So I have been looking to get a new watch and want to get the latest Fenix. Ive heard a few things about the new 5 (skipping 4 from what Ive seen online) but no word as to when they are planning to release it. Some said it was early Jan but has anyone heard of anything? Should I not get my hopes up and just get a new 3? Its been awhile since the 3 was originally released so I feel like they should have something come out soon.
No idea but I did read earlier today that Garmin dropped the price on the F3 by $50. Not a sale, but a permanent price drop. Could be a sign of something coming soon.
CES starts in just a few days and I would expect Garmin to release their new lineup there. So I would think that the new Fenix should be released sometime in the first quarter?
Hopefully Ray can chime in.
Yeah I just realized CES is about to start and I know Garmin always puts their new lineup out during this event. Hopefully we see something good!
I’m looking toward to seeing what they release. I’m not sure how accurate or reliable this source is, but these photos are interesting https://appelmoessite.wordpress.com/2016/11/08/the-new-fenix-5-and-5s/
Me too. I like that the hr is in each of the watch models assuming it the same as what that site posted. I am wondering what the prices are for each though… Hopefully it won’t cost an arm and a leg!
I think there is still a lot of work needed to get optical HR working properly for active athletes. It seems to be ok for light activities but soon falters with anything much more active. As much as some people do not like chest straps, they still provide the best results.
How do announcements work at CES? Does each company have a stage day for big releases or announcements?
I am not sure. But I now DCRM is there and that’s who I usually follow. Other sites like CNET and Gizmodo are usually live blogging/tweeting as well.
I think there is still a lot of work needed to get optical HR working properly for active athletes. It seems to be ok for light activities but soon falters with anything much more active. As much as some people do not like chest straps, they still provide the best results.
I’ve got 12 months of flawless* optical HR activity using my Forerunner 235. That’s about 2100 miles of running - everything from 5k to the marathon distance.
I say flawless with an * because the “error” rate is no greater with my optical HR than it was with HR straps when I used them For some strange reason people have an expectation that optical HR should be absolutely perfect or else it sucks. Yet, they look past any issues that HR straps might have. My point is that no method is absolutely perfect.
I actually find my optical to be a bit more reliable than strap based. They both get “wonky” every once in awhile. Not really a big deal as with both I found that it only happened maybe once or twice a month. The one thing that was a problem for me a lot with straps was the HR data was useless for the first 10 mins or so. I don’t have that issue with optical. It’s locked in from the get go.
Just saw on dcrm site that he thinks today and tomorrow companies will make the big announcements. Thursday to sunday is open to public.
Announcement made today.
Ray over at DC Rainmaker has posted a initial review
.
I think there is still a lot of work needed to get optical HR working properly for active athletes. It seems to be ok for light activities but soon falters with anything much more active. As much as some people do not like chest straps, they still provide the best results.
I’ve had zero issues with the optical HR on the 735XT after several months use.
Gracias!
I’m not as excited as I thought I would be…
I’m not excited, either. I like some of the added functionality, but not for the price!
Exactly! It’s a bit too much for what is included. I might end up getting a 920 now.
I have a 920xt now (although a replacement is on the way from Garmin - mine suffered a common barometric altimeter meltdown in mid-December). Other than this failure, it’s been great - just works.
Some people do not experience problems, but within the circle I move, the majority seem to to have issues. Garmin acknowledge the inherent limitations themselves:
“While our wrist HR monitor technology is state of the art, there are inherent limitations with the technology that may cause some of the heart rate readings to be inaccurate under certain circumstances. These circumstances include the user’s physical characteristics, the fit of the device and the type and intensity of the activity as outlined above. The HR monitor data is not intended to be used for medical purposes, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.”