Garmin Fenix 3 Multi-sport and Navigation Watch Review

If you are a hardcore sports person, then it’s most certain that you take part in intense workouts. Such exercises may need an advanced gadget to keep track of all your performance. One such product is Garmin Fenix 3. It over delivers on everything. It’s a perfect companion when you are trail running, open water swimming, gym work, skiing and many others. There are several sports watches in the market, but none comes close to this multi-sport piece. Its very easy to swap from one mode to another and the chrome lighting makes it less strenuous for you to view the readings. With some watches, you’ll have to stop and take a look at the readings before you proceed-quite inconveniencing. So, if you were thinking of replacing or updating to a better watch, you might want to give Garmin Fenix 3 a shot.

Garmin Fenix 3 Review

 

Garmin Fenix 3 Features and Design

Garmin Fenix 3 is an evolution of its Garmin Fenix 3predecessors, Fenix 2 and 1. While the previous versions worked well, much has been improved regarding the software and outlook to form what is now Fenix 3. It’s rugged with a chunky build, visible screws, and attractive metallic finishes.

At 82g the watch is not that lightweight and it stands at about 16mm off your wrist. This does not mean in any way that the watch is an uncomfortable wear or lacks something. If anything, its price is considerably higher because of the unbeatable features it comes with.

There are five physical buttons on this watch, some of which can be set as hot keys for a more personalized touch. Hotkeys give you an easier time to access what you want quickly. Here is a list of the five buttons and what each does.

  • Top left is for backlight/power
  • Top right: START or ENTER
  • Bottom right: BACK
  • Center left is for scrolling up
  • And Bottom left is for scrolling down

The watch also vibrates and beeps to keep you informed on what you are supposed to do.

Battery Lifespan

One of the killer features this watch has is the longer lasting battery. On a GPS/Training mode the watch lasts 20 hours, five to six weeks in a watch mode, and fifty hours in ultra-track mode.

Garmin Fenix 3 App

This watch comes with an app to help you review your stats after your workout. The app is compatible with both Android and iOS software- a feature some watches lack. It is said to be one of the best and easiest to operate sports watches app.

The web-based version is a pretty impressive feature. It enables you to record down your running routes and share with a friend for a competition. Every time you win a race, you get a badge!

Garmin Fenix 3’s mobile app is very simple to use. The data is synced automatically once you are connected to a Wi-Fi signal-no fusses and frustrations. However, at the moment, the app is not intricate enough to analyze the data for you. You’ll need to sit down and do that on your own.

Tracking Metrics

Garmin Fenix 3 run modeIt might take you many days to find a watch that offers many tracking parameters like Garmin Fenix 3. That’s why it’s considered an all-action watch. Some of its tracking metrics in its system include motion sensors, electronic compass, a barometric altimeter, heart rate monitor, Wi-Fi, ANT+, Bluetooth, and more. All these features make this wearable a worthy investment. With frequent software updates, there is a likelihood much is to be expected as well.

The data fields in this watch are changeable and lets you set up any activity you want to do with any screen you need. In simple terms, the watch is a more personalized device that provides you with any service you want.

What it tracks

Trails

  • Altimeter
  • GPS
  • Compass
  • Climb
  • Weather

Running

  • Virtual pacing
  • Pace
  • Distance
  • VO2 Max
  • Recovery timer

Cycling

  • Speed
  • Cadence
  • Bike power

Skiing

  • Run distance
  • Number of runs
  • Total descent
  • Speed

Swimming

  • Distance
  • Lengths
  • Pace
  • Stroke count
  • Calories
  • Stroke rate
  • Stroke identification

Heart rate monitor

Most watches have a wrist-based heart rate monitors. Garmin Fenix 3, on the other hand, must be connected to a chest strap to measure heart rate. Its measurements are accurate as long as you utilize the chest strap-even during swimming. However, many people find this set up as a con since no one wants to carry an additional accessory during workouts.

Notifications

Garmin Fenix 3 is one heck of a gadget. The screens notification system can display a wide array of parameters from time, date, month, year, and other workout data. Most watches use Bluetooth to sync with the phone as it uses less power. Fenix 3, on the other hand, needs you to turn on the location service on your phone for the two devices to connect. Turning on the location services can drain your phone's power quickly.

Nevertheless, turning on location services helps you get notified about the calls, SMS, Whatsapp amongst other things. If you find the notifications to be an interruption to your workout, you can turn it off and save you battery as well.

In a nutshell, here are some pros and cons of Garmin Fenix 3

Garmin Fenix 3 Pros

  • Longer lasting battery life
  • Tons of data metrics and sensors
  • Connect IQ apps
  • Easy navigation functions
  • Comes with unbeatable multi-sport functions
  • Its water resistant(up to 10 ATM)
  • It’s easy to connect to web platforms
  • Made of stainless steel bezel
  • Performs extremely well in a sunny(bright) outdoor
  • Comes with a music player

Drawbacks

  • It’s a bit costly
  • Big in size
  • A bit laggy

Verdict

Garmin Fenix 3 is an excellent multisport watch to buy. It’s packed with great features that can make any casual fitness fan and hardened triathlete enjoy a wide array of activities with a simple tracking. No paperwork is needed. The impressive lifespan of the battery and the ability to easily change from one sport exercise to another without stopping is quite bamboozling. Despite its price, Garmin Fenix 3 is worth every penny you will spend on it.  You can read my review on cheaper gps watches if this is not what you are looking for because this has everything but the kitchen sink in it and might not fit everyone's needs.  You could also just jump to the garmin 920xt review here if you want  true multi-sport watch.

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