I’m looking for a fitness tracker or a smartwatch (in this order), but I’m wondering what to do. My father loves and praises Apple Watch Ultra, but I am attracted to Garmin’s watch.
I am not a runner, but I want to be. Now I am going to the gym, and overall I am feeling well and trying to lose a few pounds.
Besides basic functions and things I don’t know… What you want to do is keep your smartphone at home, pair your watch with AirPods, go out for running, and record everything with GPS.
What are the boundaries between excessive and appropriate functions? Honestly, I have no idea what I need. Forerunner seems to be a standard for runners. Is this a good idea? Why should I choose Fenix 7?
Forerunner has 245 music. We know that it is not the latest model or the finest product, but we have all the necessary functions. The smart watch function is quite simple, but it is the best watch/fitness tracker for runners. And it’s really cheap.
I have 245 Music but there is no reason to upgrade to 265 or 965 because this is really good. They have several additional features, but they have almost the same features for running and fitness tracking.
265 can be used reliably. 165 is probably okay. One point, 265 or less is a plastic bezel. The 965 is made of titanium and has significantly higher durability. I choose 965 because the clock is easy to hurt. For reference. None can be used without problems.
Used products are also an option. Note, however, that older GPS models are not as precise as new dual-band models. In my Fenix 3HR, the pace display is clearly not accurate around trees.
We use a plastic case (and screen protector) for 245, but the watch is in a new state. It was less than 10 pounds on set with eBay/Amazon. Recommended for 2xx series watches.
I agree with the recommendation of the FR245M/FR255M. This is a great watch, with all the necessary features for running, walking, hiking and general fitness applications
The Fenix/FR9XX/Epix series is excellent when you need specific sports functions such as open water swimming, downhill skiing, triathlon, long battery, full function navigation with map. However, these functions are not required for running, and beginners are not worth three times the price
Epix/Fenix is attractive in appearance and sturdiness, I think functionality is second.
Next, decide whether there is a map display and display preference. The main options are:
・ Map display with AMOLED → FR965
・ Map display with MIP display → FR955
No map + AMOLED → FR165 Music, FR265
No Map + MIP → FR255 Music
As a pure running watch, I personally think that the best cost performance is FR255 Music.
I own Epix pro gen 2, but it’s certainly too big for me. However, I like its size, appearance and battery life very much. When used in practice, all of its functions can be utilized. Also, if a flashlight is installed on the watch, you will be surprised at its frequency of use.
Phoenix is a thick and heavy watch overall. Some people prefer it according to their preferences, but it can be a negative factor, especially for runners. On the other hand, Phoenix has many color variations and several sizes, and I think the battery life is excellent.
Because the Forerunner 965 is a new model, it now has a larger and better display (until next-generation Phoenix). However, because it is made of plastic, the luxury feeling is inferior to Phoenix’s slightly metallic housing, and the color variation is only black and white.
But both models are excessive for beginners. These are full-spec triathlon watches, and most of the features will not be utilized for the purchase price as runners. The entry model Forerunner of about $200-300 is enough.
245 is a very good option, but a little older model. We recommend 255. If you don’t need music while running (or can carry your phone), Forerunner 55 is enough.
Have Phoenix 7S. It was my first smartwatch, but I really like it! There are all sports functions, music connection, and Apple Pay. However, you can not make calls like Apple products, and there is a button dedicated to responding and rejecting calls. It is a little expensive, but I recommend it if the budget allows. It looks really cool! It is one of the best shopping ever.
Garmin Forerunner 165 Music/245 Music/255 Music/265 is an excellent choice.
These models sync (paid) Spotify accounts with playlists, etc.
(There are also non-music models in 165/245/255, so please be careful when purchasing)
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