Map Improvment from Fenix 5 to Fenix 6

Former Member over 5 years ago

Hi all

First post on here and I am looking for for advice.

I am the proud owner of a HR3 and have for around 3 years, it is by far the best sports watch I have ever owned. I see the maps took a huge upgrade at HR5 and I am wondering if there are further improvements between 5 and 6.

I walk my dog in countryside, ride country roads and like to plot a route, usually on Garmin Connect to build the route.

Although the 3 gets me round the map reviews I have seen on HR5 look way more detailed.

Also I am drawn to the Fenix 6 Solar Ti model 51mm - Was there a Fenix 5 version, is having solar glass a compromise on the sapphire glass, my HR is scratch free after all this time still

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0 eezytiger over 5 years ago

I have a 5X+ and 6X Pro Solar. The maps were updated a few days ago on both watches and they are the exact same files/maps. Personally I don't use the maps, at the moment at least, but I think you'll find the larger and higher resolution display of the 6X to be a real treat.

Regarding solar glass and scratch resistance, I've had my watch since 12th December, worn 24x7, and I can't find a mark on it. My 5X+ is equally scratch free, but not as clear to view as the solar model in some lights and angles.

I am happy that I choose the solar model. The titanium body is lighter than the steel versions, the big screen is totally the way to go if your wrist can take it, and battery life is amazing. Screen clarity trumps the sapphire glass of my 5X+ (and 3 HR) and I absolutely wanted to avoid yet another murky sapphire model from Garmin.

No maps, I'm afraid, but here is an example of screen clarity between the various watches. The photo was intended to capture the data, not compare screens. I'm sure I could have adjusted the angle of the 5X+ to reduce reflections, but hopefully you'll get some idea of relative clarity.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to eezytiger

That is my thinking too, if I buy another black watch it won't feel like a new one. Thanks for your advice and assistance, I guess you never get lost looking at that set up

0 phoglund_ over 5 years ago

I use the maps on my 6x all the time.

I'm coming from 5x and maps themself are the same. I use most openstreetmaps and scanned maps with the custom map feature.

I think the larger screen on the 6x is really great when it comes to using the maps and worth the upgrade for me.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to phoglund_

I am trying to wresstle the justification of paying £300 ish for a 5 over £1000 for the 6. I did think perhaps a 5 would tide me over until after this furlough stuff, do you use navigation on the 5, I did a ride yesterday using maps on my 3 and missed a turn, it did not matter too much but I did have to turn around 1/2 a mile down the road.

There was also a road closure and lack of roads on my display made it hit and miss that I got to where I was going

0 eezytiger over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

Check out First Class Watches for Garmin. They supplied my 6XPSo for £721 with a 15% discount code before Xmas. Offers do vary, so maybe 15% is not so easy now, but 5 or 10% should be easy enough with a little patience.

I went for the silicone strap version as I didn't want the titanium band, or the additional expense, so it was £849 - 15%. Metal bracelets are not recommended for activity and I didn't think the titanium bracelet and grey plastic watch body beneath the bezel was a convincing combination. I also wouldn't want the bright orange silicone strap either. :-)

£737 today with SPRING10 discount code.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to eezytiger

Thanks Tiger, most helpful