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Garmin Swim 3 ???

kristian_kostov
over 1 year ago

Swim 2 is almost 4 years old now.
Is it expected Garmin Swim 3 to be released  soon ?
Is there  any info about that?
We wait for such device with new hardware and improved accuracy and functionality.

  • 0 over 1 year ago

    What extra function do you expect from Swim3? Swim2 works well, it has weaknesses, but if you want better HW and same functionality, there are many options in the Garmin palette.

    With a new Garmin3 you would get tons of bugs in the first year until Garmin fixes all of them. After that 1 year, you will get again a one year old "outdated" watch...

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to PG

    To be honest I love Swim 2 and it is great device, one of the best for swimming.

    But there are many things to be fixed/improved and some new functionalities related to swimming to be added.
    But the main problem is that device seems to be EOL (no new firmware updates, fixes, improvements).

    I personally wish number of things to be improved in the new version of this watch (If it is ever planed to be released):

    1. Accuracy algorithms needs some improvments.
    - Butterfly very often is registered as freestyle, especially if you are not sprinting (not only for me, for most of guys that use this device). I know it relies on accelometers, but i think it is possible stroke detection to be improved.
    - Strokes count per length is not very accurate - it always puts 2-3 more strokes per lenth (50m pool).
    - Number of lengths (distance) detection for some people with wake technique.
    AI is modern now, can be used to improve individual metrics alot .

    2. Hardware improvements
    - HR detection underwater sometimes is very weird ... not reliable, no matter how loose or tight watch is.
    - More battery time per charge (probably a new chipset or bigger battery)
    - SPO2 sensor would be great for this device too.
    - Temperature sensor, would be of big help for open water swimming.
    - Stronger vibration and sound notifications underwater. Very often pace or distance notifications are not hearable/feelable.
    - More contrast display (OLED or similar) or improved LED illuminance. Current display is visible very well under sun conditions (outside), but not well in the pool.
    - Newer Bluetooth version (less consumption)

    3. Software improvements
    - Intervals in the mobile app don't display lengths metrics.
    - More notification options - e.g. for HIGH/LOW HR, interval time (time since interval was started), time alarm ...
    - Strokes per minute field in the pool is missing in this device.
    It is one of most important metrics for comp. swimmers.


    Probably other users could add more wishes, hope Garmin to read this forum too ...

  • 0 over 1 year ago in reply to PG

    I've been wanting to upgrade from the Swim 2 for a while, to get some of the newer features like SpO2, VO2 max, HRV,  training stats, upgraded sleep scores and a whole bunch of the smartwatch features that come with the newer models.  However, to get the full set of swim features like drill mode, you have to go with Forerunner, Fenix, or Epix. I don't run or cycle. So I am seriously considering getting a Forerunner 255/265, Fenix 7, or Epix just to get to that point.  If the new Venu watches came with the full swim features, that would be ideal and they could retire the Swim 2, but it doesn't.

    Its also getting time for an upgrade to swimming features overall.  At this point we should be able to get VO2 max from swimming using the Firstbeat methodology. The wrist-based HR should be able to do it, but if not having it with a strap would be great. Same with some of the training metrics - the Swim 2 has just basic Training Effect.

  • +1 11 months ago in reply to 1488229

    This has not even reached "rumor" level. Typically, a rumor or leak will be related to some sort of leaked evidence that a new device is on the horizon. There is no evidence. Just seems like a guy writing an article based on his own imagination. And to get more traffic from anyone searching the Internet for "Garmin Swim 3."

    Along with some false, misleading statements.

    The Garmin Swim 3 is the latest swim tracking smartwatch from Garmin

    The whole article has a very strange feel to it, like it was written using OpenAI.

  • 0 11 months ago in reply to 8016151

    I think you're right and I regret it! I can't see any more those displays like the swim 2 has one and hoped for an amoled display with more contrast on a swim 3.

    Maybe it is better for me at the moment, to go with universal  watches like the FR965... Sob

  • 0 11 months ago in reply to 1488229

    This got me all remorseful initially because I just ordered a 265 to replace my Swim 2, but even considering that this is wild speculation, the differences aren't all that much.

    Most is basic latest-gen watch stuff that will come from building a Swim 3 a derivative of an existing Forerunner watch, as the Swim 2 was.  Better screen (AMOLED perhaps), better battery life, latest HR sensor.  

    Then there's some "improved algorithm" stuff for stroke detection, etc.   And more custom / preloaded workout stuff.  Basic stuff.

    Most interesting is the "integration with training platforms", which to me means being able to use smartwatches on swim teams using the Garmin Clipboard Team App, which exists for running today. US Swimming just approved the use of wearables in some races and there's a push among top tier college teams to use sensors and tech to improve technique/mechanics.  I think if teams started to adopt swim watches more it would lead to improved sales and more investment from Garmin to improve their swim tech

  • 0 11 months ago in reply to frankgalioto

    "Better screen (AMOLED perhaps), better battery life"

    This two are contradicting each other...

  • 0 11 months ago in reply to PG

    Not necessarily a contradiction.  The Swim2 has a pretty poor battery life compared with newer Garmin watches, even the newer AMOLEDs.  Best i ever got on my Swim 2 was 2-3 days, and at the end it was more like 1-2. 

    Look at the battery life specs between current gen Fenix and EPIX for instance...they're pretty similar. Or even the 265 AMOLED compared with the older 235 (which is similar vintage as Swim 2). Sure, if I keep my AMOLED always on at full brightness that difference might go away, but they're not really meant to work that way.  Also, improved battery life also comes from newer, lower power chips and from improved software with better power management....so there are additioanl factors at play.   

    Don't get me wrong, I liked the TFT screen in my Swim 2, but I've been using a Pixel watch lately as an interim solution (with the swim.com app because Fitbit sucks) and its so much easier to read the AMOLED screen on a flip turn that I am willing to put up with the AMOLED dimming stuff when I'm out of the pool.   

  • 0 10 months ago

    The Garmin Venu 3S, is the same size as the Swim 2, it's four year newer tech, and it has openwater swimming.

    If there was a hard core side by side comparison of the two....the Venu 3S is probably completely sufficient replacement for your ancient Swim 2.