I'm missing any mention of the overlay option which is in the fenix 3 chronos beta (and I'd assume would have to be also in the newer fenix5 models).
Thanks for the link, interesting as usual but there are few errors in there :
- “With the lactate threshold feature you do NOT need a heart rate strap”
This is incorrect, the guided test flashes “Chest HRM Required” when you launch it, at least with the latest v2.40 firmware, so it’s hard to miss. Maybe he's running another firmware version ?
- "Fenix 5S: Same size as Forerunner 735XT/230/235"
not really, the 5S is 42mm, the 735/230/235 are 45mm, and you can see the difference on his pictures
- not really an "error" but I'm not sure the superb oHR performance he's showing is going to reflect the average (or otherwise) user's experience by implying that the F5's oHR (can't see any difference with the F235's oHR) is as reliable overall as a chest strap, it's not, as seem in dozens of posts in these forums. He must surely have had sessions like most (all?) of us where the oHR was way off the mark, these should also have been mentioned.
- not sure what his GPS tracks are not as "wobbly" as those shown in these forums, again maybe he's running a different firmware than v2.40 but that should be mentioned.
RE: Lactate threshold: Hmm, odd, it's requiring it. Pretty sure I got estimates earlier without it. I've updated.
RE: Sizing: Clarified in post.
RE: OHR: Hmm, I talk specifically about numerous cases where it doesn't match within the OHR accuracy section.
RE: GPS Tracks: Actually, only tracks in the last 4 days are on higher firmware versions. Everything else is either on the production firmware or even older firmware versions. One thing it's really important to keep in mind is that most folks here are posting Garmin Connect tracks/links, which hoses up the tracks a bit and makes them look less stable. That's specifically why I use a separate tool to analyze tracks.
I also have help myself printing out the 44 page manual & will read your website again later.
There is soo much information on this watch and it has to learn from you to give you advice. I never had a device like this and it is very interesting. Almost like a personal trainer.
Ray, the review does not mention Turn by Turn directions for the fenix 5/5s by directly uploading a TCX course file like you can on the 735 and f3. I am assuming they have this capability and may be worth mentioning in the review as it gives the impression that the navigation capabilities on the 5/5s are breadcrumb and directional only. I could be wrong I guess and maybe Garmin has removed this capability from the 5/5s (don't have mine yet to test), but would be surprised if this was true.
Ray, the review does not mention Turn by Turn directions for the fenix 5/5s by directly uploading a TCX course file like you can on the 735 and f3......I could be wrong I guess and maybe Garmin has removed this capability from the 5/5s (don't have mine yet to test), but would be surprised if this was true.
The in-navigation TBT for alerts for courses created on GC do work on my F5 (obviously they are inserted wherever the GC Course Creator 'decides' they should be though).
After using F5 for three days I can say that the BT connectivity range is shorter than on my F3. For example, I usually live my iphone in my room and go take a shower with my watch and F5 disconnects and reconnects constantly which never happened with F3. The same happens if I live my iphone and go in the basement. So I guess there are two scenarios here:
1. smaller watch -> smaller BT antena -> smaller range
2. firmware still in beta-like
Re the GPS signal, I did some runs and can say that compared to F3 it is slightly better which is a good sign.
Re the WiFi I cannot draw a conclusion and would probably never will as it is very difficult to measure the signal w/o proper equipment.
Anyhow, the F5 is a great update for me and I am happy with it - hope to stay happy after using it through the following years...
