Multisport Watch upgrade

[GiantTjop]

Just stay away from the Suunto Spartan Trainer

 

Care to elaborate?

[shaper]

Fenix 3 is an awesome watch but can you still get them brand new?

Was in Sportsman's Fourways today and they had some F3's on sale

[Wil6]

Care to elaborate?

I have one, the optical heart rate sensor accuracy is about 60%. Can not rely on it while training

 

Openwater swims are a mess. Keeps losing signal and it's distance is way off (about 40%). Here is a file of a normal out and back swim in a straight line......rather get a Garmin, or you can buy my Suunto?

 

[Fruity]

If TomTom watches were still in the country, I would say go for a TomTom. I've had my TomTom Runner 2 for two years and I'm still happy with it. I can run, cycle, swim, do treadmill, gym, indoor cycle, and freestyle with the watch.

 

I've just seen now that Incredible Connection are selling the TomTom Spark 3:

https://www.incredible.co.za/tom-tom-spark-3-cardio-music-hp-blk-s

You get incredible bang for your buck with these watches in my opinion.

[slickjay007]

If TomTom watches were still in the country, I would say go for a TomTom. I've had my TomTom Runner 2 for two years and I'm still happy with it. I can run, cycle, swim, do treadmill, gym, indoor cycle, and freestyle with the watch.

 

I've just seen now that Incredible Connection are selling the TomTom Spark 3:

https://www.incredible.co.za/tom-tom-spark-3-cardio-music-hp-blk-s

You get incredible bang for your buck with these watches in my opinion.

 

I had the Multi Sport and was very happy with it. The only issue i ever had was the HR was a bit inconsistent for indoor activities like spinning and gym.

 

On another note, has anybody heard anything about Tom Tom being removed from Vitality at the end of this year? 

[Sitting@89]

Had the 935 since beginning of the year. Must say the only issue I have with it is the fact that it doesn’t have Garmin Pay. Other than that it is an awesome watch.

Where exactly do you feel shafted that you can't use Garmin pay? (In SA there is maybe one artisan cupcake shop owned by a tech savvy mellenial accepts garmin pay)

[GiantTjop]

I use mine for MTB'ing and it works near perfect. If i compare with various Garmin's after a ride, the differences are minimal.

I've heard the swimming feat is not that accurate.

 

For the money, there is nothing else available 

 

I have one, the optical heart rate sensor accuracy is about 60%. Can not rely on it while training

 

Openwater swims are a mess. Keeps losing signal and it's distance is way off (about 40%). Here is a file of a normal out and back swim in a straight line......rather get a Garmin, or you can buy my Suunto?

 

2.jpg

[Cippo]

Any idea when new Garmin Instinct arrives in SA? Seems to be good value for money.

[Sitting@89]

Just be aware that optical HR sensor are at best a hit and miss affair, good for rough estimations but entirely useless for predictable accuracy (I speak under correction but I dont even think the HR sensor works in the swim function, so you will need the Garmin Tri strap, add 2k for that) from your list the 5 is by far the best option, you will definitely not regret your purchase!

[Weimaraner1]

I am very happy with my Fenix 3 - I often see good used deals from people upgrading to a 5. For me personally there is no advantage in having a 5. The 3 is pretty good and robust. If you a "must have the latest" kind of guy then get the 5X

[lechatnoir]

Any idea when new Garmin Instinct arrives in SA? Seems to be good value for money.

 

looks like a good option - you can't really go wrong with Garmin IMO. would have been nice if it paired with cycling sensors, but you can't have it all i guess.

[Cippo]

looks like a good option - you can't really go wrong with Garmin IMO. would have been nice if it paired with cycling sensors, but you can't have it all i guess.

I'm looking at Instinct purely for trail running and hiking maybe the occasional swim. It comes in at < R5000 if you go on overseas prices. I work in challenging enviroments and would look at it as a daily wearer as well. Even at work I would occasionally be using its functions. I have an 820 on my bike already. 

[_David_]

If you use TrainingPeaks you will love the 935/Fenix structured workout integration.

 

"This integration allows you to sync structured workouts that you or your coach creates on the TrainingPeaks platform.  The workout for the day will then be available for you to pull/load directly from your watch – without having to manually re-create it on Garmin Connect or do any other funkiness."

 

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/03/trainingpeaks-new-structured-workout-integration-with-garmin-wearables.html

[Wil6]

I use mine for MTB'ing and it works near perfect. If i compare with various Garmin's after a ride, the differences are minimal.

I've heard the swimming feat is not that accurate.

 

For the money, there is nothing else available 

Yes there is. The thing is the Suunto Spartan Trainer is marketed as a Tri specific watch, that does not function as one. There are a lot of normal GPS watches with all the functions of the Suunto, and that is much better priced.

 

For R1000 more you can buy the Garmin XT735, and its miles better than the Suunto

 

Edit: If you are using it for Mtb, then there are a lot of cheaper options

[Chris_]

Where exactly do you feel shafted that you can't use Garmin pay? (In SA there is maybe one artisan cupcake shop owned by a tech savvy mellenial accepts garmin pay)

 

Thats enough for me..

[Chingy182]

Thanks for the advise guys. Did some serious research into all my options. I found an awesome deal on a new Fenix 5 for 7k - I have already pulled the trigger, can’t wait to put it to use

Where did you find that deal?