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Upgrade from Vivoactive 3 for HRM Pro plus & swim support?

boardtc
over 1 year ago

I have a Vivoactive 3 that Garmin support have replaced twice with a refurbished model due to battery degradation. They have broke my heart! The current one I've had a year now the battery barely last a day. Yesterday I went out for a 30min run with 56%, when I cam back it was 19%.

I want to get a HRM Pro Plus heart rate chest strap, my understanding is that the Vivoactive 3 does not support it.

My requirements for a cost effective upgrade are then

- work with HRM Pro Plus heart rate chest strap

- HRM Pro Plus heart rate chest strap

My research indicates a Forerunner 255 would be the best cost effective solution, do you agree?

I live in Europe, is there a location that sells refurbished ones ? Will Garmin provide one for me to buy after the awful experiences I have had with the Vivoactive 3?

Any advice appreciated, thanks!!

p.s. I did not know where to post this query as I could not find a non watch specific forum, if there is a better place please let me know.

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  • 0 over 1 year ago
    boardtc said:
    My research indicates a Forerunner 255 would be the best cost effective solution, do you agree?

    I would rather recommend Instinct 2, if you do not mind the design, and the B&W display. You can find it online even under 100€ (new), and it has practically all the features of the FR255

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to trux

    That looks like a class recommendation! In my searches I can't find anything under €200, what's your secret?

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to boardtc
    boardtc said:
    what's your secret?

    Google Wink

    Try searching for "garmin instinct 2 under 200€"

    Just make sure to avoid Instinct 1st generation - must be explicitly "Instinct 2". Also avoid the model Instinct 2S - too small display and battery

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to trux

    Doesn't make sense, 30 min later I have no idea what I am missing! cheapest I found was €250, never mind < €100

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to boardtc

    I posted it yesterday (21 hours ago, not 30 minutes ago). Today I do not get the same results from Google either, on this exact same expression. Yesterday, there were about 50 hits. Most of them Instinct 2S (40mm), or old Instincts 1st gen, but there were still around a dozen hits with Instinct 2 in the regular size. Or at least they looked like, but I have no idea whether the vendors were honest in their descriptions, and whether they are reliable.

    I still do have some of the results in the history of my browser. We are not supposed to post links to commercial sites here on the forum, but have a look at salesfleece.com (allegedly Instinct 2 Solar for 95.99€), at citybikesonsale.com (several models including I2 Solar for 96.99€), salesskiingboots.com (I2 Solar for 97.99), or cyclingroad-sales.com (i.e I2 for 96.99€). Be careful, I do not know the stores and there is no guarantee, that those online stores are legit, and that you ever get the goods. Make your research first, and take precautions (use payment insurance or payment on delivery if possible).

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to trux

    Thank you! Sorry I meant I did 30 min google shopping today. Interestingly all those sites are supposedly French, based in Paris, Rennes, Lille and Nantes in order.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to boardtc
    boardtc said:
    Interestingly all those sites are supposedly French, based in Paris, Rennes, Lyon and Nantes in order.

    Possibly because I am currently in France

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to boardtc

    Thank you! Sorry I meant I did 30 min google shopping today. Interestingly all those sites are supposedly French, based in Paris, Rennes, Lille and Nantes in order.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to boardtc

    @trux and others These sites are dodgy unfortunately, do not use. There were no reviews on the sites but looking into the Lille address, it's a fake address. I'll try and find a refurbished  instinct 2, watch looks great.

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to boardtc

    Yes, I believe too. Personally I would avoid them. However, even Garmin sold I2 for just $199 in December in their US store. And I suggest asking in your local Decathlon, if there is one in your country. Often they have quite a room for discounts, and you may be able to get the I2 for around 200€ if you ask directly. I had mine years ago with a discount of 40€, and a friend got a new Fenix 7 for 350€ there