I think Vivoactive 3 is better than my "old" Fenix 5, because stress score without HRM and Garmin pay have. do you know more details why is better or worse how to compare?
Very good points. There's a lot to like about the VA3 and I'm very tempted, but since my primary need in a fitness watch is for run tracking it falls just a little short. Currently I'm using a FR735 as my primary device with a FR235 as a back up. The 735 is overkill for my purposes since I don't need a multi-sport function and I only use HR and cadence when cycling so I don't need power meter and electronic shifting etc. and Advanced Running Dynamics are cool but I rarely wear my HRM-Run so not a big factor for me.
A new generation of Forerunners should be on the horizon since the current generation was announced in the fall of 2015. A FR245 which is essentially a VA3 with 5 buttons instead of a touchscreen and an update FR235 firmware at the $350 US price point would have my money in a heartbeat. Then again I could also get by quite nicely with a VA3 for daily wear, bike commuting, and most runs while using my 735 for hard runs and races.
I'll probably wait to see if the new FR's are announced between now and when DC Rainmaker does his in depth review of the VA3. If he gives it a good review and the new FR's aren't on the horizon... We'll see.
Don't think product differentiation will be a problem with the Forerunner Series. The VA3 will be to the FR24x/FR64x Series what the VAHR was to the FR23x/FR630 Series: exactly nothing to compare to.
The VA3 lacks a lot of the more advanced running features that the Forerunner audience surely want (except Vo[SUP]2[/SUP]max, which addition to the VA3 did positively surprise me. But then again, it was about time!) The FR230/235 did have Vo[SUP]2[/SUP]max, TE: Aerobic and Recovery Time Advisor. Those Features came from the 620 to the 235/230. So maybe we can expect to have some 630 features coming to the FR24x series. My guess would be Lactate Threshold and Quick Stress Level Test. Maybe even Real-Time Performance Condition and TE: Anaerobic. The VA3 lacks those (and even the features from the FR23x series). And really, the VA3 is still first and foremost a Fitness Tracker. Sure, it is their premium Fitness Tracker, high-end in that category, very capable and feature-rich. But still, it is not a dedicated Running Watch.
As others have already mentioned, the VA-Series is a Jack of All Trades but Master of None. The Fenix 5, again as mentioned, ist Master of All, as is the FR935 (minus the premium look). The other Forerunner Series are Master of Running and the Vivo-Series are Master of Lifestyle Tracking. I mean, no one is expecting an Edge Unit to be a Master of Hiking, are they now? Same thing applies here. It is therefore up to anyone's self to decide which features are important. I am actually glad that there are so many different products to choose from. If Garmin had only two or three different watches, than the selection would probably be either between a too expensive one which feature-wise would be overkill for me, or a cheaper one which doesn't have enough features.
The only thing I'd wish to see would be some kind of Fenix 5 light (or Forerunner 935 light) The VA3 comes close, but lacks some of the Running Features I got used at from the FR620 and now from the Fenix 3.Well, can't have everything. I'll continue using the VAHR as my day watch and the Fenix 3 as my running, hiking and biking watch (not that I?m doing much of hiking and biking lately, though :rolleyes:). Maybe in a couple of months I'll upgrade my day watch to the VA3 (depending on reviews and complaints on this Forum - and if my better half will grant me the expenditure ;)).
Edit: Geez, sorry for the tough reading guys, still a lot of bugs on this new forum.
As I continue through my personal pro v con considerations the one thing that I'd really miss from the 735 would be LTHR. I rarely pay attention to TE or running dynamics but I use LTHR to set my HR zones.
I admit that at first glance the new Vivoactive looked like it has all I'd need (hardware and even looks wise) but further investigation revealed it lacks quite a lot of things. Like full footpod support (distance / pace with gps), power meter support (probably related to stryd in the future too since running power meter support is now worked on as a standard), full custom metrics, proper buttons, lacks a gyroscope for added accuracy in challenging gps conditions etc.
Sure it has custom workouts now and is again one step closer to other devices so it adds value to people starting out with their sports tracking, but in the end it's still far away from top of the line devices.
The items that really pivoted me to the V3 was the fact I have a Edge 820 for the bike so power meter support wasn't an issue.I wanted an activity tracker for the gym but didn't need all the expanded data an it was a step forward in aesthetics from the Vivoavtive HR. Picked it up from Best Buy this morning and I will post more info once I have used it a few times.
The comparison seems like it would be better with the 935 than the Fenix 5. The 935 has all the functionality of the Fenix (other than X) but the smaller lighter form factor closer to the VA3.
Besides, the 935 looks way better/sleeker than the Fenix 5 and is probably just as durable! :)
