Garmin Software Woes

[Jigghead]

I'm a huge fan of Garmin devices but am rapidly losing patience with them.

 

I have owned the following:

 

910XT (3)

fēnix 2 (2)

fēnix 3 (Sapphire (3) & Titanium (2))

fēnix 5X+

Various Edge Models

 

All the watch models have needed replacing (numbers next to each unit indicate the times they've needed replacing. The 5X+ is looking a bit rocky now too, although not yet replaced. Never had a problem with any of my Edge devices.

 

Now up until recently (I think), Navworld has been my go to repairer and they've managed the process a fix or replacement quickly and seamlessly. This has been in no small part one of the reasons I've been a huge Garmin fan. I now find out that Garmin USA has said that Garmin SA must do all repairs itself and it can no longer outsource this. So my Saturday for the latest repair turned into a 90min visit to Garmin Rosebank today (they don't open on weekends).

 

They wanted to take three days to get the unit back to me, either repaired or replaced. One poor guy came in from Krugersdorp and was told the same thing. They did, in their defence, offer to ship the units back to us at no cost.

 

My question is twofold, am I the only one that has so many software failures, and am I being unreasonable in my expectation that Garmin has a further reaching backup network, at the very least opening on a Saturday? Are the alternatives any better or are we now doomed to substandard support networks across the fitness device industry?

[thisismyotherbike]

Your house must be built on an ancient burial ground. There's no way your rate of software replacements are normal.

 

I detest anecdotal evidence.... However I've owned the FR305, FR620, Vivoactive 3, Fenix 3 Sapphire, Fenix 3 HR, Edge 520 and Edge 820. In fact I still own all of them except the FR305 which I lost in a Warrior Race mud monster.

 

I'm a tech enthusiast so I push them with 3rd party apps and maps. I record plenty of different activities. I use the Garmin Swim/tri HR straps and Schosche 24 strap. Mud, sweat, rain you name it.

 

Not once have I needed a replacement, software or otherwise. I wouldn't even know if GarminSA customer service are any good as I've never needed them.

 

I'm not saying either of our experiences are necessarily the norm, but I'm especially suspicious of yours!

 

Edit: Just remembered I had a cadence sensor failure and more recently a speed sensor going wonky. This was after many happy and muddy miles; they are way out of warranty. Maybe I'll take them to Garmin and test the customer service soon.

[Jigghead]

I was afraid this might be the case, I know that my virus software was the cause of the 910XT's issues.

 

I use HRM-Tri and HRM-Swim, as well as various sensors on the bike and the gym's watt bikes. I've never really complained about the swap outs etc., just the inconvenience of now having to go through during the week. I'm a little (a lot really) bit technically challenged, so the error could well be mine. I did ask Garmin about this and they seem as perplexed as I am.

[shaper]

Owned the Edge 500 and 520, Had the 910XT, Fenix 3 and Fenix 5.  Also never had an issue with the device and I often upload and run beta versions of the firmware.

 

Had a few HRM straps fail after heavy usage as often train twice a day swim bike and run, but that for me is to be expected.  

 

All my watches have had similar usage recording workouts twice a day and general activity recording without issue.

 

Never had to go to Garmin and only been to Navworld once when the Edge 500 froze.

[Jigghead]

Well then, this seems like a case of operator error [emoji17]

[Swany05]

I have had no issues with my F3s, neither with software or hardware. 

 

Question i have is, have you owned the same pc through all of these devices? update via the usb cable? If so that would be the only common denominator and its where i would start in order to find the issue.  

[m-squared]

I have the 520 and F3HR.  Love them both.  They do everything and more.

 

The only issue I have ever had is the bluetooth on the F3HR, it tends to "lose" the ability to sync and upload my activities even though it is listed as a paired device on my phone.  Over the last 18 odd months, I've had to unpair and pair the devices again about 4 times, maybe 5?  It's a little irritating when it happens but easy enough to fix.

[funnyman]

Wow....why so many devices? I've had my Edge 800 for nearly 10 years now and no issues other than maybe frozen 3 times, and that I can't upload my rides to Strava without a pc. Oh... and that I cant load contours on my map. 

[DieselnDust]

Well then, this seems like a case of operator error [emoji17]

 

 

I've been through plenty of Edge 1000's and a 510 unit. I've got the 1030 and its been fine but has required a hard reset already.

Maybe its anti virus software maybe its just a poor design but the Garmin units give a lot more issues then my Stages or Sigma (both of which are the original units and interface with the same laptop)

[seven]

I've been through plenty of Edge 1000's and a 510 unit. I've not got the 1030 and its been fine but has required a hard reset already.

Maybe its anti virus software maybe its just a poor design but the Garmin units give a lot more issues then my Stages or Sigma (both of which are the original units and interface with the same laptop)

So you don’t have a 1030, but its been giving issues and had to be reset...?

[DieselnDust]

So you don’t have a 1030, but its been giving issues and had to be reset...?

thanks, corrected 

[Sepia]

So you don’t have a 1030, but its been giving issues and had to be reset...?

Have my third 1030 in five months. 

[DieselnDust]

To be honest I think it's blind luck if you get a good unit

[Rowber]

I had the pleasure of dealing with Siya and Kenneth at Garmin in Rosebank after smashing my Edge 520 screen. I found them to be brilliant, they went out of their way to assist me. In my books Garmin SA in Rosebank get a huge thumbs up. 

[Li Mu Bai]

my Edge 800 and Fenix 3 have been great.

 

an old Edge 305 did give up in a rainy FastOne.

and cadence sensors dont last long.

Otherwise so far so good

[coppi]

My edge 520 has worked no problem for 5 years now......................what is the lifespan?