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Cracks on HR Sensor, different Models SAME disappointment

wassup_black
over 4 years ago

I have owned three different Garmin Watch Models:

  •     Forerunner 245
  •     Forerunner 645
  •     Refurbished Forerunner 645

All of them hade the same Issue: "Cracks on HR Sensor"

Inside the Forum a lot of different Threads exists, all with the same disappointment about the quality of the HR Sensor Material.
For example a short list of Topics:

My actually FR645 was refurbished nearly exactly one year ago - right now the same issue comes up again - Cracks on HR Sensor, unfortunatelly im out of warranty. Garmin support is no longer motivated to help me with this issue. Some statements like "...that were not actually cracks, but merely cosmetic marks..." are disillusioning.

Actually, i wanted to get a new watch, the choice is between Fenix 6 Pro or an AppleWatch - The clear favorite for me was Garmin. My personal hope was that this problem does not exist in the high priced Fenix models, unfortunatelly I was wrong.

To my question: What is wrong with the Quality of Garmin products? Is it realy impossible to create a HR Sensor without that damn Cracks?

And before someone comes with "do not use sunscreen"... I do not want to get sunburndes skind and I am of the opinion that a watch must withstand everyday use - even with sunscreen!

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  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I never had any issues with cracks on HR sensor, but I might be lucky... Speaking of a quality comparison (not including SW) between Apple Watch and Fenix it is really different use cases. Fenix is an outdoor watch worn on hikes, trail runs, bike rides, MTB... I think that the majority of those who choose an Apple Watch use it very differently compared to those who choose a Fenix.

    And as you mention sunscreen...  I never wear sunscreen under my watch, but on rest of my arms, and for some strange reason I'm even whiter under the watch. Very strange...

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to TobiasLj

    your are right, use case is different - and i want prefere Garmin for my sport and outdoor activities. Apple Watch is a nice powerful lifestyle device - not outdoor device. But in my opinion is the quality of Garmin Forerunner (i dont own a Fenix right now) not worth the money i need to spend. Especally the faulty HR Sensor (Cracks after around one year of usage).

    And yes - you are also right about the sunscreen under the watch itselfe, it is not necasarry to apply creme directly under the watch (my skin is also even whiter under the watch) but the normal way is to apply creme without watch - so i get the whole arm, even under the watch. But again, a material should resist sunscreen!

  • 0 over 4 years ago
    wassup_black said:
    For example a short list of Topics:

    I heard you like lists of topics:

    Another List of Topics

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to iLikePotatoes
    damn, that's a long list of issues...
    I have to read through the topics, but currently I doubt the Fenix will be the next watch of my choice
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago

    I also have encountered these cracks on the sensor  Don't know if a drop has caused it.. could be.. Even though I would expect the watch to be resistant enough to that.  I need to say though that so far they do not appear to affect the products functionality...  Even when doiing watersports multiple times per week..  Did anyone encounter a functional failure?

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    Does anyone have examples of Fenix 6 sensor cracks?  The sensor cracking threads linked are all from "over 2 years ago", and generally lack pictures showing definite cracks.  Garmin responded to those indicating they've seen and investigated many and they are cosmetic issues, NOT cracked through, AND they have replaced units under their world class customer service.  

    I've owned several Garmin watches at a time since the Fenix 2, currently have 4 Garmins, and never seen a crack.  I do take the advice to avoid chemicals under the sensor because resin is not foolproof.  I currently own Instinct solar tactical, F6 sapphire titanium, Tactix Delta and 6X sapphire.  Of course that means I rotate mine, but I use them in the typical sweaty environment, cold and hot, and have never had a problem.

    And then there is negativity bias on the internet.  Of millions of Garmins sold you would have heard of recalls or at least fitness/tech bloggers reporting their cracks.  I agree even surface fissures shouldn't happen on such an expensive product.  But it's very likely a tiny percentage of all units and probably involving chemicals that don't combine well with the resin around the HR sensor.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I've used different Fenix watches with HR sensor and never had a crack. What's wrong with your usage? Is it really impossbile to use three watches without cracking their sensors?

    Btw, joking but I think you should think about your usage maybe. :D 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Ionut
    Ionut said:
    Lack pictures?

    I think you missed one of the points...

    Pseudo-fed said:
    Does anyone have examples of Fenix 6 sensor cracks?