Hey folks! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to check out the full in-depth review for tons of details, especially on accuracy of optical HR and GPS, as well as more nuances of various features like PulseOx and FDA certification: www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/06/garmin-fenix5-plus-5s-5x-in-depth-review.html
DC Rainmaker I have a google play music subscription.. Does this play and or save playlists from Google play WITHOUT HAVING TO BRING PHONE? Can't find any info on that.. Defeats purpose if I have to have a tethered phone.. Thanks
Thanks Ray, geeky and useful! Small detail, I'm using my Fenix 5S right now, (the old one), and note that the speed with which the menus change in your video, (plus version), is significantly faster than mine.
For us newbies, I have the following suggestions: One. Speak more slowly Two. It is not always clear which button you're pressing. Try to have only one finger over the buttons at one time.
Is there any other difference between 5 plus and 5X plus despite of the OXmeter, battery life and size? Are the maps feature exactly the same? Thanks and regards
I'd be curious to know if it has the same lag the Fenix 3 has when moving to and from a custom watchface. That thing where it thinks about it for 1 or 2 seconds. I've seen it on a friend's Fenix 5, too.
Great detailed review as always. This is a very curious update. It added features I think some Fenix 5 owners were hoping could be software patch updated and other features that I think people were puzzled why the Fenix 5 didn't have. The price increase, is the real killer. With China putting out bargain watches that match the Fenix 5 Plus features (Amazfit Stratus) and from what I've seen are not complete crap, not mention mainstream competition, I would have thought Garmin would be matching the outgoing Fenix 5 prices or maybe bringing them down. I'm curious to see how the market reacts.
Great walk trough. Biggest difference between 5 plus und 5x plus is the pulseox and the size or? Hard choice then there are the 5 and the 5x. But the 5 has the best battery life from them all. Keep going
Hello, very nice video! I have 2 questions. I own a Garmin fenix 3 and a Garmin fenix 5 plus. I tried both of them on a treadmill and the fenix 3 is extremely accurate about the PACE - distance while the fenix 5 plus even after several calibration is not accurate at all. Any suggestion about this issue? Maybe something I'm not doing properly? The second question is about the VO2 ... does it change after a treadmill work out or it is affected only by an outdoor run? Thank you!!! :D
Just curious to see on the Fenix 5X Plus, if the Pulse Ox sensor on watch reads the same numbers as a medical grade sensor? This would make for an interesting comparison.
Definitely. Check out my full in-depth review for some details on that and FDA certification plans. I may plunk down the cash for the higher end medical grade device, but it's about $600...and want to be sure it's actually worth it for more than just one unit.
Interesting regarding the "certification plans". Would this include other ways to use the sensor on the 5X Plus? I have the watch, but find that measurement pretty useless at sea level.
Certification (if done) would be focused specifically on a Garmin created 'App' (thus falling within the 'Software Medical Device' realm as per the FDA), that did PulseOx as you see it today natively (but pulled out into an app). End-user difference is likely negligible, since technically a widget is already an app. But in Garmin's vision, other companies could certify whatever apps they want to with the FDA, using that baseline sensor (or not certify, and just leverage it).
i am a medical practitioner (paramedic) and i can assure this 5X Plus readings r dependable. Using dedicated SpO2 machine and Vital signs machine to do comparison. because of this i am wearing one now.
IIRC, they've applied for an 510 K. A 510 K application states that one's device is equivalent to other devices (in the same class and for the same purpose) already cleared by the FDA. FDA clearance is very different from FDA certification/approval. Clearance, for example, doesn't empower the FDA authority to compel testing or studies. FDA clearance of the Fenix 5X Plus' pulse ox sensor would mean it'\ is equivalent to other class II pulse oximeters. That'd be a great marketing/selling point, but it would take a lawyer to know if they could legally market the watch as a medical device. It only takes a little imagination to convince yourself the pulse ox feature 100% necessary. The cynic in me say says those would benefit from continual pulse ox measurement aren't Garmin's target audience. I'm committing to being more imaginative and less cynical. No one likes a cynic. :)
Probably not a big issue at all with Fenix 5 fans, but using buttons to cycle through and dismiss/archive social media notifications doesn’t seem very easy. The strength activity IMHO works better with a touch screen too. A Fenix 5 with buttons and a touch screen might be a good option in the future.
I agree John. It's hard to know for sure without trying it out in person but based on this review, I feel it's inconvenient to use the buttoms for somethings. It's almost hard to remember which button does what.
Jorge Ochoa It’s too many buttons to press for me. It’s nice to have a touch screen for certain things. I’d love it if Garmin made an Android Wear Watch, but that will probably never happen.
Interesting video. It seems to me to assume you are very familiar with these kinds of watches. However, the Fenix 5 plus is my first watch of this caliber. Reading Garmin's manual is not very helpful. In this video you are pushing the buttons very fast. Is there a video that explain what each button does , when to push it depending on what you are doing, etc? I.E, sometime during setup I got the language set to unknown language which I didn't know. I looked and looked and read the manual to try to get English back. Tried doing a complete reset tono avail. Fortunately, I did get it back, but for the love of me I do not know how I did it. What is the process to actually set something when you decide it is what you want. How do you add the icons to the circular view or to delete them?
My fingertip based pulse ox can get a reading in 5-8 seconds from wake up. Hope they improve pulse ox in future firmware revisions as it seems a bit poor at the moment.
Thanks for the details, Ray. Have you had a chance to test battery life on the Plus series yet? I’m curious how accurate the reported life is, or if you can extend that by turning off features such as the Pluse Ox, or monochroming the screen. Seems like weird product design to move away from the ultra/endurance market, but maybe that sells more watches overall and is worth the trade off. Any thoughts?
You ca definitely turn off PulseOx. I don't think there is a specific setting for monochrome screen though, it seemed to 'just happen' to me below a certain battery threshold. Note that PulseOx is generally seen as highly useful in the high altitude mountain climbing realm, hence the push there.
Hey, there are a couple of things I seem to miss in every every review I've seen up to now (also for the 5x). How does entering coordinates work on the trail (and start navigation to them)? What options do you have for the map? Is north up also possible? Now we bought a vivoactive 3 for my wife I do like a number of functions, but I also want the mapping and use it for geocaching, so I need the option to enter coordinates easily. I also do prefer to have north up on gps, although I could work with track up if needed.
I just bought this watch today I know it a 5 and there is a couple more upgrades but I have been a samsung galaxy watch user and they have nothing like this and also it's like I just upgraded to a better watch the only thing I'm going to miss is the bezel but thanks for the review
Stephen Cahalan looks like the Skullcandy Method Wireless ones that I have. Using them over a year, have been consistently good and comfortable for my ears.
In the video you mention the 5x only difference is the PulseOX sensor. I thought I read it had a larger battery as well, can you confirm? Are these two differences (along with size) the only difference in the 5x? Also can you confirm if the processor / speed is the same as the 5x (none plus). Thank you for your amazing content!
Hi Ray, I don’t need the music or mapping and currently have the original Fenix 3. I really want all the new training metrics are these identical for the Fenix 5 and plus? If so would you recommend saving the extra money and just upgrading to the Fenix 5. Many Thanks Adam
Great review! After this review I am sold on the switch from my Suunto watch to the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus. Does Garmin have an app/website to sync all of your activities too and share with others? Thank you.
Yup, Garmin Connect can be setup to sync to all sorts of sites (i.e. Strava, Training Peaks, etc...). Also, you can simply share a link on Garmin Connect so others can view the activity there. In my review linked above I link to a few such activities (search on the page for 'Garmin Connect' and you'll find one).
I will wait for further updates. Rumor has it that one of the next versions will measure the length of one's toenails and precise pubic hair curvature. This together with GCT, GCB, instant messaging and music for hours on end will provide a long awaited catalyst, both in motivation and in performance
Will an activity on an Edge show up via Garmin connect on the Fenix? Training status for example? If I hike and the ride my bike will the fenix know that I had more training/ stress?
Hey Ray I have a question. I’m looking between the 5x plus or the Suunto 9 for ultramarathons...what has been your experience been in terms of gps accuracy for both of these?
Do you think the Garmin fenix 5 plus sapphire is worth 200 dollars more than fenix 5 sapphire?? I dont Think Ill use the maps much, so its more if the watch is worth the 200 extra for music, Better gps etc.
Good video, thanks!if you could answer calls couple questions, its important for me to measure blood oxygen. I know that this unit measure heart rate but could you verify that the oxymeter actually measures oxygen similar to one a person would use one there finger. The other is, it appears that you really like Garmin, so would you say it's definitely worth the money. via the website, the oxymeter only comes in the 51 mm. That's a big watch.
At this current time it's the only Fenix Garmin to feature PulseOx. But it has already been also released on their Vivosmart 4 so it is possible with other releases as well as addition upgrades to the Fenix series that we will see it? At least that's my theory based on what we have seen with payments and music etc for Garmin.
I really love the Fênix 5. But just worried if it's the right one for me. Is the display highly visible outdoors and under gym lighting? I'm partially blind and worry about the brightness. The only sports I do are cycling, swimming and lifting weights. Think this is a good match?
It has a backlight option and brightness of the backlight is also customisable including things like auto-backlight when you twist your wrist to look at the device. Generally the visibility is clear in bright sunlight even with no backlight turned on. You also can customise things like watch faces and other settings via the app to be able to better read what you need when you need it. I can only speak for someone who wears glasses that i find the device clear enough even when I'm not wearing mine.You will get good data for most of those activities but as the device uses an optical heart rate sensor I would recommend buying an external heart rate strap and connecting this via BLE or ANT to the device. Activities involving a lot of wrist flexion can produce errors in heart rate readings using the built in optical sensor on its own. So lifting weights would be a particularly good example where this is needed. Hope it helps :)
On the music menu what does Control Phone option do ? Does it allow browse and selection of podcast/audiobook/music that is on the phone ? Like you can in any modern car via Bluetooth
Im yet to use my Fenix 5 Plus after adding the music and was wondering if the music starts when you start an activity on the watch? Could you advise please DCR? Thanks
Is it possible to load a course to the Fenix 5 plus, and have the course display during a ride, but not have navigation vibrations? On a MTB ride today, it was vibrating on every switchback...pretty annoying when I really just want to look at the map occasionally to make sure I’m on the right trail. Thanks!
Hi Ray (or anyone else that can answer this) I mainly cycle but have decided to have a go at a couple of triathlons and obviouslt the fenix5plus is a better fit for that purpose than my current Edge 820. My question about the product is this, if I connect my vector 3 pedals tot he fenix and skip the 820 totally will I still get the pedal metics (left/right power, center offset power zone etc etc) as I get with the 820. Am not too worried if they aren't shown on the watch as long as they are still there and accessible in the connect app ??
I've tested for sleep apnea a few times and ended up with a CPAP. I don't use it anymore though. Anyways, if you use a CPAP and use some software it tells you a lot of details than you can't even imagine. I've used this watch to see what happens when I sleep. It isn't quite detailed enough. It gives some details down to a minute resolution. But, you might only stop breathing for 5 - 10 seconds. A good CPAP machine will show you this. To officially have sleep apnea you need several "events" happen per hour. From last night I could see many events going on. I had several rapid changes of REM to light sleep going on over several minutes. On some nights I don't see that. What I learned from my CPAP is my body would enter REM and I would quickly stop breathing. I think my body becomes too relaxed in REM and I begin the having my obstructive breathing event. So, I know if I go to sleep and I had lots of long dreams I know I probably slept very well. Another thing of this watch, is yes, you can measure you blood O2 levels. I know from when I was in a sleep lab my O2 levels would go low, and the people in the lab explained that to me. You have to set your watch to always check your levels first. During sleep I sometimes see my O2 levels down to about 80%, and one time it was near 70% on this watch. if I remember right when I was in the sleep lab it went down to 71%. After fitting me with a CPAP in the sleep lab they checked my O2 levels and I think it was about 92%. This showed that a CPAP did work for me. If you look at the details of the sleep and )2 levels from the watch I think you can get a good idea if you have sleep apnea. You might have to ask someone familiar with looking at the charts and notice your events and low O2 levels. Something else I learned is if my body is about 215 pounds or less I have no sleep apnea. if I get heavier I get bad sleep apnea. I am currently way over weight. I've adapted to sleep on my side or stomach, or usually in-between that and I think I sleep pretty good. Sleeping on your back is very bad if you have sleep apnea. That is when your tongue will relax too much and choke you. Then your body has low oxygen and this forces you to wake up. You might sleep all night and not realize you woke up many times during the night. But once you stop breathing you will come out of your REM or deep sleep. This might show up on the body movement also.
Richard's World Traveler thank you for replying. If it wasn't because of you, I wouldn't know about the interval 0f 1 minutes O2 reading as I assumed it has the key feature of continuous data log just like what HR sensors did in FE5X did. I love to sleep on my back but I really hate to have obstructive airways. Looks like CPAP machine is my next significant sleep analysis and sleep wellness.
@@Dcrainmaker So the 5 and the Instinct are basically the same, except the Instinct looking more rugged and not having a color screen? Thank you very much, love your videos!
@@n3ssaya972 It depends on how your using the watch. The Fenix series (including the 5) has *FAR* deeper functionality, especially in terms of sport features. For example it supports cycling power meters and many more sensor types. It has full Connect IQ app support for watch faces, data fields, and apps (Instinct has none), and significantly deeper sport profiles. But...don't get too distracted there. It's easy to look at those features and say 'that sounds great!', but if the Instinct does everything you need - then go forth!
@@Dcrainmaker I don't cycle or run lol I need it for every day use, hiking and search and rescue. Having topo maps would be great for SAR, but then I have to pay up for the 5 plus.
@@n3ssaya972 Indeed. There's always the Fenix 5X - though if that's too big a watch, then that's tough. Based on your response timing, I assume you're in Europe. I'd encourage you to poke around a bit on the different Amazon EU sites - they seem to have the Fenix 5 Plus series on sale quite often, for usually pretty good deals. Good luck!
Is the calorie count fixed on this watch? I ask because I had the 5 and had to return it. Was showing 2.5 to 3 times my burned calories. Looked in forums and many others have had the same issue but, I loved the watch. So, is it fixed on this one?
Are you talking about Active Calories burned or passive? The watch has algorithms built in to take into account the calories you burn naturally just from being awake etc.
Nope but you can turn it off in the watch or app. Also if you continue to ignore the move reminders the bars fill up to the max... At which point there are no additional reminders to move again until you clear this. Currently there's no option to customise this but it's on my wish list.
They specifically made some changes around Bluetooth headphone connectivity (signal) on the Fenix 5 Plus series. I haven't seen any dropouts, versus the handful I saw on the FR645.
I have the 5 Plus that I got a week ago and am wondering how I get VO2 max & Training Status settings configured. I'm a cyclist and hiker, not a runner and when I go to widgets and locate the VO2 max display it says to run 10 minutes with heart rate 2 times. It also says 'No Status' for my training status and the same message about running 2 times. I've got several hiking activities already logged and saved. Appreciate any help. Thanks.
@@jamescairney. Unfortunately, no. I never was able to figure it out. The watch itself has been awesome but I've not been able to use the VO2 max & Training Status. I really didn't dig too much deeper at trying to get those to work however. If you have any ideas, please let me know.
It's under activity settings. You can set up preferences/settings for each specific activity you do. Either navigate to the activity you want and then go settings and tap GPS or you can go from Main settings and navigate through to activity and app settings and then the specific activity you want to modify.
Interesting to see the Fenix 5 plus looks a little beaten up already. The black bezel is marked. So it’s no more durable cosmetically than the previous generation.
So without asking me what every abbreviation stands for here is the basic overview: GPS is basically accessing the American Navigation Satellite System GLONASS boiled down is accessing the Russian Navigation Satellite System GALILEO is accessing the European Satellite Navigation System. Both GPS and GLONASS are currently classified as having Global Satellite Coverage with Galileo and other systems due to reach this classification by latest of 2020. When fully operational Galileo is expected to be the most accurate system. However - in some respects this can be a moot point to my mind because it generally depends on where you are using the device and how many others are accessing it at the same time. Even though Galileo is technically the best according to some right now... the most accurate signal is always going to be when you have a satellite(s) directly overhead.... So if you were based in Russia for example - Using GLONASS could hypothetically get you as good if not better results than GPS + GALILEO. There's a lot more variables to factor in to that argument but I hope that helps.
@@foxhound143 - Galileo sits in a higher orbit and soon should be the most accurate so I would try that first. However the beauty of a Garmin watch that can use Galileo is that it can also use Glonass or just GPS so you can test it out and find the best setting for you.
My Fenix 5X Plus updated today to 3.10 and now there is no Pulse Oximeter Widget. Was the Pulse Oximeter option taken away? Can you verify with your watch?
OK. I will try that. It let me use the Pulse Oximeter yesterday, and I wanted to see what happens when I went to sleep. I woke up and it said the watch was updated to 3.10 and I can no longer find the Pulse Oximeteter. This was all indoors though. I'll get the watch set on GPS and see what happens. I know the altitude is probably off by a couple hundred feet right now.
phillip perkins when you are driving. I drive a truck, steps and exercise are counted because of the frequent bouncing. Sometimes after just a couple hours of driving my watch has counted hundreds of steps.
Is it me?, or there is NO way to adjust the date?, I just made a mistake and entered the wrong month when turning on the watch for the first time, and now I realize there is no way to set the right date... how annoying.
You can set the date three different ways: 1) Just walk outside and start the GPS (pretend to start an activity), once GPS is acquired, the date/time will instantly set. 2) Go into settings > System > Time > Set Time (Manual) > Set the time 3) Pair to your smartphone, the time will automatically set.
Not really. You might get a lot of it if you combine many different apps, but you'd still lack things like optical HR, PulseOx, battery life...and of course, wearability.
Thank you so much...I usually run with a Tom Tom multi sport and an iPod Nano....I was hoping to be able to run with GPS and Music in one...would you recommend the vivoactive 3 music or the 645 music?...I wish I owned a smart phone...but haven't caved yet.
Nathalie Calvano hey....might make it easier to understand if it was more obvious which buttons you are pressing! You’ve got your fingers beside each button and it’s hard to see when you are pressing them (or not)
Having the 5, the 5 plus isn't a big enough upgrade for the money they're asking. I'll be waiting for the 6 even if it is 1 to 2 years away. However for people with a Fenix 3 HR or lower, I'm sure it's easier to justify the upgrade....
I agree with the touchscreen being difficult. I'm waiting for my fenix 5 plus after the vivoactive HR basically does not work in the pool with the touch screen. I've lost a couple of activities and had an activity cut short when the touch screen did not work for me. Hopefully the fenix 5 will be a worthwhile upgrade in other areas to justify the cost...
@@serhiymalokhatko What kind of activities do you do that allow for touchscreen 😲. After I finish my warmup and I start hitting the weights the sweat alone makes a touchscreen useless for me, not to mention the screen turning off no matter what settings you fiddle with. This Garmin is a dream come true for people that hit the outdoors and the gym hard 😁😁
Hello Master of cycling gadgets :-) I have a tough question ! I have notices that when i am recording an activity at zwift then there is no impact at garmin connect app regarding training status or training effect. I have written that you must record only from garmin device in order to get these data updated. At the same time the data are not equal from garmin device and zwift-tacx neo . Most of the times the km are much less at garmin devices than zwift-tacx neo recordings ! My equipment is garmin 520 + tacx neo +zwift. At fenix 5 + happens the same What the heck is happening ? Does the NEW POLAR syncs perfect with zwift?
It's funny how the watches are bigger and bigger but the screen always same size and same low resolution... i think Garmin should consider it everytime they increase the new version price !!!!!!
Is it off during wrist flexion activity or generally? How are you wearing it and where? Do you clean the bottom of the device and remove sweat before putting it back on? Also what GPS settings were you using? Just GPS on it's own and where were you using it?
Hey folks! Thanks for watching! Don't forget to check out the full in-depth review for tons of details, especially on accuracy of optical HR and GPS, as well as more nuances of various features like PulseOx and FDA certification: www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/06/garmin-fenix5-plus-5s-5x-in-depth-review.html
DC Rainmaker I have a google play music subscription.. Does this play and or save playlists from Google play WITHOUT HAVING TO BRING PHONE? Can't find any info on that.. Defeats purpose if I have to have a tethered phone..
Thanks
@@flow2tech doesn't matter much now. 🤷♂️😂 Friggin' Google.
Thanks Ray, geeky and useful! Small detail, I'm using my Fenix 5S right now, (the old one), and note that the speed with which the menus change in your video, (plus version), is significantly faster than mine.
Tom Smith Same with new smartphones, faster CPU.
Aloha. You do a awesome job explaining key points on every product you do a video. I appreciate you. 🤙🏽😀
For us newbies, I have the following suggestions:
One. Speak more slowly
Two. It is not always clear which button you're pressing. Try to have only one finger over the buttons at one time.
Is there any other difference between 5 plus and 5X plus despite of the OXmeter, battery life and size?
Are the maps feature exactly the same?
Thanks and regards
I am not sure if it is because of a new hardware or new software, but, to me, it got a buttery smooth and faster UI, don't you think so?
I agree, for sure run moooooore fast than my fenix 3 hr, I don't know if it's faster also than fenix 5
I'd be curious to know if it has the same lag the Fenix 3 has when moving to and from a custom watchface. That thing where it thinks about it for 1 or 2 seconds. I've seen it on a friend's Fenix 5, too.
sorry what ? I don't get that question. The battery indicator is more accurate ??
Great detailed review as always. This is a very curious update. It added features I think some Fenix 5 owners were hoping could be software patch updated and other features that I think people were puzzled why the Fenix 5 didn't have. The price increase, is the real killer. With China putting out bargain watches that match the Fenix 5 Plus features (Amazfit Stratus) and from what I've seen are not complete crap, not mention mainstream competition, I would have thought Garmin would be matching the outgoing Fenix 5 prices or maybe bringing them down. I'm curious to see how the market reacts.
Comprehensive review, great thanks 🙏
Hey, nice video, just one question, is your fenix 5 is the sapphire edition ?
Great walk trough. Biggest difference between 5 plus und 5x plus is the pulseox and the size or? Hard choice then there are the 5 and the 5x. But the 5 has the best battery life from them all. Keep going
Great review - thanks. Do you know if there will or can be a firmware update for the 5X that will enable storage and playback of music?
Hello, very nice video! I have 2 questions. I own a Garmin fenix 3 and a Garmin fenix 5 plus. I tried both of them on a treadmill and the fenix 3 is extremely accurate about the PACE - distance while the fenix 5 plus even after several calibration is not accurate at all. Any suggestion about this issue? Maybe something I'm not doing properly? The second question is about the VO2 ... does it change after a treadmill work out or it is affected only by an outdoor run? Thank you!!! :D
Just curious to see on the Fenix 5X Plus, if the Pulse Ox sensor on watch reads the same numbers as a medical grade sensor? This would make for an interesting comparison.
Definitely. Check out my full in-depth review for some details on that and FDA certification plans. I may plunk down the cash for the higher end medical grade device, but it's about $600...and want to be sure it's actually worth it for more than just one unit.
Interesting regarding the "certification plans". Would this include other ways to use the sensor on the 5X Plus? I have the watch, but find that measurement pretty useless at sea level.
Certification (if done) would be focused specifically on a Garmin created 'App' (thus falling within the 'Software Medical Device' realm as per the FDA), that did PulseOx as you see it today natively (but pulled out into an app). End-user difference is likely negligible, since technically a widget is already an app. But in Garmin's vision, other companies could certify whatever apps they want to with the FDA, using that baseline sensor (or not certify, and just leverage it).
i am a medical practitioner (paramedic) and i can assure this 5X Plus readings r dependable. Using dedicated SpO2 machine and Vital signs machine to do comparison.
because of this i am wearing one now.
IIRC, they've applied for an 510 K. A 510 K application states that one's device is equivalent to other devices (in the same class and for the same purpose) already cleared by the FDA.
FDA clearance is very different from FDA certification/approval. Clearance, for example, doesn't empower the FDA authority to compel testing or studies.
FDA clearance of the Fenix 5X Plus' pulse ox sensor would mean it'\ is equivalent to other class II pulse oximeters. That'd be a great marketing/selling point, but it would take a lawyer to know if they could legally market the watch as a medical device.
It only takes a little imagination to convince yourself the pulse ox feature 100% necessary. The cynic in me say says those would benefit from continual pulse ox measurement aren't Garmin's target audience. I'm committing to being more imaginative and less cynical. No one likes a cynic. :)
Probably not a big issue at all with Fenix 5 fans, but using buttons to cycle through and dismiss/archive social media notifications doesn’t seem very easy. The strength activity IMHO works better with a touch screen too. A Fenix 5 with buttons and a touch screen might be a good option in the future.
I agree John. It's hard to know for sure without trying it out in person but based on this review, I feel it's inconvenient to use the buttoms for somethings. It's almost hard to remember which button does what.
Jorge Ochoa It’s too many buttons to press for me. It’s nice to have a touch screen for certain things. I’d love it if Garmin made an Android Wear Watch, but that will probably never happen.
Interesting video. It seems to me to assume you are very familiar with these kinds of watches. However, the Fenix 5 plus is my first watch of this caliber. Reading Garmin's manual is not very helpful. In this video you are pushing the buttons very fast. Is there a video that explain what each button does , when to push it depending on what you are doing, etc? I.E, sometime during setup I got the language set to unknown language which I didn't know. I looked and looked and read the manual to try to get English back. Tried doing a complete reset tono avail. Fortunately, I did get it back, but for the love of me I do not know how I did it. What is the process to actually set something when you decide it is what you want. How do you add the icons to the circular view or to delete them?
More questions: I got my device connected to my Galaxy 6. But I cannot seem to get it connected to my IPad 2. Is there a way to do that?
@phillip perkins I love this watch. I just think that the manual could be better written.
My fingertip based pulse ox can get a reading in 5-8 seconds from wake up. Hope they improve pulse ox in future firmware revisions as it seems a bit poor at the moment.
Thanks for the details, Ray. Have you had a chance to test battery life on the Plus series yet? I’m curious how accurate the reported life is, or if you can extend that by turning off features such as the Pluse Ox, or monochroming the screen. Seems like weird product design to move away from the ultra/endurance market, but maybe that sells more watches overall and is worth the trade off. Any thoughts?
You ca definitely turn off PulseOx. I don't think there is a specific setting for monochrome screen though, it seemed to 'just happen' to me below a certain battery threshold. Note that PulseOx is generally seen as highly useful in the high altitude mountain climbing realm, hence the push there.
The screen resolution looks so much neater and sharper than the Fenix 3.
Hey, there are a couple of things I seem to miss in every every review I've seen up to now (also for the 5x). How does entering coordinates work on the trail (and start navigation to them)? What options do you have for the map? Is north up also possible? Now we bought a vivoactive 3 for my wife I do like a number of functions, but I also want the mapping and use it for geocaching, so I need the option to enter coordinates easily. I also do prefer to have north up on gps, although I could work with track up if needed.
this was a straight forward priceless review. thnks
Is the map any smoother when rotating? my fenix 3 has a delay when following a track
I just bought this watch today I know it a 5 and there is a couple more upgrades but I have been a samsung galaxy watch user and they have nothing like this and also it's like I just upgraded to a better watch the only thing I'm going to miss is the bezel but thanks for the review
Thanks for the great review. What Bluetooth headphones are you using?
Stephen Cahalan looks like the Skullcandy Method Wireless ones that I have. Using them over a year, have been consistently good and comfortable for my ears.
In the video you mention the 5x only difference is the PulseOX sensor. I thought I read it had a larger battery as well, can you confirm? Are these two differences (along with size) the only difference in the 5x? Also can you confirm if the processor / speed is the same as the 5x (none plus). Thank you for your amazing content!
Battery life is slightly longer due to larger case size. but this depends on use and setup you prefer.
Hi Ray, I don’t need the music or mapping and currently have the original Fenix 3. I really want all the new training metrics are these identical for the Fenix 5 and plus? If so would you recommend saving the extra money and just upgrading to the Fenix 5. Many Thanks Adam
Great review! After this review I am sold on the switch from my Suunto watch to the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus. Does Garmin have an app/website to sync all of your activities too and share with others? Thank you.
Yup, Garmin Connect can be setup to sync to all sorts of sites (i.e. Strava, Training Peaks, etc...). Also, you can simply share a link on Garmin Connect so others can view the activity there. In my review linked above I link to a few such activities (search on the page for 'Garmin Connect' and you'll find one).
I will wait for further updates. Rumor has it that one of the next versions will measure the length of one's toenails and precise pubic hair curvature. This together with GCT, GCB, instant messaging and music for hours on end will provide a long awaited catalyst, both in motivation and in performance
8strings sounds interesting, I will wait for these features too
useless (edited even) comment. Move along, trolling comments with useless sarcasm was cool in 2008
Will an activity on an Edge show up via Garmin connect on the Fenix? Training status for example? If I hike and the ride my bike will the fenix know that I had more training/ stress?
UI is much faster/smoother than my Fenix 5, I wonder if they upgraded the SoC?
Hey Ray I have a question. I’m looking between the 5x plus or the Suunto 9 for ultramarathons...what has been your experience been in terms of gps accuracy for both of these?
Amazing review!!!
Great video - thanks. Just bought my Fenix :-)
Do you think the Garmin fenix 5 plus sapphire is worth 200 dollars more than fenix 5 sapphire?? I dont Think Ill use the maps much, so its more if the watch is worth the 200 extra for music, Better gps etc.
Good video, thanks!if you could answer calls couple questions, its important for me to measure blood oxygen. I know that this unit measure heart rate but could you verify that the oxymeter actually measures oxygen similar to one a person would use one there finger.
The other is, it appears that you really like Garmin, so would you say it's definitely worth the money. via the website, the oxymeter only comes in the 51 mm. That's a big watch.
At this current time it's the only Fenix Garmin to feature PulseOx. But it has already been also released on their Vivosmart 4 so it is possible with other releases as well as addition upgrades to the Fenix series that we will see it? At least that's my theory based on what we have seen with payments and music etc for Garmin.
I really love the Fênix 5. But just worried if it's the right one for me. Is the display highly visible outdoors and under gym lighting? I'm partially blind and worry about the brightness. The only sports I do are cycling, swimming and lifting weights. Think this is a good match?
It has a backlight option and brightness of the backlight is also customisable including things like auto-backlight when you twist your wrist to look at the device. Generally the visibility is clear in bright sunlight even with no backlight turned on. You also can customise things like watch faces and other settings via the app to be able to better read what you need when you need it.
I can only speak for someone who wears glasses that i find the device clear enough even when I'm not wearing mine.You will get good data for most of those activities but as the device uses an optical heart rate sensor I would recommend buying an external heart rate strap and connecting this via BLE or ANT to the device.
Activities involving a lot of wrist flexion can produce errors in heart rate readings using the built in optical sensor on its own. So lifting weights would be a particularly good example where this is needed.
Hope it helps :)
What headphones would you recommend with the Fenix 5 Plus? Hearing mixed results for different models (when it comes to dropouts and such).
On the music menu what does Control Phone option do ? Does it allow browse and selection of podcast/audiobook/music that is on the phone ? Like you can in any modern car via Bluetooth
Hi All,
What's the difference between Fenix 5S Plus and Fenix 5S? Is it worth to spend extra money for Plus?
Fenix 5x Plus - PulseOx 15:40
Garmin slightly changed the design of the fenix 5/5x plus from the previous model. This year is still nice but I prefer last year's design.
Im yet to use my Fenix 5 Plus after adding the music and was wondering if the music starts when you start an activity on the watch? Could you advise please DCR? Thanks
Is it possible to load a course to the Fenix 5 plus, and have the course display during a ride, but not have navigation vibrations? On a MTB ride today, it was vibrating on every switchback...pretty annoying when I really just want to look at the map occasionally to make sure I’m on the right trail. Thanks!
Hi, how do you choose between this or the polar grit X at the same price?
Hi Ray (or anyone else that can answer this) I mainly cycle but have decided to have a go at a couple of triathlons and obviouslt the fenix5plus is a better fit for that purpose than my current Edge 820. My question about the product is this, if I connect my vector 3 pedals tot he fenix and skip the 820 totally will I still get the pedal metics (left/right power, center offset power zone etc etc) as I get with the 820. Am not too worried if they aren't shown on the watch as long as they are still there and accessible in the connect app ??
Quick question: did you get so healthy from running alone?
Swim, bike, and run. And eating lots of pizza and once cream. Nom!
Hmmm the possibility to test if you're having sleep apnea with the pulseox
I've tested for sleep apnea a few times and ended up with a CPAP. I don't use it anymore though. Anyways, if you use a CPAP and use some software it tells you a lot of details than you can't even imagine. I've used this watch to see what happens when I sleep. It isn't quite detailed enough. It gives some details down to a minute resolution. But, you might only stop breathing for 5 - 10 seconds. A good CPAP machine will show you this. To officially have sleep apnea you need several "events" happen per hour. From last night I could see many events going on. I had several rapid changes of REM to light sleep going on over several minutes. On some nights I don't see that. What I learned from my CPAP is my body would enter REM and I would quickly stop breathing. I think my body becomes too relaxed in REM and I begin the having my obstructive breathing event. So, I know if I go to sleep and I had lots of long dreams I know I probably slept very well. Another thing of this watch, is yes, you can measure you blood O2 levels. I know from when I was in a sleep lab my O2 levels would go low, and the people in the lab explained that to me. You have to set your watch to always check your levels first. During sleep I sometimes see my O2 levels down to about 80%, and one time it was near 70% on this watch. if I remember right when I was in the sleep lab it went down to 71%. After fitting me with a CPAP in the sleep lab they checked my O2 levels and I think it was about 92%. This showed that a CPAP did work for me. If you look at the details of the sleep and )2 levels from the watch I think you can get a good idea if you have sleep apnea. You might have to ask someone familiar with looking at the charts and notice your events and low O2 levels.
Something else I learned is if my body is about 215 pounds or less I have no sleep apnea. if I get heavier I get bad sleep apnea. I am currently way over weight. I've adapted to sleep on my side or stomach, or usually in-between that and I think I sleep pretty good. Sleeping on your back is very bad if you have sleep apnea. That is when your tongue will relax too much and choke you. Then your body has low oxygen and this forces you to wake up. You might sleep all night and not realize you woke up many times during the night. But once you stop breathing you will come out of your REM or deep sleep. This might show up on the body movement also.
Richard's World Traveler thank you for replying. If it wasn't because of you, I wouldn't know about the interval 0f 1 minutes O2 reading as I assumed it has the key feature of continuous data log just like what HR sensors did in FE5X did.
I love to sleep on my back but I really hate to have obstructive airways. Looks like CPAP machine is my next significant sleep analysis and sleep wellness.
@@RichardsWorld never know that the Pulse OX can be that useful! thanks
Hey, can you charge the watch while tracking a tour/run without losing any data?
Hallo, if You are using Stryd, do You take speed and distance from Stryd or from GPS?
Hi! Are you doing a Suunto 9 UI Walktrough anytime soon? 😊
Next week, once I have final firmware!
If I got it right, the 5S and 5 don't have map support, but the 5S Plus and the 5 Plus do?
Yup - exactly!
@@Dcrainmaker So the 5 and the Instinct are basically the same, except the Instinct looking more rugged and not having a color screen? Thank you very much, love your videos!
@@n3ssaya972 It depends on how your using the watch. The Fenix series (including the 5) has *FAR* deeper functionality, especially in terms of sport features. For example it supports cycling power meters and many more sensor types. It has full Connect IQ app support for watch faces, data fields, and apps (Instinct has none), and significantly deeper sport profiles. But...don't get too distracted there. It's easy to look at those features and say 'that sounds great!', but if the Instinct does everything you need - then go forth!
@@Dcrainmaker I don't cycle or run lol I need it for every day use, hiking and search and rescue. Having topo maps would be great for SAR, but then I have to pay up for the 5 plus.
@@n3ssaya972 Indeed. There's always the Fenix 5X - though if that's too big a watch, then that's tough. Based on your response timing, I assume you're in Europe. I'd encourage you to poke around a bit on the different Amazon EU sites - they seem to have the Fenix 5 Plus series on sale quite often, for usually pretty good deals. Good luck!
Is the calorie count fixed on this watch? I ask because I had the 5 and had to return it. Was showing 2.5 to 3 times my burned calories. Looked in forums and many others have had the same issue but, I loved the watch. So, is it fixed on this one?
Are you talking about Active Calories burned or passive? The watch has algorithms built in to take into account the calories you burn naturally just from being awake etc.
Just curious, what headphones are they - I'm looking into getting something for running that would pair with my 645 Music...ta - no rush.
Sunny Curwen those are Skullcandy Method Wireless headphones
I can't tell from this, did they remove the move notification (where it buzzes if you haven't walked enough)?
Nope but you can turn it off in the watch or app. Also if you continue to ignore the move reminders the bars fill up to the max... At which point there are no additional reminders to move again until you clear this.
Currently there's no option to customise this but it's on my wish list.
But is it true that the fenix 6 will come out soon?
Do you happen to know what version of Bluetooth it's using?
I was so disappointed with the Fenix 5X because the screen was sooooo dark. How does the plus compare?
You know screen brightness is adjustable and there's also back lighting?
I have the Fenix 5 Sapphire, should i upgrade? the only new thing is the NFC payment and the maps or?
...and music...not planning on upgrading my 5 Sapphire yet.
Is the Bluetooth signal on the Fenix 5 plus strong while steaming music via the watch? Or is it flaky like the Garmin Forerunner 645?
They specifically made some changes around Bluetooth headphone connectivity (signal) on the Fenix 5 Plus series. I haven't seen any dropouts, versus the handful I saw on the FR645.
DC Rainmaker thanks that’s good to know.
Very strong
I have the 5 Plus that I got a week ago and am wondering how I get VO2 max & Training Status settings configured. I'm a cyclist and hiker, not a runner and when I go to widgets and locate the VO2 max display it says to run 10 minutes with heart rate 2 times. It also says 'No Status' for my training status and the same message about running 2 times. I've got several hiking activities already logged and saved. Appreciate any help. Thanks.
Any luck with your issue?
@@jamescairney. Unfortunately, no. I never was able to figure it out. The watch itself has been awesome but I've not been able to use the VO2 max & Training Status. I really didn't dig too much deeper at trying to get those to work however. If you have any ideas, please let me know.
Are you on a beta firmware? I cant seem to find the GPS - Galileo support on my watch ..
It's under activity settings. You can set up preferences/settings for each specific activity you do. Either navigate to the activity you want and then go settings and tap GPS or you can go from Main settings and navigate through to activity and app settings and then the specific activity you want to modify.
didn't see "pool swim" profile. is it there?
Interesting to see the Fenix 5 plus looks a little beaten up already. The black bezel is marked. So it’s no more durable cosmetically than the previous generation.
The unit seen in the video is two months old...I generally treat watches like crap, mostly on purpose.
6:18 "if I go arof that, you.. can.. see.. my.. paypal password ?!?? oh shit!"
This or 6x ?
Whats the most accurate among the 3?gps?gps+glonass or gps+galileo?
So without asking me what every abbreviation stands for here is the basic overview:
GPS is basically accessing the American Navigation Satellite System
GLONASS boiled down is accessing the Russian Navigation Satellite System
GALILEO is accessing the European Satellite Navigation System.
Both GPS and GLONASS are currently classified as having Global Satellite Coverage with Galileo and other systems due to reach this classification by latest of 2020.
When fully operational Galileo is expected to be the most accurate system.
However - in some respects this can be a moot point to my mind because it generally depends on where you are using the device and how many others are accessing it at the same time.
Even though Galileo is technically the best according to some right now... the most accurate signal is always going to be when you have a satellite(s) directly overhead.... So if you were based in Russia for example - Using GLONASS could hypothetically get you as good if not better results than GPS + GALILEO.
There's a lot more variables to factor in to that argument but I hope that helps.
James Greenwood im from the philippines, what gps would you recommend among the 3?
@@foxhound143 - Galileo sits in a higher orbit and soon should be the most accurate so I would try that first. However the beauty of a Garmin watch that can use Galileo is that it can also use Glonass or just GPS so you can test it out and find the best setting for you.
thank you so much, i really appreciate your time on replying to my inquiry.@@jamesgreenwood4412
@@foxhound143 Sure thing!
How do you get your VO2 max on the watch? Thanks
My Fenix 5X Plus updated today to 3.10 and now there is no Pulse Oximeter Widget. Was the Pulse Oximeter option taken away? Can you verify with your watch?
I believe that's a requirement to get a GPS fix before it will show it, because it wants to ensure it has valid altitude data.
OK. I will try that. It let me use the Pulse Oximeter yesterday, and I wanted to see what happens when I went to sleep. I woke up and it said the watch was updated to 3.10 and I can no longer find the Pulse Oximeteter. This was all indoors though. I'll get the watch set on GPS and see what happens. I know the altitude is probably off by a couple hundred feet right now.
OK, I let the watch adjust the altimeter, but the altitude is the same. But now I had the option to add the Pulse Oximeter Widget. Thanks for the tip!
Can I choose tenis sport options?
Beautiful watch, great for outdoors but horrific for gym training and indoor use! Polar is way better for that!
cant help myself, but I find the silver line on the top of screen disrupting :)
Is there anyway of disabling or pausing the steps?
In what context?
phillip perkins when you are driving. I drive a truck, steps and exercise are counted because of the frequent bouncing. Sometimes after just a couple hours of driving my watch has counted hundreds of steps.
How do you set up the vo2 max and training load?i have only just got my watch
Run outdoors twice
Does the f5x plus have notifications icons like whatsapp?
Yes.
It's runnig with Bluetooth 5??
Is it me?, or there is NO way to adjust the date?, I just made a mistake and entered the wrong month when turning on the watch for the first time, and now I realize there is no way to set the right date... how annoying.
You can set the date three different ways:
1) Just walk outside and start the GPS (pretend to start an activity), once GPS is acquired, the date/time will instantly set.
2) Go into settings > System > Time > Set Time (Manual) > Set the time
3) Pair to your smartphone, the time will automatically set.
Thanks a lot for your reply!, syncing with the GPS did the trick, and now I have the correct date. Thanks!.
Could you use an iPod Touch and still get most of the functionality?
Not really. You might get a lot of it if you combine many different apps, but you'd still lack things like optical HR, PulseOx, battery life...and of course, wearability.
Thank you so much...I usually run with a Tom Tom multi sport and an iPod Nano....I was hoping to be able to run with GPS and Music in one...would you recommend the vivoactive 3 music or the 645 music?...I wish I owned a smart phone...but haven't caved yet.
By the way your videos are very informative and I enjoy the content.
No sleep details in the watch? Still waiting for that...
is the heart rate bluetooth or ant plus?
Nathalie Calvano hey....might make it easier to understand if it was more obvious which buttons you are pressing! You’ve got your fingers beside each button and it’s hard to see when you are pressing them (or not)
Built in optical but it supports BLE and ANT externals.
Isnt it better to wait for 6?
I wouldn't imagine we'd see a new variant for another 14-18 months.
Having the 5, the 5 plus isn't a big enough upgrade for the money they're asking. I'll be waiting for the 6 even if it is 1 to 2 years away. However for people with a Fenix 3 HR or lower, I'm sure it's easier to justify the upgrade....
These watches need touch screen (with physical buttons as well).... It would be so easy and natural to use them. Now I see just pain and struggle.
Touch screen is difficult during an activity
I'm using Vivosport with touchscreen, even during activity it's super easy ;)
I agree with the touchscreen being difficult. I'm waiting for my fenix 5 plus after the vivoactive HR basically does not work in the pool with the touch screen. I've lost a couple of activities and had an activity cut short when the touch screen did not work for me. Hopefully the fenix 5 will be a worthwhile upgrade in other areas to justify the cost...
@@serhiymalokhatko What kind of activities do you do that allow for touchscreen 😲. After I finish my warmup and I start hitting the weights the sweat alone makes a touchscreen useless for me, not to mention the screen turning off no matter what settings you fiddle with. This Garmin is a dream come true for people that hit the outdoors and the gym hard 😁😁
@@achillesofvolos4134 do both. Lock the touch screen via a setting or during any activity by default,
Hello Master of cycling gadgets :-)
I have a tough question !
I have notices that when i am recording an activity at zwift then there is no impact at garmin connect app regarding training status or training effect.
I have written that you must record only from garmin device in order to get these data updated.
At the same time the data are not equal from garmin device and zwift-tacx neo . Most of the times the km are much less at garmin devices than zwift-tacx neo recordings !
My equipment is garmin 520 + tacx neo +zwift.
At fenix 5 + happens the same
What the heck is happening ?
Does the NEW POLAR syncs perfect with zwift?
It's funny how the watches are bigger and bigger but the screen always same size and same low resolution... i think Garmin should consider it everytime they increase the new version price !!!!!!
does it support more than 2 genders??
I’m going to buy the 5 plus sapphire. Ever hear of factoryoutletstore.com? Legit or not? $479.99 for black leather band model.
Adele, Taylor Swift? Better be your wife's playlist!
Terribly inaccurate watch. Pulse rate is always off. GPS is mostly spot on, but not reliable as the Suunto. I returned my Fenix, went back to Suunto.
Is it off during wrist flexion activity or generally? How are you wearing it and where? Do you clean the bottom of the device and remove sweat before putting it back on? Also what GPS settings were you using? Just GPS on it's own and where were you using it?
Really bad watch, get scratched in 5 second, not that interesting, any other half price watch will do the same or better job - returned! BOOM! 💥