VO2Max

I was very close to buy this watch, since it almost exactly fits my need, but I really cannot understand the lack of VO2Max. I totally agree on removing all the advanced training metrics, but VO2Max is a basic metric available also on the Vivoactive 3. Since I think this can be fixed with a firmware update, may I hope Garmin will add it?

Top Replies

Former Member over 5 years ago +2

I feel the same way to be honest. I think it was left off the Instinct to further set it apart front the flagship Fenix lineup. However I think that the Fenix line is elite enough as it is and that adding…
EnormoDerClown over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member +1 suggested

I think it is obvious that this will never ever happen. The watch is not marketed as a training watch for running and such and will never be. It is a robust watch for outdoor activities where it could…
4906382 over 4 years ago in reply to trux +1

It's better than nothing though I suppose. Either way it's just an estimation and not a real value. Seems like a lot of people want this as a motivation

All Replies

0 tmk2 over 6 years ago

Well, since it has been omitted on purpose, do not hold your breath.

0 Lancet_Jade over 6 years ago

Same question was asked on Amazon, answered by Chris:

"Currently there are no plans to add VO2 max estimates"

I feel the same way, VO2 max or SPO2 would have been a perfect addition to this watch.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

I feel the same way to be honest. I think it was left off the Instinct to further set it apart front the flagship Fenix lineup. However I think that the Fenix line is elite enough as it is and that adding VO2 Max to the Instinct just makes since considering a lot of cheaper watches already have it. I still want the Fenix 6x someday regardless, it would just be nice to have VO2 Max on my Instinct now.

0 4906382 over 5 years ago in reply to Lancet_Jade

spo2 can't be added through software. Needs a special sensor. By the way, there's a way to find the vo2 through runalyze. by giving access to garmin connect data. But don't know if it works well. Don't even have the watch..

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to 4906382

I signed up for runalyze just for the VO2 reading actually. There’s no runalyze app so anytime I want to check VO2 Max I have to login in on my computer. Not super hard but def not as easy as if it were included in my Garmin Connect app.

0 1517701 over 5 years ago in reply to Lancet_Jade

I bought the VA4 over the Instinct because of SPO2 and 6 months later I regret it. Garmin's PulseOx is so bad that even when it manages to take a reading it's basically useless because it's so inaccurate.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to 1517701

I love my Instinct. I’d only change three things about it I wish it could store music and calculate VO2 Max (but I got the watch for $200 so I still think it’s a fantastic deal) and lastly the altimeter port is under the watch and my sweat makes it read incorrectly. I live in flat Florida so it’s not a big deal for me but if I was trail running in the mountains I’d be disappointed.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago

I agree! I recently switched from the vivosport to the instinct. I was so disappointed when I found out it didn't calculate my V02 max, considering its the more expensive model. 02max was always good motivation for me to try and up my number, I had finally hit 55 (superior). Seems like something that could be added with an update... Come on Garmin, we want V02 max!!!!

+1 EnormoDerClown over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

I think it is obvious that this will never ever happen. The watch is not marketed as a training watch for running and such and will never be. It is a robust watch for outdoor activities where it could get a scratch and such. Hiking, climbing. Also maybe for people who have the risk in damaging the watch while working. Therefore it got designed, therefore it was made durable. It is not a "all in one" sport watch with "all the features", therefore it also costs less than others. V02Max calculation does cost licence to be able to calculate these values, each watch has to be licenced manually. the ONE AND ONLY hope (and i REALLY doubt this) is, that this will change because garmin bought the company which is responsible for a lot of metrics . But because garmin would "destroy" their own product lineup (a watch for this price and even these calculations would simple be unbeatable and a lot people would not think about getting a more expensive watch) and simple because the watch is supposed for other type of activities where v02max is simply not calculated this will simply not happen i think. The seling point of the watch is it´s durabilty and it´s navigation features for this small price.

0 dedone over 4 years ago in reply to EnormoDerClown

i really think that the acquisition of Firstbeat could change it. It's a "simple" addition that could complete totally the watch considerations from users. So finger cross and hope that Garmin will be so smart