5 Plus - GPS Distance coming up as much a 20% short in the woods.

Is anyone else having GPS distance measurement problems with the 5 Plus in the woods? I'm in the northeast US, and running mostly technical trails under tree cover.
I've tried 1sec recording and Smart recording. I've waited as much as 5 minutes after the watch acquires gps to let it get locked in. I've tried GPS only and GPS + Glonass. The watch is regularly measuring close to 20% short on distance, particularly on twisty trails. These are courses I've run dozens of times with my last watch as well as having done plenty of group runs with friends who are using other garmin devices.

The point is, I'm 100% certain that the 5 Plus is under measuring the distance. I'm actually on my second unit, (thanks to Clever Training and they're awesome customer service!) and still having the same problem. I'm kind of shocked to not be seeing others having the same problem here on this forum.

Has anyone else had this experience or heard about other 5Plus users who have? I could really use some help here...

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

My distances are mostly ok. My instant pace gets slower under tree cover.

Me, too. My other GPS watch had the same issue. Connection is shown as "good" - however, it's clear it becomes slow and then disproportionately faster when you exit the tree cover.

Has anyone else noticed an improvement in pace readings after updating to 6.00? My current pace was consistently dropping by 1:00/mi under tree cover before the update, but now it only slows by about :10 to :20/mi.

0 joshtee over 5 years ago

I did have a ride where the Fenix had more mileage then my phone, which was very unusual. I didn't pay too much attention to it. I'll compare it on my ride today and report back.

0 joshtee over 5 years ago

Has anyone else noticed an improvement in pace readings after updating to 6.00? My current pace was consistently dropping by 1:00/mi under tree cover before the update, but now it only slows by about :10 to :20/mi.

Nope, tested and it's still a problem. Fenix short on distance in single track trails.

0 chrismidgley over 5 years ago

On a 5K run my Garmin 5 plus is reading 4.80K, I went on a 10K run the other day and it showed me 800 meters short at the 10K, I never had this issue with my ViviactiveHR. I will try Gurych's solutyion with the footpod and see what the outcome is.

0 Garmin-Heath over 5 years ago

Everyone, if you are running into an issue with GPS Accuracy, I would highly suggest reading and following the tips on the following Support Article: Improving the GPS Accuracy, Distance and Speed Readings of an Outdoor Watch

If you continue to have issues, feel free to contact us at Product Support so that we can work with you directly on anything you are experiencing.