I think it will be good to have one central place to have the latest news people here about the updated release date. DCR said it looks like early March. The garmin site says 5-8 weeks but thats the default time on all new products. Everywhere I read it says "By end of Q1" which is the end of March. Rei still doesnt have it listed yet either. Has anyone heard anything more specific?
Confirmed purchase in Hong Kong today.
My mate got the sapphire 5 in Black.
I was surprised after it was posted in this thread that there were any left but it seems they still have some in stock.
I want! I am waiting dearly. Up to 1 month here. I wonder why.
Surprise nobody in Taiwan got it first since its made there.
Just heard back from the official Garmin Australia distributor (who initially had March the 3rd as the release date) and they've been now told the expected entry date to Australia is early May. Much to my dismay as I'm going overseas for 2 months first week of May :(
I had a previously horrible experience with Highly Tuned Athletes. Turned out they were not an official Polar reseller and what I had purchased was a grey import. Polar Australia was willing to honour my warranty but then said nope, not if you purchased from Highly Tuned Athletes. And Highly Tuned Athletes flat out said they didn't care and wouldn't honour my warraty, so I swore never to buy from them again. I'm just going to assume it is the same with Garmin and they don't hold official/local stock. You might not care, but it's something to consider.
That's a bit concerning! I just went on the official Garmin website, however, and they have an estimated availability of 1-3 business days for all models. I also phoned HTA this morning and they said that it should be ten days when previously they refused to say anything until they had heard from Garmin. I bought a Polar HRM from them in the past and never had any problems and the Garmin website does list them as a dealer so hopefully I shouldn't run into any major issues.
...an estimated availability of 1-3 business days for all models...
I'm pretty sure I had checked just yesterday and it was still saying 5-8 weeks. So that is hopeful, I guess? I just messaged Garmin Australia so hopefully they are able to give concrete confirmation. If that's the case I'd just probably get it directly from Garmin considering it's the same price as all the other retailers.
EDIT: False alarm, yet again. Garmin Australia's response: "The information shown is a result of an error in the system. The product has yet to receive a release date. Keep an eye out on our page for more information. Band availability will also be confirmed closer to release."
As previously discussed in this thread, B&H is legit and their dates are normally spot on... If it still says the 16th then they more than likely have not filled up with preorders for what they have incoming..
If you want to be sure then chat with them or call and ask if they enough coming in to cover your order. I chatted with them a few days ago and was told my existing order will be fulfilled and shipped by the 16th..
I have a order in with them and Clever Training.. Whomever ships 1st wins! My guess at this point is that B&H will ship to me 1st as I was told by Clever Training I am about mid way down their list..
Look at the the date on those eBay listings.... They are not available to ship now and most say mid April... I think people are paying those high eBay prices and are not paying attention to the dates..
Is this the eBay ad from California you are talking about? Delivery date is listed as between April 24th and May 5th... And for that delayed shipping date you get the privilege of paying an extra $200? LOL
