Garmin Fenix 5x vs Handheld track recording question

Hello,

I am using Garmin handheld gps units for at least 15 years. What I like about handheld devices is, when I'm on a multiple days trail. I set my tent at the end of the day and turn off the handheld gps unit (62s now). I don't have to save the trail for the day, because when I turn the device on in the morning, it resumes recording the track without doing anything (even when changing batteries). at the end of 10 days trekking, I simply hit "save the track" option and thats it. I have 1 piece of gpx file which covers whole route.

I used suunto ambit 2 for 2 years and I hated gps watches. When I was recording the track with suunto, if I accidently turned back to main menu, all my recording was gone.... and also at the end of the day, if I forgot to record the track and put the watch into charging, all track recording since the morning simply reset.

I am considering buying fenix 5, but I've told you my concern. Do I have to record each day's route at the end of the day? or can I just turn the watch off and resume the track (recording) when I turn it on next day?

Thanks in advance

0 jose.cboliveira over 7 years ago

I use a Dakota 20 and a Fenix 5 they and serve two different goals. For track record I prefer the Dakota due to the interchangeable AA batteries, maps etc

The Fenix is used for sports, of course it tracks the route but for a big trip you need to use less accurate GPS tracking to conserve battery.

Personally I believe that the power adapter in the fenix should allow a power bank connection during the trip.

In the Dakota I just turn on the unit, in the Fenix I have to start and stop an activity.

0 mcalista over 7 years ago

Cagatay yes, there is Resume Later functionality on the F5.

jose You can charge the watch via a powerbank while tracking. You just have to take it off your wrist to do so. The F5 offers 20+ hours of GPS tracking at even at 1s intervals, which is pretty impressive for a watch sized device. When combined with even a small powerbank, this means probably 2 weeks of 1s GPS recording.

0 PubBike over 7 years ago

I would be cautious about using Resume Later for very large activities. As the amount of data in the activity increases, it takes longer to activate the Resume Later function. With a multi-day activity you might start to reach the limits of the device capabilities particularly if you have multiple sensors.

I had good experience last year with a Fenix 3 on a cycle tour riding 6 or more hours a day with cadence, HR, power and tempe sensors, using "Resume Later" for longer stops during the day and "Save" at the end of the day. I charged to 100% each evening. I usually had around 40% battery left before charging. I did not experience any crashes or lose any data, however as the day progressed, Resume Later would take longer and longer to execute, say 30s in some cases.

I have previously toured with a 310XT, and with this device I quickly realised that I had to save at lunchtime and then at the end of the day otherwise I risked losing all the ride data.

For charging during an activity you have to put the device into Garmin mode as opposed to Mass Storage mode. (Settings > System > USB Mode)

0 mcalista over 7 years ago

Assuming you are charging from a USB source with no data connection (eg. a powerbank), then you can charge during an activity in either mode.

0 Cagatay over 7 years ago

Thank you for your time. I ended up buying handheld 64s and thanks to you guys, I made the best choice according to my needs.