Garmin fēnix vs. Forerunner
When it comes to multisport watches, you have quite a few options. As you research your options, you will quickly realize that many of your best ones are from Garmin. Garmin is a top-rated, trusted brand with several models to choose from which are great for athletes, cyclists, triathletes, and runners. If you’re having trouble deciding which to go for, here’s a rundown on the differences between two of their popular lines for triathletes and cyclists: The Fēnix and Forerunner. Many athletes end up going between the Forerunner and Fenix as their final choices, so we thought we would put them head-to-head. Garmin fēnix (Find it here) The Garmin fēnix comes in a variety of different models designed for different needs and wants and is currently on the 7th generation, but you will still find some of the Fenix 6 models on the market. Originally offered in 2012, each fenix generation has packed more functionality into an attractive design. It offers all of the functionality that Garmin puts in to watches — we consider it the top of the line in terms of Garmin multisport wearables. Garmin Fenix Options At the moment, the Fenix comes in a few main options. Within those main options, you have an abundance of watch face and band choices, all of which can be found at Garmin’s website. Garmin fenix 7. The standard. It is a full-featured wearable and fitness tracker, with Garmin’s typical 5-button layout. It is going to be compatible with pretty much every Garmin product out there, ranging from the heart rate monitor to the Rally power meter pedals. Garmin fenix 7s. A smaller version of the 6, for people who prefer a smaller watch face. The 6s is sometimes assumed to be for people who have smaller wrists, but we know lots of big guys who just don’t want to have a massive watch. A 7s is comparable in size to the watch that many people might buy at a watch or jewelry store (but make no mistake – it is a high-functioning fitness watch). Garmin fenix 7x. A larger watch face than the 6, more of a military-grade watch with premium materials. It also has some nice features like 2,000 ski area maps built in to the unit. Who is the Garmin fēnix for? The Garmin fēnix is designed for all types of athletes, especially ones who spend a lot of their time outdoors. It is an all-around health tracker, but in our experience you can really take advantage of the benefits when you are on the move outside, such as cycling, running, or skiing. The fenix is ideal for those who need a watch that can stand up to rigorous training and the wear and tear that comes with being outside in the dirt, sun, and snow, but also want a watch that is going to look good when worn with street or business clothing, especially the fenix version with the metallic bezel. This is where it has an advantage of the Forerunner, which looks more sporty and casual. Whether you prefer to golf, swim, run, or climb, the fēnix has the tools you need to make it an adventure. Additionally, some of the models come with solar power, meaning you can take it on a longer workout or trip without having to worry about battery life. Depending on which model you opt for, the bands are designed for wrists between 108 to 225mm. It’s also great if you want a slightly larger display size in a watch. What is the Garmin fēnix made out of? In order to stand up to the harsh conditions you’ll be in, the Garmin fēnix needs to be made of the best material. Each of the materials depends on the type of fēnix you purchase, but here’s a quick explanation of what you can expect from each part of this Garmin watch. Lens A majority of the Garmin fēnix watches come with Corning® Gorilla® Glass DX. You can also opt for Sapphire Crystal if you want to spend a little extra. For those with solar power charging capabilities, the watch comes with Power Glass™. Case Each fēnix comes with a fiber-reinforced polymer case with a metal rear cover. Bezel The bezel, or ring that holds the watch face in place, can come in either stainless steel, titanium, or diamond-like carbon coated titanium. Strap Garmin fēnix watches come with a variety of different strap materials including silicone, leather, fabric, suede, and metal. Pay attention to the strap material you choose. Some will only fit a specific wrist circumference. On the 6, for instance, a silicone band will only fit between 125 to 208 mm wrist circumferences while a metal band can fit 132 to 215 mm. How is the battery life on the Garmin fēnix? The battery life varies quite a bit on the different models of the fēnix. While most last 14 days, you can get up to 59 days on the 6S – Pro Solar Edition with battery saver and solar on. It’s important to note that some features will drain your battery faster, especially if you are connected to other devices such as pedals or other monitors. Battery saver mode helps, but reduces some functionality. What features do the fēnix watches come with? Designed for the outdoors, the fēnix watch comes with everything you could need while heading out, especially if you use Garmin Connect™. In addition to normal clock and smartwatch features, you can see some of these: Health Heart rate, including alerts when your heart rate is abnormal Oxygen level tracking Stress levels Sleep score Hydration Activity tracking Gym activity profiles Performance tracking Navigation and Sensors GPS Compass Barometric altimeter Gyroscope Thermometer Weather Safety LiveTrack Assistance Sports Apps and Tools Preloaded profiles and tracking tools for running, swimming, skiing, golfing, climbing, biking, rowing, kayaking, surfing, jumpmaster, tactical, cycling, snowboarding, and paddleboarding Daily workout suggestions Recovery time suggestions And more Music storage Connectivity with iPhone® and Android™, and Bluetooth … Read more