I'll be 100% honest ... I really don't think anyone has the sleep tracking algorithm nailed down. The latest new Polar is the best I've used - Polar Sleep Plus - www.polar.com/uk-en/content/polar_sleep_plus As far as the Fenix 5 is concerned, it's pretty good with the usual breakdown of restless, light and deep sleep. Seems to be farily consistent from one night to the next :-)
Hi. Thank you your reviews! Would you consider the HR (and gps) on the Fenix 5 to be as accurate as on the Polar M430? Also, are the new training metrics (you spoke about in your review) on the Fenix devices, useful only for athletes (and disappointing for light exercisers), or does it adapt to the user which would make it motivating for beginners too (walking and light running)? Thanks!
In all honesty, I have no proof that either is better than the other. I have used both extensively. The GPS is practical identical - for my regular runs and ride. The HR on the Polar seems to be less prone to vibrational errors eg when mountain biking. The Fenix 5 seems to give me a few more spikes and drop outs. But I am happy using the Fenix 5 as my daily training watch. If HR is imperative, on either model, I would wear a chest strap.
Cardio Critic Thank you! How about the firstbeat training metrics, will they adapt to a beginner exerciser, brisk walking, light running twice a week [once in a while biking and hiking], or is it designed to be useful only for athletes? I love a lot of things about the watch [understated design, battery life, navigation features, vibration alarm, lots of data on the watch] but I'm definitely not an athlete. Thanks!
Sam B - most definitely. That's the beauty of a fully researched algorithm from a company involved with fitness monitoring for over a decade. The Fenix 5 could track your fitness level from couch potato to Olympic athlete 👌
I love the Suunto Spartan - BUT, Suunto MUST reinstate the APPS. The old Ambit could utilise Movescount APPS, but they dropped it in the Spartan range, I have no idea why? Garmin Fenix has access to HUNDREDS of apps in the Garmin Connect IQ store. If you don't need those, then I agree, consider a Spartan Trainer Wrist HR for half the price :-)
Hi thanks for the in-depth review. What are you thoughts on sleep tracking accuracy?
I'll be 100% honest ... I really don't think anyone has the sleep tracking algorithm nailed down. The latest new Polar is the best I've used - Polar Sleep Plus - www.polar.com/uk-en/content/polar_sleep_plus
As far as the Fenix 5 is concerned, it's pretty good with the usual breakdown of restless, light and deep sleep. Seems to be farily consistent from one night to the next :-)
Hi. Thank you your reviews! Would you consider the HR (and gps) on the Fenix 5 to be as accurate as on the Polar M430? Also, are the new training metrics (you spoke about in your review) on the Fenix devices, useful only for athletes (and disappointing for light exercisers), or does it adapt to the user which would make it motivating for beginners too (walking and light running)? Thanks!
In all honesty, I have no proof that either is better than the other. I have used both extensively. The GPS is practical identical - for my regular runs and ride. The HR on the Polar seems to be less prone to vibrational errors eg when mountain biking. The Fenix 5 seems to give me a few more spikes and drop outs. But I am happy using the Fenix 5 as my daily training watch. If HR is imperative, on either model, I would wear a chest strap.
Cardio Critic Thank you! How about the firstbeat training metrics, will they adapt to a beginner exerciser, brisk walking, light running twice a week [once in a while biking and hiking], or is it designed to be useful only for athletes? I love a lot of things about the watch [understated design, battery life, navigation features, vibration alarm, lots of data on the watch] but I'm definitely not an athlete. Thanks!
Sam B - most definitely. That's the beauty of a fully researched algorithm from a company involved with fitness monitoring for over a decade. The Fenix 5 could track your fitness level from couch potato to Olympic athlete 👌
What is that orange light going from 0-15 around the screen??
That comes on the Titanium
Looks like a great watch but I'm impatiently waiting for the forerunner 645
Hi Sherry. If you want on-board music the FR645 is the way to go :-)
Wicked
Super
Suunto Spartan has a better gps and better hr monitor. So, why would someone buy this?
Kalokaghatia Antony idk mate
I love the Suunto Spartan - BUT, Suunto MUST reinstate the APPS. The old Ambit could utilise Movescount APPS, but they dropped it in the Spartan range, I have no idea why? Garmin Fenix has access to HUNDREDS of apps in the Garmin Connect IQ store. If you don't need those, then I agree, consider a Spartan Trainer Wrist HR for half the price :-)
Both are embarrassingly good. I went with the Felix because of the maps and the aesthetics.
I have both and disagree. What caused you to come to that conclusion?