Do Reviewers Get Special Devices Sent To Them For Review?

I own a F3 and now a 5X.

Neither is perfect, but I didn't see anything that the reviewers didn't know about other than a bug here and there that got squashed and Garmin fixed. Frankly, so far the 5x has been very good -- I've only seen a couple of glitches on the Connect Store watch faces (not Garmin's fault, they didn't write that code); other than that it's been fine. No issues.

No, GPS tracks aren't perfect, but they're at least as good as the F3. My 910XT and 310 were the best two in that regard I've had, but then again they had big flat surfaces with the antenna on them pointing up, and the watch-style cases don't. Is that responsible for the (small) difference in track accuracy? Probably.

Bcalvanese, a Spartan Ultra owner, complaining about buggy Garmin watches? Cognitive dissonance defined! Are you the one who used to walk around the perimeter of skyscrapers, walk like 2 feet from the wall, and then complain about bad GPS tracks? That is you, isn't it!

There also needs to be a sense of perspective. People who generally post here are those who might be experiencing problems with devices or might be user error.

Either way, they likely represent a small proportion of all the devices in use, but give the perception that the devices are riven with problems. If the number of people who reported issues here was truly representative of the proportion of defective devices in use, then I'd be really worried.

While loads of people bag Garmin GPS accuracy, I briefly owned the F3HR (now have the F5 on the way) and found distances were consistent with other devices. I have a loop that is 5.4 km. All of my devices, apart from the extremely flawed Adidas Smart Run, report it as 5.4 km. I can get approx. 10-50 mtr differential on this between devices (Tomtom Outdoor, Tomtom Spark, Garmin VAHR, Apple Watch 2, phone GPS etc).

The GPS traces vary. I sometimes see myself leap tall buildings. However, the distances are all very close. If one device is lagging behind another, it is usually to the tune of 10 mtrs or less per kilometre. While this may be significant for some, it is "acceptable" error for me. The Garmin trace is noticeably more wobbly on GCM. Is this simply due to the fact that other manufacturers smooth the data more on the maps? Most likely yes! If the distances are mostly the same, common sense must prevail and state the GPS is doing a similar job. I really don't dissect the map after a run. I look at other stats, but provided the distance is essentially accurate, I don't need a perfect line presented on the map overlay.

Before I start a raging war, I understand this seems important to some users, but my point is that basically the GPS is accurate, even if the transfer of this data to the map could be improved.

If you read reviews from people like DCRainmaker, you will note there is always an honest representation of any flaws that are found. Will the reviewers find all of the same faults we do? Not a chance, as we all set our watches up differently and use different features. Do people like Ray report inconsistencies in optical heart rate etc? I believe they do, but as they experience it. It may work better on their arm than it does on yours or mine. I am probably a lot hairier (and definitely fatter) than Ray, so it is expected that an optical heart rate unit may have more issues with my arm.

I certainly do not believe Garmin watches are perfect. My VAHR was great, before the touch screen died. The Fenix 3HR was fantastic, but the size of the unit and the straps did not work well on my arm, as the firmness required to get an accurate optical heart rate reading was crazy. I have taken the risk on the smaller F5 hoping the smaller footprint will fit better on my arm and be easier to keep in one place. It is a risk, but I am prepared to take it, as the F3HR has amazing features. I really want the F5 to work for me. If it doesn't, I will move on.

Amiens bosmont

I mean take a look at every device forum here, and they are full of issue after issue after issue, but the reviewers seem to not have these issues.

The problem with looking at forums for the purpose of gauging reliability is that People who are having no issues at all rarely see the need to visit the forum at all - let alone post on it.

So for every person posting an issue there are likely 1,000 people happily using their garmin with no issues at all....

Also reviewers are used to using the tech which first time owners are not.


Edit: Oops kinda repeated Philips post :-

There also needs to be a sense of perspective. People who generally post here are those who might be experiencing problems with devices or might be user error.

Either way, they likely represent a small proportion of all the devices in use, but give the perception that the devices are riven with problems. If the number of people who reported issues here was truly representative of the proportion of defective devices in use, then I'd be really worried.

Snip

In the vein of the discussion you brought up, this link and article is a good read on the freebie.

http://the5krunner.com/2016/12/15/rant-2016-the-problem-with-blogs-reviews-freebies/

I, for one, think it'd be a big gigantic PITA to be a review & tester blogger but I'm glad they are there!
Can you imagine going on every run with multiple devices strapped onto all parts of your body, working out when you feel like crud but you've got a deadline coming up so that swim/run/bike HAS to happen, analyzing multiple sources of data on multiple sites and servers once you got back, then going through and comparing them cohesively?
Answering for the gazillionth time if X device is sorta kinda like an Apple Watch if you stand on your head in an elevator and count to 647 between floors 2-5. Making a comprehensive 15 minute video on the joys of unboxing multiple versions of the same core device, because you know, manuals, twist ties, and cardboard are FUN FUN FUN!! Writing a review that not only your grandmother could understand but also your geek computer code for a living brother in law who went to college for 4 years to learn it doesn't get bored can read too.
All, maybe, possibly, for once every 2 years, get a free or discounted or loaner device??
Sign. Me. Up.