Besides the Garmin 935, is there a watch that can “do it all” ?
One that can catch all the data from bike computer, powermeter, that has all the swim features and is fully waterproof ?
Ideally, one that is solid and durable, with a sapphire glass ? I guess this “feature” will make the watch heavier than a plastic, easily “scratch-able” cover…
LOuis 
Fenix
.
The only problem is the Fenix is heavy comparatively. I think I might send my Fenix 6 Sapphire back.
What about the Garmin 735XT?
I read many bad reviews about the 735XT. Not that it doesn’t work the task. But it doesn’t seem to last very long. For me it’s amazing how sports products cost a fortune, and are made to be « disposable ». FWIW I bought a Chinese HRM watch when I first got into cycling 15 yrs ago. It cost me $23. If I remember. I kept it for 3 years.
Louis
Interesting, hadn’t heard these things about the 735. But, that’s funny about the china watch.
My 735XT has been very dependable. Been using it almost daily for about 2 years. So far so good!
I’ve had the 735xt for 1.5yrs. It works decently, but the wrist based HRM is trash. Which was basically the only reason I upgraded to it from the 225.
Next watch will definitely be a 935/945 for the increased battery life. Polar Vantage V (no ant+) or Suunto 9 would be my top choices if I ever left Garmin
Interested to know what kind of battery life you are getting out of the 735? Specs say it can log an activity for 14 hours. Which is well enough for most person’s full IM. Do you get less than this? I personally was having trouble justifying the extra $$ for the 935 just because of battery life.
My 735XT has been very dependable. Been using it almost daily for about 2 years. So far so good!
So had mine. Bought it right when it came out. Used it 24/7, training and racing. Eventually bought a 935 because it was the latest and greatest, but eventually gave it to my fiancee because the 735xt didn’t have quite the life she needed to complete a full Ironman. The 935 did nothing extra for me so it wasn’t really missed.
I am not a fan of optical heart rate in general, on any watch. It is getting better, but even the Fenix 6, newest Polars, etc don’t validate to my HR strap.
Its actually good for me. I charge mine about once a week. I use it for 4-5 runs and 3 swims, so once a week charge covers that. I am not sure about total hours as I have never tried to compute that one.
935 or 945 with protection shield???
Interested to know what kind of battery life you are getting out of the 735? Specs say it can log an activity for 14 hours. Which is well enough for most person’s full IM. Do you get less than this? I personally was having trouble justifying the extra $$ for the 935 just because of battery life.
I think 14hrs is extremely “optimistic” (if not completely misleading). The longest it has ever lasted for me was 9:29:32 when it died with 1mi to go in a 50mi run, still salty about that one lol
That was back closer to when it was new. Bluetooth off, nothing paired, backlight off, all the battery saving tricks. I’d estimate max battery life is closer to 7hrs now.
Damn, that sucks, but thanks for sharing. That would make me super salty also (Both the 50 miler, and the watch thing)
Another shout out for the 735 here. I never have battery issues with it except in extreme cold - that kills the battery super fast, and when covered by a glove.
I use it for the swim in a race, then save the file. Near the end of the bike leg I put it into run mode and start it leaving T2. I’ve never been a fan of ‘tri mode’ on a watch - no real use for me.
I will say that distances in OWS seem to record a bit low on the 735 - I compare this to having an older 910 in my swim cap. Very happy overall with the 735, and wear it all the time. I’ve had it for around 2 1/2 years now w/o any issues.
Besides the Garmin 935, is there a watch that can “do it all” ?
One that can catch all the data from bike computer, powermeter, that has all the swim features and is fully waterproof ?
Ideally, one that is solid and durable, with a sapphire glass ? I guess this “feature” will make the watch heavier than a plastic, easily “scratch-able” cover…
LOuis
I have tried a number of (admittedly older model) Garmin watches over the years and haven’t had the best results (seal leaks, data loss, etc.). The best watches I have had have been the Suunto Ultra and Suunto Ultra Trainer. I use the ultra for biking and the the trainer for runs. They both pick up signal extremity quickly and my other training apps sync in a minute. Less popular here than in Europe (it’s a Finnish company, I think) but I have had great results.
The only problem is the Fenix is heavy comparatively. I think I might send my Fenix 6 Sapphire back.
You’ll get used to it
Interested to know what kind of battery life you are getting out of the 735? Specs say it can log an activity for 14 hours. Which is well enough for most person’s full IM. Do you get less than this? I personally was having trouble justifying the extra $$ for the 935 just because of battery life.
I think 14hrs is extremely “optimistic” (if not completely misleading). The longest it has ever lasted for me was 9:29:32 when it died with 1mi to go in a 50mi run, still salty about that one lol
That was back closer to when it was new. Bluetooth off, nothing paired, backlight off, all the battery saving tricks. I’d estimate max battery life is closer to 7hrs now.
I can tell you that a well used multi year old 735xt will get me through an IM under 9h15 with a bit left. It was an issue with the fiancee because she needed 11h30 hence her getting the 945 I bought.
The only problem is the Fenix is heavy comparatively. I think I might send my Fenix 6 Sapphire back.
You’ll get used to it
Do you have one? At first blush I figured I wouldn’t.
The only problem is the Fenix is heavy comparatively. I think I might send my Fenix 6 Sapphire back.
You’ll get used to it
Do you have one? At first blush I figured I wouldn’t.
I have the bigger Fenix 5X plus - I had never worn a large watch until that one, certainly not running, but its like its not even there for me now.