Last week I took the plunge a decided to buy the Garmin Forerunner 735XT (watch only, no chest strap). I just couldn't justify the extra cost for a Fenix 3, let alone the additional cost for the newly launched Fenix 3 HR. I have previously used devices in the Forerunner range, and this latest purchase seems to continue in this trend. The reviews by Ray Maker (dcrainmaker website) gives most of the information, so there's no point reviewing what he has already done. Instead, I will give first hand experience over the next few weeks as I put this device through it's paces. Thanks to the HealthyGear program through Discovery, I managed to knock R1K off the retail price of R7500, so it's still a hefty price to pay for a watch. But let me not think of it that way - it's more than just a watch. The sales person told me the blue strap is a girl's watch - but it will go nicely with a pending purchase (more about that in the future) - plain black is boring, and what other people think of me, is none of my business. First Check - pairing Ant+ devices The first check was to see if my own straps, speed/cadence sensor, and other Ant+ devices could connect (power meter added in September 2016). YES! The cost of the tri-bundle is R10K at Sportman's warehouse. R2.5K for a strap. Cycleops speed/cadence sensor - connectedPowercal HR/Power strap - connected, will be up for sale.Garmin Forerunner 310XT strap - connected4iiii Power meter (left side only) - connectedSecond Check - Chest Strap vs Wrist-based Last night, I deleted all paired straps from the 735XT to prevent it automatically connecting to a strap. At the same time, I used my 310XT and the strap (paired) to get a comparison of HR between strap and wrist. Below is the graph, plotted in Excel, using the 1s reading from both devices at the same time. I tried smoothing the line, but it doesn't make much difference whether ticked or not. The workout was a 45-min endurance (Z2) workout (25 mins at 56-65% of FTP, 20 mins at 66-75% of FTP) with a 10-min WU and 10-minute CD. Total duration was 1:05:12 (from starting to stopping). Average HR was the same - 151bpmMax HR - 176bpm (optical sensor) vs 175 (chest strap) I will continue to record the data the same way, spread over weekend club rides, to weekday intervals to get an average performance from both device types. What I do like is the close-enough accuracy to forego wearing an HR strap, even though it doesn't really bother me. Third Check - battery life The device had 25% when I switched it on for the first time, and I played around with it on Saturday afternoon. I then put it on charge while setting up the device on Garmin Express - having to connect using the cable (provided) is a big disappointment, compared to the wireless connection of the 310XT. I have worn the device every minute of the day, except for shower time and two take two photos (one posted in the Boast about your latest purchase thread, and the photo showing the battery % as of 15:07 today (5 days after the last charge). Will edit the post to add the photo. As you can see, the device has 36% left after 5 days of use. Included was 2 workouts (1:15 and 1:05), some bed aerobics , plenty notifications (whatsapp, emails, phone calls, tapatalk, SMS and more), and also setting up the profile for each bike/trainer - more than once. I'm not too concerned about the steps taken, but I do find the reminder to move gets me away of the desk more often than I was previously doing. Not a bad thing, I guess. I am satisfied that this device gives me everything I need, and the battery life is great. I haven't tested it (yet) using GPS mode, or the GPS/GLONASS mode - an update will be posted later. Final Verdict - positive While I like the Fenix 3 with HR, I just couldn't justify the cost, and at R7500 (less my Discovery discount), I still think this is expensive. It won't replace the 310XT on my bike, as it is mounted on the stem using the special mounting bracket. Having to turn my arm to read the info is a schlep I remember from my Polar days. Another nice thing is the ability to screen my phone calls without having to remove the phone from my back pocket - although I don't think it works like the Apple Watch (speaking into the watch). Previously, on a ride I wouldn't even hear the phone ringing, so now I can see who is calling and decide if it's worth answering. More posts to follow, once I've done some more testing. If there is anything you'd like me to compare to... let me know, while I'm in "test" mode. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Second round of feedback Another update from this morning Active Recovery (Coffee ride), this time on the road for the first time and using normal GPS only (no GLONASS). I forgot to check the battery % before leaving, but I do remember it was red in colour (below 30%). The battery level is currently at 10%, so let's assume 19% was used in this time. Elevation - identical for each 1s recorded The graph below shows the HR recorded on both devices with the elevation. The reason for putting the elevation into the graph was to show where the differences in HR data was recorded. It's was a relatively flat route, 162m gain over 25.59Km (0.63% average), and I kept to the cadence I know keeps me in Z1. I may have hit Z2 for a bit early on, as I was running riding late to meet up with the others. HR differences - mostly on uphills There are 6 sections of the graph that shows a lag in the HR data on the uphills, and a slight lag during recovery of the flats/descents. It's a bit early to be concerned, as this was primarily a ride to test the GPS for the first time, on a relatively short ride - no big efforts. This is the first bit that I have marked ORANGE (something to watch on later rides, and see if there are any flaws). My next outdoor ride is only next week - Dad & girls weekend, while mom goes away on a weekend trip with her friends. Two endurance zone rides for me on the IDT while watching the final two stages of the Tour, so no use of the GPS for a while. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Third update Battery Charging - Quick, very quick The battery required charging today, almost a week after putting on charge shortly after opening and testing the first few hours. The devices shows the 24/7 heart rate (or at least the display is for the last 4 hours). The photo below shows the time it was off my wrist - 72 minutes to be more precise. That is a charge from 3% to 100%. I'm not sure how that compares to the Edge range or the Fenix, but it is much quicker than the two prior Forerunners I've used.
