Related
Options
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Why you shouldn't buy Fenix 6 (seriously)

6215292
over 4 years ago

I hope this thread would be a red flag for someone considering buying Garmin Fenix 6X PRO. 

TBH - I'm using my watch for a few days and I totally regret the money that I've spent. I've been a VA4 user and frankly - I do not see any major upgrades with Fenix 6x PRO

I think it's a disappointment, that this kind of expensive watch (and this is just after few days):

1) doesn't have a nap mode to track power naps;

2) has an unreliable heart rate monitor

3) measures temperature in a totally useless way

4) has not working weather widgets on some faces

5) has no possibility to add a manual activity with different heart rate zones or more custom statistics that'd be included in an overall view.

Moreover - I haven't seen any issue resolved on Garmin forum. I think that's some kind of unfunny joke. You'd probably be better with some random wristband, having way more functionality, better screen and that costs a fraction of Garmin's price. I know, that I should have checked all the features, but seriously - if this is a standard for some cheap tracking devices you'd expect top quality from a high-end device.

For me, it's for now just a really expensive and good looking watch. But if you'd like to spend this kind of money - maybe some nice mechanical watch or a wristband and a lot of saved money?

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to 6215292

    You can clearly see on the graph that body battery has gone up after you've taken a nap during the day.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to weuek

    That’s partly why i’ve started this thread - to make some people realize on the shortcomings of this watch, that many (including me) assume to be complete all-round device

  • 0 over 4 years ago
    6215292 said:
    I've been a VA4 user and frankly - I do not see any major upgrades with Fenix 6x PRO

    Then this is probably not the watch for you.

    That doesn’t mean that other people shouldn’t buy it.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to 6215292

    All-round? Never ever! It doesn't even cook meals. :-(

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to weuek

    This is not true. Quick example - I took a 30mins nap today at 12 and the BB was going further down

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    This should more accurately be titled "Why I shouldn't have bought a Fenix 6" as your issues, while 100% valid for you, hardly apply to the majority of people.

    Why did you upgrade from a VA4 to a Fenix 6 Pro? What features/capabilities did you think you'd be getting that didn't materialise?  The HR Sensor is the same in both watches, for example.

    Did you look at the comparisons between the watches before you purchased your failed upgrade? 

    I went from a VA3m to a Fenix 6 Pro myself and I think the difference is night and day.

    1. Much better training metrics.
    2. Paired with the HRM-Run I bought I get much more accurate HR readings, better calculation of HR Zones which has allowed me to know when I'm pushing too hard and to slow down a bit to not exhaust myself. (Yes, I could have got more accurate HR readings buy pairing a strap with my VA3m, but not the LT calculation etc)
    3. Virtual Partner is great to try and push myself a bit harder and have someone to race when it's really just me out there plodding at 5am in the morning.
    4. The whole maps feature...
    5. Running Dynamics and Garmin's Running Power features.  Yes, these also required the HRM-Run, but they are feature still only available on the F6, not the VA3

    Since I've had my F6 Pro, the following things have been fixed/added:

    • Proper sleep tracking. Yes, it doesn't do naps, but I find my body battery does go up while I'm resting.
    • Track Running
    • Much improved BT connectivity to my phone/headset
    • Fixed up the music player Interface
    • A number of other small bugs fixed (Garmin Pay issues, backlight not working always)

    Now of course I'm biased! I spent $$$ on this thing and it's a well known fact that people who have bought something are much less likely to point out its flaws.  I also bought the additional HRM-Run and a Tempe to go with it for accurate HR, Running Dynamics/Power and the Tempe for proper temp recording.

    But I can't fathom how you looked at the additional features the F6 Pro gives you, bought it, then posted a bunch of minor niggles you're having with it, none of which (perhaps with the exception of your point 5) relate to the additional features one assumes you'd have bought the watch for.  And then you tell people not to buy it, again without a single reference to any of the features over and above the VA4.

     I'm sorry it simply sounds like you have buyer's remorse.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to johanwiren
    johanwiren said:

    Then this is probably not the watch for you.

    That doesn’t mean that other people shouldn’t buy it.

    This was my first thought as well.  It seems like there has been a large influx of users buying the F6 because it is the top-of-the-line device (ignoring MARQ) and then finding that they are not impressed because their needs would easy be satisfied by a “lower model” watch.

    For me, the VA4 doesn’t have maps, multi-sport/triathlon capabilities, ability to connect to bike power meters, and has a user interface focused on a touchscreen instead of button only.  These things alone make it worth it for me over the VA4.  For everyone else it might be different.