[h=2]Hi, I'm looking at getting one of the above 3 watches. The 735xt and Vivoactive are now similar in price, with the 645 quite a bit more. I'm really only interested in running so don't need the multisport / tri functions of the 735. However, the 735 does seem to have more data and possible running dynamics compared to the Vivoactive and I'd really like that. However the Vivoactive is newer and has the barometric altimeter. I've heard the 735 isn't that good at calculating elevation. However, it can correct errors post race in the app? if so that'd probably be fine as I'm unlikely to want to look at elevation much whilst running, but would like it recorded post event. Any help?! Is the 735xt too old to be getting now? Or should I go with the Vivoactive 3, or really push the boat out with the 645 - which is probably too expensive for me at present[/h]
If you are interested only in running, I would recommend you to make an effort and buy the 645. It is a runner's watch, you have music at your wrist, it has a lot of data about your running activities, it's light and it looks nice. Try buying one from eBay or Amazon, see were you will find it cheaper. I recently bought an VA3 Music, nice, light watch, but cannot compare to the 645. By the way, you can get the 645 without music on it, it's a little cheaper. It's just my opinion as a VA3 Music owner.
Thanks Raul. Would you discount the 735xt? It seems to have all the running data I'd probably want (and about £100 cheaper than the 645) but I worry if it is too old (is won't receive any updates soon) and not sure if the lack of barometer is such a big deal compared to GPS elevation
Yes, the 735xt it's too old now, it doesn't offer any value for the money you will spend on it. 645 it's still a new product, get's regular updates and improvements and bottom line, it's much better then the 735xt. I repeat, it's just my opinion, you know better what you like or can afford.
My perspective as one having all 3 of the models you mention is that the 645 is your best option.
The 735 is a good watch but won't be getting the same attention going forward and will probably soon stop getting updates to CIQ although any real bugs will still get fixed.
The VA3 isn't as good as a runners watch as the 645. The touch screen doesn't work well in bad (wet) weather or sweaty hands and relying on double-tapping the screen to mark a manual lap while running is hit-or-miss. And the workout feature is nearly useless.
The 645 is the best Garmin watch for runners that I've had and I've had a lot of them. The only reason that I moved from the 645 to the Fenix 5+ is that, although I'm mainly a runner, I do cross-train on the bike and recently started to use a power meter which the 645 doesn't support. Otherwise I would've kept using the 645 until it died or a new model with some new killer application came out.
I haven't checked prices recently, but 735 was still more $ than VA3 and if you aren't interested in multisport activity (actually doing a triathlon), then I see no reason for the 735.
I do 10-15 miles of running/week -- trail, street/path, treadmill. I'm a VA3m owner and happy with it for most part. The point RTellis makes about touchscreen is valid -- if you do not lock the screen, there are also times also where you will get false swipes. Not a biggy, just swipe out of it, but can be annoying at times. Also, consider if you want to use for swimming/bike (VA3 is a bit more versatile).
I think you really need to decide if you want/need the extra metrics of the 645 v the VA3 and then look at prices.
