Garmin Fenix 3 in BM store in Ireland ?

vigos · 23-06-2015 8:24pm

I was just wondering if anyone has the sapphire model and what its like to run with? Is it too heavy with the metal strap? I'm thinking of getting one of these once I get paid and also once I find a site/shop with stock. The sapphire version seems to be hard to come by I even contacted Garmin themselves and they couldn't update me when they would have it in their online shop

Krusty_Clown · 25-06-2015 12:32am

vigos wrote: »

I was just wondering if anyone has the sapphire model and what its like to run with? Is it too heavy with the metal strap? I'm thinking of getting one of these once I get paid and also once I find a site/shop with stock. The sapphire version seems to be hard to come by I even contacted Garmin themselves and they couldn't update me when they would have it in their online shop

I toyed with the idea of getting the Saphire version, but am glad I didn't in the end. The watch face seems very scratch resistant and after a quick lick looks as good as new.

If you do a lot of activity/mileage, then I reckon the rubber strap is probably a better option. I wear my watch for 16 hours a day and when you throw in 10-15 hours of sweaty activity, I reckon the metal strap would be manky and would have torn strips of with chaffing.

PaulieC · 25-06-2015 10:19am

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I toyed with the idea of getting the Saphire version, but am glad I didn't in the end. The watch face seems very scratch resistant and after a quick lick looks as good as new. If you do a lot of activity/mileage, then I reckon the rubber strap is probably a better option. I wear my watch for 16 hours a day and when you throw in 10-15 hours of sweaty activity, I reckon the metal strap would be manky and would have torn strips of with chaffing.

I am thinking of picking up the sapphire strap so I can swap them around. Will probably wait til the next time I am in the states though.

vigos · 25-06-2015 1:38pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I toyed with the idea of getting the Saphire version, but am glad I didn't in the end. The watch face seems very scratch resistant and after a quick lick looks as good as new. If you do a lot of activity/mileage, then I reckon the rubber strap is probably a better option. I wear my watch for 16 hours a day and when you throw in 10-15 hours of sweaty activity, I reckon the metal strap would be manky and would have torn strips of with chaffing.

Good points you're starting to sway me towards the standard version!. I liked the idea of the metal band for general use, I guess I could always buy one afterwards although they do seem a little pricey ~ 129 usd

BeepBeep67 · 25-06-2015 5:00pm

vigos wrote: »

Good points you're starting to sway me towards the standard version!. I liked the idea of the metal band for general use, I guess I could always buy one afterwards although they do seem a little pricey ~ 129 usd

Believe it'a a standard width - 26mm?
So you could pick up something nice cheaper than 129.

PaulieC · 26-06-2015 2:55pm

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Believe it'a a standard width - 26mm?
So you could pick up something nice cheaper than 129.

something blue maybe

adrian522 · 12-08-2015 9:13am

On my old Garmin, the 610, I could run my easy mile warm up on the normal timer, then go into menu and select intervals or custom workouts and do that workout, then start my timer again for the warmdown.

With the F3, if I try to do this, when I go into the training menu it says "Please end current activity to enter this menu" or something similar.

Seems like a step back that you can't do this. The only solution seems to be to have 3 separate activities and merge them later or else do the warm up and cool down as part of the custom workout but I won't always know how long that will be.

12-08-2015 10:18am

adrian522 wrote: »

Seems like a step back that you can't do this. The only solution seems to be to have 3 separate activities and merge them later or else do the warm up and cool down as part of the custom workout but I won't always know how long that will be.

Can't you set the workout to have a warm-up of "Until Lap button press"?

adrian522 · 12-08-2015 10:23am

I guess I can and will do that next time, I like having my data fields setup the way I like it though and auto lap every mile during the warm up, not sure how this will work on the custom workout.

I'll try it and report back next time.

PaulieC · 12-08-2015 10:30am

Why not create the session in Connect and export it to the watch ? Include the warmup and cooldown in the session.

adrian522 · 12-08-2015 10:38am

Well, because, I'm going to run a certain route, say 4 or 5 miles and then do the session at a certain point. I don't know how long I'll be running before getting to the point I want to do the session.

I think you can set it up so that it goes onto the next part when you press the lap button but I prefer the old system of just using the normal "Run" profile, then doing the session, then going back to the timer and doing the cool down.

Not a big deal I guess but seems a strange limitation to put on when it wasn't there before.

PaulieC · 18-08-2015 12:38pm

adrian522 wrote: »

Well, because, I'm going to run a certain route, say 4 or 5 miles and then do the session at a certain point. I don't know how long I'll be running before getting to the point I want to do the session.

I think you can set it up so that it goes onto the next part when you press the lap button but I prefer the old system of just using the normal "Run" profile, then doing the session, then going back to the timer and doing the cool down.

Not a big deal I guess but seems a strange limitation to put on when it wasn't there before.

The Fenix is not based off the 610, so it's not really putting a limitation on as such. Have you checked the Fenix 3 forum on Garmin ? It's pretty active and Garmin seem to be pretty good at adding features/fixing bugs if the number of updates is anything to go by.

wrstan · 26-08-2015 3:10pm

I see the performance bundle is €452 on Wiggle today.

Anyone seen this for any cheaper recently?

Thanks

PaulieC · 27-08-2015 2:26pm

wrstan wrote: »

I see the performance bundle is €452 on Wiggle today.

Anyone seen this for any cheaper recently?

Thanks

Good price. It's $499 on Amazon, $550 in REI

Ron Scott · 28-08-2015 4:12pm

wrstan wrote: »

I see the performance bundle is €452 on Wiggle today.

Anyone seen this for any cheaper recently?

Thanks

Out of stock there now

BeepBeep67 · 28-08-2015 8:41pm

wrstan wrote: »

I see the performance bundle is €452 on Wiggle today.

Anyone seen this for any cheaper recently?

Thanks

€410 + €4 Parcel Motel http://www.burrowsgps.co.uk/multisport/garmin-fenix-3-silver-bundle-with-heart-rate-monitor.html

wrstan · 08-09-2015 2:20pm

Is there any reason why I could not pair this watch with one of my existing HRM straps and get the full functionality, or should I be looking at the performance bundle?

sconhome · 08-09-2015 3:10pm

Depends on your existing HRM. You need the newer Run HRM to get the extra run metrics of cadence, ground contact and vertical oscillation. A standard Ant+ will give you HR data.

TheTubes · 15-09-2015 2:23pm

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

€410 + €4 Parcel Motel http://www.burrowsgps.co.uk/multisport/garmin-fenix-3-silver-bundle-with-heart-rate-monitor.html

Seems to be out of stock on Burrows.

409 + 10 P&P on bike24

Even better on bike-discount 399 + 2.95 P&P
That's red, grey due in soon.

mbarr · 24-09-2015 4:21pm

TheTubes wrote: »

Seems to be out of stock on Burrows.

409 + 10 P&P on bike24

Even better on bike-discount 399 + 2.95 P&P
That's red, grey due in soon.

Grey is back in at bike-discount.de, just ordered. I'll post back how I get on

mbarr · 01-10-2015 9:47am

mbarr wrote: »

Grey is back in at bike-discount.de, just ordered. I'll post back how I get on

Arrived yesterday, ordered Thursday evening last week so about 4 working days delivery to Dublin. Can't see a cheaper way of getting one of these

Glonass · 07-10-2015 2:16am

mbarr wrote: »

Arrived yesterday, ordered Thursday evening last week so about 4 working days delivery to Dublin. Can't see a cheaper way of getting one of these

Hi did Garmin update the firmware? It has great features but lags GPS accuracy and system glitch. Have you used it aince bought it?

Krusty_Clown · 07-10-2015 9:54am

Glonass wrote: »

Hi did Garmin update the firmware? It has great features but lags GPS accuracy and system glitch. Have you used it aince bought it?

I've been through around 20-30 system/firmware updates (almost too many), so I suspect that if you haven't been through the same process, you may be doing something wrong (not connecting to Wifi/online via bluetooth/via USB cradle).

My watch has covered 2,100 miles at this stage (since 14th March). In that time, I've had two activities that became corrupted and wouldn't upload (had to manually copy the file over using the USB cradle, and run a FIT repair tool, before successfully uploading). I've discovered one bug (advanced workouts not using GPS) that was subsequently fixed in a firmware update. It has by far been the most accurate device I've used from a GPS perspective. Yesterday's track session for example recorded all of my lap splits with crazy accuracy. So unless Garmin have done a Volkswagen* (to detect when the watch is being used on a track), this strikes me as by far the most accurate watch I've used (of the 4 models and ~8 Garmin GPS watches).

*: In which case, they should keep doing it, as it works!

adrian522 · 07-10-2015 10:03am

Agree, haven't had any GPS issues with one exception when I think I started the activity before I got a GPS signal (Green circle) and as such the GPS was all over the place for the first 2 or 3 miles. (I did record a sub 4 minute mile though, so there is that!)

sconhome · 07-10-2015 11:47am

Having seen prices come down in Ireland recently, the Fenix3 & 920 are now set to go back up EU wide

Krusty_Clown · 17-10-2015 10:58am

I didn't realize that Garmin had introduced automatic sleep tracking, back at the end of March :eek:. I had abandoned this feature, as the idea of hitting a [Start sleep]/[Stop sleep] button just didn't appeal. Must give it a try again.

Also had a couple of dodgy GPS activities over the last few days, so it's not entirely without issues. Updated to 4.90 during the week. No significant updates, just a couple of bug fixes and new watch hands/backgrounds.

sconhome · 17-10-2015 2:20pm

The Start /Stop sleep is a pain. Just as you fall asleep you jolt awake to turn the damn thing off and 2 hours later you're still reading!

(didn't realise it was automatic either)

johnnywalsh20 · 12-11-2015 9:34pm

mbarr wrote: »

Arrived yesterday, ordered Thursday evening last week so about 4 working days delivery to Dublin. Can't see a cheaper way of getting one of these

This watch is being advertised on <snip> for €366.99, hrm bundle. Anyone any experience with this site? Seems to good to be true

Krusty_Clown · 12-11-2015 11:35pm

johnnywalsh20 wrote: »

This watch is being advertised on <snip> for €366.99, hrm bundle. Anyone any experience with this site? Seems to good to be true

This webpage is not available

ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

I'd give it a miss.

ThisRegard · 13-11-2015 3:15pm

How are people getting on with their Fenix 3? A mail from Garmin popped into my mailbox last night about the Fenix 3 Sapphire and I really like the look of it, but for just over €600, I don't think I can justify that.

Using Garmins comparison functionality on their website the only difference I can see if the Sapphire is actually heavier, if using the links as opposed to rubber for the strap.

AKW, or anyone, do you know of any other difference? With Santa on the way it might be a good time to replace my aged and battered 305.

PaulieC · 13-11-2015 3:17pm

ThisRegard wrote: »

How are people getting on with their Fenix 3? A mail from Garmin popped into my mailbox last night about the Fenix 3 Sapphire and I really like the look of it, but for just over €600, I don't think I can justify that.

Using Garmins comparison functionality on their website the only difference I can see if the Sapphire is actually heavier, if using the links as opposed to rubber for the strap.

AKW, or anyone, do you know of any other difference? With Santa on the way it might be a good time to replace my aged and battered 305.

The clue is in the name. The Sapphire uses different glass, more scratch resistant I guess.

BeepBeep67 · 13-11-2015 3:27pm

PaulieC wrote: »

The clue is in the name. The Sapphire uses different glass, more scratch resistant I guess.

Or get the standard version and a packet of screen protectors for €5, I can't imagine wearing the linked strap for any other than casual wear either.

PaulieC · 13-11-2015 3:29pm

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Or get the standard version and a packet of screen protectors for €5, I can't imagine wearing the linked strap for any other than casual wear either.

yeah, I can imagine the links getting bunged up pretty regularly. Eugh...

ThisRegard · 13-11-2015 3:30pm

Cheers, a bit of subsequent googling just throws up the strap, which can be bought separately anyway, and the glass. I would never had got that from the name, thought it was just the model name purely for the more formal strap.

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Or get the standard version and a packet of screen protectors for €5, I can't imagine wearing the linked strap for any other than casual wear either.

Yeah, I was thinking that although it seems like a good idea to have both a formal and sporty strap, the practicality is that you probably would just find it a nuisance to chop and change.

BeepBeep67 · 13-11-2015 3:58pm

ThisRegard wrote: »

Cheers, a bit of subsequent googling just throws up the strap, which can be bought separately anyway, and the glass. I would never had got that from the name, thought it was just the model name purely for the more formal strap.

Yeah, I was thinking that although it seems like a good idea to have both a formal and sporty strap, the practicality is that you probably would just find it a nuisance to chop and change.

< 2mins to change straps actually.

mbarr · 13-11-2015 4:18pm

ThisRegard wrote: »

How are people getting on with their Fenix 3? A mail from Garmin popped into my mailbox last night about the Fenix 3 Sapphire and I really like the look of it, but for just over €600, I don't think I can justify that.

I absolutely love it. No regrets over not getting the sapphire one, pack of screen protectors for 3 euro do the same job nicely. The smart watch functionality is really great, and the whole experience has been almost totally glitch free so far.

ThisRegard · 13-11-2015 4:44pm

Cheers, I think I'm sold on now. Seems to be discounted a bit on a lot of the specialist online retailers at the moment so I'll get one organised before they drop out of stock.

ThisRegard · 13-11-2015 7:55pm

Just ordered one from bike-discount.de for €356.95+€8 DHL fee, good price I thought for anyone that's interested.

They also have the Sapphire at €439 but not due in stock until next week.

TheBazman · 13-11-2015 9:20pm

ThisRegard wrote: »

How are people getting on with their Fenix 3? A mail from Garmin popped into my mailbox last night about the Fenix 3 Sapphire and I really like the look of it, but for just over €600, I don't think I can justify that.

Using Garmins comparison functionality on their website the only difference I can see if the Sapphire is actually heavier, if using the links as opposed to rubber for the strap.

AKW, or anyone, do you know of any other difference? With Santa on the way it might be a good time to replace my aged and battered 305.

Love mine - wear it as my main watch all the time. The only issue is that it doesnt measure indoor swimming distances correctly - doesnt seem to get all my turns.

BeepBeep67 · 13-11-2015 9:24pm

TheBazman wrote: »

Love mine - wear it as my main watch all the time. The only issue is that it doesnt measure indoor swimming distances correctly - doesnt seem to get all my turns.

You should post a few queries about that on the Tri forum there's a few users over there that could probably give you a steer

PaulieC · 14-11-2015 12:18am

You'll not regret it. The satellite lock is super fast, sometimes too fast 😩

ThisRegard · 14-11-2015 12:45am

Great, I'm really looking forward to it now. My aforementioned 305 can be like a surely teenager these days and can't be bothered to be in any hurry to get a lock. So if I forget to switch it on and leave it outside while I go get ready I either just bring it for the time elapsed, or just don't bother with it.

Plus it's huuuge when compared to the newer offerings of people I'm out with.

sconhome · 14-11-2015 1:03pm

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

You should post a few queries about that on the Tri forum there's a few users over there that could probably give you a steer

I haven't swam with mine, but found in Open water it was hit and miss with information so I wouldn't be 100% with accuracy on stroke count or that.

copacetic · 14-11-2015 8:31pm

Mine is pretty reliable indoors swimming. but can be horrendous for open water swimming. You do have to make pretty clear movements on turns and it will get confused if you switch strokes or go funny mid length.

Sat lock for me can be a little erratic if changing locations quite a bit, but usually very reliable if doing the normal routes.

Their app is a bit poor and unreliable syncing wise for me, but I wear the watch pretty much all the time and no major issues. Escpecially like some of 3rd party faces.

TheBazman · 14-11-2015 8:55pm

I swam 1500m today and it actually measured it spot on. I was a bit more deliberate with my technique which seems to have worked.

johnnywalsh20 · 14-11-2015 10:41pm

Sorry guys, 2 questions if anyone could answer

1. Fenix3 or 920xt? I cannot decide, like the 920xt I think more.

2. Fenix 3 is €366 on <snip>
Anyone ever used this website?

Krusty_Clown · 14-11-2015 11:05pm

johnnywalsh20 wrote: »

Sorry guys, 2 questions if anyone could answer

1. Fenix3 or 920xt? I cannot decide, like the 920xt I think more.

2. Fenix 3 is €366 on <snip>
Anyone ever used this website?

Then buy the 920xt. Functionally, I reckon the Fenix3 has the 920xt covered (with some extra stuff thrown in), and looks-wise, can be worn as a day to day watch (the 920xt looks like a 1980s calculator watch), so in my mind, it's a no-brainer. But if you think the 920xt is better, buy it..

If you do a search on the bargains forum, you'll see lots of negative feedback about eglob..........

ThisRegard · 15-11-2015 2:17am

johnnywalsh20 wrote: »

2. Fenix 3 is €366 on <snip>
Anyone ever used this website?

€356 plus 8 shipping on the legit website I mentioned a few posts ago.

sconhome · 23-11-2015 5:07pm

Nice update to the Fenix3 there in Beta 6.19.

Adds the forthcoming extra running dynamics from the FR630 to the Fenix3 - left / right balance, stride length and a couple of other bits. Giving it a spin tonight.

PaulieC · 23-11-2015 11:17pm

Do you have any more details on that, AKW ?

Garmin Fenix 3 in BM store in Ireland ?

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