Vivoactive3. What a piece of junk

I can't believe there hasn't been a huge inprovement since I originally got mine in January. I've long since sent it back and stumped up the money for a Fenix 5 which works exactly like the VA3 should have done (and I think I prefer buttons to the touchscreen).

I am still hoping that they will get the many problems solved - in the brochure and on my wrist this watch is really nice and has a lot of useful features - it is mostly (only) software issues and the way how Garmin is handling those issues. (Are they testing this watch under real conditions?)

But you are right, Jano22222: In that condition VA3 is an expensive toy and you have to figure out too many workarounds for things that are promised or you as a user have to expect. Some people are happy with it, maybe no picky users. But e.g. if the GPS distance is too short (I now use foot pod again until this is solved), if you have sensor dropouts (I use special combination of external sensor that works), ridiculous updates without warning into nirvana in March (fiddling around with reset to factory settings) and so on - this all is very annoying.

I do not want to buy a Fenix (too big, too expensive) or other brand - this is no alternative for me. So, Garmin has to fix the problems with this one

Man that's too bad you guys have had issues. Mine has been rock solid, and I'm about as hard and critical on general technology and fitness stuff as anyone. No problems for me at all.....

Mine is great, I had an issue with stairs after an update in February, but a subsequent update seems to have fixed it. Love the watch. I have had Garmin's, Polars. TomTom, etc. This is the best, sufficiently accurate GPS and heart rate compared to various phone apps I've checked it against.

Hi there,

I was a very satisfied user of Polar V800, road bike, mountain trekking, some cross country skiing sessions and else. The training reports of Polar IMHO are far far better than the Garmin's and so also the Recovery Status. The sleeping monitoring was amazing, precise and accurate. There was the bike support in order to use the V800 as a Bike Computer. It has also an estimation of the VO2Max without powermeter..

Now I am using both Vivactive3 and Edge 520 but not at the same time in the same session (my wrist need to be free of things during my rides..) and so if I am not recording with Vivoactive 3, even if I am recording with edge520 and the band, the Connect is not able to fill the same cardio graph.. seems to be a pretty basic function to be considered by Garmin..

About the Vivoactive3 itself, it is a very beautiful Smartwatch considering its Sports functions. But these functions are not so accurate and for those who are looking for a physical upgrade probably this is not useful. I mean that I was looking for the solution how to upgrade my life manegement in order to get out from my body the best (sleep monitring, recovery status, VO2Max Estimation, training loads, etc).

Now I can say I am wearing the VA3 everyday because of its beauty but looking back to the past I wouldn't have sold the V800. As a full monitoring system it was almost perfect (but too big and not so beauty for the daily use).

I check almost everyday in order to find the Upgrade we're all looking for.


F.C.

I agree I moved from Polar from my last two watches and purchase my first ever Garmin this vivoactive 3 I've had it for 2 weeks. With Garmin Connect app loaded on my S7 Bluetooth devices such as my car or a Bluetooth speaker randomly disconnect. The SMS app always has problems I'll get notifications for my calendar or when the phone rings but text messages are hard to get and when they do show up they flash for a second and then disappear. I reloaded the app not sure if I should reformat The Watch? But I do miss the functionality of my polar it was just ugly.

I will be receiving my 5th VA3 replacement, that's right 5th replacement from Garmin today, hope this one comes from the batch of so called "Good and Perfect Functioning" watch as what other users claimed to be. HOPEFULLY...

I will be receiving my 5th VA3 replacement, that's right 5th replacement from Garmin today, hope this one comes from the batch of so called "Good and Perfect Functioning" watch as what other users claimed to be. HOPEFULLY...

So, finally received the watch.. guess what now Garmin is sending a REFURB Vivoactive 3 as replacement, anyway, i went out for a 50 min walk outside and here how it goes:

Everything disconnects all together at the same time like almost 10 times in the duration of the said activity:

The Bluetooth disconnects from the phone, HR Reading drops to 70 then slowly crawls up, Ant+disconnects from the connected sensor (Garmin Footpod), i just cant determined the interval in minute the disconnection happens because i was counting the number of disconnections...

Its just a big disappointment that this watch already showed those current issues and problems, to think that its fresh from the mail (Garmin).

Its 5 out of 5 problems either Software/Hardware or design issue not solved.

Garmin ought to be ashamed of all the problems.

It may be time for Garmin to withdraw this product from the market. The HR, cadence and speed sensor drop outs are simply unacceptable.

It is damaging Garmin's brand AND the continuing to market this watch with the connected sensors as a listed feature is completely UNETHICAL.

[QUOTE=hungrykid;n1353259
Its 5 out of 5 problems either Software/Hardware or design issue not solved.

Nobody's luck is that bad. 5 for 5? I think a lot of your problems are related to your phone and how you use/wear the watch. Yes, there are problems with the VA3. You are the first and only person I heard of going 5 for 5 with a "defective" devices with any of Garmin's products. Yeah, I know you're going to tell me how you know how to use the device and that everyone you received is defective, but I'm not buying it. One yes. Two? Bad luck. Three? Hmm, something's going on here. Four +? Yeah, I see the issue now.