Golf isn't listed in the specs but does anyone know if it does support the same Golf app as the 935? Can't think of a reason that the 935 version wouldn't just work unless Garmin purposely is limiting the device. It's even supported on the much cheaper VivoActive. Hoping they just aren't marketing it for Golf rather than not supporting it.
They're kind of putting in a weird niche by not including the golf app. The Fenix has it because it is the top of the line and supports as many things as they can think of and give it to the VA3 because it's a more casual fitness device that might be used by a lot of golfers. But then the 935 is the top end triathlon focused watch and has the golf app so I don't know why the fact that the 645 is supposed to be a running focused watch would mean that it shouldn't have golf despite having all of the other non-running activity profiles. Maybe it's just easier on the 935 because it shares the code base with Fenix and removing it would/could cause problems?
Thanks for the reply Joey. So your saying you can't even download the Golf activity profile?
Looks like my wife will be sitting on the side lines a little longer. The VA3 has way too many arbitrary limitations for an athlete (limited screen customization, single button) and the 935/Fenix are too big for her liking. Golf would have pretty much guaranteed she'd upgrade from her VA2, which she combines with a 910 for more serious training. No single device compelling enough for her to upgrade. Major bummer.
Seems particularly silly to leave this out in the top end running watch where you are paying top dollar and that it would take minimal effort to include. This seems more likely to lose sales altogether rather than push people into a more expensive watch. Lose Garmin, lose customer. Silly details like this are what keep opening up the window for Apple and others.
I guess the problem is in general that wouldn't it be good if my cheaper device had the features of a more expensive one.
Personally I am perhaps one of the few that is a runner mainly that is also a golfer but TBH I don't know many others that are.
If it was technically possible then perhaps more of an app shop would be a good idea. I could lose say Ski (never do it) and add Golf and even would be happy to pay a bit extra for it.
I guess the problem is in general that wouldn't it be good if my cheaper device had the features of a more expensive one.
You mean like the VA3 with Golf! My problem with Garmin has always been that there seem to be what are arbitrary compromises. I'd be happy to pay the extra $50 for the golf feature and bring it to the same price point as the 935, just to have the smaller watch. This is their high end running watch. Distinguish between running and triathlon with the 935 vs the 645. But why add arbitrary other limitations.
Main point here is that Garmin has definitely lost one sale because of this. And the longer my wife holds off updating her watch, the great the chance that Apple or someone else will come along and provide the combination of features she's looking for.
It seems that having non-core sports as an ala carte set of options could be a good way to go. The different watch models would be differentiated by how much sensor and stats supported in the core sports (run, ride, swim) and let users select other sports to fit their needs.
Impossible to please all of the people all of the time. My opinion, not that it counts much, is that Garmin really needs to simplify it's product range. It's confusing and over complicated currently.
Impossible to please all of the people all of the time. My opinion, not that it counts much, is that Garmin really needs to simplify it's product range. It's confusing and over complicated currently.
I agree with the simplifying the product range. I was hoping they were going that route with the Fenix 5 / 935. But now if you want to run and golf, you can get the VA3, F5, 935, or Approach S60. If you want the smaller size/weight the VA3 is the only option. Kind of interesting how the VA3 sort of does everything, but kind of mediocre. F5S almost cuts it but it is still heavier and has the smaller screen. Maybe my problem is I was hoping more for a 935S - screen/size of the 645 with all the functionality of the 935. Pretty sure that is exactly what the 645 is hardware wise, just not software.
As for the Approach S60, looks like it would be a great golf watch but a pretty mediocre everything else watch even though it is also basically a re-packaged F5/935 with a touch screen and extra memory for the courses.
It seems that having non-core sports as an ala carte set of options could be a good way to go. The different watch models would be differentiated by how much sensor and stats supported in the core sports (run, ride, swim) and let users select other sports to fit their needs.
I agree, I'd love to see an ala carte set of options for the watch. I run, I kayak, I occasionally ride a bicycle (but nothing near serious racing levels, just fun rides with the kids). Sometimes I use the elliptical. I tried golf in High School. I was asked to stop since I was tearing up the football field. :-)
I do triathlons and play golf. Love my Forerunner 735 for running, swimming and cycling but then have to swap watches for distance finding at golf. Daft.
