Fenix 5 vs. 735XT @ IM70.3 Puerto Rico

For those of you wondering about the Fenix 5 performance on a triathlon, today I just used it to track IM 70.3 Puerto Rico. I raced with it and brought my trusty 735XT with me for comparison. Background:

Fenix 5 Sapphire:
- HRM-TRI
- Tempe
- Duotrap S (1st ride with auto setup, no wheel size defined)

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1629518804

735xt:
- On-wrist HR
- Tempe
- Duotrap S - (no wheel size defined, but multiple rides already)

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1629783951

Results:
- Swim (F5 = 2224, 735=2165 yards)
- Bike (F5 = 55.54, 735=55.7 miles)
- Run (F5 = 12.95, 735=12.98 miles)

Overall, I'm very happy with the performance of the watch. It was pretty sharp under sunlight, and very quick to response. Didn't see any issue with connectivity. Need now to look at those GPS tracks and pace difference between the 2.

And before somebody ask... I'm definitely not a pro, and I know my run sacked! But bear with me, I just started running 5 weeks ago after a 3 month hiatus due to a femur neck stress fracture!

0 bellostom over 8 years ago

Hi

The elevation difference could be explained due to the fact that the F5 has the elevation correction disabled, while the 735 not?

Regards

0 Teriemer over 8 years ago

Overall, I'm very happy with the performance of the watch.

I absolutely agree. Solid performance from both watches.

Thanks for sharing your experience :-)

0 NeilJonesOnline over 8 years ago

And before somebody ask... I'm definitely not a pro, and I know my run sacked! But bear with me, I just started running 5 weeks ago after a 3 month hiatus due to a femur neck stress fracture!

Kudos to anyone who participates in a triathlon.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

[QUOTE=And before somebody ask... I'm definitely not a pro, and I know my run sacked! But bear with me, I just started running 5 weeks ago after a 3 month hiatus due to a femur neck stress fracture!

Ha ha.... Given I am a middle aged guy getting back into running after a long break, currently starting with 6km runs with heart rate based guidance on when to walk/run, anyone that can do a continuous moderate pace is my hero at the moment. One thing I learned from my brief time with the F3HR was that achievements are very personal. When it told me I did my fastest km, mile or 5k, I got a buzz. Cannot wait for the F5 to do the same.

0 FryeX over 8 years ago

For those of you wondering about the Fenix 5 performance on a triathlon, today I just used it to track IM 70.3 Puerto Rico. I raced with it and brought my trusty 735XT with me for comparison.

I took the liberty of putting the gpx tracks side by side on mygpsfiles. Let me know if you want them removed. Here are the tracks overlaid together.

Overall looks good to me.

Link to MyGPSFiles comparison.

0 ericbfit over 8 years ago

Nice work on the triathlon. I have a 735xt and love it. Do you feel like the F5 felt heavy compared to the 735 or did you not even notice? I need to go to the store when they get to REI and try one on.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Nice work on the triathlon. I have a 735xt and love it. Do you feel like the F5 felt heavy compared to the 735 or did you not even notice? I need to go to the store when they get to REI and try one on.

It's going to be 2 times the weight, your 735 is around 41g and I want to say the Fenix 5 is around 85g with the rubber strap? that said a 42mm apple watch (stainless) with a black strap is 87g and i grew used to that very quickly after a day or two. in the store it may feel like a brick but in a day or two worn you won't even notice it anymore.

0 FryeX over 8 years ago

Nice work on the triathlon. I have a 735xt and love it. Do you feel like the F5 felt heavy compared to the 735 or did you not even notice? I need to go to the store when they get to REI and try one on.

I have had my F3HR for about a year now. And I feel uncomfortable whenever it is off my wrist for charging. So it is personal how one feels it. For me if the weight of my F3HR would be too much I would be better off sitting on a couch than going outdoors. But as said it is very personal how a given watch sits on ones wrist and how the weight feels. Even a very light watch can feel annoying if the fit to wrist is poor.

This is why I ordered my 5X through REI. If it does not work for me for some reason I can get rid of it easily. I don't expect any issues though as the F3HR is a good fit.

0 Luyi_PR over 8 years ago

Ashlan grietjie

I took the liberty of putting the gpx tracks side by side on mygpsfiles. Let me know if you want them removed. Here are the tracks overlaid together.

Overall looks good to me.

Link to MyGPSFiles comparison.

Dont mind at all... thanks for putting it together!

0 Olu.F. over 8 years ago

Congrats. Kudos to both watches. The run tracings for both are tight. 2 out and backs with great overlap. I think the F5 might actually be a little tighter.