This product has been discontinued by the manufacturer. It's been replaced by the Garmin Fenix 6 Series, you may want to check out that review instead.
Today, Garmin announced their latest watch – the Fenix2. This unit builds upon the first generation Fenix unit that was initially released in the summer of 2012. At the time, that unit was heavily targeted at hikers and ultra runners. Over the past 18 months though the unit has slowly grown closer and closer to a more traditional Garmin Forerunner, even adding in Bluetooth Smart notifications late last year.
However, while the Fenix grew to more deeply cover the running segment, it lacked some of the components needed for a triathlete – such as swimming support, or power meter support on the bike. Further, it was missing the all important ‘multisport mode’, which allows you to quickly switch between sports – primarily in a race. All of these areas are now covered by the Fenix2.
But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let me back up briefly. I’ve had the device for a bit of time now, and have been poking away at it on all three sports (and then some). While the device is set to be available in March, it’s still in beta. Thus, as I’ve been doing lately I’m waiting to do a full in-depth review later in March once I have final software for the unit and can fully test everything. Like always, once I’m done with the unit I ship it back to Garmin and go out and get my own through normal retail channels.
Since the Fenix2 is beta, it certainly has bugs – like any other beta product. Thus I don’t want you to think my time with it has been perfect, but I’ve been impressed with the speed to fix the outstanding issues, and in the grand scheme of things – how few issues there are compared to other products I’ve tested at this stage.
With that, let’s dive into things.
What’s in the box:
Inside the Fenix2 box you’ll find a bit of a matryoshka doll design for the different pieces and parts (those, btw, are the Russian nesting dolls).
The watch itself sits on the pedestal in the middle, while the accessories hang out in the little box to the left. The big box to the right is simply the outer shell.
Inside that accessories box you’ll find a slew of stuff. First up, depending on whether you buy the HR bundle or not, is the heart rate strap (more on that in a second). Then you’ve got the charging clip, along with a separate Fenix Velcro expander strap designed for heavy winter coats. Finally, you have some tools to change the watch straps.
Here’s the much wider Fenix extender soft/Velcro straps, along with the screws and components to swap it out. This is primarily used on winter coats, given the additional Ski/Snowboard modes.
Next of note is the HRM-RUN heart rate strap. This is Garmin’s premium heart rate strap introduced with the Garmin FR620. The Fenix2 supports all the same Running Dynamics features that the FR620 supports. I’ll cover that later on in this post though. The HRM-RUN strap is easily identified by the little runner man icon on it.
Then we’ve got the USB charging clip. This is the same clip as the original Fenix/Tactix, and is used for charging the unit, as well as downloading from it (or to it). You can also use your mobile phone as well.
Switching gears to the watch itself, it’s a virtually identical shell as the Tactix unit, which is almost identical to the original Fenix. The Fenix2 goes for the inverted color scheme (white text on black background), rather than the opposite in the original Fenix.
Also of note is the buttons are swapped around, changing the arrangement a bit. In order to access the menu at any time you’ll hold down the middle left button (titled menu). Otherwise, a quick tap acts as an up button, with the down button below it. The light is always the light button. On the right side you have the Start/Stop button, and then lap/back button. This all mirrors the Garmin Forerunner button trends as well.
And finally, here’s a look at the back of the unit.
With that, let’s go ahead and dive in – literally – and start going through the features. Because there’s so much ground to cover, and because this isn’t a full in-depth review, I’m mostly focusing on the new functionality. The Fenix2 retains all of the existing functionality of the original Fenix (as well as almost everything except military-focused features in the recently introduced Tactix), thus, rather than repeat those all, I’m going to just focus on the new and exciting things. Sound good? Good.
Swim – Pool:
The Garmin Fenix2 introduces the ability to track swimming both indoors in a pool, as well as openwater. Taking a look at the indoor piece first, users of the Garmin Swim and Garmin FR910XT will find things fairly similar. To start a pool workout you’ll head into the Swim sport option, and then choose Pool. Note that even if swimming in an outdoor pool, you’ll want to choose ‘Pool’, and not GPS.
This is because the unit (like every other swim watch on the market) uses an accelerometer to determine when you hit each length of the pool. This is generally based on the push off the wall – either open or flip – and then the acceleration shortly thereafter.
After selecting pool, you’ll then choose the length of your pool. You have some preset options – such as 25y or 50m, as well as the ability to customize any pool length up to 149 yards/meters. The shortest you can configure is 18m/20y.
Once that’s done, you’re ready to swim.
Like the FR910XT, the unit supports the ability to customize the data fields. You can create numerous data pages (more than I can count – at least 10), and are limited to three data fields per page (you can have a single data field if you’d like). Within the option to configure the fields, you’ll find the swim section, enabling you to choose relevant swim fields. But you’ve also got fields like lap time and the like.
Once you’ve started the timer you’ll swim just like normal. The only advice I’d give (and I’ll cover this in more detail in my full in-depth review) is to ensure that you aren’t randomly stopping mid-lane to chat, or leaving the timer running if you go to flirt with the lifeguard. After all, the unit bases it’s calculations on movement – and unexpected movement (like doing the YMCA song), will impact readings.
For better or worse, the pool a few hundred meters from my house is like an open-water triathlon swim start…every time. On average 15-20 people in a single 33.3 meter long lane. While it makes for miserable (mostly slow) workouts, it does at least provide great testing grounds for accuracy of lap tracking in near constant speed-up/slow-down situations (such as passing someone mid-lane).
While swimming with the watch you can record interval splits (such as creating a set), for either current analysis or later analysis. On the watch you can display status such as current interval stats, including strokes, stroke rate, time, distance, etc…
Later on, upon uploading to Garmin Connect, this same information is displayed there. Note that there are some minor oddities in the data seen below, as things are still in beta a bit (for example, even though I swam in a meter pool, it shows up as yards, making the numbers a bit complex to grasp). Also, there’s a minor issue in that I suck at swimming.
Scrolling down further, you’ll get stroke information as well as as efficiency information. On the left side you’ll notice three intervals that I created while swimming. One at approximately 500m, one at 150m, and one at 350m. Roughly.
Now, there are some differences between the Fenix2 and the Garmin Swim/910XT. First off, unlike the Garmin Swim, you can’t do Drill Mode, which allowed you to set distances for sections where you were doing drills (such as kickboard) that didn’t give any useful data. In addition, unlike the FR910XT (which doesn’t have drill mode), you can’t setup any swim alerts – such as distance or time alerts that might vibrate. On the flip side, you have far more customization options than the Garmin Swim with the Fenix2. And, unlike both the Swim/910XT, you can upload your workout to Garmin Connect pool-side from the app. Note that Garmin is open however to the idea of adding both (drill and swim alerts), but nothing has been finalized there yet. Hang tight for the final review to see if things shift.
Unlike in pool mode, while in openwater mode the unit uses the GPS to determine distance and pace/speed, while using the internal accelerometer to determine strokes. Combined, the functionality is exactly the same as the Garmin FR910XT while outdoors. And ultimately, it’s the same openwater swim code chunks being ported into the Fenix2 from the FR910XT.
To start an openwater swim, you’ll head into the same menu to choose the ‘Swim’ sport, and then from there you’ll see the openwater option (shown above). After the unit gets satellite reception, it’s ready for you to press start and actually start swimming.
While swimming, the unit will show you metrics including stroke rate (strokes per minute), pace (how fast you’re going), and distance. Like indoors you can create lap splits as well, and, should you need to – you can also pause the unit.
While I had a brilliantly chilly swim, there was a mix-up on which beta drop was on my unit that had which openwater swim code in it, thus – my total distance data was a bit wonky (though I was highly impressed by how nearly spot on the FR910XT, Suunto Ambit 2, and a reference swimcap FR620 were to each other – all within .03 miles). I’ve been told I should have a new beta drop by the end of the week that should eliminate the issue I saw (since it’ll have the right code section in it), so I’ll re-test things again Monday/Tuesday when I’m in Barcelona for Mobile World Congress.
I’ll update this section once I have my next openwater swim there. For those curious, I was testing with the FR910XT and Suunto Ambit on one wrist, and the Garmin Fenix2 on the other wrist. In my swimcap, I was using a Garmin FR620. Just to be clear, the FR620 does not measure swim related information – I’m simply using it to measure distance above the water line as a known good.
Bike – With Power Meter Support:
Moving into the next triathlon sport – cycling, the Fenix2 adds a slew of new capabilities there, primarily around power meter support. The existing Fenix(1) and Tactix units did have a cycling mode that was upgraded after release and steadily improved upon, ultimately encompassing a fairly functional bike watch.
However, it lacked power meter support, and thus lost appeal with some triathletes and cyclists. The Fenix2 introduces power meter support for ANT+ capable power meters, such as the PowerTap, Garmin Vector, or Quarq Cinqo (among many others like Stages, Power2Max, SRM, etc…). In short: If it’s an ANT+ power meter, it’ll work with Garmin Fenix2.
To pair to an ANT+ power meter you’ll head into the settings menu and then into sensors and find power meter:
Then, you’ll let the Fenix2 find the ANT+ power meter on your bike. Depending on the model of power meter, it’ll walk you through the appropriate calibration steps. For example, with Garmin Vector it’ll follow the standard prescribed steps of the three major phases of configuration/setup (spinning at 70-80 RPM, static calibration, and then dynamic calibration).
In addition, the unit supports configuring both crank length (requirement for Vector), as well as wheel size. This is all in addition to any ANT+ speed/cadence sensor support. There, the unit supports ANT+ Speed/Cadence combo sensors, ANT+ Speed-only sensors, and ANT+ Cadence-only sensors. It does not support any Bluetooth Smart sensors of any sort.
Once you’ve got everything all paired up you’ll probably want to configure some relevant data screens. Certainly, for cycling that’d likely be data fields including distance, speed (either in MPH or KPH), and ascent. For power meter users, you have a slew of new options there as well. Here are the current power meter fields available as written in the unit (subject to change of course):
% FTP, AVG BAL, AVG PWR, BAL, BAL 10S, BAL 30S, BAL 3S, IF, KILOJOULES, LAP BAL, LAP NP, LLAP NP, LLAP PWR, MAX LAP PWR, MAX PWR, NP, PDL SMOOTH, POWER, PWR 10S, PWR 30S, PWR 3S, PWR ZONE, TORQUE EFF, TSS, WATTS/KG
BAL = Balance, AVG = Average, FTP = Functional Threshold Power, IF = Intensity Factor, LLAP = Last Lap, PWR = Power, PDL SMOOTH = Pedal Smoothness, TORQUE EFF = Torque Efficiency, TSS = Training Stress Score
The TSS/NP/IF metrics come from TrainingPeaks, and align to what’s displayed on TrainingPeaks and Garmin Connect. Those also roughly align to other metrics called other names by other companies.
Note that of course you don’t need a power meter (or any ANT+ sensor) to use bike mode with the Fenix2. In this case, I’m merely pointing out some of the newer features. Within my full in-depth review I’ll cover the functionality more broadly. But just to put it in context, I used cycling mode this past weekend while bumbling around Barcelona on what were effectively beach cruiser bikes for a few hours. Here, my map:
(The little squiggles in the one section is where I stopped and had hot chocolate)
Like all sports within the Fenix2, you can configure up to three data fields per page, and up to dozens of pages per sport. And, like all sports, in cycling mode you’ll save your data for upload later – either via plugging it in, or via phone. And, you can also do Live Tracking as well (just not with ANT+ sensors recording/enabled). But more on the Live Tracking in a bit.
Run – With Running Dynamics, VO2Max, and Race Predictor:
The Fenix2 adds almost all of the features found on the new Garmin FR620 from a running dynamics and run ‘coaching’ standpoint. The first part, what Garmin calls ‘Running Dynamics’, capture movements that are part of your running stride. These metrics are captured via the Garmin HRM-RUN strap, which is compatible with the Fenix2. This ANT+ heart rate strap is compatible with any ANT+ unit, but only the FR620 and Fenix2 can capture the additional running dynamics pieces that are transmitted from the heart rate strap to the watch.
Today, that includes the following metrics:
Cadence: Total steps per minute – this has previously been available on the footpod, but this brings it internal to the HR strap Vertical Oscillation: This is measuring the ‘bounce’ in a runners torso within each step. This is vertical motion, measured in centimeters. Ground Contact Time: How much time your foot spends touching the ground, measured in milliseconds
Now, cadence can also come from the ANT+ footpod as well. And in addition, with the Fenix2 (like the original Fenix in a recent update), can also determine cadence from the unit without a footpod (indoors/outdoors). Further, the Fenix2 also retains the recent change to the Fenix adding the ability to get pace & distance information from the wrist indoors without a footpod. While I haven’t yet re-tested the Fenix2 indoors from an accuracy standpoint, I’m hesitant to assume it’ll be any more accurate than my recent tests of the Fenix indoors with the beta firmware there (which showed speed accuracy was variable).
These metrics are shown on the unit itself on a new Running Dynamics data page that you can enable. It mirrors what you’d see on the FR620, even including the little gauge along the top, which is done with the dots, indicating where you are performance-wise:
Afterwards, on Garmin Connect, you’ll see the Running Dynamics metrics there. You can see them here for my half-marathon:
Like with the FR620, there isn’t a ton of detailed guidance yet on what to do with the data. Some areas such as cadence are well understood – but beyond that I suspect it’s going to be some time until sport scientists have enough data from enough people to really give clear-cut messaging here.
Moving beyond Running Dynamics, the unit adds additional running coaching type features, all of which are found on the FR620, and one of which is found on the FR910XT (Training Effect):
VO2Max Estimation: This utilizes information from the heart rate strap and heart rate variability (HRV) to determine a VO2Max estimation. This is then displayed following each run.
Race Predictor: Race Predictor uses simple lookup tables to take your VO2Max combined with age/gender and determine ‘best possible’ race times.
Recovery Advisor: Recovery advisor gives you the estimated time until your next hard workout. This counter is always available on the watch to see how much time is left.
Training Effect: Training Effect provides a score of a given workout and how impactful that workout was on your body.
To be clear on race predictor, it doesn’t take into account your actual training. It simply does a lookup on a chart comparing your VO2Max with gender/age to known potential race results. It’s purely a ‘best case scenario’. I’ve found it fairly close, but not 100% on the mark.
All of these metrics are shown on the watch, as well as uploaded to Garmin Connect. On the watch, you can access them via the menu system at any time:
And later, on Garmin Connect they’re shown in a few different places. The Training Effect score is shown on the activity itself, while the VO2Max score is shown on the dashboard.
Beyond the Running Dynamics and coaching-related features, the Fenix2 contains both workout and interval functionality, allowing you to create workouts via Garmin Connect and then download them to the unit wirelessly (or, via USB). For example, I created this simple workout here on Garmin Connect, and then later pushed it to the Fenix2:
Here it is on the Fenix2. In this case, the unit will walk me through the different portions of the workout, displaying my targets for each section.
Now, there are some items to be aware of when it comes to the FR620 (or FR910XT) and the Fenix2. For example, the Fenix2 doesn’t contain a Virtual Racer mode like the FR910XT contains (which allows you to race against past/other efforts). It does contain the Virtual Partner however, so you can race against a virtual pace, seeing how far ahead/behind you are with respect to time/distance.
On the Fenix2 side, the unit doesn’t allow both concurrent ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart, which means that you have to choose whether to connect an ANT+ device such as a heart rate strap, or do Bluetooth Smart driven Live Tracking.
And finally, unlike both the FR620/FR910XT, the Fenix2 is limited to 3 items per screen page. But on the flip side, the Fenix2 can have a heck of a lot more screen pages. And the Fenix2 has all the Running Dynamics/coaching/Bluetooth features that the FR910XT lacks.
Multisport Mode:
Perhaps the most critical addition for the Fenix2 is the multisport mode – at least from the perspective of a triathlete. Without such a mode, I don’t believe a multisport watch is really…well…a multisport watch. Multisport mode allows you to quickly shift from one sport to the next. For example, from swim to bike to run, and to record the transition times in between them (just like you would in a race).
The Fenix2 supports the ability to customize which sports are included in your multisport mode lineup. For example, you could do the traditional Swim/T1/Bike/T2/Run arrangement, or, you could also do Skiing/Cycling/Paddling (like some adventure races).
To configure Multisport you’ll simply head into the sport menu and then select which sports you want to use. You can choose any sports that you’ve configured in the watch:
You’ll also have the option to enable transition recording times as well:
Once you’ve started things, it’s mostly business as normal from an activity standpoint. The data pages will show up for each sport as you’ve previously configured them.
In order to switch between sports you’ll simply press the ‘Lap’ button (lower right). As you do so, the unit will show you the total time, and then the individual sport you’re in. You’ll simply continue this pattern until you’ve completed the multi-sport activity.
Note that the Fenix2 will create a single multisport .FIT file, and then upon upload to Garmin Connect, it’ll show as separate activities (Swim/Bike/Run). Also note that the Fenix2 doesn’t have a quick-release kit for it – unlike the FR910XT, so it’s a watch that will remain on your wrist from start to finish, across all three sports.
Live Tracking and Mobile Phone Uploads:
Today, Garmin is launching a bunch of app updates and introductions. To start, they’re updating the Android app which will enable uploads from the Garmin FR220/FR620/Fenix/Fenix2/Tactix (via Bluetooth Smart), in addition to the existing Edge 510/810 units. On the iOS side, they’ll be releasing an update today that adds uploading support for the Fenix/Fenix2/Tactix to the already existing support for the FR220/FR620/Edge 510/Edge 810. Beyond all that, the apps will support Vivofit as well (today as well). [Update, later in the day: Garmin has clarified that the Android update for today will not include the Fenix/Fenix2/Tactix support, that got slightly delayed, but is still planed for Q1]
I didn’t have a chance to look at the new app prior to today, but Garmin sent over a few screenshots of how things look. I’m sure within a few hours we’ll all have a chance to dig in more deeply (remember, it may take a few hours to show globally, once it’s released today). Above, you can see the refreshed UI for iOS, which has a much more iOS7 looking feel to it.
The functionality of the Fenix2 connected with the mobile applications matches that of the Garmin FR220/FR620, which enables the following scenarios:
Live Tracking: You can transmit your current location and track history to a shared site that allows friends/family/etc to follow your progress.
Uploading of completed activities: Following an activity, the Fenix2 will automatically upload the workout using your phone to Garmin Connect.
Downloading of workouts: Fenix2 can download workouts that are created on Garmin Connect via your phone. Those workouts can then be executed on the watch (such as zone/pace instructions)
Downloading of satellite data: This speeds up initial acquisition of the satellites, and can reduce the time to satellite acquisition to a few seconds. Pretty cool stuff.
Notifications via Bluetooth Smart: This provides the ability on the watch get text messages, tweets, and anything else you’d like. As long as an app notifies, the watch notifies you…instantly.
All of these items require that you have a Bluetooth Smart capable device – either iOS or Android. On Android, that’s Android 4.3 or higher, and on iOS that’s an iPhone 4s or newer (or 3rd generation iPads or later). Previous phones won’t work. Do note that on the live tracking piece, you MUST have your phone on you. It can’t be sitting at home, since the connection between the device and the phone only can span a few meters. The phone is acting as the conduit to the internet. For more details on how the Live Tracking piece works, check out my FR620 In-Depth Review, where I cover it in detail.
As part of my final Fenix2 In-Depth Review, I’ll validate how the revamped app works and include details on it there.
Of course, some features don’t require the app at all. In addition to tracking and uploading of data you also have the ability to get notifications from your mobile phone for various events. For example, anything that my iPhone sends to the notification center can be sent to the watch. Be it a new text message notification, or a posting on Facebook. These are configured through Bluetooth settings menu after pairing the watch via the standard Bluetooth control panel.
Now, there is one limitation here. The way the Fenix/Fenix2/Tactix unit is designed, the communications chipset inside of it can only connect over either Bluetooth or ANT+ at one time. It can’t do both concurrently. Thus if you enable Bluetooth Smart notifications, you’re effectively disabling ANT+ sensor support (i.e. heart rate straps, cycling sensors, etc…).
When you configure notifications you have the option to specify if it’s turned on: All The Time, Only In Activities, Only When Not In Activities, or Off.
Obviously, when you turn it on depends on what you care about. If you don’t care about ANT+ sensors, then that’s not a big tradeoff. For me personally, sensors are a big deal, and thus, that matters to me quite a bit and is a tough tradeoff to swallow.
Ultimately, this limitation isn’t something that will be changed through software. It’s a physical hardware limitation.
Hiking & Navigation:
The Fenix2 line carries through all of the existing features of the original Fenix from a navigation and hiking standpoint – nothing has been cut or changed there.
This means you still have the ability to program in waypoints, follow tracks and other magnetic compass driven items. You can do this via downloading courses from Garmin Connect to the unit, as well as inputting the waypoints directly on the unit.
I’ll cover this section in much more detail in the final review, but by and large nothing has changed in this area (either positive or negative), so to get an understanding of how things work you can hit up my Garmin Tactix or original Garmin Fenix reviews – since the functionality is identical there. My Tactix review is only a few months old, so things are generally spot-on, whereas the original Fenix review is a bit older and some newer features have since been added.
Garmin VIRB Support:
Just a quick item to note that like the Fenix and Tactix, the Fenix2 includes the ability to control the Garmin VIRB action camera, both for video, as well as for still photos. I covered this within my Garmin VIRB In-Depth Review, so you’ll want to swing over to that for more details for now.
Ski/Snowboard Mode:
I previewed this when it first came out last year, but since then Garmin has been chugging away adding a number of features in this area. Since skiing wasn’t on my plate the last few weeks, I haven’t had a chance to test it. Nonetheless, here’s the low-down on the core features, which is known as ‘Ski-Board’ mode in the menu.
Ski Mode Run Detection: Each time you get off the lift and start to ski, it’ll automatically create a new lap within the unit. In addition, there is a run counter, which shows you how many runs you’ve completed.
3D Speed and Distance: As I covered in my post last year, this mode takes into account the horizontal and vertical components within the speed and distance calculations – basically accounting for the drop in vertical.
Ski Mode Auto Pause: This will automatically pause the time and distance of the track file when you are sitting on a ski lift.
Ski Pages Know When On Lift: While on the lift, the unit will automatically switch to showing you stats about your last run, rather than just stats about the chair lift.
Beyond these core features they’ve also added in more ski-specific data fields, such as total vertical drop and run-specific details around max speed, vertical drop, etc….
As you noticed at the very beginning of this post, the unit includes a fabric extender strap – which is specifically designed to fit over bulkier winter jackets, typically worn while skiing or snowboarding (unless you’re in Dubai of course).
Hopefully I’ll be able to get in some slope time here in the near future to dig into this a bit more before the final in-depth review.
Random notable items that didn’t fit:
Garmin Fenix2 Skiing and Snowboarding Mode
If you’re a previous user of the Fenix/Tactix watch, you may make note of a few little changes on the platform. Most of these are minor, but definitely worthwhile point out.
1) The Layout Is Different: Astute Fenix/Tactix users will note that the layout of the buttons is different, and thus, so are some navigational aspects within the menus. I still catch myself up a bit, but it’s not too bad – and aligns more closely with the existing Forerunner lineup than the previous Fenix lineup.
2) You can opt to ‘Resume later’ an activity: This could be useful if you’re on a multi-day hike and want to keep the same track the entire time. This way you can basically save it, and come back to finish it some other time/day. This is also useful if the watch happens to run out of juice (or crash), in that the watch will resume the activity (this saved me once already).
3) Custom Sports and Profiles: The only feature that has been ‘reduced’ in the watch is the ‘Profiles’ concept, which allows you to customize and create profiles endlessly. Now, they’ve shortened it down to a bunch of pre-populated profiles with settings that make sense, as well as three fully custom profiles that you can tweak. For example, you could make a stand-up paddle boarding profile (SUP), if you’d like. The default included sport profiles are:
1) XS Ski
2) Ski-board
3) Mountaineer
4) Hike
5) Navigate
6) Trail Run
7) Run
8) Bike
9) Swim > Openwater, Pool
10) Workout
11) Indoor > Run, Bike, Custom, Workout
12) Multisport
13) Custom (1/2/3)
4) The backlight is red: While the backlight on the Tactix was green, the backlight on the Fenix2 is a red color, like the D2 aviation watch.
I’ll continue to add little items in here as I stumble onto them, and of course will include a more comprehensive listing if I find more, as part of the In-Depth Review.
Comparison Tables:
Before we wrap things up I’ve put together the comparison charts of all the features of the Fenix2 and original Fenix, compared to the Garmin FR910XT, and Suunto Ambit 2 (closest competitors). You can of course create your own comparison tables using this link with any of the products I’ve previously reviewed, such as adding in the new Polar V800, which is Polar’s upcoming tri watch for April.
The tables are updated dynamically and thus if/when things change that’s represented automatically in this section. And again, remember you can create your own charts easily here with any product you’d like.
My initial thoughts on the unit:
Overall, the changes are a really sweet step forward for the Fenix product line. The team behind the product has continued to evolve the original Fenix unit over the course of the past ~20 months, adding in more features than any other Garmin team I’m aware of (and that’s before today). Today’s announcements of the Fenix2 make it quite appealing for the triathlete, ultimately putting it in the same camp now as the Ambit2…but cheaper.
There’s a few things that the Fenix2 does that the Ambit2 doesn’t – namely around Running Dynamics and Bluetooth upload/download/Live Tracking support, as well as deeper power meter support. On the flip side, for those who like extensibility, the Ambit2 includes the Ambit App Zone, which offers tons of bite-sized apps to fill the gaps for various functions.
In many ways though, I do see the Fenix2 as a bit of a Garmin portfolio stop-gap for the season. After all, it’s effectively taking existing hardware (with some very tiny tweaks) and extending out the functionality to match that of a combined FR910XT and FR620, as best as the existing Fenix hardware platform allows. And, for the most part, they get about 95-98% of the way there. Obviously, there’s an absolute crapton of navigation/hiking/skiing/mountain related features not found in the FR910XT/FR620 – so simply looking at combining those two watches isn’t accurate. And ultimately, there are so many features that prior to today, all those features were its own watch by itself (the original Fenix).
Because the unit I have from a software standpoint isn’t quite done yet (albeit close), I’ve held off on making this any sort of full In-Depth review. Once the final firmware is buttoned up in the March timeframe, expect a full in-depth review there. Obviously, as part of that I’ll be focusing on all the usual items, including swim/bike/run accuracy. Thus, I can’t quite make a final determination or recommendation on the unit until that happens. Assuming however that everything continues to chug along nicely, then I’d say it makes for a very solid spring contender.
Until then, hopefully this bridges the gap a bit to answer questions. Thanks for reading!
FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions:
Here’s my attempt at answering the most commonly asked questions that I expect to get, or see down below in the comments. I’ll update this as time goes along.
When’s your Fenix2 In-Depth Review coming out?
Once the final software is available and I’ve been able to cover all the test scenarios (swim/bike/run/hike/etc…). Currently Garmin is targeting March, thus, I’ll be targeting March.
When will Garmin release the Fenix2, and how much does it cost?
This is currently targeted for “March 2014”, which, could well mean mid-March or March 31st. Remember that’s the date it’s shipped to retailers, not necessarily the date it’ll end up in your hands. I’d be highly skeptical of any retailer that’s giving you an exact date.
The cost is $399 for the base unit, and $449 for the unit with the HRM-RUN heart rate strap. In general, if you plan to buy the HR strap later, you’ll want to buy it upfront, since you’ll save about $30-$40 on the HRM-RUN strap. Remember that the Running Dynamics pieces only work with the HRM-RUN.
Does the Fenix2 need a footpod for indoor/treadmill use?
No, it has a built-in accelerometer which automatically tracks pace/distance/cadence – and displays/records all those values. In fact, it’ll also calculate cadence outdoors as well, from just the watch.
But how accurate is that method?
Other units have done this successfully (Bryton Cardio 60, Garmin FR220/FR620, Garmin Fenix/Tactix, TomTom Runner/Multisport, etc…), but it’ll be part of my full in-depth review to show comparisons with traditional sensor data on the same run. In the case of the original Fenix and FR220/FR620 had mixed results.
How long does the battery last?
The Fenix (and Fenix2) has a few modes. They range from 1-second capture rates to UltraTrac mode, which reduces the capture time and allows upwards of about 50hours of GPS-on time. In GPS-off mode (regular watch mode), it can operate for many weeks. However, in Bluetooth Smart mode the battery is significantly reduced.
Is the unit fully waterproofed?
Yes, it’s waterproofed to 50-meters.
Will the HRM-Run work with other Garmin devices, will they update the Garmin FR910XT?
At present, it only works with the FR620 and Fenix2. All other units will just see it as a regular ANT+ HR strap without any of the new features. I suspect over time we’ll see that expand to both other new products as well as other uses, but I do not expect to see it ported to existing older products. At last discussion there are no plans to add support for it to the FR910XT.
I have a Garmin FR910XT, should I go and get the Fenix2?
Well, it’s probably first important to note that the Fenix2 is made by a different team/organization within Garmin than the Forerunner team. Like going to the milk aisle vs the cereal aisle at the grocery store, even though they both play together – they’re totally different. As such, the units have different ‘styles’ to the menu’s and how they operate. The Fenix2 is really a much more powerful in the advanced user department if you’re navigating, but it’s also a bit more complex to operate than some of Garmin’s Forerunner watches (though, it’s definitely improved from the Fenix/Tactix). One thing I’d look at is deciding whether or not having concurrent ANT+ and Bluetooth functionality is important to you (i.e. heart rate data while Live Tracking is enabled).
So you’re telling me that the Fenix2 isn’t the long-desired Garmin FR910XT replacement?
Correct. Don’t expect another triathlon unit this triathlon season from Garmin.
I’m looking at the Ambit 2/2s and the Fenix2, which one should I get?
Well, that’s tough. They both have very similar feature-sets. The core differences is that the Ambit 2/2s supports some custom apps being loaded, while the Fenix2 has a bit more functionality when it comes to hiking and sports like skiing. Further, the Fenix2 has Bluetooth Smart capabilities for Garmin Connect wireless uploads.
Ok, I’m purely a runner, should I get the Fenix2 or the FR620?
If you’re mainly running on pavement, I’d probably go FR620. If however, you’re running in the woods and doing trail running or cases where a barometric altimeter matters, then going with the Fenix2 makes more sense. Obviously, if you’re doing any sort of navigation-type scenarios, then go with the Fenix2.
Wait, what about Polar and their upcoming V800?
Polar has a very solid contender coming up, but, since it’s not yet here it’s hard for me to make a clear cut recommendation. There’s a lot of great looking features there, but there’s an equal number of features that don’t have a specific timetable for implementation (meaning, it could be April, or it could be August or December). Thus, I’m going to wait for that egg to hatch to decide how it fits into the competitive landscape.
Will the original Fenix see a price drop?
Yes, that should start taking effect today (Feb 20th), depending on which country you’re in. Further details once the new pricing becomes widely available. [Update: Yes, it’s now $299, $100 off. See this post for more details on the price drop.]
But why haven’t you compared it to the Garmin FR220 or the TomTom Multisport?
Because those cost half as much, end of story. You can however add them to the comparison charts on the product comparison tool (see sidebar).
Can you invert the screen colors?
No, the unit only offers white text on black background. There is no way to invert the colors.
Is it harder to read the colors of the screen now?
Actually, no, not really. It’s simply much harder to photograph them. A lot harder. But to the eye, no, I don’t find it really that much different (then again, I’m lucky in that I have really good eyesight). As a personal preference, I prefer black text on white – but that may simply because I have to take picture of them. And, on average, it takes a lot more pictures to get a good shot with white on black than black on white.
As for why Garmin made the transition – I’ve gone back and asked for a bit of comment/history there.
Does the Fenix2 connect to Bluetooth Smart sensors?
No. While it has Bluetooth Smart in it, it’s only being leveraged to connect to the phone, and is not architected to connect to sensors. It can only connect to ANT+ sensors, which include the following sensor types: ANT+ Cycling Power Meter, ANT+ Heart Rate, ANT+ Cycling Speed/Cadence Combo sensor, ANT+ Cycling Speed-only sensor, ANT+ Cycling Cadence-only sensor, ANT+ Tempe temperature sensor, ANT+ Chirp geocaching sensor, ANT+ Running Footpod, ANT+ enabled VIRB action camera.
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Hopefully you found this review useful. At the end of the day, I’m an athlete just like you looking for the most detail possible on a new purchase – so my review is written from the standpoint of how I used the device. The reviews generally take a lot of hours to put together, so it’s a fair bit of work (and labor of love). As you probably noticed by looking below, I also take time to answer all the questions posted in the comments – and there’s quite a bit of detail in there as well.
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Product
2014 Summer Recommendations: Running Watches
2014 Summer Recommendations: Triathlon Watches
2014 Winter Recommendations: Running Watches
August 2014 Garmin Sale
Left/Right Capable Bike Computers
Thanks for reading! And as always, feel free to post comments or questions in the comments section below, I’ll be happy to try and answer them as quickly as possible. And lastly, if you felt this review was useful – I always appreciate feedback in the comments below. Thanks!
Finally, I’ve written up a ton of helpful guides around using most of the major fitness devices, which you may find useful in getting started with the devices. These guides are all listed on this page here.
I too am just about to buy, although I might delay my purchase (of the Ambit2) to see the full review. However, still leaning towards the Ambit for my needs. Main focus is ultrarunning, and while the Fenix was supposed to be a great watch for that, the vast majority of ultra-users’ reviews ranged from “It works, but has a ton of shortcomings” to “complete disaster of a watch.” Granted, those issues may have been fixed in firmware by now, but that’s what kept me away from the Fenix 1.
Since I don’t care about BTLE, my main issues with the Ambit2 are:
a) moving to Movescount. not a huge deal, but would prefer to stay on Training Peaks (and I’m not going to go through any acrobatics to get Ambit data to TP)
b) Suunto/Ambit data point limit on uploaded routes is 1,000 points. That may sound like a lot, but on a 120 mile remote trail race… you want every darn data point you can get to stay on course.
For me to choose the Fenix 2, it would have to do two things: prove to me that it doesn’t suck as most of the ultra reviews have for the Fenix 1, and take more than 1,000 data point track upload for route following (which I think it does).
I have the Suunto Ambit 2 and a Garmin Forerunner 305. I thing the Suunto is very easy to use, but it annoys me that it doesn’t work with Training Peaks. I’ll be purchasing either this new watch or the 910xt.
Movescount isn’t awful, although, it does take some getting used to. Especially when so familiar with Garmin Connect, etc.
I do like that you can change all your screens online and set up your watch online and then just sync the watch with the Suunto. Maybe that’s possible with the new Garmin’s, I just don’t know. I guess it’s good and bad. If you’re out hiking and realize you want to change the setup for something on your Suunto, I’m not sure if you can or if you just have to wait until you get back. The apps that you can add are pretty cool though.
Thanks for the pre review !! can’t wait for the full !!!
I am a runner having a 310XT and a fenix, and I’m always thinking on how my screen configuration can be used the best way. May I ask you your favorites screen config (for running) with 3 (fenix/fenix2) and 4 (FR205, FR310) “cases” in each screen ?
I would love to get ski run laps and 3D speed data from activity files generated by an Edge 500 or FR220. Do you know of any apps or web sites that will examine FIT files and generate a new FIT/GPX file with ski run (as lap) and 3D speed data?
As Garmin knows how to do this in the Fenix/Fenix2, it would be nice to see it incorporated into Garmin Connect for activities marked as resort or backcountry skiing.
Yup, no issues there with the little breadcrumb trail. I just simply ran out of time to include all that kind of stuff, but will definitely do that in my full in-depth review.
“Ultimately, this limitation (only connect over either Bluetooth or ANT+ at one time) isn’t something that will be changed through software. It’s a physical hardware limitation.”
Until this, the Fenix 2 sounded interesting. But now it’s no longer an issue.
Same here…Love everything about this watch from what I’ve read here but the ant+/livetracking thing is a deal breaker for me :-(
I’m baffled why they’ve got the two working together in the new forerunners but not in the fenix.I realise they come from different departments within Garmin but it seems like a pretty glaring omission to me…
Very nice … the only missing feature which keeps me from getting it, is wifi capabilities like the Forerunner 620 has … I don’t want to miss that anymore …
Nice preview. Seems like a great addition to Garmin line-up. On the ANT+/BT connectivity, it seems that Live Tracking will work ONLY with no ANT+ data, right?
On the same subject, when you finish an activity, is there any automatic process to “close” the ANT+ sensors, and connect through BT for uploading, or is it a manual procedure?
Finally, do you know if Garmin is planning to include additional upload destinations? I understand that they want us to us Garmin Connect instead of TP, but having at least e-mail or Dropbox would help a lot.
Live Tracking will work, but you cannot be even connected to ANT+ sensors at the time. So it’s not a case of not being able to transmit that data, it’s just that the chipset is an either/or scenario. Either Bluetooth Smart (which is what Live Tracking uses), or ANT+ (which is what sensors uses).
As for additional upload destinations, I doubt it. I keep lobbying for it, but Garmin is preferring to trend towards locking things down rather than opening them up.
Oh, and yes, you can configure the unit to automatically shut off BT when you go into sport mode (to enable ANT+ automatically), and vice versa.
If your wife is tracking you (using livetracking via your phone) then you can’t see any of the ANT+ accessories (heart rate, foot pod, speed/cadence, power meter, etc). If you’re using the ANT+ accessories then you can’t use bluetooth to give live-tracking updates to your phone (and therefore to your wife)…
Wow, that seems like a major flaw! I would never give up my HR running, or biking my HR, power and cadence. I can’t see a situation that I would ever use live tracking :(
I’m also bummed about only 3 data fields. Is the screen smaller?
Hi Ray, First of all thanks for your amazing reviews. They’re my go to place for sport gadget info :-)
Just to clarify : Are you saying that if you have Livetracking enabled you cannot save your activity afterward?
And with Livetracking enabled you should still have your pace/speed data available through the GPS component,correct?
No, you can save all you want with Live Tracking. You just can’t enable any ANT+ sensors with Live Tracking enable (on the Fenix/Fenix2). The chipset only supports one or the other being turned on: Bluetooth Smart or ANT+.
Pace/speed/distance data all comes from GPS, so no restrictions there.
Hi
You need the Phone to do the tracking, and this means that you will use the gps of the fenix2, maybe you can use for tracking the gps of the phone. (i think the issues here is the battery).
Of course this is an issue but not so critical for me.
I guess I’m confused why you would ever turn on bluetooth during a run or ride. The Garmin Fit or Garmin Connect App appears to do live tracking from the phone without any help from any other device. Therefore, the only thing you appear to achieve by connecting the Fenix to the phone would be notifications during the run or ride. I guess one could argue the Fenix GPS might be more accurate than the phone. However, I would assume anywhere the phone GPS is not sufficient would most likely be where phone signal is poor and in this case you wouldn’t have any live tracking anyway. Obviously, you are not going to be able to live track in a national park or wilderness area. It would only work in areas with sufficient cell signal which generally means the phone GPS would be fine. If you wore bluetooth headphones you would know if you got a call. If you were not wearing headphones, you probably wouldn’t be able to answer the call quickly enough anyway because the phone would be tucked in a pouch somewhere.
I think if Suunto offers similar specs to the Fenix2 AND enables the user to receive Bluetooth notifications from their phone while gathering ANT+ data, they will have a winner over the Fenix2.
Only thing that keeps me from selling my 910xt and Pebble is the fact that when I commute by bike (or I’m on a group ride for that matter) I want phone notifications on my wrist AND also gather activity data.
My Pebble does that (minus power data of course….).
Too bad they haven’t figured out a way for ANT+ and Bluetooth to play nice together.
But I do like Garmin’s direction with the Fenix 2….almost there!
They would have to have two antennas and two radios to do simultaneous slave and master roles with ANT+ and BLE. That would have killed the industrial design.
I understand its not a FR910Xt replacement, but my 301Xt is on it’s last legs and I’ll need to replace it soon. Would you recommend the Fenix2 or the 910XT for my triathlon usage.
Also, what about size/weight comparison? I miss the rolling pin pics :)
Rolling pins and related items coming in the In-Depth review. Gotta save some of the good stuff, right?
Actually, in all honestly, it’s the same exact unit size-wise as the Tactix. So, if you check out my Garmin Tactix review from a couple months ago, it has all the major contenders on rolling pins then. :)
Agreed.
This watch comes SO close to being the watch I’d like, but being forced to choose between ANT+ support and live tracking is a nonstarter for me.
Too bad, because the hiking and skiing functionality would be nice!
Your wife can have a cold beer and protein-laden dinner ready as soon as you walk home! All joking aside, some spouses are worry-warts and are greatly comforted of your safety by having it easily displayed on their phones/tablets/PCs/TVs/etc, especially on long 4 hr runs.
Hi!
A nice (p)review you did. I have one error to correct: the Ambit2 gives you as well as the new Fenix 2 the recovery time after each exercise. It goes even further since it keeps track by adding additional recovery time when you do another exercise lets say three hours later. So you can keep track of the remaining recovery time by opening the activity log and see the specific recovery time for each exercise by reviewing it through the log.
I’ve noticed many ABC watches are switching to inverse displays (such as the fenix 2) . Do you have any concerns with readability, or any opnions between the fenix and the fenix 2 display types? In feature I like about the Sunnto ambit 2 is that you can toggle the inverse display. Is that in the feature mix for Gamrin?
I don’t find the readability a problem. Photographability is a pain, but real-life readability is easy. This particular display/screen does not support toggling.
“No 910 xt replacement this season”… maybe it’s a good news, because in this fenix2 there aren’t really software or hardware news… and so next year garmin ‘ll come with a lot if new stuff…. I hope
I am also wondering this. It seems like the only running function missing from the Fenix2 is the run/walk feature. Other than that, the Fenix2 adds much more functionality over the FR620 for the same price.
I must say, however, that I strongly dislike the red color for the backlight on the Fenix2. Any chance Garmin might change that?
I’m interested in the red backlight. I run in the dark with my lamp off if there’s enough light to see by, and the red would like be much better at not destroying night vision (compared to the whitish of the 910xt)
I have a fenix and a 620. The 620 chipset can do ant and BLE concurrently. I don’t get why they didn’t put this chipset in the fenix 2? It would be almost perfect then. Add wifi and it would be perfect!
I must agree with the other commenters, this watch looked killer until the nonsense about non-concurrent ANT+/BT. I was even lamenting my 620 purchase until that point, now I’m just hoping Garmin will add the cycling mode to the 620 soon, and perhaps even BT notifications?
I believe this is the first time you’ve officially stated there will be no 910 replacement this year, correct? Makes sense, as the Fenix2 is likely now one of it’s biggest competitors (along with Ambit2 or V800).
Hi Ray, being a current owner of Fenix I was wondering if they will at least complete there work on the current beta firmware and release to the current Fenix user base, as a triathlete, I will love to see indoor and outdoor swim tracking, but I doubt they will do it, but could you ask them if they will at least complete the current beta and release it to current Fenix owner?
Ray, could you elaborate here?
I don’t know the Fenix that well, but if the Fenix 1 is going to get the current beta you’re working with what is the benefit of the Fenix 2?
Luke, I think we won’t know the answer to that until we see what exactly is in the non-beta firmware release for the fenix (4.1?) I anticipate you’ll see a lack of the training features in the fenix1 firmware update, much like the subtle training differences between the FR610 and 620. Overall I think it’s going to be minor differences between the two. Sort of like the difference between the iPhone 5 and 5s. Enough for most people to upgrade? Probably not. But is it a better option for first-time buyers.
Anything that’s currently in beta for the Fenix1/Tactix (i.e. the releases starting back in December) will get a full production release (inclusive of those beta features). Obviously, it won’t get swimming/power meters/running dynamics and other Fenix2 specific features.
Hej, I tried the bontrager speed-only sensor on my fenix and couldn’t get a signal. dD you have an idea if the cadence-only sensors will get supported for the fenix1 aswell? Regards!
Thanks Ray, so I guess we can expect release of this production firmware at about the same time that the Fenix 2 will ship, I assume the Fenix 1 firmware is the same firmware as Fenix 2 with just some feature stripped.
Thanks for the review Ray. This has the potential to be a really interesting product as it seems to take care of all activites well enough for most keen enthusiasts. As an owner of multiple devices (forerunner 410, swim, fenix & edge 800), this could be the point that 1 device finally ticks all the boxes, for what I want to do at my level, so I can get rid of the rest. (if the 910 had ski modes then it would do it too)
The only major gap I see from my current kit list is the big 10 variable display and mapping/navigation of my edge.
I wish I hadn’t just ordered a FR620…
I, as a fenix 1 user, suspect it does as DCR mentioned that fenix 2 retain all features available on fenix (at ver.4.00 firmware). Besides long/lat reading, it supports a host of grid reference formats as well, UTM/UPS, MGRS, British OS grid–to name a few. My fenix x 2 are both set to display MGRS grid reference so I can locate myself without a glitch when using Hong Kong’s 1:20,000 topographic map :-)
Thank you for this review and the Q/A at the bottom. Especially about the 910xt replacement. I’m still rocking the Forerunner 305 and need an update as this puppy is on it’s way out!
“Downloading of satellite data: This speeds up initial acquisition of the satellites”
Why is this needed? – I remember having to do that on an old Tom Tom, but iPhone and Edge 510 use GPS and GLONASS for super quick satellite locking. Why don’t all Garmin devices use the same, I noticed that GLONASS is missing from VIRB Elite and it is noticeably slower to lock and maintains a less accurate GPS lock than my EDGE 510.
My guess is chipset cost, size and effect on battery currently limits GLOSNASS compatiblity to devices larger than a watch such as the Edge series (and even then it is only in the 510). It clearly is better but until it becomes the default for chipset makers to bake in GLOSNASS captability it likely won’t be in our watches and smaller devices.
I was drooling at the headline, but after reading the preview, I wish the watch would have a Drill mode like the Swim has, and same goes for wifi connectivity. I still have some doubts and questions:
Do you have to manually swap ANT/BT to upload an activity on site after it is finished?
What about data readability, especially on the bike? Being forced to wear this on my wrist, I doubt it will be functional to keep an eye on power/HR/cadence… I definitely will not be changing screens in a sprint distance bike leg.
Ohh, i testing a fenix. Good watch, but no multisport.
I see the ambit2, beautiful watch, but the export for connect.garmin is complex, and not can “new lap” the Suunto App (required my workouts).
I ordered 910, but the 910 is ugly, and not wear-to-day watch.
But now see the new news, comming fenix2, canceled order 910 and wait.
I run Silverstone halfmarathon with iPhone+RunKeeper, but I hope running London Marathon with fenix2!
DC_rainmaker, you’re the best product reviewer/blogger/athlete tester ever !! you made me read a Fenix2 review even if I already own an Ambit2 and don’t plan to buy a new watch anytime soon (couple of years !)
Hi Ray, same as JF am also looking to upgrade 310XT, would you go with 910xt now or wait for this? Given mainly tri usage and very limited mountain usage (a small bit of snowboarding).
Hi Kiwi – See the FAQ section at the end for my thoughts on the tri landscape. Ultimately, the FR910XT/Fenix2 are so similar, that it comes down to a bunch of tiny things like how many data fields are displayed, etc…
You said: “Moving beyond Running Dynamics, the unit adds additional running coaching type features, three of which are found on the FR620, and one of which is found on the FR910XT (Training Effect)”
My 620 gives me training effect numbers. Am I missing something?
I wish the Garmin teams worked closer, it seems like some/most of the features on this watch would be simple to add to the 620.
I am just starting to play with triathlons and need a watch… These things are evolving so quickly the right choice might be to wait…
I’m going peacemeal for now.
Have a 620 that I use for running but am slowly getting into triathlons this season. Nothing seemed to fit my needs so I have my 620, a swim, and an edge 500.
By no means is this a perfect setup, but it is the best of both (well, all 3) worlds with only a little bit of annoyance with switching devices.
I’ll need to figure out what to do with the forerunner on the bike leg, though. It’ll probably just stay with my running shoes and I’ll have imperfect transition data…
Good news that Garmin is pushing the competition. I am currently looking at the Suunto Ambit2 but cannot decide to buy or wait. Looking at the Fenix2’s additional features, it really gets close to Suunto. Now I need some help.
I primarily do 3 sports: cycling, occasional swimming and sailing. Sailing is very rarely mentioned in any review, however beside the usual GPS-based functions to record the route and track speed/time/pace having a “back to start” and “navigate to POI” are gorgeous features for a race sailor. Not only for a longer-term sailing race, but also for the classic “olympic triangle” racecourses where you have a lot of boats competing and after going round the racemark buoy it’s vital to know how far you have turned away from the line towards the next mark.. For this, so far the Ambit2 seemed to have the better function with the navigation screen where you have the size-changing arrow showing you where your waypoint is and how much you still have to turn for it. Also through the apps you can easily set up the watch to e.g. show your speed in knots instead of miles or km’s whic is nice (although not crucial, km/h or mph are just as fine to determine how much you’ve lost at a turn).
In both watches, the barometer is a very useful companion on the water helping to predict the wether and launch a storm alert either by the watch or by your brain. :)
So, for swimming, and predicting the weather, both are great. For sailing I would be better covered with Suunto.
If choosing Suunto, there would be a couple of things though I would be really missing from Garmin’s features:
1. Custom trainings with different intervals following each other as I want (instead of doing just exact similar rest-go-rest-go etaps over and over)
2. Custom alerts e.g. for pace of speed – although there should be som HR alert in Suunto as well, but couldn’t yet find any review that covers how it works in reality) – what I need is to set a pace/speed/HR zone and the watch to alert me, maybe even simultanously, if I’m out of these pre-set zones.
3. Virtual racer against previous own records (however the Fenix2 does not seem to have it either)
4. Bluetooth Smart connectivity: this is really great to have a connection to the smartphone. Garmin has just nailed it.
Now that you know my headaches, finally my 3 questions:
– I wonder if you know wether Suunto has plans to add such funtionalities to e.g. their upcoming Ambit3 (I’m thinking of Bluetooth here, as obviously the Ambit2 hardware is not capable of it anyway) or as a firmware update to the Ambit2 (e.g. for virtual racer, pace/speed/hr zones, customizable trainings/intervals).
– Is an Ambit3 expected this spring, or is Suunto done its facelift-homework with the Ambit2R?
– Can Garmin be expected to introduce Virtual Racer mode to the Fenix2?
Finally, and it’s only a a suggestion: when writing your (very good and inormative) in-depth reviews, it may be worth to drop a few lines with sailing racers in mind, as outdoor sports are not only done on the ground. :)
Thanks for your comments and for all the great reviews so far!
…mea culpa about the last sentence, I realize that open water swimming is always covered, so the “on the ground” notice was not appropriate. Just wanted to point out race sailing as yet another usage possibility with a potentially large user base. I should have written “not only in the water, but also on the water”. :)
Speaking of sailing, I’m a little bit in a similar situation and have considered the same top watches.
I am mostly interested in tracking some non-swimming water sports as well, and haven’t found the perfect watch yet.
I prefer things like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and when there’s no wind kayaking and paddleboarding; over solely swimming, biking and running. I’m not looking at participating in competitions around the core 3. I just want to be more informed about my activity level and see how my body is doing, know when to cut back and keep going a bit more, based on speed and heart rate. Knowing how far you ventured out onto open water (time to turn back), what your instant speed is, if you get some good laps in you get to see what your top speed was (always been curious about that), know how much distance all those laps add up to.
I understand a basic watch isn’t going to cut it, and it really looks like the Fenix 2 comes close to my ideal watch, ticking a lot of boxes.
But I also would like the watch to:
+ function as an ordinary activity tracker (time to burn some extra calories before the week is over)
+ have 4 pieces of data on screen (heart rate, instant speed, distance and time)
Many watches have two or three and require you to tap through to see other information.
With some sports you simply cannot easily or safely bring your two hands together to push buttons to change screens. And if you are out in the winter, gloves prevent you from pressing buttons too.
So, I’m with you hoping for more product releases that push into a broader sports market. Maybe leave out some of the specific training stuff and replace it with room for custom sport profiles and data screens.
Great review as always. One thing that wasn’t entirely clear though… While I think the live tracking is absolutely awesome for family when competing in say an IronMan, does it only work when interfacing with a phone, i.e. there is no ability to do this straight from the Fenix2 to the “cloud”? If so, that really limits race applicability. Thanks!
Bummer… Just noticed they discontinued their GTU10. Interesting to see so many CE companies struggle to cross the mobile bridge… Thanks for clarifying, I’ll stick with my 910XT!
1) If set to 1 second recording intervalls, what will the battery life be? That is the generally recommended setting for recording, will that last through a beginners (read: very slow) long distance tri?
2) Does the recovery recommendation take into account different sport types or is it limited to running? Because as a multi-sport watch, I might swim one day, bike the next and then run the day after. Is the Fenix2 going to look at all those for this feature, or just looking at the run and assuming I had two days rest before that? Your post sounds like it is running only, but of course that would make that feature pretty much useless for anyone doing more than running
Geesh, with all the accelerometers, gyroscopes and other MEMS functions needed for swimming, too bad they didn’t integrate the Daily Activity functions like the polar V800. Seems to me easy from Garmin side and it would put this strongly in front of the V800 (unless there are some electrical or mechanical limitations I am not aware of …)
…by the way, extending my questions above: I have read your great preview about Polar’s upcoming V800 as well and there you have mentioned that they will have navigation functions in the watch.
Again, putting a race sailors hat on, do you know how this navigation would look like? Meaning, could it be used for “as the crow flies” back to start, or to a waypoint navigation with a 3D compass shown on the screen like in the case of Suunto Ambit2 and Garmin Fenix2?
Thanks again!
Mick
The V800 is supposed to have track-back function, but I’d be very skeptical of making any assumptions about what will be there in April (or May), versus added later.
Hmm. I was looking to exchange my 610 for 910XT or hold out until their update, but this is very tempting. I wanted to keep my ANT+ footpod and bike sensors, so this is great for that (was worried 920XT will remove support like 620), but I rely quite a bit on run/walk for faster times in races and I sorta want to keep that. I hope there is a software update to enable that on this, then I’ll gladly get this.
Hi Ray, maybe my question is a little bit off-topic, but a few months ago in your mio Alpha review you told me you were expecting most high end devices having optical HR built in in the watches. As I see now Polar and Garmin releasing 2 of those devices, my question is: Do you still expect those major companies introduce the optical HR in their devices anytime soon (2014-2015)?
Thanks for your feedback
I’m expecting it from watches, but I do not expect it yet from the big name companies this year (Garmin/Polar/Suunto). I expect it from just about everyone else though.
Bummed about:
-non-simultaneous ANT+ and BT
-only 3 data fields on a screen. I tend to have 4 on my main screen and rarely switch to other screens. Even though multiple screens are available.
-lack of wifi connectivity
-lack of drill mode (for now, maybe forever)
If the ANT and BT was able to be done simultaneously I probably would have planned to buy it at release (even though I’d guess my use of live tracking would be limited).
Happy to see (wish they’d come to the 910xt, where applicable):
-Internal accelerometer based cadence and treadmill running
-Run Dynamics make it to another watch
-Temperature recording (internal and tempe support)
-Potentially longer battery life, I’m curious what a Fenix or Fenix2 gets with a 910xt side-by-side (same sensors and recording rate)
Hey Ray, thanks for the info. I am excited about the Fenix2 and like many felt this was what I have been waiting for until the issues with the ANT+/BT. My question is does the 4iiii’s Viiiiva ANT+ to Bluetooth Smart Bridge & Heart Rate Strap resolve that problem? Can we have the watch in BT mode and still make sure and get all the data we need except of course for the running dynamics from the HRM-Run strap?
No, it currently doesn’t connect to BT sensors. In talking with them, this would take a pretty substantial re-write of the codebase, based on the mode that the BT chip currently leverages to talk to the phone. I don’t expect to see them introduce BT sensor support in the Fenix product line (or for that matter, anytime soon in any product).
If the watch can send ANT+ data (big if, I didn’t notice anything saying it could send, just receive) then possibly it could communicate with a phone through a ANT+ dongle or Viiiva bridge? (From a hardware standpoint, obviously software doesn’t support right now)
I’m surprised by the number of commenters upset about the lack of live streaming w/ sensor use – didn’t realize that many people used it. To me the bigger issue is loss of alert functionality. Presumably there are lots of (future) possibilities there like having turn by turn directions sent from the phone.
Can you let Garmin know this is a big deal for some of us with BT Smart sensors who are looking into replacing our “old” devices? I would’ve placed an order already if it was not for this small detail.
Realistically, I don’t expect to see it happen. Either for this product, or in general.
For this product, in talking with them – it’d be a pretty big code base shift. But honestly, that’s secondary to the fact that they still own ANT+, and as such, they’re going to continue to drive accessories in that market. Just a business reality there until some form of critical mass happens on competitive products to force them to support the two standards (ANT+ and BLE).
I think there are a few questions open that may be missing an answer (Or maybe I just didn’t get it hahaha):
1: Is it actually possible that the new HR strap will detect running pace while indoors (i.e. on a treadmill), or woill it be necessary to also use the footpod?
2: Since the fenix is supposed to be more robust, does this mean some components failure common in the 910XT would be minimized (barometric altimeter, for example). I mean, I would expect this watch to endure much harsher conditions as the previous Forerunner.
Finally, a quick suggestion for Garmin’s team: Garmin Connect should support the ability to track the use of equipment, actually that’s the only reason I use SportTracks and would be a really nice feature I don’t think very hard to implement.
As always, great to find out about all new in fitness devices from your write-ups! Thanks!
What about bug fixes for the 910XT? I saw “someone” post on a Garmin forum that you said the 910XT development team was pulled to work on the Fenix. Now that this is out, is there ever a chance that Garmin will fix data corruption issues or courses?
With a foot pod you get cadence info on the 910xt. And not sure what you mean about pace but with foot pod indoors you get pace and obviously outdoors GPS gives you pace.
I am not aware of your level of interaction with Garmin – but do you have any sense of why they would release this and not match the functionality with the Tactix which has less than 3 months on the market?
I would have thought (based on release dates) a Fenix 2 / Tactix functionality pairing rather that a Fenix / Tactix pairing. Pretty disappointing really.
Thanks for all of the info…very helpful. 3 quick questions.
1) The screen pixel density looks the same as the Fenix 1, is this correct? If so, disappointing given Ambit’s gorgeous screen.
2) Is the watch quicker to respond when you push buttons and switch between menus? The Fenix 1 is like an old computer trying to run Windows 8…very slow and laggy.
3) Is the chipset identical on the Fenix 1 and Fenix 2 and can we expect any improvement on GPS accuracy?
I’d like a response from Rainmaker on this one too. BTW Rainmaker, I love your reviews. I very much enjoy my fenix, though Steve brings up very good questions. I was thinking about updating to the tactix, but the fenix2 may be just the thing.
Strange, I thought I had posted here, not sure where it went to…
1) Yes, appears the same.
2) Yes, still basically slow for some functions (primarily saves). The menu’s are fairly quick though.
3) I believe they are. I’ll see if I can find out.
Curious if my HR strap and cadence sensor from my Forefunner 305 will work with this. I’m sure you have explained it in technological terms, but I’m not sure I follow. Thanks for the help!
Very helpful review, Ray. I’m still on the fence if I will move to the Fenix 2 from my 910XT. Obviously I know I’m spending money I don’t need to spend on somewhat marginal improvements, but I like to stay on the cutting edge. I am looking for an exceptional running watch that can also be used on my ElliptiGO and hopefully control my Virb. For now, this looks like the best option, with some sacrifices. Since I don’t need swim features, I’m not sure if this is the best watch out there for me right now, or if I should hold out another year or so for a “910XT replacement”. I am definitely very interested in the running dynamics and long battery life (I’m hoping to do a 24 hr ride in June).
Do you think it would make sense to move to the Fenix 2 for my purposes?
Same size, and while I haven’t got to testing maps yet, I’m not seeing any indication it’s broken/changed (they’ve been pretty insistent that the only ‘downgrade’ depending on how you look at it is the limiting of the custom profiles (I like the new cleaner profiles, and 3 custom is still fine with me).
So if I understand correctly, then this watch would have the ability of adding some basic topographic indicators? That would be a huge plus for me! I currently use my 910XT for loading and disovering new routes, and while the breadcrumb trail on the empty background does work, it is also quite limited and slow.
It would be cool if you could go into this in more detail during your review of the production unit :-)
Not that I’m looking to replace my Fenix any time soon, but the internal memory is one are where I thought an improvement would have been most noticeable, and easy to achieve. The fact that they did not increase it suggests that Garmin still is reluctant to let the Fenix compete with their handheld GPS units (and, of course, there are no Garmin maps suitable for the Fenix). Perhaps when the handheld GPS are completely cannibalised by waterproof phones will Garmin let us have a few days worth of maps on our wrists.
I would think that is highly unlikely. I’ve never heard of a phone that gets 18-20 hours battery life with the GPS on continuously, not to mention recording any sensors. I’ve also never heard of a phone that uses regular or rechargeable replaceable batteries, but that may just be me and my limited experience with smartphones. My old 60CSx runs 18 hours on a pair of AA’s, and you can find those anywhere.
I was surprised myself about the lack of increase in storage in the Fenix 2. But I suspect Garmin will hold off on a mapping wrist worn device until they can find a color screen small enough and that will have enough resolution to show a map well and that won’t grossly reduce the battery life that’s already limited by the small size of a wrist worn device.
A bit off topic, but has Timex bowed out completely from this particular field? Garmin seems to be going from strength to strength and Timex seems to have fizzled out after their Global Trainer.
For the Fenix, the answer is weeks. So long that you don’t even worry about it. Personally I use mine as a GPS and therefore hook it up and recharge it long before it ever runs out of battery in watch mode, even in the summer when I only use the Fenix GPS once a week or less.
Turn Notifications on, though, and the story changes. Then you have to recharge it daily.
“The Fenix2 goes for the inverted color scheme (white text on black background)”.
Do you think there may be an option added to have the screen “Black text on white background”. I have found the white text very difficult to ready in any light (worse if running). I have had to return several watches because it is so difficult to read the screen. Did you find the sceen difficult to read in its current format? P.S. I have 20/20 vision.
JR, I also have vision 20/20. I’m looking for a new gps-watch. I’m interested in the TomTom Multisport, Suunto Ambit 2 and the new Fenix 2. Have you tested the TomTom or the Suunto Ambit 2 ? Looks to me these 2 watches (TomTom and the Suunto) have the best screen. May I ask which watches you returned for the bad reading screen ?
Walter
(Belgium)
I returned the Suunto Core All Black and the Freestyle Men’s FS85012 Mariner Sailing watch. Both were very difficult to read the white text screen, but the Core All Back was the worst.
A heads up that effective immediately, the Garmin Fenix has dropped price by $100 to $299, from Clever Training. With the HR strap, it’s $349. Note that it doesn’t qualify for the 10% DCR coupon since it’s considered clearance (yes, that’s correct), however, it does qualify for free US shipping.
Note that the Fenix1 does include the Bluetooth Smart integration (i.e. upload and I’ve also confirmed life Tracking as well), as well as now the ability to get pace indoors without a foot pod. It won’t however get any of the swim/power meter features that you see on the Fenix2. It will get though any of the Fenix1/Tactix beta features converted to a production release likely around the Fenix2 release timeframe (March, roughly).
Anyway, good deal for folks that were in the market for a Fenix watch but don’t need the swim/power meter features of the Fenix2.
How about the battery lifetime as a “causal wirst watch”?
I mean, this is an expensive watch with a stilish, elegant case. So you can properly use it as your regular watch.
How long would the battery last if I don’t use the gps?
If I go 1 week away for business travel…do I need to bring the recharging clip?
RC-3 from Polar declare 40-60 days of battery lifetime without gps
what about this Fenix2?
like 30 time check with back light every day
2-3 alarm clock
I am looking for a GPS watch with advanced navigation features along with basic run and swim functionality. My key uses would be whitewater kayaking/rafting and backpacking, while I’d also use the run and swim functions for weekly logging.
For river use, what I am trying to find out is if I can follow a preloaded track and receive an alarm (loud chime plus vibration) when I’m approaching a certain waypoint. This would be very useful to be running a river, hear or feel the alarm, and then glance at the watch to a message like “x rapid approaching in half a mile, eddy out on right to scout” or “arriving at y campsite in half a mile on left.” I’d like to be able to use these kinds of tracks from others as well as create and share my own.
Another very useful feature in “river mode” would be for the watch to constantly be showing a countdown to the next waypoint and any custom information entered for that waypoint. That way I I could glance at the watch during a moment of calm without having to take my hand from my paddle to push any buttons and see a screen saying something like “1.2 miles to Rainey Falls. Scout on left from trail.”
I’ve been looking at the Ambit2 and waiting to see what the new Fenix could do, and need to determine if this watch can do what I’m looking for natively or if I’m better off with an app on an Ambit. Which watch do you think is better for my use case?
Thanks,
Tom
P.S. Garmin: please do add swim alerts and drill mode; also support for custom smaller pools- lots of hotels have pools between 10 and 20 yards.
A nice first look of Fenix2. Just waiting if Suunto releases an Ambit 3, if not the V800 is looking like the best triathlon/ multi sport watch so far. I like the polar HR monitoring in the water.
“I’ve held off on making this any sort of full In-Depth review.”… rrright… This is excellent work already as usual… and the watch looks terrific. Much better than the 620 on a daily basis. Although it looks quite tough I will ask the same question as everybody else : what’s its weight? Thx again for the blog.
There are several complaints regarding Garmin calorie calculation, mainly when Indoor running or cross training (including spinning). Looks like this is not taking in consideration the heart rate and based on it after several minutes or hours of activity the calorie count is super low.
Have you tested it Indoor? Any insight how calories will be calculated?
Just recently I sent to Garmin a side by side table to prove that calories calculation has been way off, rally lower than should be, including the 620 that has been way off in calories count.
Thanks for the review. Good features, great design. Btw it has nice screws on the back. Could you please, you know, just peek a little inside, at the battery mainly? :)
It’s not really designed to be user-serviceable, so I’m going to refrain from breaking it open and thus impacting the waterproofing…since I plan to do some waterproof related tests.
Well, OK! Last night I tried to pull the Fenix manual off the Garmin site and saw “Fenix2″ in the drop down menu. Should have known something was up. Then today, your blog, “First Look at Garmin’s new Fenix2 Multisport & Triathlon Watch.” As I mentioned above, I just got the Fenix from my wife for Valentine’s Day. Can’t take a gift from your wife back, can you? Looks like the Fenix2 addresses the “learning curve” issues I was having in using the Fenix for running, biking, etc. I now see why you didn’t respond for three days. I guess this means we aren’t friends and I need to quit reading your site. Ha. If I had just stopped reading on Feb. 15th I’d be the happy owner of a Fenix for at least another couple months. Ray, surely you could have sent me a private email telling me it was coming. Well, I understand. The Fenix2 just might be the revolution I was looking for. Unfortunately, it’s been six years since I bought my first FR305 until I got the Fenix. Maybe six years from now I can try the Fenix2 or whatever new Garmin gizmo may break my heart then. I’m depressed.
Thanks for another awesome first look! I just purchased the FR620 (thanks for the discount on clever!) but am wondering if this might be the better choice. From your review and comments it looks like the fenix2 has all the same features as the 620 (with the exception of non concurrent ant+ and blue tooth) for the same price but the fenix2 packs way more features. You mentioned road v.trail workouts but it seems to me the fenix2 should be just as good on pavement. Are there any features other than blue tooth and ant+ at the same time that would make the 620 a better choice? Do you think garmin will continue to add more running specific features to the 620 in the future? Either way I might just have to stick with the 620 since I don’t know if I can wait till March.Thanks again for the great first look!!
Great Preview! One item that seemed confusing though and you should probably re-word this is the following paragraph:
“On the FR620 side, the unit doesn’t allow both concurrent ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart, which means that you have to choose whether to connect an ANT+ device such as a heart rate strap, or do Bluetooth Smart driven Live Tracking.”
So it makes it seem like the FR620 cannot do both which confused me at first. I think you meant to say the Fennix2 doesn’t do both as in your FR620 you clearly show that it does both BTS and Ant+.
Thank you for all of your great work and excellent stories!
Just one quick FYI/update: There was some minor confusion, and Garmin has clarified that the Android update for today will not include the Fenix/Fenix2/Tactix support, that got slightly delayed, but is still planed for Q1. The iOS update does include it, and the Android update for today does include the FR220/FR620/Vivofit, just not quite yet Fenix/Tactix while they work out a few final things.
I think I have my Fenix running 4.05 connected to my iPhone 5c, but I’m not quite sure. I didn’t know exactly what to do, so I put my Fenix in “Share Data->BaseCamp” mode, and then tried adding device. It’s now in my device list with the right serial number, but I can’t seem to do anything with it in the app that shows it’s connected. However, this morning I cleaned off my Fenix because it was running out of space, and removed all of the GPX track files and all but the last 3 .fit files. Those three activities (and nothing else) now show in my activities list in the app, so I think it’s actually working. There doesn’t seem to be any way to get the Connect app to grab activities off the Garmin Connect web site, though, but it’s possible it got them from there instead. I used the new Garmin Express 3.0 to sync my Fenix to the web site earlier today.
I don’t know if anyone from Garmin might be monitoring this but I’m not sure everything is working yet. I downloaded the Garmin Connect App on my iPhone 5 and logged into my account. The last 3 activities show up on my dashboard, but when I go to All Activities it just says “Go to Getting Started (https://… ) and choose your Garmin Device…” When I do that, it already is set up, as it has been for years. Adding a manual activity from that screen on the phone seems to post to the web site, however. Also the new Garmin Express it asks me to download does not seem to be working with my FR60 for uploading data, luckily the Garmin Ant Agent still works :)
Ok just tried upgrade to 4.11 beta and pairing : it has worked the first time only ;-(
After that I did try to restart, and at the “loading map” step the screen goes blank :-/
Seems the watch is not completely off, but I can’t do anything.
Don’t know what to do, I sent an email to fenix@garmin.com, waiting for the answer.
Sucks, but glad to hear I am not the only one. Mine was completely useless after the FW4.11 install. Don’t even know how I’ll be able to reset it since it won’t stay on long enough to register on my computer.
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I can’t wait until you review this formally. I’m in the market for a new GPS watch and I was also looking at the 620.
I too am just about to buy, although I might delay my purchase (of the Ambit2) to see the full review. However, still leaning towards the Ambit for my needs. Main focus is ultrarunning, and while the Fenix was supposed to be a great watch for that, the vast majority of ultra-users’ reviews ranged from “It works, but has a ton of shortcomings” to “complete disaster of a watch.” Granted, those issues may have been fixed in firmware by now, but that’s what kept me away from the Fenix 1.
Since I don’t care about BTLE, my main issues with the Ambit2 are:
a) moving to Movescount. not a huge deal, but would prefer to stay on Training Peaks (and I’m not going to go through any acrobatics to get Ambit data to TP)
b) Suunto/Ambit data point limit on uploaded routes is 1,000 points. That may sound like a lot, but on a 120 mile remote trail race… you want every darn data point you can get to stay on course.
For me to choose the Fenix 2, it would have to do two things: prove to me that it doesn’t suck as most of the ultra reviews have for the Fenix 1, and take more than 1,000 data point track upload for route following (which I think it does).
I have the Suunto Ambit 2 and a Garmin Forerunner 305. I thing the Suunto is very easy to use, but it annoys me that it doesn’t work with Training Peaks. I’ll be purchasing either this new watch or the 910xt.
Movescount isn’t awful, although, it does take some getting used to. Especially when so familiar with Garmin Connect, etc.
I do like that you can change all your screens online and set up your watch online and then just sync the watch with the Suunto. Maybe that’s possible with the new Garmin’s, I just don’t know. I guess it’s good and bad. If you’re out hiking and realize you want to change the setup for something on your Suunto, I’m not sure if you can or if you just have to wait until you get back. The apps that you can add are pretty cool though.
Thanks, that’s good info.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for the pre review !! can’t wait for the full !!!
I am a runner having a 310XT and a fenix, and I’m always thinking on how my screen configuration can be used the best way. May I ask you your favorites screen config (for running) with 3 (fenix/fenix2) and 4 (FR205, FR310) “cases” in each screen ?
Thanks and keep going ;-) !
Fab
I’m a military commander and just bought the Tactix for military use.
I’m frustrated with the lack of workout options that are now in the Fenix 2.
Multisport, swimming, running profile would be so helpful for the military.
We take physical fitness tests, 2 mile runs. Imagine knowing or at least having a scientific guess what your time will be before you even run?
This needs to find its way into the tactix!!!
I would love to get ski run laps and 3D speed data from activity files generated by an Edge 500 or FR220. Do you know of any apps or web sites that will examine FIT files and generate a new FIT/GPX file with ski run (as lap) and 3D speed data?
As Garmin knows how to do this in the Fenix/Fenix2, it would be nice to see it incorporated into Garmin Connect for activities marked as resort or backcountry skiing.
I’m not aware of any 3rd parties.
Keep in mind that the FR220 doesn’t have a barometric altimeter, thus some of the data would be suspect there.
Tks Ray for the preview. Maybe I missed it, but I suppose like the Fenix 1 you can see a small “track” with a course on it?
Claude
Yup, no issues there with the little breadcrumb trail. I just simply ran out of time to include all that kind of stuff, but will definitely do that in my full in-depth review.
Tks Ray!
I’m curious if you can still sideload small maps on it. This wasn’t officially supported on the Fenix, but worked pretty well.
Just what I have been waiting for, sold my 910xt last month betting this would be coming
“Ultimately, this limitation (only connect over either Bluetooth or ANT+ at one time) isn’t something that will be changed through software. It’s a physical hardware limitation.”
Until this, the Fenix 2 sounded interesting. But now it’s no longer an issue.
What is the weight of the watch?
I am interested in this as well. As an avid hiker and triathlete, I’m looking for the one watch to rule them all.
Does it have the same problem of not being able to have BT and ANT functioning at the same time?
Looks like based on the pic’s that the “crystal” is curved like the Tactix? And the lettering is white on black background like the Tactix?
Man, I might have to sell my 910 and Tactix and get this to “simplify” my life.
The glass if flat, like the original Fenix, not like the Tactix. And correct, the lettering is white on black, and non-changeable.
And no, you cannot use both BT and ANT+ at the same time.
should have been a sellout except for the ant+/livetracking limitation… ill stick with my 910 and 510 for now.. great review ray
Same here…Love everything about this watch from what I’ve read here but the ant+/livetracking thing is a deal breaker for me :-(
I’m baffled why they’ve got the two working together in the new forerunners but not in the fenix.I realise they come from different departments within Garmin but it seems like a pretty glaring omission to me…
Very nice … the only missing feature which keeps me from getting it, is wifi capabilities like the Forerunner 620 has … I don’t want to miss that anymore …
+1
Hi Ray!
Nice preview. Seems like a great addition to Garmin line-up. On the ANT+/BT connectivity, it seems that Live Tracking will work ONLY with no ANT+ data, right?
On the same subject, when you finish an activity, is there any automatic process to “close” the ANT+ sensors, and connect through BT for uploading, or is it a manual procedure?
Finally, do you know if Garmin is planning to include additional upload destinations? I understand that they want us to us Garmin Connect instead of TP, but having at least e-mail or Dropbox would help a lot.
Thanks!
Andre
Live Tracking will work, but you cannot be even connected to ANT+ sensors at the time. So it’s not a case of not being able to transmit that data, it’s just that the chipset is an either/or scenario. Either Bluetooth Smart (which is what Live Tracking uses), or ANT+ (which is what sensors uses).
As for additional upload destinations, I doubt it. I keep lobbying for it, but Garmin is preferring to trend towards locking things down rather than opening them up.
Oh, and yes, you can configure the unit to automatically shut off BT when you go into sport mode (to enable ANT+ automatically), and vice versa.
Guess I’m confused, what’s the difference in hardware is between Fenix 1 and 2? Or is it just software?
Rainmaker,
I’m a bit confused how this effects us in the real world.
If I’m in a race and my wife wants to track me. Will I not be able to see my powermeter data? Or Heartrate data?
Can you give a example scenario or two that this will efffect us?
If your wife is tracking you (using livetracking via your phone) then you can’t see any of the ANT+ accessories (heart rate, foot pod, speed/cadence, power meter, etc). If you’re using the ANT+ accessories then you can’t use bluetooth to give live-tracking updates to your phone (and therefore to your wife)…
Yup, Luke is spot on. Not only can you not see it, you can’t record it either (if Live Tracking is enabled).
Wow, that seems like a major flaw! I would never give up my HR running, or biking my HR, power and cadence. I can’t see a situation that I would ever use live tracking :(
I’m also bummed about only 3 data fields. Is the screen smaller?
+1
+1
Hi Ray, First of all thanks for your amazing reviews. They’re my go to place for sport gadget info :-)
Just to clarify : Are you saying that if you have Livetracking enabled you cannot save your activity afterward?
And with Livetracking enabled you should still have your pace/speed data available through the GPS component,correct?
No, you can save all you want with Live Tracking. You just can’t enable any ANT+ sensors with Live Tracking enable (on the Fenix/Fenix2). The chipset only supports one or the other being turned on: Bluetooth Smart or ANT+.
Pace/speed/distance data all comes from GPS, so no restrictions there.
Hi
You need the Phone to do the tracking, and this means that you will use the gps of the fenix2, maybe you can use for tracking the gps of the phone. (i think the issues here is the battery).
Of course this is an issue but not so critical for me.
I guess I’m confused why you would ever turn on bluetooth during a run or ride. The Garmin Fit or Garmin Connect App appears to do live tracking from the phone without any help from any other device. Therefore, the only thing you appear to achieve by connecting the Fenix to the phone would be notifications during the run or ride. I guess one could argue the Fenix GPS might be more accurate than the phone. However, I would assume anywhere the phone GPS is not sufficient would most likely be where phone signal is poor and in this case you wouldn’t have any live tracking anyway. Obviously, you are not going to be able to live track in a national park or wilderness area. It would only work in areas with sufficient cell signal which generally means the phone GPS would be fine. If you wore bluetooth headphones you would know if you got a call. If you were not wearing headphones, you probably wouldn’t be able to answer the call quickly enough anyway because the phone would be tucked in a pouch somewhere.
Somehow I feel sorry for Suunto after reading this. It’s going to tough to make something spectacular out of Ambit 3.
I think if Suunto offers similar specs to the Fenix2 AND enables the user to receive Bluetooth notifications from their phone while gathering ANT+ data, they will have a winner over the Fenix2.
Only thing that keeps me from selling my 910xt and Pebble is the fact that when I commute by bike (or I’m on a group ride for that matter) I want phone notifications on my wrist AND also gather activity data.
My Pebble does that (minus power data of course….).
Too bad they haven’t figured out a way for ANT+ and Bluetooth to play nice together.
But I do like Garmin’s direction with the Fenix 2….almost there!
They would have to have two antennas and two radios to do simultaneous slave and master roles with ANT+ and BLE. That would have killed the industrial design.
I agree. Also letting you track more then one bike profile will help.
I understand its not a FR910Xt replacement, but my 301Xt is on it’s last legs and I’ll need to replace it soon. Would you recommend the Fenix2 or the 910XT for my triathlon usage.
Also, what about size/weight comparison? I miss the rolling pin pics :)
Rolling pins and related items coming in the In-Depth review. Gotta save some of the good stuff, right?
Actually, in all honestly, it’s the same exact unit size-wise as the Tactix. So, if you check out my Garmin Tactix review from a couple months ago, it has all the major contenders on rolling pins then. :)
I am in the same situation. Now I’m going to have a tough time making a decision!
Any idea if they intend to add ANT+ weigh scale capability to Fenix2?
Thanks – looks like this will get me thru the GUCR145 in May unless Garmin create an ultra marathon profile for the 620
I am a bit disappointed that Garmin won’t release a 910XT replacement this year :-(
Agreed.
This watch comes SO close to being the watch I’d like, but being forced to choose between ANT+ support and live tracking is a nonstarter for me.
Too bad, because the hiking and skiing functionality would be nice!
Whats so important about live tracking anyway?
Your wife can have a cold beer and protein-laden dinner ready as soon as you walk home! All joking aside, some spouses are worry-warts and are greatly comforted of your safety by having it easily displayed on their phones/tablets/PCs/TVs/etc, especially on long 4 hr runs.
Hi!
A nice (p)review you did. I have one error to correct: the Ambit2 gives you as well as the new Fenix 2 the recovery time after each exercise. It goes even further since it keeps track by adding additional recovery time when you do another exercise lets say three hours later. So you can keep track of the remaining recovery time by opening the activity log and see the specific recovery time for each exercise by reviewing it through the log.
Cheers Ulrich
Hello Ray,
I’ve noticed many ABC watches are switching to inverse displays (such as the fenix 2) . Do you have any concerns with readability, or any opnions between the fenix and the fenix 2 display types? In feature I like about the Sunnto ambit 2 is that you can toggle the inverse display. Is that in the feature mix for Gamrin?
Best Wishes, Dan
I don’t find the readability a problem. Photographability is a pain, but real-life readability is easy. This particular display/screen does not support toggling.
Many thanx for the answer.
“No 910 xt replacement this season”… maybe it’s a good news, because in this fenix2 there aren’t really software or hardware news… and so next year garmin ‘ll come with a lot if new stuff…. I hope
I’ve seem to missed it, but why would someone choose the FR620 over this watch? Is it only from a live tracking and size standpoint?
I am also wondering this. It seems like the only running function missing from the Fenix2 is the run/walk feature. Other than that, the Fenix2 adds much more functionality over the FR620 for the same price.
I must say, however, that I strongly dislike the red color for the backlight on the Fenix2. Any chance Garmin might change that?
Size mainly, and the ability to transmit ANT+ sensors while running (and eventually cycling).
For me its size. The 620 is great as an every day watch. At nearly twice the weight, this is bigger and heavier than I would want for that.
the wifi upload is a big improvement in the FR 620 and it’s lacking in the Fenix 2
There’s the WiFi as well…
I’m interested in the red backlight. I run in the dark with my lamp off if there’s enough light to see by, and the red would like be much better at not destroying night vision (compared to the whitish of the 910xt)
I have a fenix and a 620. The 620 chipset can do ant and BLE concurrently. I don’t get why they didn’t put this chipset in the fenix 2? It would be almost perfect then. Add wifi and it would be perfect!
Because the Fenix2 shares the same chipset as the Fenix1, which pre-dates the FR620.
I think that the new Garmin 910XT model will have the same chipset of FR620….
Yeah I get that. I just think they missed a big opportunity in not having the 620 chipset.
I, for one, would pay a hefty sum for a unit that solves for all my fitness and outdoor needs.
I must agree with the other commenters, this watch looked killer until the nonsense about non-concurrent ANT+/BT. I was even lamenting my 620 purchase until that point, now I’m just hoping Garmin will add the cycling mode to the 620 soon, and perhaps even BT notifications?
I believe this is the first time you’ve officially stated there will be no 910 replacement this year, correct? Makes sense, as the Fenix2 is likely now one of it’s biggest competitors (along with Ambit2 or V800).
Hi Ray, being a current owner of Fenix I was wondering if they will at least complete there work on the current beta firmware and release to the current Fenix user base, as a triathlete, I will love to see indoor and outdoor swim tracking, but I doubt they will do it, but could you ask them if they will at least complete the current beta and release it to current Fenix owner?
Thanks
Yes, they confirmed they will be taking those beta release features and putting them into production releases for existing Fenix/Tactix users.
Ray, could you elaborate here?
I don’t know the Fenix that well, but if the Fenix 1 is going to get the current beta you’re working with what is the benefit of the Fenix 2?
Luke, I think we won’t know the answer to that until we see what exactly is in the non-beta firmware release for the fenix (4.1?) I anticipate you’ll see a lack of the training features in the fenix1 firmware update, much like the subtle training differences between the FR610 and 620. Overall I think it’s going to be minor differences between the two. Sort of like the difference between the iPhone 5 and 5s. Enough for most people to upgrade? Probably not. But is it a better option for first-time buyers.
Anything that’s currently in beta for the Fenix1/Tactix (i.e. the releases starting back in December) will get a full production release (inclusive of those beta features). Obviously, it won’t get swimming/power meters/running dynamics and other Fenix2 specific features.
Hej, I tried the bontrager speed-only sensor on my fenix and couldn’t get a signal. dD you have an idea if the cadence-only sensors will get supported for the fenix1 aswell? Regards!
Hmm, I’ll find out, good question.
Thanks Ray, so I guess we can expect release of this production firmware at about the same time that the Fenix 2 will ship, I assume the Fenix 1 firmware is the same firmware as Fenix 2 with just some feature stripped.
Thanks always enjoy reading you.
Hej Ray, any News about the cadence only stuff? (;
Tomorrow for clarification on what exactly gets back-ported.
Thanks for the review Ray. This has the potential to be a really interesting product as it seems to take care of all activites well enough for most keen enthusiasts. As an owner of multiple devices (forerunner 410, swim, fenix & edge 800), this could be the point that 1 device finally ticks all the boxes, for what I want to do at my level, so I can get rid of the rest. (if the 910 had ski modes then it would do it too)
The only major gap I see from my current kit list is the big 10 variable display and mapping/navigation of my edge.
I wish I hadn’t just ordered a FR620…
Please tell me it displays a map grid in MGRS. If it does, It’s mine.
I, as a fenix 1 user, suspect it does as DCR mentioned that fenix 2 retain all features available on fenix (at ver.4.00 firmware). Besides long/lat reading, it supports a host of grid reference formats as well, UTM/UPS, MGRS, British OS grid–to name a few. My fenix x 2 are both set to display MGRS grid reference so I can locate myself without a glitch when using Hong Kong’s 1:20,000 topographic map :-)
Thank you for this review and the Q/A at the bottom. Especially about the 910xt replacement. I’m still rocking the Forerunner 305 and need an update as this puppy is on it’s way out!
I scrolled thru all the pictures just to make sure, but couldn’t find a default ” time of day” view; thanks for all the great reviews!!!
I’ll add a photo in later on tonight, just boarding a plane now…
same same…
Shame about the Ant+/BT limitation.
Thanks for the review. I just placed my preorder with clever training.
“Downloading of satellite data: This speeds up initial acquisition of the satellites”
Why is this needed? – I remember having to do that on an old Tom Tom, but iPhone and Edge 510 use GPS and GLONASS for super quick satellite locking. Why don’t all Garmin devices use the same, I noticed that GLONASS is missing from VIRB Elite and it is noticeably slower to lock and maintains a less accurate GPS lock than my EDGE 510.
Even Garmin recognises GLONASS is good, but does not implement in all devices??
link to support.garmin.com
My guess is chipset cost, size and effect on battery currently limits GLOSNASS compatiblity to devices larger than a watch such as the Edge series (and even then it is only in the 510). It clearly is better but until it becomes the default for chipset makers to bake in GLOSNASS captability it likely won’t be in our watches and smaller devices.
So I take it you believe there is still a replacement coming for the 910xt just not this season?
I was drooling at the headline, but after reading the preview, I wish the watch would have a Drill mode like the Swim has, and same goes for wifi connectivity. I still have some doubts and questions:
Do you have to manually swap ANT/BT to upload an activity on site after it is finished?
What about data readability, especially on the bike? Being forced to wear this on my wrist, I doubt it will be functional to keep an eye on power/HR/cadence… I definitely will not be changing screens in a sprint distance bike leg.
…let’s wait for next year 910XT replacement.
It can automatically be set to turn off ANT+ and turn on BT upon completion of an activity.
No issues with readability. It just is harder to photograph.
As for swim drill mode, that’s on the ‘potential’ list. If they see enough requests for it, it might get added.
Ohh, i testing a fenix. Good watch, but no multisport.
I see the ambit2, beautiful watch, but the export for connect.garmin is complex, and not can “new lap” the Suunto App (required my workouts).
I ordered 910, but the 910 is ugly, and not wear-to-day watch.
But now see the new news, comming fenix2, canceled order 910 and wait.
I run Silverstone halfmarathon with iPhone+RunKeeper, but I hope running London Marathon with fenix2!
Ray, thx the good news!
dvorcsakl
(from Hungary)
hehehe…. cool!!
DC_rainmaker, you’re the best product reviewer/blogger/athlete tester ever !! you made me read a Fenix2 review even if I already own an Ambit2 and don’t plan to buy a new watch anytime soon (couple of years !)
Hi Ray, same as JF am also looking to upgrade 310XT, would you go with 910xt now or wait for this? Given mainly tri usage and very limited mountain usage (a small bit of snowboarding).
Hi Kiwi – See the FAQ section at the end for my thoughts on the tri landscape. Ultimately, the FR910XT/Fenix2 are so similar, that it comes down to a bunch of tiny things like how many data fields are displayed, etc…
Where is the rolling pin?
Rolling pin will be included in the final review.
Thanks Ray!
You said: “Moving beyond Running Dynamics, the unit adds additional running coaching type features, three of which are found on the FR620, and one of which is found on the FR910XT (Training Effect)”
My 620 gives me training effect numbers. Am I missing something?
I wish the Garmin teams worked closer, it seems like some/most of the features on this watch would be simple to add to the 620.
I am just starting to play with triathlons and need a watch… These things are evolving so quickly the right choice might be to wait…
I’m going peacemeal for now.
Have a 620 that I use for running but am slowly getting into triathlons this season. Nothing seemed to fit my needs so I have my 620, a swim, and an edge 500.
By no means is this a perfect setup, but it is the best of both (well, all 3) worlds with only a little bit of annoyance with switching devices.
I’ll need to figure out what to do with the forerunner on the bike leg, though. It’ll probably just stay with my running shoes and I’ll have imperfect transition data…
Good news that Garmin is pushing the competition. I am currently looking at the Suunto Ambit2 but cannot decide to buy or wait. Looking at the Fenix2’s additional features, it really gets close to Suunto. Now I need some help.
I primarily do 3 sports: cycling, occasional swimming and sailing. Sailing is very rarely mentioned in any review, however beside the usual GPS-based functions to record the route and track speed/time/pace having a “back to start” and “navigate to POI” are gorgeous features for a race sailor. Not only for a longer-term sailing race, but also for the classic “olympic triangle” racecourses where you have a lot of boats competing and after going round the racemark buoy it’s vital to know how far you have turned away from the line towards the next mark.. For this, so far the Ambit2 seemed to have the better function with the navigation screen where you have the size-changing arrow showing you where your waypoint is and how much you still have to turn for it. Also through the apps you can easily set up the watch to e.g. show your speed in knots instead of miles or km’s whic is nice (although not crucial, km/h or mph are just as fine to determine how much you’ve lost at a turn).
In both watches, the barometer is a very useful companion on the water helping to predict the wether and launch a storm alert either by the watch or by your brain. :)
So, for swimming, and predicting the weather, both are great. For sailing I would be better covered with Suunto.
If choosing Suunto, there would be a couple of things though I would be really missing from Garmin’s features:
1. Custom trainings with different intervals following each other as I want (instead of doing just exact similar rest-go-rest-go etaps over and over)
2. Custom alerts e.g. for pace of speed – although there should be som HR alert in Suunto as well, but couldn’t yet find any review that covers how it works in reality) – what I need is to set a pace/speed/HR zone and the watch to alert me, maybe even simultanously, if I’m out of these pre-set zones.
3. Virtual racer against previous own records (however the Fenix2 does not seem to have it either)
4. Bluetooth Smart connectivity: this is really great to have a connection to the smartphone. Garmin has just nailed it.
Now that you know my headaches, finally my 3 questions:
– I wonder if you know wether Suunto has plans to add such funtionalities to e.g. their upcoming Ambit3 (I’m thinking of Bluetooth here, as obviously the Ambit2 hardware is not capable of it anyway) or as a firmware update to the Ambit2 (e.g. for virtual racer, pace/speed/hr zones, customizable trainings/intervals).
– Is an Ambit3 expected this spring, or is Suunto done its facelift-homework with the Ambit2R?
– Can Garmin be expected to introduce Virtual Racer mode to the Fenix2?
Finally, and it’s only a a suggestion: when writing your (very good and inormative) in-depth reviews, it may be worth to drop a few lines with sailing racers in mind, as outdoor sports are not only done on the ground. :)
Thanks for your comments and for all the great reviews so far!
…mea culpa about the last sentence, I realize that open water swimming is always covered, so the “on the ground” notice was not appropriate. Just wanted to point out race sailing as yet another usage possibility with a potentially large user base. I should have written “not only in the water, but also on the water”. :)
Speaking of sailing, I’m a little bit in a similar situation and have considered the same top watches.
I am mostly interested in tracking some non-swimming water sports as well, and haven’t found the perfect watch yet.
I prefer things like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and when there’s no wind kayaking and paddleboarding; over solely swimming, biking and running. I’m not looking at participating in competitions around the core 3. I just want to be more informed about my activity level and see how my body is doing, know when to cut back and keep going a bit more, based on speed and heart rate. Knowing how far you ventured out onto open water (time to turn back), what your instant speed is, if you get some good laps in you get to see what your top speed was (always been curious about that), know how much distance all those laps add up to.
I understand a basic watch isn’t going to cut it, and it really looks like the Fenix 2 comes close to my ideal watch, ticking a lot of boxes.
But I also would like the watch to:
+ function as an ordinary activity tracker (time to burn some extra calories before the week is over)
+ have 4 pieces of data on screen (heart rate, instant speed, distance and time)
Many watches have two or three and require you to tap through to see other information.
With some sports you simply cannot easily or safely bring your two hands together to push buttons to change screens. And if you are out in the winter, gloves prevent you from pressing buttons too.
So, I’m with you hoping for more product releases that push into a broader sports market. Maybe leave out some of the specific training stuff and replace it with room for custom sport profiles and data screens.
Great review as always. One thing that wasn’t entirely clear though… While I think the live tracking is absolutely awesome for family when competing in say an IronMan, does it only work when interfacing with a phone, i.e. there is no ability to do this straight from the Fenix2 to the “cloud”? If so, that really limits race applicability. Thanks!
Yes, requires a phone. No cell chip in the Fenix2.
Bummer… Just noticed they discontinued their GTU10. Interesting to see so many CE companies struggle to cross the mobile bridge… Thanks for clarifying, I’ll stick with my 910XT!
With this new release are we going to see a price drop in the 910?
No, I would not expect one.
Thanks for the pre-view. Two questions:
1) If set to 1 second recording intervalls, what will the battery life be? That is the generally recommended setting for recording, will that last through a beginners (read: very slow) long distance tri?
2) Does the recovery recommendation take into account different sport types or is it limited to running? Because as a multi-sport watch, I might swim one day, bike the next and then run the day after. Is the Fenix2 going to look at all those for this feature, or just looking at the run and assuming I had two days rest before that? Your post sounds like it is running only, but of course that would make that feature pretty much useless for anyone doing more than running
Nice work as usual, Ray.
One question: How many bike profiles can the Fenix2 store?
–Donnie
One bike profile unfortunately.
Ohhhh…. That’s a deal breaker right there!
Geesh, with all the accelerometers, gyroscopes and other MEMS functions needed for swimming, too bad they didn’t integrate the Daily Activity functions like the polar V800. Seems to me easy from Garmin side and it would put this strongly in front of the V800 (unless there are some electrical or mechanical limitations I am not aware of …)
The way the chipset was designed, it wasn’t structured for low-power usage required for a 24×7 activity monitor.
…by the way, extending my questions above: I have read your great preview about Polar’s upcoming V800 as well and there you have mentioned that they will have navigation functions in the watch.
Again, putting a race sailors hat on, do you know how this navigation would look like? Meaning, could it be used for “as the crow flies” back to start, or to a waypoint navigation with a 3D compass shown on the screen like in the case of Suunto Ambit2 and Garmin Fenix2?
Thanks again!
Mick
It depends on which function you use, but in short, Fenix has both functions.
Thanks for the reply! Actually I was wondering wether the Polar V800 has these funtionalities?
The V800 is supposed to have track-back function, but I’d be very skeptical of making any assumptions about what will be there in April (or May), versus added later.
Hmm. I was looking to exchange my 610 for 910XT or hold out until their update, but this is very tempting. I wanted to keep my ANT+ footpod and bike sensors, so this is great for that (was worried 920XT will remove support like 620), but I rely quite a bit on run/walk for faster times in races and I sorta want to keep that. I hope there is a software update to enable that on this, then I’ll gladly get this.
Hi Ray, maybe my question is a little bit off-topic, but a few months ago in your mio Alpha review you told me you were expecting most high end devices having optical HR built in in the watches. As I see now Polar and Garmin releasing 2 of those devices, my question is: Do you still expect those major companies introduce the optical HR in their devices anytime soon (2014-2015)?
Thanks for your feedback
I’m expecting it from watches, but I do not expect it yet from the big name companies this year (Garmin/Polar/Suunto). I expect it from just about everyone else though.
Bummed about:
-non-simultaneous ANT+ and BT
-only 3 data fields on a screen. I tend to have 4 on my main screen and rarely switch to other screens. Even though multiple screens are available.
-lack of wifi connectivity
-lack of drill mode (for now, maybe forever)
If the ANT and BT was able to be done simultaneously I probably would have planned to buy it at release (even though I’d guess my use of live tracking would be limited).
Happy to see (wish they’d come to the 910xt, where applicable):
-Internal accelerometer based cadence and treadmill running
-Run Dynamics make it to another watch
-Temperature recording (internal and tempe support)
-Potentially longer battery life, I’m curious what a Fenix or Fenix2 gets with a 910xt side-by-side (same sensors and recording rate)
I can’t wait for the GC connect mobile update!!! That was probably my favorite part of this preview (that has been my ONLY gripe with the fenix1)
Same here – looks like I’ll finally be pulling the trigger on a Nexus 5 purchase to replace my aging, non Bluetooth Smart Galaxy Nexus.
Hey Ray, thanks for the info. I am excited about the Fenix2 and like many felt this was what I have been waiting for until the issues with the ANT+/BT. My question is does the 4iiii’s Viiiiva ANT+ to Bluetooth Smart Bridge & Heart Rate Strap resolve that problem? Can we have the watch in BT mode and still make sure and get all the data we need except of course for the running dynamics from the HRM-Run strap?
Initially I was thinking the same (as a Viiiiva owner) but obviously this will not work:
Does the Fenix2 connect to Bluetooth Smart sensors?
No.
No, it currently doesn’t connect to BT sensors. In talking with them, this would take a pretty substantial re-write of the codebase, based on the mode that the BT chip currently leverages to talk to the phone. I don’t expect to see them introduce BT sensor support in the Fenix product line (or for that matter, anytime soon in any product).
If the watch can send ANT+ data (big if, I didn’t notice anything saying it could send, just receive) then possibly it could communicate with a phone through a ANT+ dongle or Viiiva bridge? (From a hardware standpoint, obviously software doesn’t support right now)
I’m surprised by the number of commenters upset about the lack of live streaming w/ sensor use – didn’t realize that many people used it. To me the bigger issue is loss of alert functionality. Presumably there are lots of (future) possibilities there like having turn by turn directions sent from the phone.
It doesn’t send ANT+, only receives it.
Can you let Garmin know this is a big deal for some of us with BT Smart sensors who are looking into replacing our “old” devices? I would’ve placed an order already if it was not for this small detail.
Thanks for your work on this site, Ray.
Realistically, I don’t expect to see it happen. Either for this product, or in general.
For this product, in talking with them – it’d be a pretty big code base shift. But honestly, that’s secondary to the fact that they still own ANT+, and as such, they’re going to continue to drive accessories in that market. Just a business reality there until some form of critical mass happens on competitive products to force them to support the two standards (ANT+ and BLE).
Right now, no such competitive product exists.
Can you blame them? I wouldn’t shoot myself on the foot.
Ray,
Great preview. Just wanted to clarify, the 620 does show training effect.
Also, how does the weight compare to the fenix 1 and 620?
The Fenix2 is 85g, the FR620 is 44g. The Fenix1 at 83g.
Looks like a typo, don’t you have the F2 & 620 weights swapped around?
Oops, fixed.
Hey Ray! Great walk through on the device!
I think there are a few questions open that may be missing an answer (Or maybe I just didn’t get it hahaha):
1: Is it actually possible that the new HR strap will detect running pace while indoors (i.e. on a treadmill), or woill it be necessary to also use the footpod?
2: Since the fenix is supposed to be more robust, does this mean some components failure common in the 910XT would be minimized (barometric altimeter, for example). I mean, I would expect this watch to endure much harsher conditions as the previous Forerunner.
Finally, a quick suggestion for Garmin’s team: Garmin Connect should support the ability to track the use of equipment, actually that’s the only reason I use SportTracks and would be a really nice feature I don’t think very hard to implement.
As always, great to find out about all new in fitness devices from your write-ups! Thanks!
1) The new HR strap doesn’t detect pace, just cadence. However, the unit itself does determine pace and cadence indoors based on arm swing.
2) The Fenix2 hardware is essentially the same as the original Fenix, which is definitely a more hardened unit than the FR910XT.
I’d agree, equipment tracking would be nice – and help to make it more competitive with the likes of many applications.
Hi Ray, do you know when is the pace/cadence functionality is going to be enabled in the 910xt? Is it matter of software only?
I would not expect to see that functionality on the FR910XT. In general, I wouldn’t expect to see any functionality improvements on the FR910XT.
What about bug fixes for the 910XT? I saw “someone” post on a Garmin forum that you said the 910XT development team was pulled to work on the Fenix. Now that this is out, is there ever a chance that Garmin will fix data corruption issues or courses?
I don’t know what the plan is there. I’ll poke around.
With a foot pod you get cadence info on the 910xt. And not sure what you mean about pace but with foot pod indoors you get pace and obviously outdoors GPS gives you pace.
I am not aware of your level of interaction with Garmin – but do you have any sense of why they would release this and not match the functionality with the Tactix which has less than 3 months on the market?
I would have thought (based on release dates) a Fenix 2 / Tactix functionality pairing rather that a Fenix / Tactix pairing. Pretty disappointing really.
Updated Android App not showing on Google Play or as having an update available in app!
Am looking forward to FINALLY being able to transfer my FR620 runs direct from my phone a Galaxy S4
As a Fenix 1 user the screen on the Fenix 2 looks much better is it different?
Hang tight, remember, it takes a bit of time to show up in global app stores (both Android and iOS).
Garmin Connect update is available on the Canadian Apple Store now
And the US store.
And its purtyyyyyyyyy.
Thanks for all of the info…very helpful. 3 quick questions.
1) The screen pixel density looks the same as the Fenix 1, is this correct? If so, disappointing given Ambit’s gorgeous screen.
2) Is the watch quicker to respond when you push buttons and switch between menus? The Fenix 1 is like an old computer trying to run Windows 8…very slow and laggy.
3) Is the chipset identical on the Fenix 1 and Fenix 2 and can we expect any improvement on GPS accuracy?
Thanks, Steve
I’d like a response from Rainmaker on this one too. BTW Rainmaker, I love your reviews. I very much enjoy my fenix, though Steve brings up very good questions. I was thinking about updating to the tactix, but the fenix2 may be just the thing.
Strange, I thought I had posted here, not sure where it went to…
1) Yes, appears the same.
2) Yes, still basically slow for some functions (primarily saves). The menu’s are fairly quick though.
3) I believe they are. I’ll see if I can find out.
Curious if my HR strap and cadence sensor from my Forefunner 305 will work with this. I’m sure you have explained it in technological terms, but I’m not sure I follow. Thanks for the help!
Yes, both will work no problem.
Awesome! Thank you!
Very helpful review, Ray. I’m still on the fence if I will move to the Fenix 2 from my 910XT. Obviously I know I’m spending money I don’t need to spend on somewhat marginal improvements, but I like to stay on the cutting edge. I am looking for an exceptional running watch that can also be used on my ElliptiGO and hopefully control my Virb. For now, this looks like the best option, with some sacrifices. Since I don’t need swim features, I’m not sure if this is the best watch out there for me right now, or if I should hold out another year or so for a “910XT replacement”. I am definitely very interested in the running dynamics and long battery life (I’m hoping to do a 24 hr ride in June).
Do you think it would make sense to move to the Fenix 2 for my purposes?
Honestly, I wouldn’t make the move from the FR910XT to the Fenix2, unless there’s some hiking/course/navigation feature you’re looking for.
1) Is the on board storage any bigger than the ~ 26 Mb of the Fenix?
2) Do the maps still work, or have they closed that off?
Same size, and while I haven’t got to testing maps yet, I’m not seeing any indication it’s broken/changed (they’ve been pretty insistent that the only ‘downgrade’ depending on how you look at it is the limiting of the custom profiles (I like the new cleaner profiles, and 3 custom is still fine with me).
So if I understand correctly, then this watch would have the ability of adding some basic topographic indicators? That would be a huge plus for me! I currently use my 910XT for loading and disovering new routes, and while the breadcrumb trail on the empty background does work, it is also quite limited and slow.
It would be cool if you could go into this in more detail during your review of the production unit :-)
Not that I’m looking to replace my Fenix any time soon, but the internal memory is one are where I thought an improvement would have been most noticeable, and easy to achieve. The fact that they did not increase it suggests that Garmin still is reluctant to let the Fenix compete with their handheld GPS units (and, of course, there are no Garmin maps suitable for the Fenix). Perhaps when the handheld GPS are completely cannibalised by waterproof phones will Garmin let us have a few days worth of maps on our wrists.
I would think that is highly unlikely. I’ve never heard of a phone that gets 18-20 hours battery life with the GPS on continuously, not to mention recording any sensors. I’ve also never heard of a phone that uses regular or rechargeable replaceable batteries, but that may just be me and my limited experience with smartphones. My old 60CSx runs 18 hours on a pair of AA’s, and you can find those anywhere.
I was surprised myself about the lack of increase in storage in the Fenix 2. But I suspect Garmin will hold off on a mapping wrist worn device until they can find a color screen small enough and that will have enough resolution to show a map well and that won’t grossly reduce the battery life that’s already limited by the small size of a wrist worn device.
A bit off topic, but has Timex bowed out completely from this particular field? Garmin seems to be going from strength to strength and Timex seems to have fizzled out after their Global Trainer.
I’ve heard things are fairly rough in that camp.
When using the Fenix2 as a day-to-day watch (which was not possible with 910XT) how long is the battery life time?
For the Fenix, the answer is weeks. So long that you don’t even worry about it. Personally I use mine as a GPS and therefore hook it up and recharge it long before it ever runs out of battery in watch mode, even in the summer when I only use the Fenix GPS once a week or less.
Turn Notifications on, though, and the story changes. Then you have to recharge it daily.
You can use the 910 as an everyday watch. Simply set up the ‘other’ sport with 1 display page showing only time of day. Then set GPS to off.
Aside from it looking a bit oversized (being polite), it only lasts about 50 hours, and doesn’t show the day of week, date, etc…
Sure hope that the beta features get rolled out to the Fenix 1, I just bought the dang thing in late December. Ugh.
“The Fenix2 goes for the inverted color scheme (white text on black background)”.
Do you think there may be an option added to have the screen “Black text on white background”. I have found the white text very difficult to ready in any light (worse if running). I have had to return several watches because it is so difficult to read the screen. Did you find the sceen difficult to read in its current format? P.S. I have 20/20 vision.
JR, I also have vision 20/20. I’m looking for a new gps-watch. I’m interested in the TomTom Multisport, Suunto Ambit 2 and the new Fenix 2. Have you tested the TomTom or the Suunto Ambit 2 ? Looks to me these 2 watches (TomTom and the Suunto) have the best screen. May I ask which watches you returned for the bad reading screen ?
Walter
(Belgium)
I returned the Suunto Core All Black and the Freestyle Men’s FS85012 Mariner Sailing watch. Both were very difficult to read the white text screen, but the Core All Back was the worst.
Hi All-
A heads up that effective immediately, the Garmin Fenix has dropped price by $100 to $299, from Clever Training. With the HR strap, it’s $349. Note that it doesn’t qualify for the 10% DCR coupon since it’s considered clearance (yes, that’s correct), however, it does qualify for free US shipping.
Link that supports the site: link to shareasale.com
Note that the Fenix1 does include the Bluetooth Smart integration (i.e. upload and I’ve also confirmed life Tracking as well), as well as now the ability to get pace indoors without a foot pod. It won’t however get any of the swim/power meter features that you see on the Fenix2. It will get though any of the Fenix1/Tactix beta features converted to a production release likely around the Fenix2 release timeframe (March, roughly).
Anyway, good deal for folks that were in the market for a Fenix watch but don’t need the swim/power meter features of the Fenix2.
Cheers-
Ray
Good morning the fénix 2 will have function space R-R?
Looks like I’ll either be waiting for this or grabbing a discounted Fenix based on when my 405 gives up.
How about the battery lifetime as a “causal wirst watch”?
I mean, this is an expensive watch with a stilish, elegant case. So you can properly use it as your regular watch.
How long would the battery last if I don’t use the gps?
If I go 1 week away for business travel…do I need to bring the recharging clip?
RC-3 from Polar declare 40-60 days of battery lifetime without gps
what about this Fenix2?
like 30 time check with back light every day
2-3 alarm clock
It’s about a month.
Ray-
I am looking for a GPS watch with advanced navigation features along with basic run and swim functionality. My key uses would be whitewater kayaking/rafting and backpacking, while I’d also use the run and swim functions for weekly logging.
For river use, what I am trying to find out is if I can follow a preloaded track and receive an alarm (loud chime plus vibration) when I’m approaching a certain waypoint. This would be very useful to be running a river, hear or feel the alarm, and then glance at the watch to a message like “x rapid approaching in half a mile, eddy out on right to scout” or “arriving at y campsite in half a mile on left.” I’d like to be able to use these kinds of tracks from others as well as create and share my own.
Another very useful feature in “river mode” would be for the watch to constantly be showing a countdown to the next waypoint and any custom information entered for that waypoint. That way I I could glance at the watch during a moment of calm without having to take my hand from my paddle to push any buttons and see a screen saying something like “1.2 miles to Rainey Falls. Scout on left from trail.”
I’ve been looking at the Ambit2 and waiting to see what the new Fenix could do, and need to determine if this watch can do what I’m looking for natively or if I’m better off with an app on an Ambit. Which watch do you think is better for my use case?
Thanks,
Tom
P.S. Garmin: please do add swim alerts and drill mode; also support for custom smaller pools- lots of hotels have pools between 10 and 20 yards.
Oof. No ANT and Bluetooth at the same time is a deal killer for me for sure. Still, nice advancements in watches for sure.
A nice first look of Fenix2. Just waiting if Suunto releases an Ambit 3, if not the V800 is looking like the best triathlon/ multi sport watch so far. I like the polar HR monitoring in the water.
Any change to the amount of memory in the unit?
At 25MB
“I’ve held off on making this any sort of full In-Depth review.”… rrright… This is excellent work already as usual… and the watch looks terrific. Much better than the 620 on a daily basis. Although it looks quite tough I will ask the same question as everybody else : what’s its weight? Thx again for the blog.
The Forerunner 620 weights 44 grams, the Fenix 1 weights 83g, and the Tactix weight 91g (all numbers from previous DCR reviews).
According to my little scale, the Fenix2 weighs 85g. Enjoy!
Hi Ray,
There are several complaints regarding Garmin calorie calculation, mainly when Indoor running or cross training (including spinning). Looks like this is not taking in consideration the heart rate and based on it after several minutes or hours of activity the calorie count is super low.
Have you tested it Indoor? Any insight how calories will be calculated?
Just recently I sent to Garmin a side by side table to prove that calories calculation has been way off, rally lower than should be, including the 620 that has been way off in calories count.
Thanks for the review. Good features, great design. Btw it has nice screws on the back. Could you please, you know, just peek a little inside, at the battery mainly? :)
It’s not really designed to be user-serviceable, so I’m going to refrain from breaking it open and thus impacting the waterproofing…since I plan to do some waterproof related tests.
Well, OK! Last night I tried to pull the Fenix manual off the Garmin site and saw “Fenix2″ in the drop down menu. Should have known something was up. Then today, your blog, “First Look at Garmin’s new Fenix2 Multisport & Triathlon Watch.” As I mentioned above, I just got the Fenix from my wife for Valentine’s Day. Can’t take a gift from your wife back, can you? Looks like the Fenix2 addresses the “learning curve” issues I was having in using the Fenix for running, biking, etc. I now see why you didn’t respond for three days. I guess this means we aren’t friends and I need to quit reading your site. Ha. If I had just stopped reading on Feb. 15th I’d be the happy owner of a Fenix for at least another couple months. Ray, surely you could have sent me a private email telling me it was coming. Well, I understand. The Fenix2 just might be the revolution I was looking for. Unfortunately, it’s been six years since I bought my first FR305 until I got the Fenix. Maybe six years from now I can try the Fenix2 or whatever new Garmin gizmo may break my heart then. I’m depressed.
Hi Ray,
Thanks for another awesome first look! I just purchased the FR620 (thanks for the discount on clever!) but am wondering if this might be the better choice. From your review and comments it looks like the fenix2 has all the same features as the 620 (with the exception of non concurrent ant+ and blue tooth) for the same price but the fenix2 packs way more features. You mentioned road v.trail workouts but it seems to me the fenix2 should be just as good on pavement. Are there any features other than blue tooth and ant+ at the same time that would make the 620 a better choice? Do you think garmin will continue to add more running specific features to the 620 in the future? Either way I might just have to stick with the 620 since I don’t know if I can wait till March.Thanks again for the great first look!!
i cannot read any wifi features in the Fenix 2 preview… that’s a big difference
Good point, but with the ability to upload via BT on a mobile phone, it’s not a feature that is necessarily needed, more of a nice to have.
Hi Ray,
Great Preview! One item that seemed confusing though and you should probably re-word this is the following paragraph:
“On the FR620 side, the unit doesn’t allow both concurrent ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart, which means that you have to choose whether to connect an ANT+ device such as a heart rate strap, or do Bluetooth Smart driven Live Tracking.”
So it makes it seem like the FR620 cannot do both which confused me at first. I think you meant to say the Fennix2 doesn’t do both as in your FR620 you clearly show that it does both BTS and Ant+.
Thank you for all of your great work and excellent stories!
Opps, good catch on that typo, corrected to say Fenix2. Thanks!
Hey All-
Just one quick FYI/update: There was some minor confusion, and Garmin has clarified that the Android update for today will not include the Fenix/Fenix2/Tactix support, that got slightly delayed, but is still planed for Q1. The iOS update does include it, and the Android update for today does include the FR220/FR620/Vivofit, just not quite yet Fenix/Tactix while they work out a few final things.
Cheers.
Has anyone gotten the new Garmin Connect iOS app to connect with the Tactix 4.0.5 beta firmware?
I think I have my Fenix running 4.05 connected to my iPhone 5c, but I’m not quite sure. I didn’t know exactly what to do, so I put my Fenix in “Share Data->BaseCamp” mode, and then tried adding device. It’s now in my device list with the right serial number, but I can’t seem to do anything with it in the app that shows it’s connected. However, this morning I cleaned off my Fenix because it was running out of space, and removed all of the GPX track files and all but the last 3 .fit files. Those three activities (and nothing else) now show in my activities list in the app, so I think it’s actually working. There doesn’t seem to be any way to get the Connect app to grab activities off the Garmin Connect web site, though, but it’s possible it got them from there instead. I used the new Garmin Express 3.0 to sync my Fenix to the web site earlier today.
I don’t know if anyone from Garmin might be monitoring this but I’m not sure everything is working yet. I downloaded the Garmin Connect App on my iPhone 5 and logged into my account. The last 3 activities show up on my dashboard, but when I go to All Activities it just says “Go to Getting Started (https://… ) and choose your Garmin Device…” When I do that, it already is set up, as it has been for years. Adding a manual activity from that screen on the phone seems to post to the web site, however. Also the new Garmin Express it asks me to download does not seem to be working with my FR60 for uploading data, luckily the Garmin Ant Agent still works :)
I did try yesterday with fenix and 4.0.5, it failed.
But I saw this morning they add a new beta with support for the new app. Not tried it yet.
link to www8.garmin.com
Cheers
in reply to Mike Richie – I have the same issue with the garmin connect app. Only downloads the last 3 activities.
basically I can’t see how this is any kind of improvement – especially as they broke connections from 3rd party apps too.
Ok just tried upgrade to 4.11 beta and pairing : it has worked the first time only ;-(
After that I did try to restart, and at the “loading map” step the screen goes blank :-/
Seems the watch is not completely off, but I can’t do anything.
Don’t know what to do, I sent an email to fenix@garmin.com, waiting for the answer.
Sucks, but glad to hear I am not the only one. Mine was completely useless after the FW4.11 install. Don’t even know how I’ll be able to reset it since it won’t stay on long enough to register on my computer.
Same for me Daniel ;-)
Can you please update here if you find something ?
On my side, I had a chance to boot it again, by pushing dozen of times the power button, then plugging on my Mac it as soon as it start.
Then I’ve been able to use it, but as soon as I stop it, it can’t start it again !
After all, it’s a beta, there’s always a risk ;-)
Luckily is still have my old 310XT for this weekend runs !