GARMIN FENIX 2 ! (Read 108 times)

Jeff CT

CT JEFF

posted: 7/16/2014 at 10:48 AM

Hey - I read the review (ok- I still have a couple pages to finish) - But the new Garmin Fenix 2 seems almost perfect for me! $400 is still steep, but this watch offers a lot of cool features. Probably a couple years before other watches catch up. Not sure when I will make the plunge, but this watch is so far ahead of the pack, it is the only one I am considering for my next watch.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/03/garmin-fenix2-multisport.html

Bluetooth (for phone updates of workouts)
ANT (for other connections - HR, Foot Pod, Temperature, and PC uploads) - But cant use both Blue and ANT at same time..
TRI watch (dont have to enter workout Type every time you upload?)
Open Water GPS
Accurate Lap Readings in Pool
Internal Accelerometer (maybe not perfect, but for times of GPS loss, it switches over and then back to GPS when available)
Good battery conservation (turns off GPS when not in use - fast finding of satelites when turned on)
Virtual Partner (I have had this option on watches and dont use it )
Running Dynamics (Cadence, Vertical Oscillation, Ground Contact Time)
Training Dynamics (VO2 Max Estimator, Race Predictor, Recovery Advisor, Recovery Check, Training Effect)
Multisport Mode (able to setup then quickly move through sports in a race) -
Great Battery Options (Lasts 15 hrs of workout with 1-second GPS grabs - Also allows 60-second GPS samples and turns off ANT - ? how much longer does battery last? )
Receive Text Messages on Watch when connected via Bluetooth to phone - Pretty cool option. Makes it a little like one of those Samsung watches. Not really functional for most of my runs, but maybe for 3-8hr bike rides?

Some things Id like to have in my Ideal watch -

Live data (wifi & 3G uploads of pace / location)
Camera (to take shots of wildlife)
Text / Paging ability ( to tell family ETA, or HELP! ) - and to get important texts (the meeting was cancelled / moved up)
Internal Temperature sensor (ok- this could be difficult due to body heat and clothing)
Great battery - GPS watches are great, but can be a battery drain.
Multi sport mode should have Pool option as well as Open Water Swim.

RUN SAFE. Barefoot 1st: 6/9/13. PR: 5k=22:50 10k=47:46 HM 1:51. FM 4:28 Oct 2015 joined RUN 169!

Mpls Laker

Northstar Running

posted: 7/16/2014 at 11:47 AM

I have had a Fenix 2 since the very first week they became available and it does do a lot of cool stuff that I thought I would use. I probably used it for 1,000 or so of the 1,500 miles I have run for the year, but now I am using my FR15 for running and the Fenix 2 has been relegated to biking and swimming (neither of which I do that much of). If you like to use a HR monitor at all then forget about the BT features. I don't neccessarily regret the purchase, but my old 305 had a rock solid GPS track and did HRM and the FR15 that I have been using is nice because it is so much smaller (and cheaper). Feel free to message me if you have any questions.