have had it and have a whole lot of cool running dynamics information I have no idea what to do with except baffle others with information such as my 9 cm vertical oscillation and 270ms ground contact time :). Frankly, a foot pod is a more useful tool for me because of it’s ability to give me stable/reliable pace and speed information indoors and out. If the HRM-RUN were full price, I would think twice about it. At the bundle price—tumble for the bundle. BTW the HRM-RUN will feed your Fenix2 and VF simultaniously but there really is no reason to create simulteneous activities so I wouldn’t pair your VF while running your F2. Of course you can alternate straps feeding either or both devices.
My understanding is that any Garmin HR strap will deliver real HRV data which is what the F2 needs to compute VO2 Max, Training Effect, and Recovery Advice. if you got the HRM-1 with your VF that ought to work. I don’t know whether the Fenix will give you cadence (a number that is actually useful) without either an HRM-Run or a Foot Pod. It should but I have never used it that way.
I kind of, sort of think the VO2 Max, Training Effect, and Recovery Advisers are gimmicks but I like them. It amuses me when RA says I need to wait two more days before training hard. I go run anyway and it flashes me a message telling my my recovery status is “GOOD”. The VO2 Max number was initially depressing (39) but climbing steadily (now 42)—bad in general but pretty good for a 58 year old. I’ll keep training harder as long as it ticks upward every now and again. Wish I knew what it was when I started this a year ago and couldn’t run a quarter mile.
Hope this answered your questions. Buy it. Then don’t forget to use it :).
Is possible to navigate a route or a waypoint during an activity (no Navigation) without stops and restarts the chronometer?
Ray – is there a way to make the HRM-Run work in the open water? it’s not giving me an option to find it.
it works fine in the pool.
Thanks
No, ANT+ doesn’t transmit HR data through water (neither does Bluetooth Smart), only about an inch or two.
is the “swim graph, timing , strokes, and efficiency data” i get from Garmin connect just based on just pool lap data and time? or the accelerometer? im just curious why i dont get that data on my open water swim workouts. thanks
Gabe, which firmware do you have on the Fenix? I noticed the same problem today
When I initially tested (FW 3.10) I got the swim graph, timing , strokes, and efficiency data, etc:
link to connect.garmin.com
Today with the latest FW (3.80) I just get the most basic data:
link to connect.garmin.com
Carlos
I’m on the 3.8 software. So it sounds like it may be an open water profile bug?
Ray – do you have any comment on this? Thanks
Hmm, I’ll poke the folks and find out what’s up.
Gabe, In my case I was swimming in a pool.
Thanks Ray, In case its important, another change I made was to enable “Drill Logging”
I called today to Garmin support, the dont know what is the problem. So they will research.
I also noticed my activities were private (sorry I’m new to Garmin) but I have re-created one:
No Swim, Strokes and Efficiency graphs with FW 3.80:
link to connect.garmin.com
Swim, Strokes and Efficiency graphs with FW 3.10:
link to connect.garmin.com
Hi Ray, Can you help me out how to get vo2max on this fenix 2. Thank you.
You need to ensure you’re wearing the HR strap in order to get VO2Max data, as well as ensuring you’ve configured your age/gender/profile info.
Hi Ray,I’ve configure my profile already and been using the HR Strap but with the Foot Pod… Does using it with Foot Pod affects that I don’t get my Vo2Max?
Hmm, I’m not sure there – it shouldn’t have any impact.
Hi Erickson, I’ve almost always used the Foot Pod and have always been given VO2Max. What HR Strap are you using?
Hi Ray, i am just curious if the footpod’d provide the same vertical oscillation and ground contact time info to the fenix 2 as the hrm-run strap does?
No, only the HRM-RUN. The footpod will give cadence however if you don’t have an HRM-RUN.
Gabe, In my case I was swimming in a pool.
Thanks Ray, In case its important, another change I made was to enable “Drill Logging”.
Garmin released fw 3.80 and Storm Alarm with it…
But what is the utility if I do not can set the profile BARO/ALTI/AUTO?! It sounds also if I moves in altitude!!!
The utility is the same as it always was – absolutely useless. Baro / alti on the Fenix 2 is only useful during an activity with GPS on
Of course it goes off when you move in altitude. That’s the point.
It is designed for mountaineering, staying at one altitude for a period you set the alarm. If the pressure changes to indicate a storm, it goes off. If you move up or down, of course the pressure changes, which the watch thinks is a storm. No different to the old fashioned barometer storm alarms used in the mountains back in the day. They would go off if you forgot to re set the dial before putting it in your pack.
Hey I’ve had the fenix 2 since april and I have had to send it in once to get a replacement and now the replacement has frozen 3 times since until it completely dies and then comes back up once it is recharged. Do other people seem to have the same problem? I bought it from Clever training, but the 60 days are up, would Garmin give a refund? Does the new firmware fix any of this? I am so sick of my fenix 2 freezing .
Try removing (cut/paste) all of your activity files out of the activity folder (and any courses you might have).
and delete them completely? or move them to another folder?
Just move them off of the Fenix2. So create a folder on your computer and move them all there. Often times freezing issues are due to some file corruption. Ideally, after moving the files, a good reset doesn’t hurt.
Okay thanks, what is the best way to do a hard reset ?
link to support.garmin.com
Hi Ray,
I was in the process of updating to v3.8 when my pc just hang, resulting to unsuccessfull update to my F2. When i try to restart F2, it stays on validating page forever. Here are some symptoms that I observe :
1. PC failed to detect F2 as mass storage. Hence, I was unable to access and do a manual update
2. Tried different PCs / USB ports but still fail to detect
3. On validating updates page, the indicator stuck at around 10%, then it just turn off after 5 minutes
4. Ive tried to hard reset, however when I choose to “yes/no” to clear all settings, it still goes to the “validating page” looping
Upon checking and searching on Garmin forums, there are similar problem but they were able to solve via manual update. Mine, I cant even access my f2 as USB mass storage. Hope you can help on this
Thank you
Sorry, not quite sure there, that’s an odd one. I’d ring up Garmin support and they’ll get you sorted out quickly.
After searching for almost half a day, I finally found the solution to my problem. Here are the steps :
The first step was to force the F2 to go into mas storage mode (was not able at all when i had the problem. PC did not detect anything when connected with the USB cable). Button combination of Light + Start to force the watch to enter to mass storage unit, but before turning it on, connect it to your PC with the USB cable.It will show the USB logo once successful, around 30 seconds later (thanks to link to forums.garmin.com…)
Once the PC detect the F2, forum suggested to manually upgrade the software. However in my case, Garmin Express was able to detect my unit, and the rest was fully automatic as usual.F2 was restored with the new software.
Save a trip to garmin service centre. Thank you for the suggestion
Hi there,
I have a bike with powermeter and it’s good to know that it can calculate TSS for the ride. Can the watch generate the rTSS (for running)? Thanks
I’m not aware of any unfortunately.
Hi I just realized that the the price of the Fenix 2 was on sale, I have the Forerunner 220 and I want to upgrade to the Fenix 2 because of my swimming workouts. Do you know if soon is goinig to be another price drop on the Fenix 2?
Given it was just on sale until yesterday, I wouldn’t expect another near-term sale.
On Garmin.de the recommended price for the 910XT has been reduced by 50EUR. Is it now time to appear for the successor of the 910XT? Any news in the pipeline? I guess yes.
Eh – now my cadence isn’t showing up on my runs.
anyone else having that issue?
Gabe, FYI I solved my problem with the swimming information by resetting the watch:
link to support.garmin.com{7fe95f70-0984-11e2-e8a7-000000000000}
You might want to try that, it might solve both issues.
Same here
Not here. Did my first Fenix2 run without a foot pod yesterday. After disabling the foot pod sensor, I ran with the HRM-RUN and got cadence and all of the other Run Dynamics stuff throughout.
I had to disable to foot pod to have the GPS—rather than the foot pod—measure my distance. I sure wish they would fix that!
is there a setting to show race finish time tables during a race? program in race distance and see projected finish time based on current pace instead of using one of those temporary tattoo’s. ive read the manual and cant seem to figure this one out.
No, no method to do so.
Special edition for Garmin Fenix 2 – found on the Czech Garming FB page – link to facebook.com
Interesting, looks like they just swapped out the straps. That’s the cool part of the FR220/FR620/Fenix2/Fenix/D2/etc… watch straps being all compliant with each other. It’s easy for them to swap straps of varied colors.
Not only !
The watch comes now with standard display (not inversed) ;-)
Wow – is this a change for all fenix2 through firmware update? Or only for the special edition?
Ahh, I see. I just sent an e-mail over to get some details there.
Looks to me like the sticker that they put on the front of the watch is standard (you can see the shadows on the screen behind it), but that doesn’t necessarily mean when you turn it on it will look like that. But the screen sure looks like the Fenix 1, and has the same color and markings. Does the 2 look like that when it’s off?
When the F2 is off, the screen is black … in this case of this new F2 Special Edition the screen is white … And it’s explained in the text ;)
There’s two more pictures on the fb page hidden in the answer to my quesiton (David Machalsky) – now without the cover foil.
This is the picture David was referring to: link to scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net
Amazon UK has this listed as being on sale on September 16th.
link to amazon.co.uk
Nothing comes up on the US store.
To be honest I can see how some people would be pretty pissed to find the inverse screen is only on the special and not coming to the original Fenix 2 via a firmware update. Unless they are allowed a swap (can’t see that happening)
Lets hope the release of the ‘Special edition’ coincides with a feature packed firmware update and is not just another release to allow Garmin to make more money whilst shafting existing users.
Personally i’m ok with the black screen, I just want pool swim as an option for multisport and more than 1 bike profile. Pleeeeeeease!!!
Lack of pool swim is the reason I had to keep my 910xt for 2 months after I had bought the Fenix 2.
The Red? strap looks quite cool in the promo pictures, shame it looks so washed out in the ‘real life’ images otherwise I would try and get one for my Fenix2
I would be more than pissed if they don’t provide the reverse (normal) display to the Fenix 2. I am pissed now that they built a special edition with it before providing it to their current customers that have been requesting it since day dot.
Another way to nurture the seeds of customer dissatisfaction.
The extra profiles (bike etc) and the pool swim as a multisport option were also identified very very early.
This latest round of “advertised” updates do nothing for me and I suspect don’t do much for a large percentage of currently dissatisfied Fenxi2 (wanted 920xt) owners.
Hmm, I guess I can see being ticked off about not having a solution to a specific break-point. That’s valid.
And I can see ‘wishing’ that new features (i.e. bike profiles or pool swim) being added. That’s valid too.
But I really can’t see being “pissed” about them coming out with an inverted display option. Wouldn’t that seem like Garmin was listening to what customers wanted and offering that as an option?
Ultimately, folks knew going into it that was (depending on personal preference) a limitation of the device and the physical hardware. While I know some want the inverted option as seen in the swim pause screen, I think we’d all agree that due to the display limitations that’s pretty ugly – and the majority of people would be upset about it. After all, wouldn’t that be the singular reason they’re coming out with a separate physical device? It would have cost them a heck of a lot less to turn on a magical switch on the display if that existed, rather than running a separate production line with separate SKU’s and all the distribution mess that comes with that.
I think people need to embrace the “buy what improves your training now, rather than waiting and guessing as to what’s coming; something better will always be on the horizon” approach. If I was talking to someone TODAY about the Fenix 2, I’d probably say “get the special edition.” But I don’t regret getting my gen 1 Fenix 2 back in April and using it all season to train; it’s been invaluable for my admittedly paltry needs.
Sure, I wish it had a different display and sync’ed with Bluetooth better, but I also wish it made me eggs, did my taxes, and rubbed my feet at night before bed. A watch might do all that in 2029, but I’m not going to forgo getting a watch now just because they might do all that down the road.
In the end, if you are desperate to have the inverted screen, you could ask a watch repairer to open it up and flip the polarization screen over the LCD. As far as I can remember, I used to do that with my calculators at school to have the “white on black” look and then flipped it back over to go back to “black on white” when I got sick of it. Only down side is you will void your warranty!?!?!
In the end, if you are desperate to have the inverted screen, you could ask a watch repairer to open it up and flip the polarization screen that sits over the LCD. As far as I can remember, I used to do that with my calculators at school to have the “white on black” look and then flipped it back over to go back to “black on white” when I got sick of it. Only down side is you will void your warranty!?!?!
” But I really can’t see being “pissed” about them coming out with an inverted display option. Wouldn’t that seem like Garmin was listening to what customers wanted and offering that as an option? ”
I guess that is a matter of perspective. If I think about holistically or from the side line I would agree, “well done Garmin for responding to the requests of customers and providing a new product for the future”.
Looking at it from a current (long term customer) I say ” a real shame you concentrated on satisfying future customers with the comments and complaints of your current customers” What about us the current customers.
I want to buy a device every 5 years or so. I am happy to miss out on a few nice things in those 5 years, but while you are firmware upgrading the current device don’t skip us (provide normal display) on a special edition just to appease new buyers or do Garmin expect me to sell this one to buy the limited edition just to get the feature, 9 months after initial release.
NB I did say “would be” I hold out hope that the “original” fenix2 gets the reversed/normal screen.
Regarding “made me eggs, did my taxes, and rubbed my feet at night before bed”
I am a little more realistic, I just want what the new kids have got on the same device. ;-)
“Ultimately, folks knew going into it that was (depending on personal preference) a limitation of the device and the physical hardware.”
Great point. I found myself in a position to need a new watch this past spring (610 becoming unreliable). After determining that the successor to the 910xt would not be available soon, I purchased the Fenix 2 based on the review and the fact that Clever Training offered a 60-day return policy. I evaluated the watch’s existing features/capabilities against my particular training needs assuming that nothing would be fixed/enhanced (the watch is what it is!). The deal breaker for me was that interval alerts were not working and I returned the watch and purchased the 910xt.
It’s not perfect, but I set my expectations on it’s performance/features/capabilities at the time of purchase. If I had kept the F2 would I be upset that Garmin release a new F2 with an inverted screen – most likely yes, but not at Garmin. They just released a watch that meets the needs of all the users that returned their watches within the 60-day window because the screen was the deal breaker.
just my $0.02
Why didn’t you wait for the device you will be happy. I do and many other as well.
It is a fact that some stuff can’t be changed (inverted display, crap gps, …). Try a return if you device is wrong.
The display does not help if the gps track is bad.
I’ve contacted Garmin through support to ask whether they will be adding pool swimming as a multisport and whether we can add more than 5 activities to a multisport event, but I haven’t heard a thing from them.
Do we know if these are ever going to be added? If not, why not?
Fenix 2 special edition…. 910xt down 50€ in europe…. Is there a New forerunner coming? (Maybe 5th october at Barcellona Garmin tri?)
Hey dcrainmaker, I have a question regarding the pool swim tri you did early on and how you used your Fenix2. I’ll have 6 pool swim tri’s over my season (starting next month) and very much want to use the F2 to count my laps (750mtr in 25mtr pool, I’m crap at counting) so I won’t be able to use multisport mode. But I’m wondering when exactly is the best time to switch activities? Normally I would as I cross the mat into T1 and include all that segment as Bike, until I cross the mat out of T2. But if I try that I’ll be at the point where it’s looking for bike sensors long before it’s ready to find them! If I skip past that then the sensors won’t be picked up for the ride. So I’m thinking I need to wait till I’m about to grab my bike so the movement will be picked up by the sensors etc.
I’m just wondering how exactly you did it, and/or where you suggest changing activity so my bike sensors get picked up the best? Or am I wrong in thinking they won’t get picked up (it seems if you skip past them they don’t get picked up later. Or will the new separate speed and cadence senors get picked up by the F2 while I’m standing there prepping to head out on the ride?
I simply changed activities just after I got on my bike. So I ended my swim, and as I was heading to bike I just saved/reset it (only takes a split second). Then, once on the bike I started the bike portion. In my case the bike was indoors, so it was sorta trivial to sit there on the bike and start the activity. If dealing with an outdoor bike segment, I’d take the 3-5 seconds to find/start the multisport activity post-swim in transition, then just press the start button at the mount line.
For the sensors, they’ll get picked up once you start rolling your bike to the mount line.
Ah silly me. I skipped past my hr once but it then never picked it up. So I just assumed skipping the sensor meant it wouldn’t see it. Tested it and of course it picked them up, and funny enough tried it with my hrm and picked it up this time too. Must have been an anomaly. So I can comfortably use it exactly as I wanted to. Sweet.
To make sure I’m understanding this correctly, the F2 should grab my speed and cadence senors while I’m in T1? Sorry brand new to tris and my first attempt (thankfully a practice session)ended with no sensors paired for the bike portion. The sensors pair up just fine in the normal bike mode. Thanks!
Just bought a fenix 2, went for a run, and really liked it. The recovery time was a nice feature, and bluetooth uploads to my phone are very convenient.
I went for a slow short run (after 6 weeks of doctor enforced resting) as a way to test out my new toy. However, looking at the track uploaded, its fair to say the track varied wildly:
link to connect.garmin.com
Im running in spread out suburbia, no dense buildings, nil higher than two story, and the weather was quite nice. As you can see it’s substantially off route. (The part travelling south I was on the opposite side of the road, not running through a hospital!) and on the way back it has me on the right side of the road but even further into the houses.
I though perhaps I was being unrealistic, but noted my partners run uploaded onto mapmyrun using her iphone are much closer to the track recorded.
Do I have a bum unit? Is it just the unit’s poor GPS? or am I being unrealistic? (I don’t think so, my edge 800 manages to track a lot better…)
It makes me wonder if I should take it back and get a 910xt instead?
Many thanks for your help.
Ewan, did you update to the latest firmware before going for your run?
Yeah, updated to most recent FW. Changed to 1s recording, but didn’t change any other settings.
Had my fenix 2 for a little over a week now. Very nice gps. As to accuracy, it’s not much different than the forerunner 310xt. For a comparison, check out these two links to garmin connect. Both the 310xt and the fenix 2 have you off the streets & in the buildings quit a bit, so I don’t see much difference in the gps accuracy between these two & I’ve always liked the 310xt & now the fenix 2 is an even better device.
Almost same course recorded with different devices. Links are to the player for larger map.
6/16/2014 recorded with Forerunner 310xt smart recording
link to connect.garmin.com
8/25/2014 recorded with Fenix 2 (firmware 3.80) smart recording
link to connect.garmin.com
The player links aren’t working for me I’m afraid?
Sorry, forgot to make them public on garmin connect.
Please note, these are not the exact same courses but very similar, so can’t compare recorded distances, but am putting them up so you can see that both the 310xt and fenix 2 show you off the street a lot. You can especially see this when zooming in.
I purchased the Fenix 2. I have tried to adjust the contrast but is still primarily a dark backround with white letters/numbers. How did you get the contrast reversed in your photo’s at the pool in the swim portion of the review.
Thanks
Craig
Correct, the Fenix2 (current edition anyway) doesn’t support an inverted mode. Only that paused screen, which is sorta funky looking.
Search in the comments here for the words ‘inverted’. It’s been discussed approximately 732.8 times.
Hi there folks, still trying to decide between FENIX 2 and AMBIT 3…Polar is out of the equation due to the limited features for navigation, I am a trail-runner. I have to confess that the FENIX 2 seems to be more rich in terms of navigations and maps, the AMBIT unfortunately is limited to 100 points (absurd). So in a perfect world the FENIX would be my first choice. My concern is the reliability on the GPS…I have read several past comments about the GPS bad performance…can anyone tell me if that has been fixed ?
Thank you
I owned Fenix2 and Ambit2. Ambit2 got 100 points that means 100 Point Of Interest instead your track will have only 100 points.
I used F2 in a 50K trail running race for navigation. It froze two times during the race :-( After that I sold it and bought an Ambit2. According to garmin forum looks like they are solved this kind of issue.
Last weekend I did another 50K trail running race using Ambit2 for navigation. 0 issues. Very happy finishing 4th in the overall :-)
F2 got better zoom but in my experience A2 got better navigation because more drawing area so 200 mts zoom is enough IMHO.
F2 GPS is poor for running trails. You can read a lot about in garmin forums and in the whole internet.
F2 got worse screen is inverted. I wasn’t for a me a problem at the beginning but when you aren’t outdoor itsn’t clear to read.
This is only my opinion. There are lots of people very happy with their F2, with their inverted screens and with no issues about GPS accuracy.
I got a same problem everytime.
Only “Navigation”profile,F2 froze many times during the race and training,hiking.
I think F2 has big problem in only “Navigation”.
I feel F2 froze by many waypont.
Thank you Ricardo, meanwhile I have ordered an Ambit3
Hi Ray,long time since I posted. Long time follower!
This morning decided to run with the garmin 620 and fenix 2. Same total time, same turnaround point, the 620 recorded 20.16 miles and the fenix 2 recorded 19.75 miles. Oh yeah, both have the latest firmware. Any thoughts?
It’s always tricky to tell with just two units. In your case you’re at .41 miles, which on 20 miles is a hair over 2%, just on the edge of being ‘normal’ (1-2% is considered normal). One thing to validate is whether or not both units were set to Smart Record or 1-second recording, as that could easily account for the difference.
Ray, actually that 1 – 2% applies to the official distance, not each other. If the “real” distance were say 20 miles then you’d expect to see 19.6 to 20.4. This is why comparing devices is really hard without a real, non gps metric. Both measurements could be within 1% of the real one.
Absolutely. Sorry, I just meant within 1-2% of each other. In fact, the ‘real distance’ could be 2% of 19.6 or 2.4, or 20, as you noted. Or heck, nothing at all.
Sorry, wasn’t trying to be pendantic but people have been so over the top on device accuracy on differences of often less than 1% I thought it would be good to to show how far inside normal accuracy these devices really are.
No worries at all! It’s a valid point!
Frank, were you using a foot pod? In it’s present configuration, if a foot pod is configured, present and detected, it will be used exclusively for distance estimation by the Fenix 2 irrespective of GPS status or signal strength. It is certainly better than nothing but, for long distances, it is no match for GPS no matter how accurately you have it calibrated. If you skip the foot pod during the activity sensor detection start-up sequence, you will get no speed and no distance but you will get a nice GPS track. To quite Ray, “It sucks.”
Hello,
Anyone has Garmin Fenix 2 special edition yet? It has white background on display and redish straps link to facebook.com
Wonder if there are some other changes beside display on HW or SW side?
OK, 733.8. Discussed here, too: link to forums.garmin.com.
Inverted display Special Edition info here: link to amazon.co.uk
Hi
I would just like to confirm, is the HRM safe to use in a indoor pool?
Safe for you? -> Yes, you will not be electrocuted.
Safe for the strap? -> Probably, but I would not take it into water, because:
Meaningful? -> Most certainly not because the strap cannot transmit through the water.
When I do a Triathlon, I wear the strap but do not attach the monitor during the swim. In transition 1 I clip it on and that works perfectly for me.
Thanks! Makes perfect sense
I always wear the complete unit during the swim; Openwater or Pool.
Your watch will pick up the HRM signal shortly after you exit the water.
I’ve never had nor reading of any issues using the HRM during swimming. One less thing to worry about in T1 if it’s already on.
Correct, there’s no issues at all with wearing the strap (and pod) with you in the water. And like Gary, I’ve never heard of someone killing a Garmin HR strap in water.
(Well, actually, I’ve heard of one person, who had changed the battery the night before and then didn’t properly set the cap back in, so it flooded.)
I just bought the Fenix2 and I trying to pair It with the power meter SRM Shimano 7800 but the Fenix2 is not detecting it, do you know is the SRM is compatible with Fenix2?
regarding the battery life
if i use normal GPS mode with HRM pulse sensor how long does the batter goes ?
As seen in the battery section of the post, anywhere from 12-15 hours.
Hi Ray,
You write in your review that the Recovery Advisor only takes running workouts into account. However, on my Fenix 2 (FW 3.80) I also get a recovery advise following bike workouts with a standard HRM + speed/cadance sensor. Note that the number does not pop up as for running but the it is there when checking “Recovery” through the menu.
Do you know if this is an intended feature from Garmin? i.e. can the number be relied upon and secondly do you know which parameters it takes into account? i.e. only heart rate and time or also cadance, power etc.?
Thanks,
Rasmus
Yeah, I believe they added it about 2 months after release. I’ll ask tomorrow on where that stands.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the review on the Fenix2, it makers me feel like I wish to buy it and go out to try it at this instant moment. But before I do it, I have a question regarding it durability.
My old watch (Timex Ironman Run Trainer) had just died 13 months after buying, so you guess I a bit unhappy. I wonder how durable fenix2 is? It is probably not as durable as Casio G-shock but still, what can I expect from it? Do you reckon that Ambit2/3 will be better in this regard?
Cheers,
Itamar
I also had the Timex Run Trainer. Liked the watch, but you’re right from a durability stand point not the best product. Timex has a pretty good warranty but out of warranty you’re out of luck. The Fenix 2 seems pretty durable. I’ve been using since May. I use several times a weeks in a variety of run and or Tri training conditions. I have used it in two Tri’s this past summer. All worked flawlessly. The casing is a strong metal unlike the plastic casing on the Run Trainer. And the watch face is 100 x better on the Fenix 2 than the Run Trainer. I was always getting scratches on the cheap plastic watch face on the Timex. I yet to nick or scratch the face on the Fenix 2.
Hi All
i just bought the watch and i am testing i do not see any information related to stroke
i used the watch in multi sport mode with HRM. In Garmin connect i do not see such information.
thanks
Do you know if the Fenix2 will read the scales Tanita BC1500 soon?
It doesn’t sounds like.
Fenix 2 ACCURACY TESTS ON 400 meter track
There’s been some question about the Fenix 2’s GPS accuracy. Part of that question can be answered by testing it against a known distance, the easiest being a 400 meter track. On 8/28/2014 I did a 6×400 m workout with the Fenix 2 (Firmware 3.80). Garmin Connect rounds all the values off, but if you import the workouts into Garmin Training Center and view them as metric units, the unrounded values recorded by the watch are shown.
Here’s what my Fenix 2 recorded:
rep 01 -> 394.98 m
rep 02 -> 401.97 m
rep 03 -> 404.42 m
rep 04 -> 391.97 m
rep 05 -> 397.98 m
rep 06 -> 391.70 m
Total -> 2,383.02 m recorded, 2,400 actual track distance, 2383.02/2400 = 99.29% accurate!
Garmin Connect link, note: the route going into the bleachers is not a mistake, I did the recoveries under the bleachers to get out of the hot sun:
link to connect.garmin.com
Since that seemed accurate, I decided to take it a step further, following DC’s excellent articles on GPS accuracy here:
link to dcrainmaker.com
So I did several walk/run tests on the 400 meter track summarized below with links:
WALKING:
01 WAAS, 1-sec, walk 800 m-> 785.83 (98.23% accuracy)
link to connect.garmin.com
03 WAAS, smart, walk 800 m-> 807.84 (99.02% accuracy)
link to connect.garmin.com
05 NO WAAS, 1-sec, walk 800 m-> 799.84 (99.98% accuracy)
link to connect.garmin.com
07 NO WAAS, smart, WALK 800 m-> 797.29 (99.66% accuracy)
link to connect.garmin.com
WALK SUMMARY (3,200 m) -> 3,190.80 recorded (99.71% accuracy)
RUNNING:
02 WAAS, 1-sec, run 800 m-> 805.37 (99.33% accuracy)
link to connect.garmin.com
04 WAAS, smart, run 800 m-> 802.95 (99.63% accuracy)
link to connect.garmin.com
06 NO WAAS, 1-sec, run 800 m-> 799.14 (99.89% accuracy)
link to connect.garmin.com
08 NO WAAS, smart, run 800 m -> 807.05 (99.12% accuracy)
link to connect.garmin.com
RUN SUMMARY (3,200 m) -> 3,214.51 recorded (99.55% accuracy)
ALL SUMMARY (6,400 m) -> 6,405.31 recorded (99.92% accuracy)
CONCLUSIONS: As far as the 400 meter track goes, the Fenix 2 (firmware 3.80) is very accurate. The ‘ALL SUMMARY’ above shows that in about 4 miles on the track the Fenix 2 was only off by about 5 meters! That gives me confidence for the road because normally you’re not turning near as much as on a track. It would be interesting to have DC’s other GPS accuracy tests for the Fenix 2 (wooded trails, etc.) that he did in his GPS accuracy tests. Hope this helps answer some of the questions about GPS accuracy for the Fenix 2.
Yesterday when i was going for a run with my fenix 2, it just rebooted everytime i hit the start button, after hrm and satelitte fix.
Push start!
And reboot :(
It didnt matter wich activity profile i choose either.
Anyone else with this problem? Or a fix? It aint so fun when it happends on the starting line of a race.
I have had the same issue at the start and mid run. I contacted Garmin multiple times with no clear resolution. Garmin has first told me to Mater Reset, then delete all files after each workout, and then use a foot-pod versus GPS then don’t use foot-pod. I don’t think Garmin knows and has not shown me they plan on resolving the issue anytime soon. I have had two Fenix 2 watches now and continue to have the same issues. My resolution is I am going to return the Fenix 2 and purchase Suunto Ambit 3.
GARMIN FENIX 2 is a piece of junk
Same issue twice.
Firts time I did the “master reset” recommended by Garmins coustomer service in Spain and had no problem for the next 5-6 activities.
Both times happened when the watch indicated 15% battery left, and only after the last software update (to 3.80), I don´t know if this point is important or not, but there it is.
i´ve contacted with coustomers service again and I´m awaiting for a response for sending the unit to repair or change for another.
I’ve been having the same rebooting issues and have opened a support ticket and according to Garmin support, this is not an issue anyone else is having, and apparently I was the first one calling about it. I’ve been unhappy with this watch for a while due to so many bugs especially when you try to use multisport feature where you don’t get running dynamics for runs that are part of multisport, but overall GPS accuracy and rebooting has made me hate this watch.
I still have 2 weeks left for my return period and it looks like the new Polar Ambit 3 is a much more reliable watch.
Ray, please let us know in your Ambit 3 review if the watch is less buggy and whether it has more accurate tracks than Fenix 2.
Hope that Polar support is more aware of their problems than Garmin, as maybe that’s why the Fenix has so many bugs
Oops, meant Suunto Ambit 3, as it’s the closest watch to the Fenix 2. Looks like Polar V800 still has a few more weeks before catching up to Fenix 2. Either way, just wanna a watch that just works as intended.
I sent my GF2 for repair last Tuesday, and they sent my a new unit on Thursday.
I guess they have no idea why this issue is going on.
Ray, with the upgrades can I send ANT+ Info (cadence, speed) to my iphone to be read with the Garmin App?
I thought it already did. Once the activity is over you can view it and it will have all that info.
If you are talking about Live Track I don’t think the Fenix 2 will ever be able to do it. Some thing about having al old chip.
I love this watch so much. It never gave me any problems. When they update the chip (for the simultaneous Livetrack and ANT+ info) I will probably buy it. Fenix 3 or whatever it will be called.
I really don’t want to used for Live Track, what I want is to use the iPhone like a screen, i mean If I am using my watch on my wrist and have the iphone on a bike base.
No, it can’t do that. Only post-activity.
Can you find out the temperature say for the water in a 16km swim with this watch with out having to stop the event to switch to temperature mode. IS it possible to have the temperature displayed on the main time screen???
Yes you can do that. Completely flexible what to display at which activity.
See manual page 11.
link to static.garmincdn.com
Thanks Sabastian top man really important for me to have temperature. Top Man
Hey there, i’m wondering if will be another rebate or promo link to buy the unit at promo price with $100 down? I just saw the review and wanna buy one. Tks…
I don’t expect anything super near term.
Question! (Sorry in advance if you already answered this before – I tried to search but it’s just too long!!!)
Do you happen to know if, in UltraTrac mode, the watch still displays your pace? I am considering this watch for ultramarathon running and I could do fine without a HRM but I would still need it to help me keep on pace.
I haven’t been able to figure this one out from the reviews I’ve read.
Thanks a bunch in advance for your help – and for the great review! :)
Kathyrn,
I am looking for the same answer! I cannot find the info anywhere. I, too, am an ultra runner and need a watch with extensive battery life. When switching this watch over in order to get that 30+ hour battery, I know you may not get accurate mapping (not a problem), but does it affect pace display? Does current pace stay accurate?
I would love not to have to double down on watches when racing but not being able to tell my pace is no good. Thoughts?
Thanks!
I get FW 3.90, today.
Change Log
Changes made from version 3.80 to 3.90:
Improved smart notification formatting
Fixed average power balance calculation
Fixed elapsed time calculation for long activities
Fixed possible issue with long activities missing data
Fixed possible issue when starting an activity where Track Archive Error would appear repeatedly
Fixed icon and date overlap on time page when baro trend is enabled
Fixed cadence data page when using HRM-Run
Hi guys, I go crazy… I bought the Fenix without HRM and then I bought the Wahoo Tickr Run but it does not give me the Efficiency Information in my Dashboard. I then bought the original Garmin HRM Run (which cost an arm and a leg..) I can now see the info on the Fenix (add them as an additional Screen) but it does not Show this in the nice grahics in the Garmin Connect Dashboard. Do I Need to do something Special to enable this?
Thanks a Million for your hints.
Peter
Hi, I need to buy a new belt “HR-RUN” to have data footprint to run? or just the clock and carries its own accelerometer? Thank you.
is, I will ask the phoenix 2, but not really the difference whether or not the new belt Fenix2 vs Fenix2 Performer bundle
DCR, what is the official word on the Special Edition? I still see nothing on Garmin’s own website.
There’s no official word on a product not yet officially announced…
link to garmin.blogs.com
“fēnix2 Special Edition has grouped feature sets together into “modes” for quicker access to the information you need for your activity. Ski Mode groups features like Vertical Drop, Speed, and Run Counter together. While Swim mode groups features you need for your indoor or outdoor swim.”
what does it mean?
It’s just marketing speak. It’s the exact same watch, just inverted display (normal I suppose) as well as the red band.
Here’s a snippet from the Garmin folks last night: “The only difference is the non-negative (black on white) display and red band. The watch functionality and software is the same.”
Expanding on what Ray said, I think it means that it groups the information you need for a sport on the same page, e.g., for running could be cadence, pace, and time, for swimming it could be SWOLF, last interval time, etc. Nothing new functionality-wise from the existing Fenix2, it’s just selling the reader on the fact that information relevant to what you’re doing at that time is available on the screen (for example “vertical drop” isn’t a useful – or even measurable – metric during a running session).
Hi!
After the 3.90 update the device just gets stuck on the “Garmin” logo screen.. Hard/soft resets don’t work to bring it back to life either.. It gets stuck on that logo screen for around 10mins or so and then it just blacks-out on its own so I end up in this endless logo screen loop.
Anyone experienced this before? Never had a major problem like this. Getting real tired of the general software/device instability here :(
Any help is deeply appreciated..!
Generally speaking on Garmin devices when it hangs at the logo screen during a firmware update it’s trying to process history/course files and running into an issue that it hangs on. The easiest way around this is plugging the device into your computer and moving (cut/paste) all the history & course (track) files off of the device to a folder on your computer and see if that solves it. If so and if you need those on the device then slowly put them back on to try and figure out which one is causing the problem.
This really feels like a problem solver, since right after the new firmware was installed, I did not disconnect it from the computer for the device to proceed with its usual update routine. Instead, I have uploaded a new course onto it and only then I disconnected it, and the upgrade process started right away (ending with the issue described).
However, I can’t even make it to connect to the computer – the device hangs before the effort to connect or to be recognized as a new USB device.. I have probably locked myself out of the fenix for good :)
You can force it into mass storage mode and remove the course file, and maybe reinstall the firmware if it doesn’t recover straight away.
link to forums.garmin.com
Performed the factory reset while the device being connected to the usb cable and yes, came up as a mass storage device, finally. Cleaning the waypoint/course and history data and it boots up flawlessly. Except for the loss of config data, happy to have it working again.
Thanks A LOT for great input guys :)
Awesome community here. Cheers!
Mine updated without incident. Didn’t get any of the fixes I’ve been asking for but everything still works as well as it ever has.
Used it in multisport mode. Working like a charm. No glitches. It was a sprint Tri.
Thanks for the very useful information. One quick question: how do you seamlessly synch Fenix 2 / Garmin Connect to Training Peaks?
Read this: link to dcrainmaker.com
Thanks for the prompt reply!
one more question: am I correct to say that Fenix 2 does not count daily activity steps (like the FitBit does) – or does it (and if so how do you set it up)? Thanks in advance.
Correct, it does not, nor do I expect them to add that feature to the Fenix2.
Thanks again for prompt reply! Very impressed by the value add of your blog!!
Is there any way to calibrate my GPS when Running? I’m running on an Outdoor 440 track. I have the Fenix 2 set for Auto split/ Lap after 1 mile. I run 3 miles and the watch is always way off! I run 3 miles but according to my watch, I’ve only ran 2.8!! People have suggested pairing a footpod for better accuracy, but doesn’t this watch have built in accelerometer and other sensors? I’ve updated my FW to the latest available and want to know if there is anything else I could do to correct the GPS inaccuracy without spending money on additional accessories? Already have an RMA number to return the watch and get a refund, but would rather keep it if it can be calibrated for better accuracy.
Rob, the footpod advice is good advice IMHO
I think running on a track is one of the hardest things for the gps devices to get spot on. Even my 310 struggled a bit to follow. I’m not surprised to see you say it is out. If there was the autolap by position option you could try using that, but of course we don’t have that option. I think on a track the only way to guarantee that your laps are in the right spot on the track would be to manually hit the lap button. By the end of it your distances would still be out, but your laps would be right.
For me not really an issue. I mean it is not perfect but I feel it is pretty good. This is a W/O I did on a track. Except for the fact that on the last interval I confused the lap with the Stop/start button. Otherwise GPS wise that is pretty good.
Here’s the link: link to connect.garmin.com
DC Rainmaker, just need to know if it’s worth buying the pack with belt or Fenix 2 alone, which gives the belt benefit only heave and me enough time off? the watch itself already has pedometer?
Hi Ray,
is there any way we can use the wireless ant+ stick to upload data from my Fenix2 to Garmin connect & Daily mile? I used to upload my 910xt to both sites wirelessly and it was much more convenient.
thanks!
No, the Fenix2 doesn’t support the ANT+ USB transfers. You could plug it in via USB and transfer/upload that way however.
Or you can use a cell phone to upload wirelessly using Garmin Connect Mobile. Check the “Mobile Connectivity (Live Tracking, Uploading, Text/E-mail Notifications, etc…):” section
thanks Ray, appreciate your input!
with garmin connect, plugging it in via usb is working, but daily mile (www.dailymile.com) site is still not detecting any activities, do you think there’s a plug-in I need to still download? :)
thanks for your advise @carlos! yah, downloaded the app and the upload to garmin connect via this app and bluetooth is great! very easy to do. my only missing upload will be to upload the data to dailymile.com. it cannot detect any activities.
Any thoughts on the late 2014 SPECIAL EDITION FENIX2? At first glance it looks pretty similar to me. Might explain the price drop you highlighted above in the US (Don’t think we had that in the UK, I only superficially checked)
the special edition solves a lot of the issues users have been complaining about with screen clarity and wanting a way to have an inverted screen.
the price drop was more due to the Suunto Ambit 3 release as i understand it than anything else.
on the topic of inverted screen for me its a coin flip. when i’m in the gym or running early morning/late evening its a nightmare reading anything more than 1 data field screens. always having to really stare or adjust the angle to see properly just due to the white on black screen.
but then as a watch and everything else i prefer the white on black.
the new edition solves that problem, but it would be nice to swap back and forth…..and yes i know its a hardware limitation, but we can dream for fenxi3 cant we?
Hi, Very nice review. Many thanks.
I have a questiion, Do you know if it is possible to program an interval workout with diferent distances (Running Program)?
Eg. warmup + 1200 in 5:10 (200 RI); 1000 in 4:16 (200 RI); 800 in 3:23 (200 RI); 600 in 2:31 (200 RI); 400 in 1:39 (200 RI) + cooldown.
Thanks in advance
You could do that within Garmin Connect online as a custom workout and then transfer it to the Fenix2.
Many thanks for your quick response.
So – with the virtual pacer – the text on that screen is so incredibly tiny – I can’t see it without stopping my run, is there no way for garmin to allow those fields (Time Ahead, Distance Ahead) to be used on a seperate page so they are readable?
Thanks for the review. It gives a lot of info about the product and helped me understand the use of it various activities.
It has helped me in deciding whether to buy it. And yes, I am going to get it.
This stinks – I was getting excited!
“I have just confirmed with Garmin that the web site is incorrect concerning Tides and Virtual Racer info for both the fenix 2 and the fenix 2 Special Edition – neither of them has these features”
link to forums.garmin.com
I need some help in how to use this watch to get the most out of pool swimming. I am a newbie at using this watch for this application. During the activity, I use the drill button as I typically warmup for 300-500y/m and then proceed to do 200’s, 100’s or ladders. After the pool session, I download via Garmin Express and proceed to view the workout. All 25s display the same time to the tenth of a second for a particular interval. It appears that all it is doing is averaging out the total interval time and then cutting them into individual and equal 25s. I’m not that consistent of a swimmer. Also, when scrolling through these splits on the screen using a mac, it’s annoying that the page scrolls backwards to the previous screen.
Any and all feedback will be appreciated.
If you are using “drill” for your entire swim, you won’t get specific times for each individual 25. I use drills for my kicks only personally, not for normal swimming (freestyle, back, breast, butterfly). For normal swimming if you want individual length/detailed interval data, then go Swim->Pool->[your pool length]->Start. After you finish your first interval (whether 100, 250, 500 or whatever) then hit “Lap”. When you are done resting and ready for your next interval, hit “Lap” again and start swimming again, and so on. You can jump into “drill” while in the workout, then back to “lap” as well. Hope this helps. Here is my morning workout with both lap intervals and then a couple 250 kick “drills” at the end. link to connect.garmin.com
Thanks for the feedback Joe. link to connect.garmin.com is this morning’s workout. Note the first 200 yards showed varying split times for each length. I pressed lap after that first 200y. Then the watch reverted to what it had been doing before, only showing an average split time for each 100y swam. I was pressing lap at the end of each interval and lap to begin the interval. This is very frustrating for me as a Swimsense user for swimming (which worked well).
Wow…2800+ feedbacks and counting since my last visit few months ago.
I’m ready to upgrade my trusty 1+ year old Fenix to either 910XT or Fenix 2 because of Multisport and Swim function (more towards Fenix 2 for the ability to use as day-to-day watch with smart notification).
Now is it me or do I hear that 910XT replacement is coming very soon?
Will be glad if you can look through your “crystal ball” and dropped me a hint whether should I proceed with my upgrading or wait for the 910XT replacement.
It all depends on your timeframe. Ray has repeated hinted that the 910 replacement will be after this tri season. And most likely before the end of the year. Garmin accidentally put a link up to a place holder for it earlier this week. I don’t know if that means “soon”. But we were able to tell that it will be priced at $449 or $499 (presumably the latter with HRM). And it will come in two colors.
@David thanks for the insight. I better keep that credit card locked away if I want to wait for the 910XT replacement
Back again can I just say I am extremely satisfied with the Fenix 2 since I added the page to the OPEN WATER SWIM Session so that I can keep an eye on the temperature during a work out. One last question though I did a 5hr swim with this page set up but forgot to check the temperature on the watch during the race. I have uploaded the data to my laptop but wondering would the water temperature have been recorded in this report as the race director is eager to know? Appreciate if some one can help.
Unfortunately, the temperature is not recorded for an Open Water Swim as a single activity, even if it can be displayed during the activity on the watch …
But there is a trick to obtain it ;)
Just include your OWS in a Multisport activity ! OWS+RUN for exemple … after the upload on Garmin Connect you will have two distinct activities, OWS and RUN, you can delete RUN, and on the OWS page you will have the graph with the temperature !
Cheers appreciate that.
Since I’m new here, first of all many thanks for the excellent review plus all the valuable comments. I’m looking for a new GPS watch but reading all the details I’m stuck between Fenix 2 and the Suunto Ambit 3 Peak. I would use the watch mainly for running but also for biking and hiking in the mountains. I would appreciate some comments which watch would be the best in this regard. On Fenix 2 I miss especially the daily activity tracker like the Vivofit. Is this something Garmin could add via firmware update at a later stage? On the other hand I still have all the bike accessories from Garmin, together with my old Edge 705, which should be still usable with the Fenix 2, via ANT+, correct? Appreciate if someone could give me some food for thought.
@ Mathias
Daily Activity Tracker – I believe it has been asked before, this cannot be done via firmware due to hardware limitations.
ANT+ – Yes the Fenix 2 will connect to your bike accessories if they are ANT+
You can also use the Product Comparison tool to help with your decision.
I hope this helps.
Last week I was on the same dilema… but between the Fenix 2 and the Polar V800. I went for the Fenix 2. I will choose the Fenix 2 vs the Ambit, the Garmin Connect page is super friendly and if you want to make custom complex workout to upload to you device is very easy… much better than the Polar Flow an way better than the Suunto Movescout.
@Mathias, I tried the Fenix 2 for a month, the V800 for a month, and recently the Ambit 3 for a week. Between the Fenix 2 and the Ambit 3, the Ambit 3 is definitely the better built watch in terms of quality. It is handmade in Finland instead of China. It also has a basic activity tracker function that can aid in overall calories and recovery if that interests you. The one drawback for the Ambit would be if you do custom based workouts. Movescount won’t let you do it except through created apps, and then again it’s very course, a pain, and not user friendly. The GPS on the Ambit is much better than the Fenix 2. I run/hike in mountainous terrain and the Fenix 2 will on occasion lose a signal. I never lost a signal with the Ambit even on the same routes. I hope this helps.
Thanks for your feedback! Good to hear that the Suunto is the better build watch with a better GPS. Makes the decision not easier since I can use my old accessories still with the Fenix and Garmin Connect is indeed much better as Movescount. I willl sleep over it but I think it will be the Fenix because custom based workouts is really a good arguement for it.
Is this better or the 910xt better?
I went for the Fenix because It can be use like a every day watch.
Does anyone know if it is possible to get a data field with Ordnance Survey Grid References for your current location?
Does anyone having a glitch where if you go for a ride in BIKE mode, connect speed/cadence and HRM and then while in the ride you say go into a coffee shop, and come back to the bike and continue riding, but the Fenix hangs up and stops recording?
I know whats happening, you go far enough away from the bike with the watch that the ANT+ loses connection, but i’m shocked that it doesn’t automatically pick it back up again like with my 510.
I’ve found a work around, if you press pause and then start again it will re-pair, but its easy to forget and its a pain when it happens. especially on a 160km ride when you have a quick nature break and then forget to do it and miss out on 50km worth of recording.
Good morning
I have problems with the Fenix 2 , every time I race more than 5 hours it crashes.
How I can contact Garmin to give me a solution?
Thank you
Here you go.
link to bit.ly
Does anyone know how to remove a device from the Fenix 2 list of devices?
to be more precise: does anyone know how to remove a device from the list of paired devices on Garmin Connect?
Ray,
I’ve had a Fenix since February. It’s been a total POS. Excuse by english. Out of the last six times I have used it only twice has it not locked up or shut off during the activity. The latest, I ran a 5k then attempted to look at fit history and the watch completely locked up and required a hard reset to get it on again. It took an hour after being home and hooking to the pc to get my data off it. All I wanted to do was look at my time, something a $15 timex would do. I’m sending this back to Garmin. My question, is the Fenix2 any better with these types of issues? It seems to me that the Garmin forums are stock full of people with similar issues. I’ve had two 305’s and neither ever locked up or shut off during an activity for ten years.
Did you try and ring support though?
The issue you describe almost exactly lines up to having a corrupted activity file somewhere in there. Resetting it actually won’t solve it, it requires cutting/pasting off all the activity data (so that it’s empty), then a reset.
As usual, keep in mind that only people with problems go to company forums to note issues. Be it Apple, Garmin, or Maytag dishwashers.
I did not try support. However, Saturday night it showed 85% battery. I left the watch off. Today, I turned it on and it showed 3%. I charged until it showed 37% and unplugged it to make sure which software version I had. The watch started then showed 16% charged. Shortly thereafter, showed a low battery signal then showed 7% charge. I’m just really tired of dealing with it. I don’t want to call support and be on the phone an hour then messing with software etc another hour. I’ve spent more time messing with this thing than exercising. I have my RMA and it’s going back to Garmin. It may come up cheap on the bay as soon as I get the refurb back. I love having a gps fitness device but not at the expense of spending more time messing with it than actually using it. I’ll use my 305 or go back to a timex, known distance, and an ipod shuffle.
Ray,
I’m sure I come off very negative. I apologize for that. But, honestly, I bet less than 10% of your readers, whether they are tech savvy enough or not, want to have to go through the process of cutting and pasting activity files off a gps watch. I just can’t imagine what a professional athlete would think of this. If your livelihood or career depended on it, you would never use a device that required this type of intervention to keep it running correctly.
I’m sure no one disagrees with you. If a file gets corrupted, it shouldn’t tank the watch and Garmin should fix this ASAP.
That said, it seems like your primary dissatisfaction with the watch stems from an error that is known and potentially fixable. Ray provided you with a lead so you can fix it and get you back to enjoying the watch.
You’re right, it shouldn’t happen in the first place. Contacting support is a good way to make sure it gets added to the issues list if it’s not already there. But in the meantime, use a little elbow grease to get yourself back to having a useful device.
I don’t disagree, it shouldn’t happen. And I agree, it sucks that it does.
But, ultimately, electronic devices aren’t perfect. And many people do depend on different devices that have issues for their profession. When my phone decides to stop working in the middle of a trip I’m completely screwed, especially if at the airport. But it has happened, and after sorting through support requests I solved it and got things cooking (resetting).
In this case, this fix is actually fairly well known/easy.
I notice several comments below someone is having very similar or identical problems with the Fenix 2. Surely, I am stubborn, however, it would appear this is a common problem and possibly serious flaw with the Fenix/Fenix 2. If is so easy for said devices to create a corrupted file then not work properly, this is something Garmin is refusing to fix. I will say again, that though I did not talk to support, I did talk to Garmin about sending the Fenix back and the rep told me he was not hearing issues as I described. This seems odd as I can read your sight, Garmin forums, and various other places where Fenix/Fenix 2 owners are describing similar or identical behavior with power issues and locking up. Certainly, I’ll say it again as well, I never had a 305fr lockup in the eight or so years I’ve owned them.
“I will say again, that though I did not talk to support, … the rep told me he was not hearing issues as I described.”
That’s what I like to call “cause” and “effect.”
Ray,
Have you read this and do you agree or disagree based on your experience? link to fellrnr.com According to him the 205, 305 or 310xt are and have been the most accurate of any Garmin forerunners.
Ray has addressed this several times on this page. If you search through the comments for “fellrnr.com” you will find his responses.
Thanks.
I hace to problems:
1) It is not possible to send HR info to my Fenix 2 from Garmin Connect.
2) It is not possible to sync calendar to my Fenix 2 from Garmin Connect.
Any one with a solution?
1) No on this, you’ll need to setup your zones on the watch
2) I don’t believe training calendar is supported yet
@ Bernardo & @Ray – I use the training calendar option on my Fenix2.
Create a workout on Garmin Connect, then use the ‘Add to Calendar’ option to specify a date for the workout.
Under Calendar on Garmin Connect, you will see your workout. From here you click on the ‘right turn’ symbol to ‘Send Workouts To Device’.
On your Fenix2 when you select Start, Workouts, Calendar, you should see your workout under the date you used.
Ray, on #1 you are right.
On #2 It is posible, using the button on de left side of the calendar.
link to forums.garmin.com
Thank’s,
Thank you Dr.!
Thanks Dr & Bernardo! Keeping track of all the firmware updates has been mind-boggling!
Hey DCR, As a runner/cyclist, non-swimmer, I’m looking at several high end Garmins, mostly the FR910XT FR620 Fenix 1 / 2 and now the Suunto Ambit 3. I’m getting narrowed by the VO2Max feature, as I’m concerned how accurate the calorie readouts will be without this function, and seems to be my only reason not to buy the older Fenix 1. I’m also not phased by the dual live streaming vs. HR trade off on the Fenix 2; so long as I can upload all data (including cadence) to 3rd party apps later on. I’m also concerned about all of the bug reports that the FR620 has, even in your comments section for that review, and wonder if the GPS accuracy problems have been fixed after that recent update. Finally (many questions I know), the FR620 now has a cycling mode, I can buy the Fenix 2 for $100 more, as a run/bike watch, is the Fenix 2, iyo, worth $100 more for a long term purchase? As others have said, I’m going to assume the FR620 has lightness, touch screen advantages over the Fenix 2, but they’re otherwise equally good for running. Many thanks, and awesome reviews, would be completely stuck without them. – Regards, Conza
HI DCR,
Great site. Your post made me get the Fenix2.
I’m new to using a garmin, but for now I’m having problems sending workouts that I have created on garmin connect to my Fenix2 through the Garmin connect app on iOS.
Do workouts automatically sync through bluetooth ? Or do i click send to device in the app? After I send workouts through bluetooth, I can’t find the workout in workout>my workouts. If I do a reboot of the watch, a workout with no title shows up.
I can see them if I sync with send to device on garmin connect, with my fenix2 connected via USB.
Could I be doing something wrong? I have tried this with manual sync and bluetooth on. And I just can’t seem to send workouts to fenix2 with bluetooth.
Is this a known bug?
Thanks again for the detailed reviews.
You’ll have to create the workouts in Garmin Connect online first (computer/desktop), then sign into your account on the phone. Once on the phone open up workouts and then ‘send’ them to the watch.
I have my fenix 2 for about 2 months and I notice the following behaviors.
1. The watch will intermittently stop the activity that I am doing. When I realize that the activity has stopped, i.e. the screen is at the clock mode instead of my data pages, then I have to hit start button again that it allows me to “Resume” or “Save”. I have tested this ensuring that my buttons are “Locked” using the lock feature so it is not due to accidental button press.
2. Intermittent power shutdown. Two scenarios encountered. First while doing an activity second when attempting to “save” a long activity. After these “Shutdown” I am unable to power the watch on. I had to press and hold for about 15 seconds then there are some strange displays on the screen possibly these are parts of the earlier screen and then the screen goes blank. After that I can power on the watch again and save the activity when I press the start button.
I encountered these with firmware version 3.8 & 3.9, while using the Run activity, with 3D Speed, 3D Distance, GPS every second, HRM-Run connected.
I think these should be firmware bug, anyone with similar experience or anyone with advise?
Thanks!
I had very similar or identical problems with the Fenix over several firmware versions. You can read my discussion with Ray just above a couple days ago. Ray would tend to indicate I am stubborn as I did not call Garmin support to try to fix the issue. He knows much more than I and is probably right. That said, this seems to be a recurring theme with the Fenix/Fenix 2. I sent my Fenix back to Garmin. Hopefully, I’ll get a better one when they return it. If not, I’m dumping it and going with something other than Garmin despite the fact that I have been a loyal Garmin fan for years having two fr305’s and hiking gps. I need something that just works. I have looked at Ray’s review of the Tom Tom Multisport Cardio. He describes it as simple and “just works.” That’s what these devices should be. That’s definitely not what the Fenix/Fenix 2 are. They are beyond doubt a jack of all trades, master of none, and full of bugs.
I’m in Singapore. I did try to call Garmin’s distributor here in Singapore but all that they said is I need to send the device back to them and they will send it back to Garmin for checks and will be able to return the device back to me in about 5-6 weeks.
They are not even interested in listening to what my encounters, they state that they will NOT be able to check anything. It needs to go back to Garmin.
My question is how in the world would Garmin know what/when it happens under what condition, etc., if they don’t speak with me?
Furthermore it really looks like a software bug than a hardware issue. So having my device kept for 5-6 weeks is pointless, it just mean that I cannot use it while it is with Garmin.
If there is a way that we can speak with the software team and let them know what is happening it would be great. I would very much prefer that they understand the issues and come up with fixes rather than keep the device for weeks and return it stating no issues are found.
does any one know if you can UK Ordnance survey grid references on the Garmin fenix 2 i have called gamin but they really were no help so have given up? as far as i can see the suunto ambit3 does do this.
My battery died just as I was finishing up a run. I quickly searched online if I could still retrieve it, low and behold I found the answer here! Was able to save and upload the run. Thanks again Ray!
Hi Ray, The Fenix 2 and FR 620 both estimate VO2Max, how much more accurate will this make these for calorie counters than the 910XT?
@ Ken Barker,
SETTINGS – SYSTEM – FORMAT – POSITION FORMAT – scroll down to British Grid and select, then the field marked “DATUM” shows ” Ord Srvey GB ”
Not sure if this is what you were looking for?
Is there any chance the Fenix team will introduce support for multiple bikes? (Speed/cadence/power). Right now you have to re-pair, and that is impossible if there are any other bikes around. Multiple bike profiles will fix this, or the ability to pair permanently with multiple sensors
Will Fenix2 get support for multiple bikes? (Speed/cadence/power) Right now you have re-pair, tough with other bikes around. Multiple bike profiles will fix this, or the ability to pair permanently with multiple sensors
Just wanting throw in my thoughts on the Fenix 2 as an endurance athlete, triathlete, etc. I’m not a professional by any means. But I’m willing to bet that most of us are not.
I LOVE THIS WATCH!
I’ve been using it since May. Just about all issues that I’ve had with this watch have been resolved through firmware fixes. I’ve never had my watch crash on me during an activity. The GPS tracks look accurate enough. I mean yes occasionally the track puts me on the grass instead of the path but I really don’t think that deviation is really going to hinder my training and or race results. The white text on black background can be difficult to read at night with the back light. I typically have two fields on at night when running and that resolves that. But I knew when purchasing this watch, thanks to this review, that was one of the limitations of this watch and that this was not going to change. I’m not sure why consumers purchase one product with specific specifications and then complain why it doesn’t do something else entirely. I’d give up hope on Garmin inverting the interface.
I’ve had similar issues with corrupt files and uploading. All solutions seem to be present on this forum, Thanks to Ray. I just did what he suggested and all works great. I don’t think I’ve ever had a phone, computer, anything of that sort, etc where I have not had to troubleshoot and or resolve some type of tech issue. Even if it’s a small one. A little research and application goes a long way.
Thus far I’ve used it to train for and compete on two triathlons. Training for the NYC marathon. My longest run with this watch has been 20 miles. All has worked as it should
Good luck all.
Does the fenix 2 swim mode have a rest timer page like the Garmin swim?
Yes, it works just the same in that regard.
Two things,
No one is reporting accuracy of the F2 Special edition, even if the watch is almost the same, there is a significant hardware change–>the screen. The accuracy could be compromised by chio, the antenna or because a piece of hardware is shielding the signal. The screen is a relevant piece of hardware in a watch…
Another stupid thing, I trired to sign in to the Garmin forum with the same address and nick that I posted here and I missed the veriffication email, so now I can sign in but not post because my account is not fully activated,… or are they limiting posting…
Gonzo2
They’ve made a change because of all the spam they were getting. (It helped, but they’re still getting spam.) There’s still a link to the announcement on the front page there.
Any one…
DATA FIELDS, PAGES, AND CUSTOMIZATION can me made other way than de watch?
Indeed, you can customize lots of added pages to your activities with whatever related data field you want.
Fenix 2 Lockup Description and Solution [Firmware 4.00]
After using the Fenix 2 for about a month, I finally experienced the dreaded watch lockup. However, I know exactly how it happened and how to solve it. But it’s still a bug that Garmin should fix. Can anyone tell me how to contact Garmin about this or do they read the comments here? The problem and solution is documented below:
>After a workout, connect Fenix 2 to computer with USB charging cable
>Send workout to Garmin Connect with Garmin Express
>In Garmin Connect go to Activities and select the uploaded workout
>In the workout window click on ‘Save as Course’
>In the course window click on ‘Save’ then ‘Send to Device’
>At this point you can open Windows Explorer to see the Fenix 2’s memory and you will see a file was transferred to the watch
>Eject then disconnect Fenix 2 from computer
>Fenix 2 is locked on opening copyright screen and will not boot
>Solution: you must force the Fenix 2 into mass storage mode on your computer so you can delete the file that was transferred by Garmin Connect. The problem is that while the Fenix 2 is locked on the opening screen it will not go into mass storage mode when you connect it to your computer. But it can be done, instructions are here:
link to forums.garmin.com
>Summarized:
If it [the Fenix 2] doesn’t go into mass storage you can force it into mass storage mode by the following steps:
>Hold the up button while powering the unit on with the charge clip connected to the unit and your computer.
>If you did it correctly it will say software loader. [I never got this message]
>Continue to hold the up button until the unit enters mass storage mode takes about 30 seconds.
>Now you should be able to access the files on the device.
I was not able to get the above suggestions to work in Windows XP. However, they did work in Windows 7 after installing the Garmin USB drivers (link to www8.garmin.com). After forcing the Fenix 2 into mass storage mode and deleting the file that Garmin Connect transferred to my watch, I ejected the watch, disconnected it from my computer and it booted and worked fine. Unfortunately I did a hard reset before doing the above steps and then had to reset everything on the watch. I lost my estimated VO2Max, recovery adviser values, footpod settings (from heart rate monitor) for indoor use and all other settings. Sure would be nice if Garmin gave us a way to save and restore all the settings!
Hello
Is there any rumor for 910xt successor coming out soon?
Also, any rumors on Garmin ditching the heart rate belt and use the technology similar to TomTom?
Thanks. Dan
Lots of them. Head on over to the Garmin forums and there are several threads about the 920xt, including pictures of what it’s supposed to look like, and there were links (may not be there now) to slots on buy.garmin.com that people expect to be filled in by it. However, no official announcement from Garmin so far as I know.
link to buy.garmin.com
Seems like its official now? But no navigation? Fenix/Ambit for ultramarathon then or am I missing something?
Happy i was wrong! 920xt will be my next buy
Hello,
Can the Fenix2 show L/R power or Power balance?
Yes.
got it. Thanks for prompt reply! I have to say that after reading about the 920 XT coming out today, and having bought the Fenix2 about 2 weeks ago, i would personally still go with the Fenix2. Love that watch (style / looks, and multi-sport functionality). Granted, it does not count steps, have a color screen, or acts as a metronome, but it does all the other triathlon functions, and more.
I agree…the fact that the 920XT doesn’t support at least an external temperature sensor (Tempe) is mind-boggling as well.
I guess most triathletes perform equally well in temperatures ranging from 30 – 120 degrees, so Garmin figures there’s no reason to keep track of something that doesn’t impact peformance one bit ;-)
I have the Fenix 2 and would like to use the auto lap feature (to get my mile splits). I do not want a tone alert. BUT I would also like to have an every 15 minute timer alert with tones.
Is this possible? And if possible what settings do I need to change?
Thank you,
Nick
I would like to use the auto lap feature (to get my mile splits). I do not want a tone alert. BUT I would also like to have an every 15 minute timer alert with tones.
Is this possible?
Thank you
I would like to use the auto lap feature (to get my mile splits). I do not want a tone alert. BUT I would also like to have an every 15 minute timer alert with tones.
Is this possible?
Ray
I have the F2 and vivofit. I want to know you would recommend getting rid of the vivofit and using the F2 in walk mode as an activity tracker. Thank you for help
The problem is it’s just not that accurate in walking mode compared to the Vivo-device. I’d honestly keep the two, and use them as a blended solution. In theory also, the new multi-device thing on Garmin Connect that was announced on Wednesday should make it easier to choose which data comes from which devices. But, I haven’t had a chance to crack it open and see how it really works. Might go do that now actually…
Ray
Awesome. Could you please let us know? Thank you for help!
I’ve looked, but I’m not seeing much clarity there. That said, my understanding though is that you shouldn’t be seeing duplicate steps now between Vivofit and any other Garmin device in GPS mode. It should be choosing the highest fidelity data (thus, Fenix2).
Hello,
after getting the Fenix 2 (based in part on your excellent review), I got the Cycle Ops Powercal as an economical way to estimate my power output. For some reason, I am not able to get the Fenix to display both, the Power and heart rate. It’s either or depending on whether I pair the chest strap as a heart rate monitor or power meter. How can I get the Fenix to display both? (I am assuming it reads my heart rate in Power mode, as I am getting a reading that is responsive to my level of exertion)
Thanks, Juergen
You should be able to keep the unit paired to both the HR side and the power meter side. Is that not working? (Sounds like not). If not, raise a ticket to Garmin Support. I’ll also poke those guys on the side, as that should definitely work. They might have some incorrect logic there to exclude devices where the ANT+ ID is already in use (I’ve seen some companies make that mistake, since it uses the same ANT+ ID for both channels).
Thanks. I appreciate your quick response. I will give your suggestions a try. . . .
Juergen
Hi again,
I just got my first “sync error” issue when connected via USB to Garmin Connect to sync my last 55 minute indoor swim activity. BT syncing would just a quick green bar (with no error) but the activity would now show up on my iPhone. The strange part is that the activity was pushed to Training Peaks and can see it there, just not on Garmin Connect. Do i have to delete that activity on the watch to resolve the issue, or is there a way not to lose this data from Garmin Connect?
Hey AndreM,
This doesn’t seem to be an F2 error. It’s being reported in the forums, and people with 910’s are also having the problem. No swims seem to be appearing in garmin connect, yet they are pushing to other apps. My swim tonight also hasn’t appeared, though, while others have reported theirs still showing up in strava, mine hasn’t.
Thanks for prompt reply goughy. Would you mind sending the forum link you referenced. Thanks in advance!
No probs.
link to forums.garmin.com
link to forums.garmin.com
Actually, a tonne of bugs since the new update to Garmin connect link to forums.garmin.com
I have the Fenix 2 and would like to use the auto lap feature (to get my mile splits). I do not want a tone alert. BUT I would also like to have an every 15 minute timer alert with tones.
Is this possible? And if possible what settings do I need to change?
@Nick – you can set up auto lap for the specific activities.
Within the Activity (e.g. Running), there is also an Alerts feature.
Here you can set alerts for Heart Rate, Run/Walk, Pace, Time, Distance, Cadence, Calories, Proximity, Elevation, Nav. Arrival, Speed, Battery, and Power. In your case, I suspect Time is what you want to set the alert for.
I hope this works for you.
I have the auto lap setup in the run activity and alert time interval at 15min. But both give the same type of alert. I want to be able to differentiate between the two without looking at the watch. Possibly vibrate auto lap and tone timer alert.
@Nick – got it. As you hinted, maybe one uses vibrate and the other tone.
Good luck.
That is what i cant figure out how to do. Make “auto lap” alert vibrate. And my timer interval a tone.
@Nick – In Menu -> Settings -> General -> Sounds, you have four options:
Messages, Keys, Alerts, Notifications, Alarm Clock.
It seems there is no way to set specific combinations for the various activities :-(
I hope a future firmware update adds such functionality.
That is what it seems. I was hoping that i was simply over looking something. Oh well.
Thank you for the help
Hi Ray,
Are any of the high-end GPS multisport watches (Garmin Fenix or Suunto Ambit series) considering a user-replaceable battery? I saw that Magellan came out with one a few years back(switch up), but it seems to lack significantly in functionality behind the Garmin and Suunto. I know the battery life is supposed to last 16 hours on these, but with alerts I find it doesn’t come close. It would also be nice to have for backpacking trips or other longer adventures. Thanks.
No, nothing from others. The challenge there is that it tends to take up more space and introduce more technical challenges. Plus, with watches now going 24-55 hours with GPS on, there’s just not a market for it unfortunately. :(
Ray…. Is there a possibility that activity tracker feature come to Fenix 2? or is better to get a Vivo Fti?
No chance. The hardware architecture doesn’t support the low-power mode required unfortunately. Unfortunately the hardware is basically the same as the Fenix1, so it’s a bit older than it might seem.
Thanks
Hi Ray, me again.
Acording to your experience, when the 100usd off offer will run again?
Best regards.
Hard to say. I suspect with the FR920XT being introduced we could see stuff around the holidays perhaps, but not sure.
Perfect Ray, thanks for the reply.
Regards
Ray,
“Indoors on a trainer, you can go into indoor mode for cycling, and thus disable the GPS and get speed/distance data from an ANT+ speed/cadence sensor:”
How do I enable this indoor mode, I created a custom activity called “Rollers” (got a set versus a trainer) for winter and I skip the GPS satellite finding, is this the correct approach.
I see a default activity called “Indoor” but I am unsure if that is for running?
That’s it, indoor is what you are after. Select it, then you get the option to select run, bike, or a custom activity. Select bike and you are ready to do an indoor session with gps off.
Sorry if this is a duplicate question, but so many comments I got tired of scanning. My primary winter use for this watch will be backcountry skiing, where I want to track data on the uphill more than I care to on the downhill. I’m afraid ski board mode isn’t really what I want…what setting should I use for this activity. Will ski board pause recording while ascending?
Hello All,
I’m really interested in the Fenix2, but have read a lot about how there are so many bugs and glitches with it. Have most of them been resolved, or is it just that the bad news is the only news we hear about this watch (as with so many other things in life)?
Well i hate to just contribute to the glitches –
the watch has been overall good for all my training but failed me on race day.
it locked up 40 miles into my bike leg of my 70.3 distance race this weekend.
fortunately i use a garmin edge during the bike leg and it kicked back in as i started my run.
other than that it has been fairly solid in other races.
Thanks for your reply, Gabe. Yours is the only direct reply to my questions, but seeing so many others’ comments about trouble with this watch, I have a wealth of indirect replies that have helped me make up my mind that the Fenix2 is kind of a POS. I’m going to wait on getting anything while I see how the new 920 is received in general, then maybe I’ll get one of those, or maybe a 910 that’s possibly an end-of-year clearance deal somewhere.
I’d like to stress that i’ve used the watch on several other triathlons with no issues.
the running in general has been great.
i just finally experienced what other users have experienced in terms of a “failure”
That said if you have not purchased the watch i’d save for the 920xt. I wouldn’t get the 910 over the fenix2. the run metrics alone are worthy upgrading over the 910. in fact there is a lot to like over the 910.
i will most likely be returning the fenix2 for the 920 once it arrives.
btw people like to complain
Yes, Gabe, people do like to complain, but it seems they like to complain more about problems with the Fenix than others that I’m considering, so that probably means something. I am in no hurry, and the 920xt does look like a fantastic watch. I think I will get one of those provided it doesn’t get an inordinate amount of complaints.
I have a feeling that the number of complaints that the 920 will receive will far exceed that of the Fenix 2. Not because it’s an inferior product but because people are expecting a littler too much from that product. The one thing you’re sure to find in product forums like this one are people complaining about product issues with no real context. Not to say that the problems aren’t real it’s just important to understand that 1, 2, or 200 people having the same problem does not mean all, or even a slight majority of units sold are compromised. Many of the problems mentioned in these forums can be fixed rather quickly some aren’t problems at all. People should really stop complaining about the inverted screens. I would love to live in a world where tech issues are non existent but that’s not going to happen. My rotary phone never had issues my brand new iPhone requires a bit more patience.
I don’t think it’s expecting too much that a watch costing hundreds of dollars perform the functions that are built into it. For example, the Suunto Ambit2 appears to be such a watch. And that’s what I might get if it looks as though the Garmins don’t do their job consistently, despite the Suunto’s lack of some of the functions I want.
I think the point people are trying to make is that if you don’t have the watch nor have you used it, it seems a bit odd to come on and say it’s got problems.
By and large, people only post problems – no matter what device you have from any company, but especially when the volumes are higher like in the case of Garmin or Polar devices.
Perhaps so, but on the other hand, I don’t own nor have I used an F-22 fighter plane, and we all know about that, right?
I do not have any issues with my watch yet… the only bug is that sometimes afters sync (iOS App / BT) it get stock on “updating GPS data”, so I have to press the back/lap button.
Any Ideas?
Had a 3 mile run tonight go fine for the first 2.8 miles then the pace started going faster and faster until it was at 5/mile (we were only going 9/mile) – when I got back – the fit file was only 1KB and contained nothing :-(
Anyone know if the running data and nav data can be used at the same time? Ideally I’d like to plan a route on my laptop and then let the watch map show me when I need to turn etc. so I don’t get lost in the depths of the city. Is this possible or are they very separate modes?
Yes, It can be done… What you have to do is insert a page with the info you want to show on the Run Activity. Its just add a customized page it can be any you want… I know it works because by mistake I set a page for cadence (bike sensor) during my strength workout… obviously no sensor no data… but It can be done :)
Has anyone else encountered the same problems as me? I’m wondering if a specific defect on my unit or it’s a bug across the board. These are the issues I’ve been battling with since I got the watch in May. I tried to bear with it for a while, but recently as I increase my training volume, the issues become more apparent and it’s getting unbearable.
In order of severity:
1. Inaccurate open water swimming distance — consistently measured about 1.5x longer that actual distance (eg. 1.5 km standard distance swim will measure as 2.2km
2. Unable to save rides longer than 100km. Upon reaching 100km, the activity will stop and watch will reset itself (goes blank, restarts and Garmin splash screen appears)
3. Watch will freeze when loading past activities and I would need to reset the watch to get it back in order
4. Multiple occasions of random freezes and the watch would reset itself
I’m seriously unsatisfied with this Garmin product, especially after hearing so many excellent reviews on other Garmin watches (910XT, 620, etc).
A fitting analogy is like comparing 910XT to Windows XP (simple & reliable) and Fenix 2 to Windows Vista (pretty on the outside, but buggy on the inside).
I’m sad… today a went for a hill repeat workout (10, 20,30, 40 seg on the same hill) during 1 hour… plus 15 Warm Up an 5 min Cool Down. More than 100 laps taken, by the end of the workout I try to save the activity, nut when it was 100% to save the unit went off… I turn it on again, the activity was “stopped” no lost of the info… so I try to save again but the same issue… I tried like 4-5 times… no luck, I Had to discard activity to get back the unit to work… what a shame…
Ray any Ideas… can you report the issue… My thoughts are that maybe too many laps?
I will appreciate comments
This is the same issue I had. Activity stopped, the unit went off, restarts itself, and I have to resume the activity. The info is not lost, but imagine having to do this while on the bike after a 100km ride. It’s annoying. I hope Garmin gets its act together.
have you guys reported these to Garmin (opened support cases)?
I used to have the same issue with my first Fenix 2 since I updated the firmware to 3.60 with 15% battery left.
I repported the issue to Garmin and the changed my unit for a new one. I hve not updated the firmware of this new unit, which came with 3.50, and I keep on having the same issue with low battery, around 5%.
Now i´ll try to update the firmware and test it again.
Here is what I experienced this morning: 2,200 yards and 54 minutes into my planned 3,000 yard SWIM, i hit pause. then when i hit resume, the watch reboot itself and resumed in a RUN activity instead of a SWIM activity. i stopped and saved the activity and it showed the activity in the history log as a run that lasted 54 minutes with 0.0 miles and a pace of 0.0 miles/min. any thoughts why did it do that (hardware or software, or combination of both?) and how can one prevent it from recurring in the future? I reported this to Garmin.
I’ve had this same issue – no alternative but to discard the activity. Recently, I had a run work fine for the first 2 miles and then the pace started getting faster and faster until it was showing 4/minute miles (I was with my kid, so no way was I even close to that pace). I saved the run and thought “I’m going to look at this data when I get back and see what it did” – but when I got back – the fit file was 1KB and only included total distance and total time :-(
Hi
On the Fenix 2 is there a way to connect the speed/cadence and power monitors on a Wattbike in a crowded gym that picks up many monitors and therefore won’t synch to the watch?
Thanks