GPS Accuracy

On top of the GPS inconsistencies I wasn't that fond of the design of the F5 for my purposes (I agree that it looks nice though, very good bang for the buck), it's still a big watch that doesn't fit easily under a shirt and while not that heavy you can still feel it vs the FR235. Having briefly worn the FR935 I found it was very similar in this respect so with the exact same features as the F5 it was an easy decision really...if you need them. To be honest I think my FR235 does all I need from a sports/travel watch.

I'm trying so hard to remain optimistic, but man I'm struggling with my F5 in regards to GPS accuracy and pace accuracy. I'm missing my FR235.

I always wait a few minutes to get a good GPS lock, and HRM lock. I've been using Garmin devices for years and know all the little nuances, and I expect occasional glitches. I've played around with 1 sec vs smart recording, as well as GPS vs GPS+GLONASS. I'm currently using 1 second recording and GPS+GLONASS.

Two recent examples below:

20 mile long run on Sunday.
Long stretches of straight road, little to no tree cover.
50-60 degrees F, perfectly clear sunny skies



5 mile recovery run on Tuesday.
Little to no tree cover.
60-70 degrees F, slightly cloudy.



I wore my girlfriends FR235 on the recovery run, and it was SO much better. Yes I know there are variables at play, but it was a night and day difference.

Pretty please fix this Garmin. I really want to love this watch.

Eh... yup. The tracks are just the symptom, the actual issue is the gps accuracy (which results in an issue with lap pace, mile/km markers, etc).

As much as I like the F5 I bought it mainly for running (and perhaps hiking) and with that I want it to be as precise as possible... It's nice that the tracks and distances are fine in Garmin Connect, but as I mentioned earlier this thread that's not what counts for me. For me it matters that the source is good, not that garmin (connect) somehow knows how to make it show up fine.

I can only send the watch back for 4 weeks after buying (which is already more then the usual 2 weeks) so I can't give it another month or 2 and send it back if I don't like it then. And all the reading I did into the F3 and my hunch about the F5 I am not counting on this getting fixed.

Then I'd have to cut my losses and sell it. So yeah, I'm going to send it back in order to give the 935 a try since as far as I've seen it does give better and more consistent tracks.

About looks, I'm with you that the F5 looks better (even though I haven't seen the 935 in real life yet, unfortunately not for sale here yet) and if I didn't like the F5 looks so much I wouldn't have thought so long about exchanging it for the 935, then it would be an instant decision.

This is exactly how I'm feeling. I had a F3HR and most recently a F5. While I was able to get smooth GPS tracks, the pacing was all over the place telling me the raw data collection is poor. I received a FR935 yesterday and there was a visible difference in consistency of the data collected. When the source info is not good, there's only so much correcting you can do. My hypothesis is that Garmin has not figured out how to compensate for the metal bezel. Until they figure that out, the Forerunners will continue to be more consistent. I too will be returning the F5. While I think the F5 is a much nicer looking watch, it's all about the data for me.

FWIW - Here are the two watches side-by-side https://goo.gl/photos/QWV71BZbjCwzatSR9

Distance accrual is negatively affected with Stryd,when Stryd is set for Pace: Always, Distance: Indoors for outdoor runs for some reason related to the Stryd dropouts. I did not try Stryd set for Distance:Always as I was having massive dropouts (>80% of the time it was disconnected during my runs).

Thanks for the details. I tried the Styrd for the first time on a treadmill run yesterday and had a solid connection, but I'll need more testing of both connection and data recorded of course. I know you have/had issues, but there's another forum member who has had improved accuracy using Stryd with the F5x and has not mentioned connection issues. I'm hoping my experience will be the latter and using Stryd for distance and pace, along with the 5x and GPS on, will give me the best accuracy along with the 5x features.

This is exactly how I'm feeling. I had a F3HR and most recently a F5. While I was able to get smooth GPS tracks, the pacing was all over the place telling me the raw data collection is poor. I received a FR935 yesterday and there was a visible difference in consistency of the data collected. When the source info is not good, there's only so much correcting you can do. My hypothesis is that Garmin has not figured out how to compensate for the metal bezel. Until they figure that out, the Forerunners will continue to be more consistent. I too will be returning the F5. While I think the F5 is a much nicer looking watch, it's all about the data for me.

FWIW - Here are the two watches side-by-side https://goo.gl/photos/QWV71BZbjCwzatSR9

Although I like the look of F5, I don't think FR935 looks so much worse. Actually, I myself like it a lot and don't regret returning my F5 and ordering FR935 in case GPS will work as I "need". Beside, there are other benefits for me coming from FR935 over F5.

Maybe we should start The FR935 Converts Club. :)

Yeah, the 935 is growing on me as well... Looking more high end then I expected it to be.

Anyway, requested the return for my fenix5 so going to send it back in the next few days. Then the waiting for the 935 can begin! Hopefully not too long because I suck at waiting...

Where can I apply for the convert-club membership? ;)

I am in as well. Retired my 5 today, 935 will arrive 18th. Can't await it.
In Germany market saturation gets better since today - several stores offer it as on stock.

Although I like the look of F5, I don't think FR935 looks so much worse. Actually, I myself like it a lot and don't regret returning my F5 and ordering FR935 in case GPS will work as I "need". Beside, there are other benefits for me coming from FR935 over F5.

Maybe we should start The FR935 Converts Club. :)

Thread started: https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?374004-Fenix-5-Conversion-Club

Thanks for the details. I tried the Styrd for the first time on a treadmill run yesterday and had a solid connection, but I'll need more testing of both connection and data recorded of course. I know you have/had issues, but there's another forum member who has had improved accuracy using Stryd with the F5x and has not mentioned connection issues. I'm hoping my experience will be the latter and using Stryd for distance and pace, along with the 5x and GPS on, will give me the best accuracy along with the 5x features.

Issue does not exist for the 5x, only the 5/5s. Part of the problem when you are posting and reading the 5/5s forum and have a 5x I guess ;)