Excellent, and thanks. All the best. Quick question, demonstrating what a neophyte I am to smart watches. I don't want music. Rather when I walk, jog etc. enjoy listening to videos of people like Max Igan, Richie Allen. Is this possible with a smart watch? Thanks in advance. All the best.
I lost my Fenix 3 Saphire last month so I took the opportunity to buy... ANOTHER Fenix 3 Saphire refurbished for just 175€ !! Honestly how is anyone buying new garmins with deals like these floating around??
Thanks for the video Des! You are right about the look of the non-DLC titanium watch with the black band - super sharp. I got my orange ti F5+ a couple of days ago. I'm going to pick up a black band. I never would have thought of it had I not seen it here in your video. Thanks!
Hello Des! At 1:56 minutes when comparing the back of the watches, I saw that on your Fenix 5x, where the sensors are, the material is cracked. That's why I did not choose to buy this. Here in Brazil technical assistance is still very different from other countries. But this year, I plan to buy this 5 Plus or 5X plus and sell my Suunto. Great video. Congratulations.
Yup, unfortunately they do have that cracking issue which they will replace (if you can get reliable support), but I have not found that it decreases nor increases the accuracy. Seems to be about the same. Thanks again for tuning in!
I totally forgot about the F3 HR, I think my only concern with that is I do like the strength profile for helping me keep my rest periods in line and I know the standard F5 has that But then that VA3M looks awesome as well Ahhh all the choices lol. Looking forward to all the videos!
If I were to choose between the 5x plus and 5 plus, just because the battery is 32 hrs vs 18 hrs gps mode, for the small price difference, I’d choose the 5x plus in no time. I’ve noticed no one doing reviews on the 5x plus, mentions the big difference in the battery life, which for an ultra runners it’s a big plus. 5x plus is the only Garmin watch at the moment that a 20+ hr ultra runner can consider. In fact, I’m not even aware of any other reliable watch on the market that uses GPS and monitors your heart rate that can last over 20 hrs, other than the 5x plus with 32 hrs. That alone is enough for a ultra runner to buy the 5x plus over any other watch.
The Forerunner 935 is the choice for my ultrarunner friend and he regularly gets 20-ish hours out of his. Not bad considering they advertise 24 hours with GPS/HR. I am going to try to get him to test the Suunto 9 but he isn't a huge fan of the size, which is very similar to the 5X, however, touts 25 hours. 1 more than Garmin - I see what you did there, Suunto ;) The 5X Plus definitely has a certain user in mind.
Good video Des. Pricing is beyond a joke. I think Garmin have really stuffed up here, as you can get much better value even from other new watches in their range.
Wealth of information...thank you. I would love to see on video how quick the GPS acquisition is.. maybe a head to head with the Amazfit Stratos to get a good GPS lock..
GPS acquisition has been really good on the 5 Plus. Although GPS acquisition was quick on the Stratos as well. However, I think that the 5 Plus still is suffering from firmware issues. Not quite the accuracy that I am hoping for (nothing way off but just not super accurate). Same thing happened with the 5 series from 2017 but they were worked out within a couple months after release.
Thank you, very informative video. Wondering if you've been able to add a track and follow it? On my Fenix 3 the performance is choppy while turning. Maybe the Fenix 5 plus is smoother?
I guess it's a good time to buy a 5x original.....discounted! The 5 plus series doesn't come with cycle maps like the 5x does,you have to pay an extra £50 .... Or you could download your own for free. Also If you bought maps on the original fenix 5x....you have to buy them again on your new device, as they're not transferable.....unless you bought them on a memory stick originally, would be good if you could transfer them to another device...:--) Cheers Des!..
DesFit Yes I'm a hiker......and need my hearing about me lol.... But if running a known route....I'd imagine music without the phone would be a handy and lighter companion...than needing to take it.....and save your loose change from jangling around your short pockets with Garmin pay lol.
I absolutely love the titanium version with the black straps. One question, what's Garmins policy on battery replacement? If I ended up getting a watch for these prices, I'd want to keep my watch for at least 5 years.
I’d say the 5 plus Ti all the way. Just looks classy, especially with that black band! On a slightly different note. Can you do a video on who would NEED the sapphire glass version as that will help me, and I presume others, decide! Thanks for another great video btw.
Not sure if you ever saw this video from last year... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IT6th-Se8XQ.html basically it just makes it worry proof. I’ve done everything and anything to the 5X as well as the 3HR before it and the sapphire glass is still perfect. Can’t say the same for the rest of the watch! 😏
$1,149 for fenix 5 plus in Australia! I can buy a shitbomb car for that much and drive everywhere instead of running. Thanks for wrecking my health, garmin!
Yup, but I ran mine through my bike wheel before it started cracking so I never bothered with the return since it was already damaged. But, it never affected the performance.
I remember that video. They replaced mine a few months ago. One other thing that I haven't seen talked about so far in a review. It appears that the plus devices do not have the cycling map that came with the 5x. Wondering about the difference in the map options for the new devices vs the 5x.
Hi Des. Nice explanatory video. Do you still think the 5 X is a good buy in late 2020. I have rather slim wrists but I can get it for a good price, I think larger watches on slim wrists are a matter of taste
Yup, the 5X is still a good watch. What size wrist do you have? I have a 195mm circumference wrist and the X models were a bit too big for me, at least for my taste. Thanks!!
DesFit I have a wrist a smaller than yours, about 182. I have a month to return it if not happy, I have been using fitbit but the heart rate monitoring is quite a bit off in anything but general everyday use as well as limited on screen info. Travel and hike quite a bit so the maps would be useful. Do not believe there is another Garmin that offer the same detailed maps, as well as the multisport tracking for the price. Thanks for the help
Return the Ti. Sapphire crystal is mandatory for better durability. Besides black is always bad ass. Ti is sweet on a bicycle and other things but on your wrist, black.
hi Des, great video comparison. How whould you compare Tactix Charlie to the fenix 5plus and 5xplus? The Tactix Charlie is titanium with DLC, it looks so stealth, and so good. I wonder how DLC saves it from scratches? Do you know ? Else, the Tactix Charlie, even though its size, feels much more comfy on your hand tnan fenix 5 , due to its super light weight. I wonder what is your opinion, could you make a viideo comparison too please?
Thanks Des, your review helped alot to clear lots of confusion I have between Titanium and stainless version , but what is DLC ?also which Garmin part number shall I use for Garmin 5 plus titinum DLC version , also what is the color of the extra band ?
How do you get such a bright screen? If i dont have backlight turned on, the watch is unviewable. turn on the backlight it washes the screen out and looks grey, not black. Reds turn pink.
does the black version fénix 5 plus has DLC? cause in official web, its just writes black, but not mentioning DLC!, i the black version scratch endurance? does the titanium would make and improvement in resistance?
Hi thanks for your great review, I have the Samsung gear S3 but at last I’m working out, hiking, running, boxing, jiu jitsu, biking vtt in mountains and swimming a lot. Yes I’m training every day ;) I need a better gps watch, I’m struggling to choose a good option Between the Suunto 9, the garmin 5x or the 5x plus for the mapping and The amazfit stratos/pace 2. Can you help me out, I will need an additional option band for the swimming. What would you recommend me at this day. Thanks for your answer ;)
I like SC7 and SC8. Actiface and OptimusHR are also good ones that can provide a lot of data on the face itself. Most of them are also customizable so you can show lots of different stuff depending on your needs.
Assuming that I could buy a Fenix 3 hr zaphire for $ 300, do you think would still make sense to go for the Fenix 5 (any model...as the base price starts at $ 600 for a non-S model)? Thanks
Eventually, that might truly be the case, should you get the 5x to constantly drag your watch arm down. Then all you need to do is alternate wrists for equal weight loss
5+ Ti is great looking. Love the Titanium look. But, $850. Ouch. I think Garmin has gone over what most people want to pay. I also think Garmin should come out with a Fenix with both buttons and a touch screen. If they want this to be a super sport smart watch, they have to consider a touch screen as well. The Blackberry was the last button only smartphone, and we know what happened to that.
Adding a touchscreen would most likely impact battery life, which is why a lot of people buy the fenix line, along with the durability. Garmin is adding smart features as late as possible with their fitness and outdoor functions still taking precedence. They are starting to find a balance, but at the end of the day, Garmins are a fitness watch first and a smartwatch second. And the opposite can be said for an Apple Watch, which is why I sometimes wear both (when I’m not testing, so basically, that never happens 😏)
One think I don't understand about garmin which compares with iwatch and samsung watch is why the screen density is pretty low it's like vhs 240p and the price is so high
Garmin’s displays are designed for the best outdoor readability and transflective display technology is still not quite there compared to displays like on the Ionic or Samsung watches. However, you’re paying for the advanced fitness functionality as well as the accompanying software on a Garmin which is clearly one of the leaders in the fitness space.
@@DesFit Thanks, so far I have being considered about whether or not to buy garmin fenix 5 or casio rangerman gpr, and I have a question about garmin Fenix 5 water resistance, it's said 100 metres water resistance, does it have time limitation which means for example if the watch is in water for about 30 mins would it be broken or there no time limitation?
Hey Des. You still happy with the F5 Titanium? Just ordered one and wonder if the lighter weight still makes a difference and if it's held up with heavy use since this video.
It’s held up great! No complaints, had a couple MTB crashes, being careless with walls (like usual), haven’t had any issues. I don’t have the standard 5 sapphire anymore so I can’t compare but coming from wearing a 5X and 3HR? Oh boy, do I enjoy the lighter weight!
Yeah I had the Black sapphire version and ended up returning it for a 645 music in slate. It's great to run in, but I miss the substantial feel of the fenix 5 so I got the titanium in addition to the 645. Gonna keep both I think. Love the looks of both. Boys and our toys I guess!
Garmin is going the way of Apple with these insane prices. These devices are not intended to last indefinitely. They’re good for 3 years before becoming very dated and with 50% battery loss. Great watches but way too costly.
Morning mate , Thought I would send through a Q&A , seeing that Garmin's after sales is non existent ( I kid you not , Ive sent this message through to them on All media platforms , to no avail ) Maybe you can help ..... I had the Fenix , which I gave to my son as the Golf app didn't furnish me with all the info needed , hence my recent purchase of the S60 . My Question , why dont they include the same software from the S60 on the latest Fenix ? Surely for the money they are charging , its the least they could do AND , people such as myself would spend even more money buying the latest and greatest on a watch that's all inclusive ?
Is the weight difference really that noticeable? I'm coming from a 935 so both will be significantly heavier, but I'm curious if the 10g makes a difference.
I definitely noticed a difference between the Sapphire 5 Plus and the Ti version. However, I’m coming from the opposite end of the spectrum of wearing a 5X. From your perspective of wearing something as lightweight as the 935, you may notice the difference as well. From my weighing, the Sapphire 5 Plus was closer to 90 grams which is nearly double the weight of the 935.
Have you noticed a big drop in battery life between the 5 and 5 plus? And if I’m thinking I need battery life do you think 5 plus is enough or should I spring for the bigger 5x plus?
Well I’m in Australia and really I don’t need music and if shopping my iPhone has Wallet but rather the card for security apart from my Woolworths card for discounts. So I’m very happy with Fenix 5x with sapphire. As I’m on a veterans affairs pension. Managed to get it on a one day sale for $750 Aust instead off $1020 I think. So for my rehab and my heart rate and stress and sleeping and also for calories as I’m trying to even my weight back since not in Infantry And was on terrible weight gaining meds but they found one that works and no weight gain. So really we don’t have massive altitude things. Plus the Charlie tactics I think was just a titanium ring. As my tactical feature and even jump master is great. I even have a ballistic app. The x plus same 16gig. I did see battery life but really is that due to music? I wonder if it went for a service why could it not have the larger battery put into the 5x?? Must say apart from battery I’m very happy with the last yr 5x and couldn’t see me wanting the 5x plus. The sleep meter has been great also for my Drs. The only thing I must ask is the strap on premium heart rate monitor at all of benefit?? As my stress and heart rate seem to be working fine. Or does it give any benefit??? I’ll never be able to run again or cycling out side but in gym exercise bike seems great and gym work. I think biggest thing Garmin could update is more digital scales. As mine are now in many chemists here. Show body fat h2o lean muscle. Apple health read it all yet the Garmin has the capability yet I have to enter manually apart from weight. Which wow Apple health reads it and it’s not Apple and it’s wifi scales. So stop being so tight and for some of my Veteran friends how about some walking with a stick and physio work out bits. As not only Australia but my USA brothers in arms there are many of us injured and still want to look after our selves even with ptsd. So how about suggesting to them to help out the people that signed that line to put our selves in danger for everyone else to run and cycling. Add few more walking features for those missing limbs and maybe some apps to help pick up our anxiety attacks with a small buzz to warn our stress and pulse are increasing. I’m sure more would go for Garmin to help them in life and exercise?? Just a thought. Cheers
Hey Des, watching reviews of the Fenix 5 and Fenix 5 Plus I keep wondering if these two watches have any differences when it comes to heart rate hardware, tracking sports (5 plus is better?), and other sport features. I know the obvious differences such as music, Garmin Pay, and maps. I am asking about other features both watches share. Is the plus version better? Has upgraded hardware? Thanks
The hardware inside should be similar if not the same for the most part other than possible upgrades to the Bluetooth module and NFC. From my testing I don’t see much of a difference in hardware but I believe the firmware still needs a little work. But that was the same case just like the fenix 5, Forerunner 645 and VA3. Thanks!
DesFit thank you very much for your comments! I am thinking about buying the Fenix 5 because I don’t need Garmin Pay or music/Bluetooth, hence I asked about hardware upgrades if at all.
Ya I think last year’s 5-series is still a great option and probably is one of the reasons, as I said in the video, why they didn’t call this the 6 as it could have really hurt sales of the original 5-series which still are a great line of watches. Just make sure to get a really good price on one.
So big a watch (51mm)... and so small a screen (30mm). A pity now Fenix have maps. Could have understood at 300 bucks... but 850 and more !!! I read lots of "unboxings" and "reviews" and.. on youtube. NO ONE seems disturbed. I love big watches, and I love this one too, but why losing so mutch room on its face ?
ok, and now there is "Marq".... ;) I don´t know why, but i think Marq is finally absolute overkill without adding any meaningfull feature, for looooots of money. :) :)
Kinda disappointed because these are all clearly features that could’ve been implemented in last years fenix 5 models. Planned obsolescence just like Apple, I guess.
Yikes. Those prices are pretty ugly. That’s almost abusive. Even Apple is starting to drop their prices. I’ll be taking my business elsewhere if these prices stay where they are.
You might lose your weight from starving to save money for this one...lol Sport watch price catching up to flagship smart phone.(or surpassed already?)
