Fenix 6X GPS vs Apple Watch Series 4

Hello,

last week I decided to buy a Fenix 6X to replace my Apple Watch Series 4.

I ran a few times  the Fenix 6 and it is always behind in distance. I meassured the track with serveral maps (f.e. Google Maps, Bing Maps...) and the Apple Watch is always on point while the Fenix 6 is always to short in distance. This is very unsatisfying, because i bought the Fenix to have a more accurate device. 

Is there anything I can do to make the Fenix more accurate ? I already set the GPS recording to every second an I tested GPS, GPS + Glonass, GPS + Galileo. But this didn't help at all.

    Apple Watch Series 4

 Fenix 6X

  • In my testing the AW has been awful on tracks and about 2% long.

    The 6, however tracks better.  I’ll try to test this again in the next week or so.

  • My fenix 6 pro shows a tendency to shift the track to the left (worn on the left hand) whenever there are obstacles in sight. This presents no problem while running in strait line, but the more turns there are the more it gets inprecise. Oval tracks are the worst. I havent tested the Track run yet. I get better results while wearing the watch on the inside of my wrist, but it feels a bit awkward. There seems to be some hardweare issue with antenna placement. For instance, my bike rides are much better (watch facing up all the time). Situation is much better when I am out the open. I agree this is frustrating for a flagship watch, sometimes I get worse results then my old Samsung S3 (only gps and full metal casing).

  • I also noticed this shift. Although I'm wearing the watch on my right wrist. 

  • There are quite a few threads dealing with GPS issues. My 2 cents: since I use GPS devices, no matter from which company, I had always differences, sometimes bigger, sometimes smaller. The results from my 6pro are within the limits that GPS has by design. Again, sometimes good, sometimes not so good. From what I read in this forum there might be an issue with the GPS-chipset that Garmin is using in the Fenix-Series. Have a look at the threads where GPS issues are mentioned.

    I have invested in a Stryd Powermeter in order to have reliable distance and thus pace. I'm aware that this might not be the answer you are looking for, but for me that was my way around this issue.

  • Regardless of distance report does the pace feel right during the run. Whether we run 10.4 or 9.6 km/miles it really does not matter. Gps is affected by so many influences as if it’s wildly out that it’s affecting you on the run, I also fall into the good enough category 

  • Thanks for sharing, I quote unfortunately per direct experience every single word.

    I came from a long experience with Suunto products (ambit 2, ambit 3 peak, spartan, suunto 9 baro), perfects on basics features (gps, altimeter). I got my first Garmin Fenix 6X... and this is a disaster in comparison. Never thought such a premium expensive product would have been so buggy and with an unresolved problem for me that makes the barometer altimeter completely useless (spikes in quote profile that results in quote ascent completely wrong). And months of struggles (call, emails, replacement  with same defect).

    I get a rid of the brand. 

  • I will refund the 6X too.

    I know that no GPS Watch is 100% accurate but the Fenix produces datas that are way off reality. I'm really sad, because I like the look and the other features of  device.

  • So, yesterday I did a short workout 2.5 miles with the Garmin 6X and the AW using the Stryd app.  The Garmin was longer by about 2%.

    Today I reversed it, set Stryd up on the Garmin, used the Apple workout on the run, and had the same outcome with the AW overshooting Stryd by about 2%.

    Basically, it was a draw.

    One thing I will say, the AW6 is a pretty good watch.  Better battery life than prior versions and better GPS.  It won't do a 50 miler but it would get through a marathon for most of us.  You still need to charge it daily but it charges a bit faster and needs less of a fill up.  

    Garmin needs to tighten things up, and quick.