Garmin Fenix 5 or 6 in pro sapphire guise?

I’m contemplating treating myself.
The 6 is £280 more than the five in the spec I’d have.
I’m just not sure it’s worth the extra.
I understand about the Sony chipset and the pulse oximetry and a couple of other whistles and bells, but it still feels a little steep.
Anyone gone through the same decision?

I picked up a 5X in the Christmas sales for 45% off.
More than adequate for my needs. I didn’t feel the need for Garmin pay and the music storage.

I’ve had the 5+ for just over a year. With pay, mapping and music. Utterly brilliant watch.
Worth scanning the various sales now the 6 is available, certainly if you’re looking for the Sapphire version.

I got a 5 plus sapphire from sports pursuit the other week for £350. A bargain for a cracking watch. Just had to wait a couple of weeks for delivery.

I got a 5 plus sapphire from sports pursuit the other week for £350.

That’s where I’m looking too, although it seems to have gone up by £50.

I was looking at the one on SP, eventually convinced myself to pull the trigger and noticed it went up by £30 and went out of stock, so I went to Jura Watches and got 15% off a 6 sapphire, bit spendy over the one on SP that has come back in stock but I’m very happy with the 6, and over the life of the watch I think the bigger display and extra cash will work out.

5 Plus Sapphire ordered from SP 🙂

likewise.

Just picked up a Garmin 945 for £388. After firmware 3.30 update, its pretty much same as Fenix 6pro, but lighter (better for running). Wow, its good! I had a 735XT, and this has so many new features. I’m loving the maps – installed TalkieToasty maps. Should be able to open my garage door with it too with the myHomeControl app 🙂

@superfli can you share a link of where you bought it?

Been thinking about upgrading to a Fenix for a while now. Regarding the maps, is the screen resolution good enough to show decent map detail? Some of the new Garmins have much better screens, I guess the next Fenix series will get the new screen tech.

https://www.t-dimension.com/uk/garmin-forerunner-945-blue-english-only.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAsbrxBRDpARIsAAnnz_MgiCSD6moRnOJoZ2J2fVaRdWRUmhlDFDVZUPl6-h-FhfAMLkga7asaAr49EALw_wcB

Used it at the weekend for a trail run. Amazing but of kit! Climb pro very good and the maps are sweet!

@superfli – any customs charges? How long did it take to arrive?

@superfli what region maps did it come with?

No customs charge. UK distributor. After an initial email and confirmation that I still wanted it (as they kindly emailed me to say it was Asian maps, but could easily install other maps), it took 2 days. 1 to dispatch,1 to deliver. Great service

Thanks @superfli anotherf option to consider 🙂

Went from a 5 to a 5 plus. Liked the the idea of Garmin pay and Spotify. In hindsight, rarely use either and the battery life is considerably worse – 14 days on the 5 to around 6 days on the plus.

Save your money

I have a Fenix 6x Sapphire.  Below is edited from a post on another thread.

It’s been a steep learning curve for me.  Despite the learning curve – 1 week in, I am getting to grips with it and liking it a lot.

The important ‘smartwatch’ bit for me is that it links to Garmin phone app. The phone notifications I might turn off if they get too annoying.

Screen resolution is good and the size on the X models feels fine. I do t think the size at 51mm is too big for a GPS multi-sport watch.

i have the Fenix because it’s more burly than the Forerunner 945 – although I bought this on the recommendation of a friend and he loves the 945.

Just FYI the wrist based heart rate (ohr/whr) is still shit on the 945. My 735 previously would have frequent misreadings, spikes and drops especially when using indoor and sweaty. The 945 is possibly worse as it reads high indoor or outdoor. I can start the activity and see my hr jump immediately 20bpm without doing anything! Really bloody annoying. I have chest strap to use, so will use that, but I’m hoping a firmware update in future may fix. Loads of reports of same thing.

Thanks @superfli
My 5 Plus Sapphire arrived yesterday. I’m not feeling the love for it I thought I would.
I’ve not even set it up. I suspect I’m going to stick with my Instinct and send it back – or maybe get an Apple Watch.

My 5 plus Sapphire arrived from SP and I love it!
Sorry to hear that Oldtennisshoes.
Just shows – Horses for Courses.

But they are cheeky sods – I have to ring up and check with Garmin it actually was titanium and Sapphire. The case back is now Stainless Steel with no mention of Sapphire. All review shows exactly the opposite. They appear to have cut a few corners with the latest release. But Garmin checked the serial number and confirmed the Sapphire glass.

@wally

Glad you your pleased with it – they are lovely. I’m just toying with a 6x now 🙈

Followed a course in darkest Epping Forest today with a mate.
It worked a charm – really surprised – I went 6 foot off the trail and in the woods entrances to paths are really difficult to see and it was obvious by the watch that I should stop and have a closer look at that bent twig just to the right. Went down some delightful dryish paths in the forest I never new existed and that was fun.

Followed a course in darkest Epping Forest today with a mate.
It worked a charm – really surprised – I went 6 foot off the trail and in the woods entrances to paths are really difficult to see and it was obvious by the watch that I should stop and have a closer look at that bent twig just to the right. Went down some delightful dryish paths in the forest I never new existed and that was fun.

Perfect!  👍🏼

I’ve taken an a punt on a 6x Pro. It’s bloody huge, but feels a bit better put together than the 5. There seems to be an issue with time syncing, but if I can get that sorted I’ll keep it.