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Actual speed and average speed (not pace)

Hells
over 2 years ago

I am considering purchasing a FR255, but need some clarity please. 
I have always used a Suunto but am looking to upgrade.
I use my watch for both running and endurance horse riding. My horse wears a Polar hR strap which I can sync to my phone (not ideal) or an ANT+ enabled watch, which I have done successfully with my Suunto Ambit.
But my watch is now over 10 years old and I’d like an upgrade. Not many newer smart watches offer the ANT+ feature, but the FR255 does. 
Before I go out and buy one, I would like clarity on: 

1) Could I create a Riding mode and tailor the data views to what I would like to see?

2) Can I track and view current and average speed (km/h) instead of pace (min per km)?

3) If the watch has built in HR sensor (for me), will the HR readings from a paired HR strap still be possible?

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  • +1 over 2 years ago
    Hells said:
    My horse wears a Polar hR strap which I can sync to my phone (not ideal) or an ANT+ enabled watch,

    Really?!? I never heard something like this before.

    Hells said:
    1) Could I create a Riding mode and tailor the data views to what I would like to see?

    Yes.
    You can copy any existing activity type (e.g. running, walking, …), give it an individual name and completely modify the pages, fields and so on. This is one of the really good things on a Garmin watch, in my opinion.
    You can also modify existing activities or create complete new ones from scratch.

    Hells said:
    2) Can I track and view current and average speed (km/h) instead of pace (min per km)?

    Yes.
    It is possible to define per activity type (running, biking, walking, hiking,…, other), if you prefer to see pace or speed. I think, if you set something like that and then copy your new type from an existing one, it should also work. Else change the setting for „other“.

    Hells said:
    3) If the watch has built in HR sensor (for me), will the HR readings from a paired HR strap still be possible?

    Yes.
    I am using my FR255 with external strap for running and rowing. When you start an activity (!), it will always search for the strap and use it, the internal HR sensor is turned off then.
    If the strap is not present, the internal HR sensor will be used.

    If you were asking, if it is possible in an activity to use the internal sensor for yourself (and record that in the activity) AND at the same time see the HR from an external strap (but not record it into the activity): No, not possible as far as I know.

    For 24/7 tracking without starting an activity, the internal sensor is used (unless you switch it off in the settings).

    Just one thing more: If you use the watch for yourself AND your horse, obviously all of the fitness metrics will be completely rubbish. I hope that is clear - the watch is always assuming YOU are training, no matter what the name of activity.