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Fenix 6X Distance Accuracy

Jkaser1965
over 3 years ago

I've been in contact with Garmin Customer Service about my 6X consistently reporting short distances compared to all my running buddies who use 945, Fenix 5X,  Suunto, etc.  We run a 25 mile loop and I consistently show 23.8 and they consistently show 25.08 to 25.2.  The 1st rep I spoke with said that this was unacceptable.  They checked my settings and said that I had everything set properly (1 second recording, GPS/Glonass, 3D distance, etc.).  They recommended I sync using Garmin Express, let the device do a GPS soak and then try again.  Today I ran again and got 23.8 so I called Garmin.  This rep said that this error was within acceptable GPS tolerance!  I asked what tolerance is acceptable.  Is it 25 miles +- 2 miles or what is it?  He just went on about GPS drift and it can be off 15 meters at a time.  I asked once again and I didn't get an answer.  He said 1.2 miles short is OK but couldn't tell me when it becomes a problem.

I'm frustrated!  Anyone else finding this level of inaccuracy?

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Dr Phil
    Dr Phil said:
    The reality is that anything within 10% on heavily forested trails with lots of tight turns is not an unreasonable outcome from a wrist worn GPS watch. 

    That 10% is a difference between two distances recorded by the same device on the same activity..Why these two distances are not the same? 

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to silentvoyager

    At the same time?

    There are so many variables involved that it’s just not that easy to make any assumptions about where the problem (if any) lies. I accept that might be taken as a cop out but unfortunately there is no easy answer. One persons guess is as good as any other but there is still a fundamental inaccuracy with GPS. However, I still maintain that it is has gotten better over the years and not worsened as others believe. 

    But we are all entitled to our opinions and beliefs. 

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Dr Phil

    Thank you to everyone for their input. I am working with the customer directly on the Product Support side so I am locking this thread.