Pulse OX not accurate

The doctor will have a medical grade device. The Garmin is far from that. It's trying to estimate Ox from sketchy contact with the wrist. As with WHR it'll work with some people and not with others.

I've just tried with my mother device bought on Amazon for 15 euros and it is giving the same result like my doctor's. It is a GRDE oxymeter. If a 850 Euros device is less precise than a 15 euros device, it is incomprehensible.

I left Garmin 6 years ago after my Fenix 1 and I thought it has been improved on quality but it seems they just raised the price and that's all. Very bad accuracy of GPS, OX not accurate. Are they making toys or professionnal devices ?

Garmin is excellent in multi functionalities and multiple data gathered. Unfortunately, for accuracy, it still can't beat suunto or polar v800 (the legend).

If you aim for gps pinpoint accuracy and can settle for way much less functionality, nothing can beat polar v800, polar m430 close second, or suunto ambit 3 peak (with Suunto 9 in best performance now coming very close)

For garmin, forerunner 935 is most accurate. No Fenix series can beat it.

I made a big mistake, I should have taken the Ambit 9, I had an ambit 2 and I was very happy with it, this watch is a joke !! I think I didn't have the same watch like DCrainmaker...

GRDE oxymeter

And that devices encloses the finger right? Far different from trying to get some feedback from a couple of leds on a wrist, trying to detect a blood vessel that might or might not be directly under the leds.

It is not incomprehensible. It's a failure to understand the limitations of the technology. Remember, too, your mother's 15 Euro device only does one thing.

Pulse Oximetry and Limitations in using a pulse oximeter

It will work for some. It will not work for others. Can't fault Garmin for trying, but optical sensing from the wrist will vary from reasonable when static and at rest to 'hopefully we'll see something when exercising'. Caveat Emptor!

If I were you and that unhappy, I'd return it and get my money back.

I made a big mistake, I should have taken the Ambit 9, I had an ambit 2 and I was very happy with it, this watch is a joke !! I think I didn't have the same watch like DCrainmaker...

do note though. I have suunto 9, and i have to admit myself, both have pros and cons. Distance accuracy in suunto 9 is superb and will continue to grow once suunto optimize its newest sony chipset.

However, in terms of ecosystem, apps, data logging, garmin is light years ahead. Suunto sleep data logging for example, is lagging behind to non-existent.

If your aim is to just get distance accuracy, you may go to suunto (or polar v800). But, if data logging is also important, you may think twice.

Yes it's a device that encloses the finger.
I am very happy with all data grabbed by the Fenix and I think so that The Fenix is better for me thant the Suunto 9 because it provides more functions but I would like Garmin not making a useless sensor like the pulse OX if it is not precise and does not bring any reliable information.

When you have a pulse oX about 77, in normal case it is indicating that you have a pulmonary embolism or something like this. It is not serious from a company like Garmin. I deactivated it. May be I will activate it again when it will be more reliable and drainnig less battery.

But this is not a medical device so any information should be treated with caution. And yes that goes for any heart rate information whether derived from a strap or the wrist. Don't expect to find anything different from any other manufacturer attempting to get reliable and valid measures of HR or OX from the wrist.

Garmin are not selling this as a medical device. You should not treat it as such.

Garmin are not selling this as a medical device. You should not treat it as such.

Although DCR did say Garmin are looking at medical certification for the PoX. This and the price they are charging (yes I know it has many, many other functions, but a jack of all trades is still a jack in summation).......create an expectation of very high accuracy.....

Hi,

When measuring my Ox at the doctor I am between 97% and 99%. With the Garmin Fenix, I am arroud 80% (between 78 and 81%). Values seem very low. I am at ground level so not climbing moutains or other thing.

Measurement seems not accurate. Is it the case for you too ? Does it need a calibration or something like this ?

Thanks

I'm like the one at your doctor's !
Everything fine with my blood !! :-) (94% I leave at the 7th floor...)