I have had a vivoactive hr since it was launched and use it mainly for the notifications from my phone, the daily steps and for some running and cycling but mainly use an edge for the bike. This watch looks much better I think but is it worth upgrading to from the HR? Probably a bad place to look as you mainly see the issues listed in the forums!
Based on issues seen in the forum and Garmin's forced firmware updates with no recourse to roll back for poorly tested updates, they will never see another dollar of mine. I see no indication in the forums things are getting better. I can think of many beeter ways to spemd $350. For that price it should come with a life time supply of Advil or your headache med of choice.
I agree that forums (for ANY tech product really) aren't the best place to gauge the true overall reception of a product. Mostly the very dedicated and heavy users of a product, and not representative of the masses. So, knowing that, take all what you read here with a grain of salt.
I've had my VA3 since the day it was launched (came from original square VA then to Forerunner 230, and now VA3). Love mine. Love it. Use the heck out of it - running, biking, music, apps, widgets, tons of optional bands for it - could not be happier. Do I sweat over a few feet of elevation, or maybe some specific floors are/are not being tracked - no not at all. I mean you either walked the stairs or you didn't... Love it - great size, perfect weight, screen is good, battery is good, data works just fine for me. Get it - you'll love it. Yes. Do it.
In contrast to many complains about "this and that" I never had any problems with the watch....until last update early July. Now I am in the same boat as many others here but I am positive will be resolved soon. If I throw away the "elevation issues" that really won't make much cosmetic difference to my fitness level (58yo), I really don't have bad things to say. From price point of view it is a bit on heavy side, but the package It includes (battery life, HR, GPS, ANT+ sensors and many more) I don't think you can find competitive product on the shelfs for this same money.
I bought a VA3 to replace my old VAHR. After a month I returned the VA3 due to the many bugs and problems and went back to my old VAHR. To be honest the VAHR felt like an upgrade over the VA3. So apart from the much better looks of the VA3, I would not recommend it.
I agree that the VA3 is much nicer looking and probably more comfortable to wear. I had issues with mine and have pretty much given up on it. However, I have actually encountered more people (in person and on FB pages) that haven't had a single issue. My husband is one of them and I have several co-workers who love theirs. I think some of the earlier ones that were manufactured have had more issues for some reason.
They are on a lightning deal on Prime today for quite a bit less than they started out. That's the only way I'd justify spending money on it, otherwise, it's probably more of a gamble. It is a really nice item when it is working correctly. If you can look past the potential bugs, then it may be worth it.
I agree that forums (for ANY tech product really) aren't the best place to gauge the true overall reception of a product. Mostly the very dedicated and heavy users of a product, and not representative of the masses. So, knowing that, take all what you read here with a grain of salt.
I've had my VA3 since the day it was launched (came from original square VA then to Forerunner 230, and now VA3). Love mine. Love it. Use the heck out of it - running, biking, music, apps, widgets, tons of optional bands for it - could not be happier. Do I sweat over a few feet of elevation, or maybe some specific floors are/are not being tracked - no not at all. I mean you either walked the stairs or you didn't... Love it - great size, perfect weight, screen is good, battery is good, data works just fine for me. Get it - you'll love it. Yes. Do it.
I'm in the same boat. I'm a power user and have had lots to say about it. I've had it since the beginning of Nov of last year and have gone through the growing pains with Garmin. I also love the VA3! I tried the VAHR and couldn't get used to the heart rate nub on the bottom. With firmware 5.00 my major complaint about it was fixed and it seems 5.20 is getting closer to perfection. The elevation is getting better but not 100% perfect; I'm sure it will get there with time. Use elevation correction in Garmin connect and Strava and its not really an issue. Hopefully they give us Galileo support and I'll be a really happy user!
The VA3 is a great update, I absolutely love mine, no major issues (apart for the elevation/altimeter defect) ... if the altimeter/elevation (looking at speed/HR vs elevation profile, etc) is important to you, forget about the VA3, this does not work at all and gives very inconsistent results... A shame really for such a good watch...
