I am working in Qatar and starting to get fit. Returning to UK in few months when I will be excercising with machines, cycling and walking in Dorset Purbecks being semi retired. I would love the 5X for the maps and wifi. Looking on here there are still many bugs, should I go with the 5X, should I go with the cheaper (but smaller) 935 or should I consider another option. Peoples reports here really worry me as it's a lot of cash.Please help
I absolutely recommend the Fenix 5X. I changed from an other brand to Garmin, this is so far the best sport watch I ever had. Only problem I had was the "cable issue", Garmin replaced the watch within 3 working days, was quite impressed by their support. Just be sure to get the "European" version before you go back to UK, the preloaded maps are awesome, very detailed, with all trails I used so far. For trips outsied Europe you can still download free maps from http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/
Thanks again for the extra advice guys, much appreciated.
schneeleopard , can I ask why I need to get the European version. I was thinking if it was not european I would be able to change the base map and other maps to make it european. I can order from the UK and pay less VAT but I prefer to buy in in Qatar so that I canreturn it with and small issues that may arise soon after purchase. I will research the maps issue further.
Hi Brian, I was referring to the maps. They sell in the USA a version with pre-installed US maps and here in Europe with EUR maps, they are quite detailed. Don't know what maps the Asian version contains. I just assumed you would mostly use it in the UK and want to have a detailed European map. The European map also contains some worldwide maps, but not down to street level. Btw, the maps are fine for jogging or hiking, but a bit painful to use as a city map, basically just because of the small screen. If you don't mind the bigger size, I would again go for the 5X and not the other models.
Maps are also useful if you travel in a foreign city. Spent a couple of days in Vienna last month, was very useful to navigate (by foot) to sites and POIs with the watch instead of having to hold the phone in front of me. If you don't use it, consider the 5 (without the X), as it's smaller, lighter and with a higher battery life. I saw 935 only in store, didn't try it, but has kind of a plastic look and feel. If you don't mind that, it's also an option, as it's also lighter.
You should know it appears Garmin's priority is battery life over "pretty". Having come from a Huawei 2.0 with touch screen, full color, I would not plan on being "wowed" by the display or readability of the watch. After using the touch screen menu, garmins seem stone age. That being said, I bought it for sports, activities, tracking, and it's doing a good job of that. It's also waterproof, swimproof, etc, so less worries about it other than smashing it on rocks. I had to root through to download a screen that's readable, SC8, Garmins black background default is the hardest thing for me to see the data, even changing colors didn't help much.
I am not unhappy with it, just know it's way different looking than most of the displays out there. My buddy has one that will last 11 days on battery, the Huawei would need charged nightly, but wanted you to know what you're getting into. If you have the dough, this watch for exercise, a second one for "pretty".
Having said that, the minions at Garmin are probably putting the tweaks on full color rollout at CES with a big full color screen, we hope...
Not your side of the world but this is the equivalent of £453.53 in Aus dollars including 10% VAT equivalent. Seems they are on sale in many parts of the world. I bought one at the AUD$799 price as it seemed to be a very good price.
If you can get a British friend who is coming back from Aus to Britain they can claim the tax back at the airport! Even better! And it is $AUD799 on the official Garmin .au website! https://buy.garmin.com/en-AU/AU/p/552982
