So glad I bought the 5s! I had the 3HR before but the smaller 5s is much more useful. Especially when you’re at the office and keep the watch on all day. It goes under your sleeve. Excellent watch I can’t be more happy.
great honest review. I'm not a runner at all either I HIKE and use it all the time to keep track of my trail work outs along with weather/heart rate/ etc.....
A watch like this calls for a sports review, at least some kind of navigation.. Although it can perform some "smart watch" functions, it is called a "multisport gps watch" by garmin. I'm pretty sure Apple Watch is a better choice in the smartwatch "field" as fenix 5 is much better at sports and at being "sports proof", I mean, I'd never go to mud and climbing with a apple watch, but my fenix 2 has been in places where it's sturdyness is a must. I'm a pretty sure that there are a lot of better options of smartwatches in the 600 range. And I'm also pretty sure that athletes would use a garmin or suunto (or tomtom, or polar...) way before considering a smartwatch
The power port is designed that way to keep it waterproof . A usb c port would require a rubber seal or some bulky enclosure. Garmin designed the watch very well
Great review Stephen! I'm REALLY considering getting the 5s. It looks very appealing to me i must say! Like that you're so in-depth and thorough with everything. Great job!
Would you suggest the Vivoactive 3 as an alternative to Fenix 5S to someone who does only a couple of outdoor sports, more indoor activities like treadmill and a little price sensitive?
Hey stephen can you comment on the GPS feature? Im looking into buy one of the fenixs for hiking for military stuff that requires typing in an 8 digit grid, is the fenix 5s capable of this?
I wonder if a little solar charger will charge this on long camping trips? 🧐 btw I’m a pure mechanical watch guy but this got me drooling a bit. It’s a nice watch for sure.
does it worth +100 bucks for the saphire glass or a screen protector would be enough? Is there any other feature in the saphire version besides the scratch resistant glass?
Renato Elias it's the colour, in the UK the all black version only comes in sapphire. Sure a tempered glass would be enough, but if you prefer the all black, you're having to extra money...
Sapphire glass is a completely different experience from tempered glass.. it does not scratch, ever. Only problem is the bezel and metal parts of the watch will scratch, and the rubber parts will discolor, and the watch won’t look as clean. But the sapphire glass will never scratch
Great video review thanks. I play basketball indoors, will it measure my calories burning by sensing my steps or movement or will it need a clear view above and use GPS? I repeat, I play indoor.
That's worse than cancer man. We should kill all these Garmin engineers for not puting music in their smart watches. Shame on you Garmin. You know what you can do? Just stay home listening to music man, seriously, or maybe attach a smaller iPhone 5 to your wrist.
I had vivoactive 3 music and faced audio cutting issues. I’m using Amazfit Pace now and it also has audio cutting issues. support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=mQISHHl4722vvdvE9ewcX8&productID=603267&tab=topics These watches has very small list of compatible devices. Only watches that had good music, it was Apple Watch Series 3, but they lived one day :( So I prefer wired earphones with small $30 player than wireless hell on a watch.
Great informative video. I can't decide between this or the 5..worried my wrist won't be big enough for the 5. I have wrists that are just short of 7inches. Can you let us know what your wrist size? Or did I miss it
Tested my 5S over this weekend. From H/R, to Alti, to GPS...all off. Not to mention none of my iPhone texts or emails were pushed. Returning it in the morning, after reading 1000's of similar negative reviews. Back to Suunto...
Quick question if you don't mind, i run a fair bit and used to own a forrunner i liked the fact that it had an audible beep at the mile laps, i upgraded to a vivoactive hr and although it is a great watch it has no audible beeps so when i run i sometimes miss mile laps alerts. my question is does this watch make any audible beeps at mile laps while running? many thanks for you help. Max
Oracle of Omaha it’s just for auto uploading your workouts when you walk into your house/office. Alternatively you can do Bluetooth and upload from your phone.
there is a guy who actully do reviews (he tests and compare sensor accuracy, and so) he's called rainmaker. here: www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/10/polar-android-review.html
I have a smaller wrist I would say, and I wear a 5X...and it does not look too big at all. And, the map feature is the best. Without maps, why the hell would I buy a 600$ smartwatch?
good review. i where a shirt most days and actually the fenix 3 and the new 5 is just too big for the cuffs. i think this will be the new purchase for me
This review is based on looks, functionality, consistency? I just swim 1000m and it gives me off data. Customer support said, "this is a electronic device like with any kind the devices can have errors or issues sometimes ". duh.
BEFORE YOU BUY ANY GARMIN PRODUCTS!!!Know that it is their policy not to change rechargeable batteries instead they will ask to pay 1/3 of the original price to get a refurbished unit!!!
Sorry, but this review suffers from the same as most such watch reviews: talking and waving the hands at full speed, so it's very hard to actually follow. If you spend 3 minutes saying the watch looks nice, you could at least run over the function of the 5 different buttons, whose use is far from intuitive.
sure would be nice to get a review on the functions! my god man, we understand how you feel about the aesthetics! Looks great! shit man, over half the review is hearing about how cool you think it looks..horrible, you barely touched on the features. maybe try reviewing clothing or something..
There is only two pros with all fenix series. It is a design and chroma display. The rest is absolutely shity. GPS accurasy is shit,baro altimeter sleep tracker shit,optic heart rate absolutely useless,my sony xperia 5 compact do all these things much more accurate.Conclusion: it is shiny outside but shity and pricy inside. Tons of useless metrics and most of them are inaccurate,same with sport profiles,they are all the same just different names.
no you're wrong. Go see rainmaker's reviews. He spends a lot of time reviewing and testing all garmin, suunto, polar and other sportswatches, and his results (with a actual method) are very different of your opinions. I myself have been using a fenix 2 for tracking runs (training and actual races), I also have compared to my handheld GPS (60 csx, know for it quality and precision) and fenix 2 results are pretty close. Barometer readings are very good as well. Compass I actually can't say but I think it's good. I think 1 thing can be said of this and any other watch with pulse HR reading: this technology is not as accurate as the chest band
First review I've seen where someone actually compares these watches to a traditional watch that most people would realistically already have! Thanks!
Awesome review. Finally someone did a side by side comparison with other watches. It's hard to get that perspective when reviewing a product alone...
So glad I bought the 5s! I had the 3HR before but the smaller 5s is much more useful. Especially when you’re at the office and keep the watch on all day. It goes under your sleeve. Excellent watch I can’t be more happy.
great honest review. I'm not a runner at all either I HIKE and use it all the time to keep track of my trail work outs along with weather/heart rate/ etc.....
PaceMaker and Buttons 2023 how long does it last if you are using strava to follow a route
Been wearing it for since August now. Love it. Also bought a NATO and leather Zulu strap for it.
oliverarado
Question mate.. where did you get your NATO strap from? Keen to get one for mine when it arrives.
Nice review! I really disliked RIZKNOWS review because he said it was for women. The 5S is as you said just for smaller wrists, women and men.
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback.
5S was designed for a specific market.... women. Don't kid yourself.
Jarrod Barclay what makes it women specific?
Its for "women" means I'm too fat for it. There is some new fad where your watch has to resemble a grandfather clock in order for it to be cool.
RIZKNOWS is a bad reviewer tbh - highly biased.
A watch like this calls for a sports review, at least some kind of navigation.. Although it can perform some "smart watch" functions, it is called a "multisport gps watch" by garmin.
I'm pretty sure Apple Watch is a better choice in the smartwatch "field" as fenix 5 is much better at sports and at being "sports proof", I mean, I'd never go to mud and climbing with a apple watch, but my fenix 2 has been in places where it's sturdyness is a must.
I'm a pretty sure that there are a lot of better options of smartwatches in the 600 range. And I'm also pretty sure that athletes would use a garmin or suunto (or tomtom, or polar...) way before considering a smartwatch
Great honest review! Being that the new 6s is having screen display color issues, I'm opting for the 5s with the current $150 discount sale.
Hi mate,
Are the straps length long enough for a 17 1/2 wrist?
The power port is designed that way to keep it waterproof . A usb c port would require a rubber seal or some bulky enclosure. Garmin designed the watch very well
Does it have storm alert? Or paddling as one of the sports? Or connect to Strava?
Hey Stephen,
Any gripes after extended use?
Should i Buy this model in 2019? Or garmin 6s ?. Or maybe garmin veno? Which one its the best?
Great review Stephen! I'm REALLY considering getting the 5s. It looks very appealing to me i must say! Like that you're so in-depth and thorough with everything. Great job!
Would you suggest the Vivoactive 3 as an alternative to Fenix 5S to someone who does only a couple of outdoor sports, more indoor activities like treadmill and a little price sensitive?
Hey stephen can you comment on the GPS feature? Im looking into buy one of the fenixs for hiking for military stuff that requires typing in an 8 digit grid, is the fenix 5s capable of this?
I wonder if a little solar charger will charge this on long camping trips? 🧐 btw I’m a pure mechanical watch guy but this got me drooling a bit. It’s a nice watch for sure.
Awesome review! Don't listen to "fan boys". I'm not a runner but I play one on TV.
so how does this watch handle in a triathlon event or a ultramarathon?
How about buying this in 2019? Is it worth it? Thanks
Nope
Get 5S Plus instead, updated version. But old 5S a lot cheaper.
Absolutely YES
How long does it charge for from 0-100%?
Is there anything different to the bigger ones besides the size?
Can you store music and use it?
does it worth +100 bucks for the saphire glass or a screen protector would be enough? Is there any other feature in the saphire version besides the scratch resistant glass?
Renato Elias it's the colour, in the UK the all black version only comes in sapphire. Sure a tempered glass would be enough, but if you prefer the all black, you're having to extra money...
Sapphire glass is a completely different experience from tempered glass.. it does not scratch, ever. Only problem is the bezel and metal parts of the watch will scratch, and the rubber parts will discolor, and the watch won’t look as clean. But the sapphire glass will never scratch
Thanks. Are the bands for the fenix 5 are the sale for fenix 5s?
i have a Polar A300 square watch, do you think the size is close size to fenix 5s or fenix 5? Thanks :)
Great video review thanks.
I play basketball indoors, will it measure my calories burning by sensing my steps or movement or will it need a clear view above and use GPS? I repeat, I play indoor.
Is it true only the Fenix 5X has the hiking maps? You know if there's a way to load them?
Garmin not having MP3/Spotify support and Bluetooth Audio is a shame -- it's 2017 and I still take my phone to run ...
Christian Baumann No shit brother! That is by far my biggest beef! Except it's now 2018 and I still have to use my fucking phone during cardio bouts.
well enjoy the nature while running
That's worse than cancer man. We should kill all these Garmin engineers for not puting music in their smart watches. Shame on you Garmin. You know what you can do? Just stay home listening to music man, seriously, or maybe attach a smaller iPhone 5 to your wrist.
they did just recent add this btw at least on the plus model
I had vivoactive 3 music and faced audio cutting issues. I’m using Amazfit Pace now and it also has audio cutting issues.
support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=mQISHHl4722vvdvE9ewcX8&productID=603267&tab=topics
These watches has very small list of compatible devices.
Only watches that had good music, it was Apple Watch Series 3, but they lived one day :(
So I prefer wired earphones with small $30 player than wireless hell on a watch.
Great informative video. I can't decide between this or the 5..worried my wrist won't be big enough for the 5. I have wrists that are just short of 7inches. Can you let us know what your wrist size? Or did I miss it
Great job on the reviews. Really helpful. What camera are you using? Amazing quality video!!!
Tested my 5S over this weekend. From H/R, to Alti, to GPS...all off. Not to mention none of my iPhone texts or emails were pushed. Returning it in the morning, after reading 1000's of similar negative reviews. Back to Suunto...
How to measure your wrist? I don't have a garmin shop here to try it out
I don't get how the luminosity can be actioned, I have a forerunner 630, I don't see many improvements that justify an upgrade
Great review. Feels authentic. Loved it! Buying the watch tonight! Thanks
Quick question if you don't mind, i run a fair bit and used to own a forrunner i liked the fact that it had an audible beep at the mile laps, i upgraded to a vivoactive hr and although it is a great watch it has no audible beeps so when i run i sometimes miss mile laps alerts. my question is does this watch make any audible beeps at mile laps while running? many thanks for you help. Max
MagicTouchMax yes it has a beep and vibrate for your mile markers. it works great!
Stephen thanks for responding so quickly, much appreciated, keep up the great work on the vids.
Thanks!
i have a seriously stupid question. but I am going to ask anyway. What would you use wifi on the watch for?
Oracle of Omaha it’s just for auto uploading your workouts when you walk into your house/office. Alternatively you can do Bluetooth and upload from your phone.
Nice review, thanks mate, cleared my mind after watching this.
How reliable is the notifications.
Did you buy the watch or did Garmin give it to you for free for the review?
I gave it to him
Does it has reminders and calendars ?
Davide Sensalari Yes absolutely:-)
Great review, thank you
Great video, just what I was looking for
Decent Review, but I felt it lacked a bit of depth in detail for all the potential you kept talking about.
Great honest review. Thank you!
Nice review....wondering how does it compare to Polar M600!
there is a guy who actully do reviews (he tests and compare sensor accuracy, and so) he's called rainmaker.
here:
www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/10/polar-android-review.html
Tiene sensor de temperatura incorporado este modelo?
I have a smaller wrist I would say, and I wear a 5X...and it does not look too big at all. And, the map feature is the best. Without maps, why the hell would I buy a 600$ smartwatch?
ok OK ! I'l buy it..
Thank you very much for this video! Great review!
Is it touch screen?
good review. i where a shirt most days and actually the fenix 3 and the new 5 is just too big for the cuffs. i think this will be the new purchase for me
Awesome review, thank you.
Thx , you helped me to chose this watch
Thank you for specific review.
Excellent review. Good job!
This review is based on looks, functionality, consistency? I just swim 1000m and it gives me off data. Customer support said, "this is a electronic device like with any kind the devices can have errors or issues sometimes ". duh.
yes, lousy review for a sports watch
Are you going to review the Galaxy S8?
So 5s doesnt have maps?
Smowling the 5s “Plus” has maps
Can you set up intervals on this? (for running.)
Great review! Next time please show how the watch fits on your wrist. Thank you!
Pause at 1:45
thanks for your review
it is memory in pixel display
Great review. Boy you really pay for all those features.
Can you swim with this watch?
RedlineS2K Yes its 100m water resistant,and will track indoor and outdoor swimming with GPS.
I love the Hamilton!
This is the black on black sapphire
BEFORE YOU BUY ANY GARMIN PRODUCTS!!!Know that it is their policy not to change rechargeable batteries instead they will ask to pay 1/3 of the original price to get a refurbished unit!!!
Is it the same with Polar?
Thank you.
Apple Watch has an OLED display, not LCD.
Eric Sisk apple watch is rubbish compared to this! This is a true athletes watch!
Sorry, but this review suffers from the same as most such watch reviews: talking and waving the hands at full speed, so it's very hard to actually follow. If you spend 3 minutes saying the watch looks nice, you could at least run over the function of the 5 different buttons, whose use is far from intuitive.
sure would be nice to get a review on the functions! my god man, we understand how you feel about the aesthetics! Looks great! shit man, over half the review is hearing about how cool you think it looks..horrible, you barely touched on the features. maybe try reviewing clothing or something..
Sapphire also has WIFI built in :)
MJ Futures FR935 and 645 has it as well. WIFI upload is going to be avail for just about all Garmin devices in the near future.
Cool karate hands !! 🤔
Bought it nice one
a good detailed review
$350 NOW LOL AND ITS SO DRY, I PASS
But no SpO2 sensor. P*ss poor, at this price.
Great review
Rich people watch
clean your nails before vid like that
Not a touch screen? Shit
There is only two pros with all fenix series. It is a design and chroma display. The rest is absolutely shity. GPS accurasy is shit,baro altimeter sleep tracker shit,optic heart rate absolutely useless,my sony xperia 5 compact do all these things much more accurate.Conclusion: it is shiny outside but shity and pricy inside. Tons of useless metrics and most of them are inaccurate,same with sport profiles,they are all the same just different names.
You're comparing a watch to your Sony Xperia?
no you're wrong. Go see rainmaker's reviews. He spends a lot of time reviewing and testing all garmin, suunto, polar and other sportswatches, and his results (with a actual method) are very different of your opinions.
I myself have been using a fenix 2 for tracking runs (training and actual races), I also have compared to my handheld GPS (60 csx, know for it quality and precision) and fenix 2 results are pretty close. Barometer readings are very good as well.
Compass I actually can't say but I think it's good.
I think 1 thing can be said of this and any other watch with pulse HR reading: this technology is not as accurate as the chest band
Crap. Looks like wall clock.
Whilst I disagree, your comment did make me laugh XD