Fenix 3 hr $300 V3 $250 what to buy?

A friend of mine got the Fenix 3 HR the same time I got the VA3 and he really likes it a lot. It is quite large and about twice as heavy. Draw a 2" diameter circle for one and a 1.7 circle for the other. I would have liked the Fenix but it is too big for me. For him (5'11" and with big arms) it was not to big. Me at 5'6" and a woman. No way. He is a runner and had a Forerunner non HR I think before the Fenix.

A couple of things to consider. The F3 may get an update here and there, but I'm sure you won't see anything new added to it. The VA3 is still new and things can be added like the recent addition of manual laps. Every time Garmin releases a device they go through an early on stage of updates to get things in working order. It took about 6 months before the FR235 settled down with all it's FW updates. The VA3 will improve. One thing that keeps me from getting a F3 is the old version oHRM sensor. It's a protruding nub on the back of the watch instead of the new flat sensor. I absolutely hate the old style sensor. By design it let in too much light to work correctly unless you wore the watch like a tourniquet. There's a reason why Garmin changed. Just my two cents worth.

THANKS!!! I know F3 is bigger and heavier but not sure if that makes it more rugged or a bigger target with older tech.

Are there features on the f3hr (that aren't on the va3) that you want? (bear in mind they both can handle 3rd party apps and some things can be added, but the CIQ on the F3hr is the old version and may limit how a few apps work or if the app is available).

Also the display on the va3 is higher res (240x240, 64 color) vs the f3hr (218x218, 16 colors)

Assumptions = ____ but know (outside of hired PR) any posts on such broad, no-right-answer question, come from tech geeks like me- THANKS!!! Especially @ THK17 for brightening (pun intended) VA3 potential as I owned and loved the original VA, knew the VAHR added a WB HRM, but was just as dim and VA3 did all BRIGHT. + you solved why it rated so low and F3HR so high online- when my VA3 limited use was GREAT!!!! Sure I want the "perfect", but ROI matters and I can't afford (for now) new watch/phone every year- 3 yes- so I'm buying Assurion https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002I05VS6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 As to other features?... Wish the VA4 could make a sound and not just vibrate and "to each, their own" and my wants/need are unique- i.e."Total Gym" /Pilates machine, swim 1/2 time in endless pool (stationary swim spa against jets) and swim 5kish yard/ week in 25 yard lap pool- all so fun to track (Sarcasm intended) and VA3 HRM in water?... Not sure VA3 gears with HRM- Swim strap, https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-HRM-Swim-Heart-Rate-Monitor/dp/B012H8IRLQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1511769357&sr=8-2&keywords=Garmin+HR+swim but, I don't need it all, don't trust any WB HRM (sorry Polar V800) and HATED Samsung Gear Fit Pro as it tracked BAD as lap counter in pool when all my other Garmins have been spot on.
Any other input very much appreciated, and best from New Orleans.
AB