My Fenix 6 does not track my current pace correctly. Splits are correct but current pace often 1-2min off and never accurate.

Former Member
Former Member

My Fenix 6 does not track my current pace correctly. Splits are correct but current pace often 1-2min off and never accurate.I thought wearing it for a while maybe it would learn my pace, but no matter what I have tried the current pace is always way off. Makes training and pacing very hard as need to wait for every KM split to understand what the actual pace was and the split pace is again way off the 'current pace' a usual 1km for me is around 5.35min/km and on the current pace it usually jumps anywhere between 5.50-8.10min/km. Very frustrating and making training and pacing very hard and now running is frustrating. Dont understand why paying so much for a watch if it cannot do the very basic function or current pace. 

  • I've noticed the same, especially on tree covered trails. On the open the pace is reasonably accurate, but once I get even slight tree coverage, the pace on the watch always slows down compared to my actual pace - the difference is typically 0:30-1:30/mile which is consistent with your observation. 

    I have actually written a script to automatically analyze a run and compare the "average instant pace" to the mile splits, and I see a consistent bias towards slower than actual pace.

    See my post here: https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-6-series/226504/instant-pace-bias-towards-slower-pace

  • Not true. I've used Suunto watches before that implement FusedSpeed algorithm. I'd say that in Ambit3 Peak the instant pace was usually spot on. In Suunto 9 instant pace was a bit more optimistic but still way more accurate than completely useless instant pace on Fenix.

    I am pretty sure Fenix does try to fuse GPS based pace with data from the accelerometer, because when I stop the pace reacts very quickly and stays at zero until I start moving. But whatever algorithm Fenix implements, it is certainly faulty.

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago

    This seems to be the case, unfortunately.

    For me, instant pace typically varies in the range of 2 min/km. This is as bad as your observation...completely useless, and frustrating.

    For many, it seems to be an acceptable solution to invest $220 more to get a Styrd.

    I find it problematic that Garmin pushes features, such as PacePro, that would require relatively accurate pace information while not delivering the required performance. Obviously, a device that is within Garmin GPS specification will not be able to track pace accurately: Garmin® GPS receivers are accurate to within 15 meters (49 feet) 95% of the time. Generally, users will see accuracy within 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet) under normal conditions. 

    Tend to agree with Former Member, there is likely something wrong in the Fenix implementation, not all products hurt this bad - SportsTracker app on my Android phone delivers far more accurate pace information than my Fenix 6.

  • GPS specification will not be able to track pace accurately: GarminRegistered GPS receivers are accurate to within 15 meters (49 feet) 95% of the time. Generally, users will see accuracy within 5 to 10 meters (16 to 33 feet) under normal conditions. 

    This is for car devices

    For watches it's:

    "The GPS location accuracy of Garmin outdoor watches is around 3 meters (10 feet), 95% of the time. "

    support.garmin.com/.../

  • Besides having a Stryd-like foot-pod, you're out of luck for the most part. Usually you'll notice that the first few seconds of a jog/run/walk aren't even registered in the pace data-field. Honestly, the best thing Garmin could do IMO in this regards is to add a rolling average pace similar to they do on cycling power: 3second, 10second, 30second average pace, etc.Would have less noise and a lot more meaningful to maintain a pace than lap-pace.

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to subra

    Wow, thanks, I did not know that.

    My Fenix 6X Pro outdoor watch has never been even close, much closer to the 15 meters I though was the spec. Would this be grounds for a refund?