Fenix 5 decision

Former Member over 7 years ago

I’ve been debating getting a Fenix 5 for months now, constantly looking at this forum and waiting for the connection and gps issues to subside. I have yet to see anyone say they do not have GPS issues. Obviously we all expect minor accuracy issues because these are not military grade professional GPS’s. It’s funny that all the responses from those who use the Fenix 5 for golf claim to have no real gps issues. Can I be that this only applies to running and cycling? No idea.

Given your experience with the GPS issues, would you still recommend the watch to someone looking to purchase one or would you say look towards the spring for a refresh or hardware update? There seems to be that document spreading around which eludes to a fix to the issue.

Or I could just look at a Fitbit ionic or Suunto which obviously aren’t Garmins but don’t have the same issues I’ve seen on their forums.

What is everyone’s recommendation who owns the watch?

i will use it for running, weightlifting, and golfing mainly. Maybe some biking. The looks are a big plus for me as well. The Garmin 645 is out because of the lack of golf feature and looks are meh. Vivoactive doesn’t have the best looks and I’ve heard meh reviews so why not get the Fenix 5 since I have the money.

0 mcalista over 7 years ago

GPS issues generally have more to do with the location and obscured view of the horizon (eg. trees, buildings, narrow valley) blocking access to satellites, than with the software. Golf courses generally have a good view of the horizon. Also, there are a subset of users out there who don't wait for the GPS to get a solid lock before starting their activity. Once moving, it is much harder for the watch to get an initial fix. Again, the slow moving nature of golf allows the watch to get a fix.

Why not get the Forerunner 935 - same features as the Fenix 5, but lighter and without the connection issues (due to the plastic case)

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

I have debated the 935 as well. If it doesn’t look too cheap and I can wear it fine to work and other settings then the 935 might be fine.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

Ask yourself if you want a watch fine for work or a watch fine for running. Then buy accordingly.

I chose the 935 after beeing unsatisfied with the f5. Especially in the woods the 935 is of much better use. In general the f5 is ok but is definitely not the leader in accuracy. I decided to rely on my watch during races. My decision for the 935 wasn't regretted since then. I'm still very happy with the 935 and doesn't want to change for a f5 anymore. If I have to decide today maybe I would have a look at the 645 because of the price. But the f5 is out of question.

0 openbox9 over 7 years ago

I've had my Fenix 5 since June. I appear to be in the minority population of this forum, but I don't have any GPS issues. That includes running and cycling on trails through wooded areas. ANT+ devices have been fine for me as well, at least within range of sensors mounted on a bike (and my shoe when running). I don't know, or care, about altimeter/barometric pressure sensor issues that seem to be another topic of disappointment around here. I am satisfied with my purchase and would buy it again. In fact, if it wasn't for the price difference with the 935, I would get a 5S for me wife. The only "issue" I have is that it won't maintain a connection with my H7. That was easily rectified by purchasing a new HRM strap, which I was planning to do anyway.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

Ive had f3/f3hr/f5 and won’t turn back to Garmin, mainly cause of inaccuracies of data, gps, accelometer, altimeter, cannot rely on this watch. So decided to go back to Suunto, ambit line was perfect in terms of accuracy, but too old. So went to spartan line, less features, no dog tracking or golf which I don’t care, but main sports works perfectly for me.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

0 Robstunner over 7 years ago

I've had my Fenix 5 since June. I appear to be in the minority population of this forum, but I don't have any GPS issues. That includes running and cycling on trails through wooded areas. ANT+ devices have been fine for me as well, at least within range of sensors mounted on a bike (and my shoe when running). I don't know, or care, about altimeter/barometric pressure sensor issues that seem to be another topic of disappointment around here. I am satisfied with my purchase and would buy it again. In fact, if it wasn't for the price difference with the 935, I would get a 5S for me wife. The only "issue" I have is that it won't maintain a connection with my H7. That was easily rectified by purchasing a new HRM strap, which I was planning to do anyway.

Agreed. I did see issues sometimes where I would lose a SMALL segment of GPS during a longer run, but it was no worse than the Fitbit Ionic I trialed in comparison to it. Actually, the Fenix did a better job overall in GPS than the Fitbit.