Beware, this charging cable stinks! I've had nothing but trouble with this cable. It doesn't easily make contact with the 4 pins and you have to plug and re-plug this connector in order to get it to charge. I've also looked up videos on how to fix the connector with some pinching with pliers and at other times I've had to take sandpaper and roughen up the pins so that they could make better contact. Great watch, terribly, terribly designed charging cable!
I am not sure how I feel about that. I like the current charger for my F3HR and how I can use it, with a battery pack, while on a long bike ride or during a long hike.
Robert Cuadro Me too. Garmins update choices always fu*c up good things like f3 charging dock witch U can use while driving or riding without any issue. Now I am stuck with f3 because I cant recharge f5 on ultra long ride/races because this stupid sistem witch exist only to save money for garmin... Nothing else.
It shouldn't be too difficult to create an accessory (Garmin-made or thrid party), that has the connector angled at 90 degress to the cable. It might be a wee bit more uncomfortable than without the cable but it should be worth it.
definitely a minus point for me being unable to wear the fenix 5 whilst charging. Fenix 2 & 3 both allowed for wearing whilst charging. thanks for review as this was a question I had when I first seen watch with the charging cable connected.
Sean McHugh Yeah, this is a definite negative for long activites like thru-hikes and ultra marathons. If the Fenix 5x was available WITHOUT wrist HRM, it would be different...oh, well...
Not a chance I could swing my Fenix by the charging cable like this. I cannot even get the cable to stay in and/or connected with the watch face down. I'm on my second connector cable. It's very difficult to determine whether the problem is the prongs on watch or the cable itself. Pinching the cable with needle nosed plyers worked a few months ago, but alas I'm not charging AGAIN. I'm a huge fan of the watch and company but Garmin's charger problems are a mess.
i'm on my 3rd replacement of the fenix 5 now (!!). after 2-3 years expect the charging pins on the watch to corrode to the point where charging or downloading activities wont be possible any more. ridiculous!
A video about charging on the go without discussing the USB mode? Do you still have to change the USB mode to Garmin to charge on the go as with previous Fenix watches?
they should have made it perpendicular to the contacts, at least it can be mounted (bicycle bar, worn) for usage while charging. Wait, is it magnetic or mechanical fitting?
Yeah but the battery life looks like it will be a lot better, especially with the 5. Unless you are doing an event longer than 24 hours, I don't think you will need to recharge on the trail. If you are going longer than that then you will have a pack, just throw it in there for an hour.
Great video as always! I would like to see what they look like on a wrist. Could you do a quick video demonstrating what they look like on your wrist. Oh and do you know the exact release date???
I wouldn't imagine you've got better intel on when this thing might actually start hitting shelves? They said 5-8 weeks from announcement on their site, we're 5.5 weeks in, and still no concrete date.
One would think that after their Epix fail, Garmin would have at least ONE ultra runner on the team to explain to them how things like this should be worked into the design for long races. This defeats the purpose of having a wrist based HRM for anything over 50or so miles, in my opinion, because of the amount of data that will be lost as the athlete has to remove the watch to charge it on the go.
Here's a funny fact, Garmin would flat out say a Opitical HRM (wrist) should never be used for an ultra activity. To further that, they told me based on my fitness the OHRM can't accurately calculate my V02 Max. Lol!
The guy in charge of epix software (and previously of manufacturing F2/purchasing components) is now in charge of F5 design I guess. Anyway, that's fair to other manufacturers that are doing the same stupid mistakes not listening to their customers (and censoring their boards).
Massive downside for the Ultra market. If it becomes as big a seller as the F3 range then some enterprising company will come up with an alternative hopefully.
just got the fenix 5 and I'm wondering can i charge it an alternate way to the computer? None of the literature advocates this. IPhone wall charger etc
WRONG!!! I suggest anybody reading this thread call Garmin support at 1.888.442.7646 and ask them about using the iPhone wall charger. There have been documented cases of the iPhone wall charger destroying Garmin watches. Garmin specifically sells a wall charger for this reason.
I was always bragging to my friends how well designed was a charger for 3HR. I just got a fenix 5 and I could not believe to my eyes. First, no charger, just a cable, second the cable is short! (Garmin is learning from Apple I suppose). And you have you keep the watch face-down or on the side??? pretty short-sighted (read st*pid ) in my book.
That’s a fail on the charging points as well. Even blue tooth head phones have a tethered rubber cover that is attached to the head phone when a charger is connected and is not easy misplaced during charging.
Off course this connection should have been on the side! Another proof of the fact that manufacturers have very little knowledge of our daily use. (and still regularly say they're working together with pro athletes!!) (I consider it a pure coincidence that the device is even functioning while powered) As already suggested: angled plug! See if someone will go and produce this. Otherwise it will be a matter of cutting and taping. Anyhow a piece of foam with a hole will also be needed. Hope the strap is long enough..... And then you'll have to buy a heartrate strap. Ridiculous amount of improvisation for the most expensive (?) sport-watch! Not buying it is much more logical. It shouldn't last long anymore before the perfect '2nd screen', 'slave display' or what you name it will see the light of day. Working together with your phone. An accessory most people are taking along nowadays anyway. >> SOS - tracking - photographing - music
This garmin choice is a "disaster" for ultra trailers who needs a device lasting more the 20h up to days. We normallly use power banks to support charging. The Fenix 3 charging solution was almost perfect. Now Gamin solved the trail trace file space (is was impossible to charge race gpx more than 400km) but worsen the charging system. Impossible to use to navigate! Should we wait for some external cable provider to invent and sell an "angular" charging light platform to allow us to keep it on the wrist or bike?
Just a shame that the four connectors corode easily and make it hard to charge the Fenix. I hope that they wil find a solution to that in the next generation fenixes. (the fenix 6 is still the same connector as the fenix 5)... @Garmin: Do something about it!
Cool, easier to travel with (and maybe easier to lose it) than the cradle. Does it work for Fenix 3? And by the way, i hope manufactures turn to standard micro usb or usb c some day... just dreaming.
No, only with the Fenix5. Totally different from the Fenix3. As for USB or micro-USB, the issue is waterproofing. While there are waterproof USB-C/Micro connectors, virtually all of them have shown corrosion issue over time. :(
Stupid my question. Garmin would never make a charger compatible with their own other devices. Each model each charging specs... i love them. Thank you DCR.
In theory, that's the singular reason why this charger is the wonk that it is: It's supposed to be the new single charger across all Garmin devices going forward. Only time will tell if that's actually the case or not.
Are you paid by Garmin for this video ? :-) The charging cable design is just unacceptable... Because of this little detail I believe I will keep my old F3 for few years (unless Garmin correct this, but after 2 years without change I think nobody in Garmin care of Ultra runners)
Charge my very expensive watch face down? As if the bezel wasnt prone enough to scratches, now they're making you scratch it even more just for a charge. Not cool.
Granted :) Though I think I still prefer the previous clip system. If they were going to re-invent the wheel, you'd think they'd go with something smaller and out the way. Still, a winner in just about all other aspects!
Unfortunately, there isn't. I assume you're trying to imply that USB would be that connect, but USB isn't waterproof. Sure, there are supposedly waterproof USB ports/connectors (usually to IPX7, but occasionally 50m), but history has taught us that those don't last more than 9-12 months before they corrode or otherwise leak. It's ultimately the reason why company settle on a unique waterproof connector.
As I see for now it is definitely worse than Epix but still receives good points from you unlike Epix. As for now I don't see any advantage of 5X over Epix but a number of disatvantages
Aside from size of display - what are the disadvantageous? Remember that charging on Epix was barely functional at best in this sort of scenario (due to side clip).
I don't really understand you. Charging on Epix is completely functional due to side clip. It does not interfere with wearing the watch in a normal way and does not stop the recording, displays an so on. You don't need to take the watch from hand to connect or disconnect the charger cable. I charged on the go Epix several times during long hikes, it is easier than any of fenixes (I had Fenix1 and Fenix2 before). Other F5X disadvantages: Shorter battery life- epix has 24 hours in GPS on mode (smart); Epix is built in a way that it is more convinient to run in it or to swim (I compare to Fenix2 which is smaller than F3 or F5X) - it is rectangular with cut out edges. Epix is lighter. Mine weights 74g (with a textile strap that I like, with original I guess it was 85g). Built in HRM in F5X is not a big thing as it is not working when biking (in case the watch is on the handlebar), it is not working during swimming, and not very reliable in running (as I see from the review). I use epix with HRM RUN during running and biking. When swimming or during triathlon I put Scoche R+ on the wrist band of my Epix - and I have a "built-in" HRM which does work fine when swimming. All this is good for me as taking into account the charging problem of F5X I don't need to bother myself and pay a lot of $$ for upgrading my Epix.
My point on the charging cable is that it's not super secure. Though, I agree you could wear it. As for your other points like running or swimming - I'm not sure I understand. I've never heard anyone say that it was a problem to run or swim with the Fenix3 (which is the same size as the Fenix 5X). But there's also a ton of features you don't get on Epix that you do on the Fenix 5. So it's a bit hard to say that it has less features, when it definitely doesn't. Now whether those features are meaningful to you, of course, that will vary. :)
It strange to hear. From my experience the charging clips for Epix is secure, it holds very well and easy to use. from my experience it is by far the most convenient and secure charger from all gps enabled devices that I had. Regarding wearing convenience - there is no problem swimming or running with fenix of course, but when you bend your hand in an activity with fenix you can feel the edge of the watch with the hand, as it is and gets further from the "wrist band line". With epix one does not feel it due to the rectangular form with cut out bottom edges. Epix is felt like 920XT so you don't feel it at all. That is what I mean. It would not be a deal breaker to anyone I guess. Which features in 5X besides internal HRM are worthwhile upgrading to it from epix in your opinion? I am asking because I thought about this upgrade just because it is a newer watch and Garmin abandoned Epix support, but after receiving the update of epix which sorted out the most annoying problem in it (unlocked touch screen) and learning about this 5X charging problems I will think twice if I need it.
This has been the worst charger EVER! I've ordered so many replacements from Garmin, the cable will only last a few months before it stops connecting to the watch. Sometimes I can get it to connect again with cleaning the charging area with a Q-tip and alcohol but eventually it stops charging again. I have to press the watch firmly into a table or wood floor to try and get it to connect and then slowly back away making sure not to touch it for a while in *hopes* that it will continue to charge! Terrible design Garmin...I hope someone speaks up on a committee over there and tells everyone NOT to make this the future charger!
He is getting at charging while doing ultra events, i.e. 50 to 100 mile ultra marathons where the battery would run out before you've reached the finish. He is not talking about being unable to take off the watch for 15 minutes each day ;)
It wouldn't, it'd suck. Which is somewhat the point - that piece sucks. However, a lot of Ultra runners I've talked to have said as long as they could charge it on a backpack during the run, then it's better than nothing. Given a charge would take about an hour, and doesn't stop recording, it's not a dealbreaker. Ideal? No, of course not.
It wouldn't, it'd suck. Which is somewhat the point - that piece sucks. However, a lot of Ultra runners I've talked to have said as long as they could charge it on a backpack during the run, then it's better than nothing. Given a charge would take about an hour, and doesn't stop recording, it's not a dealbreaker. Ideal? No, of course not.
Hands down you are the biggest shill for Garmin. Your little demo takes the attention off of the facts. For example: A true and honest demo would've had the phone charging while you swung it around. True? In fact, while the plug maintains a tight fit - what about the contacts? They are extremely fickle, sometime just placing a Fenix 5 on it's side while charging will disrupt the contact.
Beware, this charging cable stinks! I've had nothing but trouble with this cable. It doesn't easily make contact with the 4 pins and you have to plug and re-plug this connector in order to get it to charge. I've also looked up videos on how to fix the connector with some pinching with pliers and at other times I've had to take sandpaper and roughen up the pins so that they could make better contact. Great watch, terribly, terribly designed charging cable!
I am not sure how I feel about that. I like the current charger for my F3HR and how I can use it, with a battery pack, while on a long bike ride or during a long hike.
Robert Cuadro Me too. Garmins update choices always fu*c up good things like f3 charging dock witch U can use while driving or riding without any issue. Now I am stuck with f3 because I cant recharge f5 on ultra long ride/races because this stupid sistem witch exist only to save money for garmin... Nothing else.
It shouldn't be too difficult to create an accessory (Garmin-made or thrid party), that has the connector angled at 90 degress to the cable. It might be a wee bit more uncomfortable than without the cable but it should be worth it.
semmelmichi almost 2 years past from f5 presentation but there still no third-party 90angle charging cradle 😕
definitely a minus point for me being unable to wear the fenix 5 whilst charging. Fenix 2 & 3 both allowed for wearing whilst charging. thanks for review as this was a question I had when I first seen watch with the charging cable connected.
Sean McHugh Yeah, this is a definite negative for long activites like thru-hikes and ultra marathons. If the Fenix 5x was available WITHOUT wrist HRM, it would be different...oh, well...
I assume you can still turn off the HRM to save battery life?
ToolkiT73UK I hope so.
Not a chance I could swing my Fenix by the charging cable like this. I cannot even get the cable to stay in and/or connected with the watch face down. I'm on my second connector cable. It's very difficult to determine whether the problem is the prongs on watch or the cable itself. Pinching the cable with needle nosed plyers worked a few months ago, but alas I'm not charging AGAIN. I'm a huge fan of the watch and company but Garmin's charger problems are a mess.
I lost my charger is there another way to charge it? If so how? Also can you purchase just the charger online?
I'm having it difficult pulling my Fenix 5 charger from the watch. Any ideas?
i'm on my 3rd replacement of the fenix 5 now (!!). after 2-3 years expect the charging pins on the watch to corrode to the point where charging or downloading activities wont be possible any more. ridiculous!
A video about charging on the go without discussing the USB mode? Do you still have to change the USB mode to Garmin to charge on the go as with previous Fenix watches?
You haven’t had to for many many years.
Can you plug it into a wall charger? I can't find the power specs.
they should have made it perpendicular to the contacts, at least it can be mounted (bicycle bar, worn) for usage while charging. Wait, is it magnetic or mechanical fitting?
Yeah but the battery life looks like it will be a lot better, especially with the 5. Unless you are doing an event longer than 24 hours, I don't think you will need to recharge on the trail. If you are going longer than that then you will have a pack, just throw it in there for an hour.
How much
Great video as always! I would like to see what they look like on a wrist. Could you do a quick video demonstrating what they look like on your wrist. Oh and do you know the exact release date???
Mines automatically defaulting to the charging screen while running. Is there a way to change this so I can still see my km's and pace?
Me ayudaría cómo instalar la actualización del software..?? Al momento de dar enter en el dispositivo no carga
Can you plug it in both ways ?
So how do you know when it is charged?
It has the indicator on the screen that shows 100%
I wouldn't imagine you've got better intel on when this thing might actually start hitting shelves? They said 5-8 weeks from announcement on their site, we're 5.5 weeks in, and still no concrete date.
Does anyone know the charge time if I charge on the go doing an ultra lookin to buy the 5x plus for my next 100 miler ? Thanks
One would think that after their Epix fail, Garmin would have at least ONE ultra runner on the team to explain to them how things like this should be worked into the design for long races. This defeats the purpose of having a wrist based HRM for anything over 50or so miles, in my opinion, because of the amount of data that will be lost as the athlete has to remove the watch to charge it on the go.
Here's a funny fact, Garmin would flat out say a Opitical HRM (wrist) should never be used for an ultra activity. To further that, they told me based on my fitness the OHRM can't accurately calculate my V02 Max. Lol!
Terrible design. Does garmin not understand that ultra runners (us slow ones anyway) charge their device while wearing it on the go?
If the 24 hour battery time on full 1 second GPS recording time and 72 hours on ultratac proofs to be true, then it might not be so bad.
belatu : yup. and care bears are proof of that !
The guy in charge of epix software (and previously of manufacturing F2/purchasing components) is now in charge of F5 design I guess. Anyway, that's fair to other manufacturers that are doing the same stupid mistakes not listening to their customers (and censoring their boards).
Massive downside for the Ultra market. If it becomes as big a seller as the F3 range then some enterprising company will come up with an alternative hopefully.
Hi! Can I use this cable on garmin Descent MK1?
Hello! This cable you can use or not with garmin descent?
can it be charge by using the wall socket ?
Use the usb outlet from the charger, and connect to a wall socket, maybe from a phone.
@@anthonyedem1940 Thanks mate !
just got the fenix 5 and I'm wondering can i charge it an alternate way to the computer? None of the literature advocates this. IPhone wall charger etc
You can use any USB port you find.
WRONG!!! I suggest anybody reading this thread call Garmin support at 1.888.442.7646 and ask them about using the iPhone wall charger. There have been documented cases of the iPhone wall charger destroying Garmin watches. Garmin specifically sells a wall charger for this reason.
I was always bragging to my friends how well designed was a charger for 3HR. I just got a fenix 5 and I could not believe to my eyes. First, no charger, just a cable, second the cable is short! (Garmin is learning from Apple I suppose). And you have you keep the watch face-down or on the side??? pretty short-sighted (read st*pid ) in my book.
That’s a fail on the charging points as well. Even blue tooth head phones have a tethered rubber cover that is attached to the head phone when a charger is connected and is not easy misplaced during charging.
That’s because BT headphones charging ports aren’t usually waterproofed.
Off course this connection should have been on the side! Another proof of the fact that manufacturers have very little knowledge of our daily use. (and still regularly say they're working together with pro athletes!!) (I consider it a pure coincidence that the device is even functioning while powered)
As already suggested: angled plug! See if someone will go and produce this. Otherwise it will be a matter of cutting and taping. Anyhow a piece of foam with a hole will also be needed. Hope the strap is long enough.....
And then you'll have to buy a heartrate strap.
Ridiculous amount of improvisation for the most expensive (?) sport-watch!
Not buying it is much more logical. It shouldn't last long anymore before the perfect '2nd screen', 'slave display' or what you name it will see the light of day. Working together with your phone. An accessory most people are taking along nowadays anyway. >> SOS - tracking - photographing - music
This garmin choice is a "disaster" for ultra trailers who needs a device lasting more the 20h up to days. We normallly use power banks to support charging. The Fenix 3 charging solution was almost perfect. Now Gamin solved the trail trace file space (is was impossible to charge race gpx more than 400km) but worsen the charging system. Impossible to use to navigate! Should we wait for some external cable provider to invent and sell an "angular" charging light platform to allow us to keep it on the wrist or bike?
Just a shame that the four connectors corode easily and make it hard to charge the Fenix. I hope that they wil find a solution to that in the next generation fenixes. (the fenix 6 is still the same connector as the fenix 5)... @Garmin: Do something about it!
Cool, easier to travel with (and maybe easier to lose it) than the cradle. Does it work for Fenix 3?
And by the way, i hope manufactures turn to standard micro usb or usb c some day... just dreaming.
No, only with the Fenix5. Totally different from the Fenix3. As for USB or micro-USB, the issue is waterproofing. While there are waterproof USB-C/Micro connectors, virtually all of them have shown corrosion issue over time. :(
Stupid my question. Garmin would never make a charger compatible with their own other devices. Each model each charging specs... i love them. Thank you DCR.
In theory, that's the singular reason why this charger is the wonk that it is: It's supposed to be the new single charger across all Garmin devices going forward. Only time will tell if that's actually the case or not.
Hey DC Rain, would the old fenix 3 cradle fit the newer 5, 5s ?
No, unfortunately not. Different connector types. :(
Are you paid by Garmin for this video ? :-) The charging cable design is just unacceptable... Because of this little detail I believe I will keep my old F3 for few years (unless Garmin correct this, but after 2 years without change I think nobody in Garmin care of Ultra runners)
Garmin makes really bad cables for the most part.
I love their watches but the connection sensitivity and info pick up is horridly bad
OMG, 186 likes, and 0 dizlikes, you are amazing
This is problematic., as i do charge it as i wear it on my Finex 3 on full days loging
I've lost my watch doing this! Only had it a couple of months but thought if they it. My fault i guess.
Charge my very expensive watch face down? As if the bezel wasnt prone enough to scratches, now they're making you scratch it even more just for a charge. Not cool.
It sits on its side when plugged in, no reason to charge face down if you don't want to.
Granted :) Though I think I still prefer the previous clip system. If they were going to re-invent the wheel, you'd think they'd go with something smaller and out the way. Still, a winner in just about all other aspects!
Bad charging cable, has put me off buying this product again!
Wait...you don't have a hole in your wrist? That's weird.
If only there were an connector that 99% of devices are already using.
(Fitbit is equally bad at making up new connectors all the time)
Unfortunately, there isn't. I assume you're trying to imply that USB would be that connect, but USB isn't waterproof. Sure, there are supposedly waterproof USB ports/connectors (usually to IPX7, but occasionally 50m), but history has taught us that those don't last more than 9-12 months before they corrode or otherwise leak. It's ultimately the reason why company settle on a unique waterproof connector.
DC Rainmaker yes, that is a problem. maybe something the USB guys should look into. this Garmin connector looks a bit like some of the fitbit ones.
That's true - it's the thing I thought to myself as well: Huh, that looks exactly like the Fitbit Surge connector... :)
hi
As I see for now it is definitely worse than Epix but still receives good points from you unlike Epix. As for now I don't see any advantage of 5X over Epix but a number of disatvantages
Aside from size of display - what are the disadvantageous? Remember that charging on Epix was barely functional at best in this sort of scenario (due to side clip).
I don't really understand you. Charging on Epix is completely functional due to side clip. It does not interfere with wearing the watch in a normal way and does not stop the recording, displays an so on. You don't need to take the watch from hand to connect or disconnect the charger cable. I charged on the go Epix several times during long hikes, it is easier than any of fenixes (I had Fenix1 and Fenix2 before).
Other F5X disadvantages: Shorter battery life- epix has 24 hours in GPS on mode (smart); Epix is built in a way that it is more convinient to run in it or to swim (I compare to Fenix2 which is smaller than F3 or F5X) - it is rectangular with cut out edges. Epix is lighter. Mine weights 74g (with a textile strap that I like, with original I guess it was 85g). Built in HRM in F5X is not a big thing as it is not working when biking (in case the watch is on the handlebar), it is not working during swimming, and not very reliable in running (as I see from the review). I use epix with HRM RUN during running and biking. When swimming or during triathlon I put Scoche R+ on the wrist band of my Epix - and I have a "built-in" HRM which does work fine when swimming.
All this is good for me as taking into account the charging problem of F5X I don't need to bother myself and pay a lot of $$ for upgrading my Epix.
My point on the charging cable is that it's not super secure. Though, I agree you could wear it.
As for your other points like running or swimming - I'm not sure I understand. I've never heard anyone say that it was a problem to run or swim with the Fenix3 (which is the same size as the Fenix 5X).
But there's also a ton of features you don't get on Epix that you do on the Fenix 5. So it's a bit hard to say that it has less features, when it definitely doesn't. Now whether those features are meaningful to you, of course, that will vary. :)
It strange to hear. From my experience the charging clips for Epix is secure, it holds very well and easy to use. from my experience it is by far the most convenient and secure charger from all gps enabled devices that I had.
Regarding wearing convenience - there is no problem swimming or running with fenix of course, but when you bend your hand in an activity with fenix you can feel the edge of the watch with the hand, as it is and gets further from the "wrist band line". With epix one does not feel it due to the rectangular form with cut out bottom edges. Epix is felt like 920XT so you don't feel it at all. That is what I mean. It would not be a deal breaker to anyone I guess.
Which features in 5X besides internal HRM are worthwhile upgrading to it from epix in your opinion?
I am asking because I thought about this upgrade just because it is a newer watch and Garmin abandoned Epix support, but after receiving the update of epix which sorted out the most annoying problem in it (unlocked touch screen) and learning about this 5X charging problems I will think twice if I need it.
This is made for Jesus !
This has been the worst charger EVER! I've ordered so many replacements from Garmin, the cable will only last a few months before it stops connecting to the watch. Sometimes I can get it to connect again with cleaning the charging area with a Q-tip and alcohol but eventually it stops charging again. I have to press the watch firmly into a table or wood floor to try and get it to connect and then slowly back away making sure not to touch it for a while in *hopes* that it will continue to charge! Terrible design Garmin...I hope someone speaks up on a committee over there and tells everyone NOT to make this the future charger!
Charge while taking a shower...
He is getting at charging while doing ultra events, i.e. 50 to 100 mile ultra marathons where the battery would run out before you've reached the finish. He is not talking about being unable to take off the watch for 15 minutes each day ;)
Correct.
20 hours in GPS mode and 50 in Ultra-Trac. I don't see how wearing it with the charger could be remotely comfortable.
It wouldn't, it'd suck. Which is somewhat the point - that piece sucks. However, a lot of Ultra runners I've talked to have said as long as they could charge it on a backpack during the run, then it's better than nothing. Given a charge would take about an hour, and doesn't stop recording, it's not a dealbreaker. Ideal? No, of course not.
It wouldn't, it'd suck. Which is somewhat the point - that piece sucks. However, a lot of Ultra runners I've talked to have said as long as they could charge it on a backpack during the run, then it's better than nothing. Given a charge would take about an hour, and doesn't stop recording, it's not a dealbreaker. Ideal? No, of course not.
WTx
Hands down you are the biggest shill for Garmin. Your little demo takes the attention off of the facts. For example: A true and honest demo would've had the phone charging while you swung it around. True? In fact, while the plug maintains a tight fit - what about the contacts? They are extremely fickle, sometime just placing a Fenix 5 on it's side while charging will disrupt the contact.