Fenix 5S as a runner's watch?

Just been looking at the new Fenix 5S. I'm a male runner and currently using a Forerunner 630 with HRM strap. I have previously been put off by the Fenix range as I have small wrists, whereas the size/weight of the 630 feels just right for a running watch.

Just curious if the Fenix 5S would be a worthwhile upgrade over the 630? Does it offer runners anything extra other than the built in optical HRM? I've also been considering an Apple Watch Series 2 (now with Strava support), but I am put off by lack of dedicated physical buttons, which wouldn't work in a race situation, and I have heard that pace info and heart rate data isn't very accurate compared with a Garmin.

0 R_Tellis over 8 years ago

As a total package of 630+HRM vs F5s alone that's true.

But I was referring to the weight you'd feel out on the lever which is your arm. Then again if you want the advance running dynamics with the F5s you'll still need the HRM-Run strap. However 60 grams placed at or near your CG won't be noticeable anyway.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Polar Heart rate sensor H7

Hello,

I am going to buy Fenix 5 and I was wondering if my old Polar Bluetooth H7 sensor will work with Garmin? I know that Fenix will support bluetooth standard but what kind of data it will give? Cadence -
Vertical oscillation - Ground contact time ?
I dont want to buy new HRM run strap or Tri or whatever but it would be nice to have different kind of data out of that new Garmin.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Hello,

I am going to buy Fenix 5 and I was wondering if my old Polar Bluetooth H7 sensor will work with Garmin? I know that Fenix will support bluetooth standard but what kind of data it will give? Cadence -
Vertical oscillation - Ground contact time ?
I dont want to buy new HRM run strap or Tri or whatever but it would be nice to have different kind of data out of that new Garmin.

I think support initially will be just HR from bluetooth HR straps, no footpods, no advanced metrics etc.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

From DCRainmaker (who always seems to have the best information - thanks Ray!):
"Garmin says that they’re starting off with the Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate sensors first, merely because that standard is the most stable (which is true). But that they plan to add other sensor types quickly. For example, I’d expect to see them add the cycling cadence/speed sensor and running footpod types, since those are generally considered as pretty stable specs."

Of course, Garmin may not prioritise this, or change their mind and not add it at all.

0 2goBeyond over 8 years ago

There are some potentially interesting advances in the F5 (and normally coming to the F3) for running, namely Training Load, Aerobic/Anaerobic training and TE v2. We'll have to see how useful they are though...It doesn't seem anyone has seen much value in the Lactate Threshold feature for instance.

If the oHR is as poor as it's become on the FR235 don't count on doing without it for reliable HR data/analysis.

There's also advanced running metrics (with the HRM TRI) Foot Pod support (like Stryd and it's metrics) Extra sensor support for the watch, better battery (expected and subjective) A far more sturdy construction, many more sport profiles (whether you need them or not), Activity tracking with a new OHRM, and better tracking with hopefully a more accurate experience than the F3HR. Do you need it? If these are things you must have, then yes, if none of what I wrote, or what the above quote wrote matter, then no.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

The 735 with optical (and 630 *other* than no optical) will do *everything* for a runner the Fenix 5 series will do, and at a cheaper price and lighter weight. The Fenix series is all about two things in my opinion: 1) doing EVERYTHING Garmin fitness products can do not just running but swimming, biking, golfing, skiing etc. and 2) doing it with a high end build quality that is designed to look at home in the gym or a boardroom.

If you *only* intend to wear it while running and wear a different watch the rest of the time the 735 or 630 is likely a better choice.

0 jamescantrun over 8 years ago

The 735 with optical (and 630 *other* than no optical) will do *everything* for a runner the Fenix 5 series will do, and at a cheaper price and lighter weight. The Fenix series is all about two things in my opinion: 1) doing EVERYTHING Garmin fitness products can do not just running but swimming, biking, golfing, skiing etc. and 2) doing it with a high end build quality that is designed to look at home in the gym or a boardroom.

If you *only* intend to wear it while running and wear a different watch the rest of the time the 735 or 630 is likely a better choice.

I completely agree with this, maybe with the exception that if you're going to do a bunch of ultramarathons the battery on the Fenix will be a great asset.

To add my 2 cents overall: I have the 230 now and ordered the F5 because I wanted the swimming, hiking, and 24/7 HR features. That plus I wanted a watch that looked a little more professional compared to my 230. If you're getting it as a style piece that's absolutely fine, but like was stated above, the running features are all there with the 735 as a much cheaper price.

0 scottj2 over 8 years ago

I'm getting the F5 for three main reasons in order:
1. I've had bad luck with the Forerunner series for hiking.
2. Durability.
3. Style as a daily watch. My FR235 works fine, just doesn't look as stylish.

0 FreekSchepers over 8 years ago

Running watch

I use the Chronos as my running watch.

I had a 225 before and there are some clear benefits
- I've use navigation a number of times to run unknown routes, with the red bug and the semi turn by turn warnings it works very well
- the new 7 day training load, aerobic and anaerobic training effect scores and Fitness and Load Status screens are certainly informative and I hope Garmin will start to track those in GC.
- weight wise even the Chronos is good - I use it with the sports band.
- the OHR is OK but I tend to use a HR strap for intervals as the optical does not keep up with those too well. For most runs it does a good job.

Freek

0 tommays56 over 8 years ago

Yneham lalemant

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I can't agree at all Having owned the 920 and moving to the F3 for real reasons such as charge on the go and vastly better navigation the looks had nothing to do with it as it is a vastly better off road and sailing tool