Fenix 3 with Optical HR

My wife has a 235 and her battery life seems comperable to my Fenix3. Her heart rate data also looks pretty good. (We have not done a direct comparison of the two. I am only basing this on my perception that we seem to charge at about the same frequency with similar activity level.)

I think the choice between the two comes down to the features you want. The continous heart rate data, including a true resting heart rate is where the 235 shines and the Fenix is actually very weak. However I would not want to give up the swimming and multisport (triathlon) mode on the Fenix3 which I think are the best features of the Fenix3 that are not on the 235. Fenix3 also has the running dynamics data but I don't find it as useful mostly because I don't know what to do with that data yet. I can't think of any other major features on the Fenix3 where there is not something comperable on the 235.

That's big news... and I heard it here first.  You get the credit

Edited by morey000 2016-01-04 5:56 PM






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Yeah I went on their site and only found updates to the mobile app for CES material. I didn't see anything else on their "hidden" CES pages. Looks like no new watches are being announced other than this one.

Edited by Blastman 2016-01-04 9:24 PM

Just picked up a fenix 2 on sale at christmas myself.

Damn that fenix 3 looks nice with the optical HR, I wonder what it's going to go for? :p

Looks nice! But am I the only one who wears their watch outside their jacket sleeve in cold weather so I can still see my splits? I wonder if it can still be used with an HR strap or will it be optical only?

I'm excited about this! Read about it this morning. I bought an original Fenix on sale when it came up on gearscan and use it as an ever day watch. Battery lasts a little over a week, unless I'm using the blue tooth for texts or notifications. Then it's everyday. I'll probably get the 3!!!

Looks like they came up with a REALLY nice HUD too! You can clip them to any glasses. NICE!

HUD looks nice, but pricey at $400 and its not a standalone unit (so you need a newer edge as well).

And the Titanium Fenix 3 looks awesome but $799!!! OUCH!!!

But definitely digging the Fenix 3; likely will pick one up for this season.

I finally just sold my 620 as I was just biking/running and a year ago didn't think I would be doing triathlons. Doh. Should have gotten the 920 back then. :-( Now I have seen the various Fenix upgrades and the 920 upgrades and I really like the black 920 option but looks like you have to buy the Tri package to get that one which makes it a bit expensive. :-( And tri coach says I don't need the HR for my swim, but it may not be a bad option as the other HR strap is good for open water and for a full Triathlon. The other options are the Fenix 3 and multiple which I have seen that regardless of optical HR or not, you need a strap to get the more detailed run dynamics, etc. and also heard that the sapphire face is worth the extra money for a better watch face, but then again, Dcrainmaker said, doesn't recall ever breaking a watch face, and if you take good care of it shouldn't be an issue.

So NOW my options or dilemma are

920xt Tri package (retail about $600)

OR

Fenix 3 sapphire performance bundle (HR Strap) which is $650

The fenix 3 has more customization options and looks better, but many people say the 920 is all about Triathlon specific and that is 99% of what I would be using it for.

Others thoughts / chime in on 920 vs fenix 3

I got a Fenix 3 for Christmas, and of course they add something cool like an optical HRM right after I get mine. Oh well.

The Fenix 3s were all $100 off back around black Friday/ cyber Monday. Even then, it's still pretty pricey.

For what it's worth, I absolutely LOVE mine. I went from having literally no GPS device to the top of the line, so I wasn't hard to impress, but it does everything I'd want a GPS watch to do with the exception of maybe a golf widget.

Garmin also responded to what some considered a design issue in that the Fenix 3 couldn't be quickly mounted onto a bike. The mount they sell forces you to strap the watch onto your handle bar like it is on your wrist. Well, they now have a quick release kit for the Fenix 3. I don't own it, but if that's been an issue for you previously you might look into it.

I don't have anything to add that isn't on DC Rainmaker's site, other than to say I love it.

The optical HR doesn't do too much for you as I have heard for the VO2 and other advanced metrics you still need to wear the HR strap. I like the fenix 3 and may even choose to side more towards the non-optical choice. I guess the question would be whether to spend the extra for the sapphire or not. dcrainmaker seemed to think it was over priced to do and not necessary where other reviews say absolutely spend the extra money for the nicer watch face. The only thing slightly pushing me away from the 920 is the fact that it has been out a lot longer and the techie in me wants latest / greatest which is what the fenix 3 is. Of course the Tri coach said just go with the 920 and easier to operate and use. But I haven't had experience with either.

I got to try the Fenix 3 on back in the fall while at an REI in Nashville. I don't think they had a sapphire in stock at the store, but they were willing to pull the one they had out of the box to let me hold and wear it for a minute.

Of course, you won't really be able to try out the functions since you have to set up the watch for your personal use when you first turn it on, but if you want a sample of how it feels (surprisingly light BTW) then this is an option.