Garmin Mod. 010-01987-16

I got this watch about 4 years ago and have worn it daily. You can customize just about everything on the watch using their apps. The app is great for looking at all the data the watch has recorded for the day. The main things I love about this watch are it’s durability and overall build quality. I’ve worn this watch working out, on dates, working on cars, cutting down trees, etc and minus a few scratches, it still looks great! The battery life is tremendous as well. Lastly, I’d like to note that there’s thousands of different watch bands available to customize the watch even further.

3 month review of a fantastic overall watch

My fitbit died just in time for Garmin to update the Fenix series. I’m a male with small wrists, so updating the 5s with offline maps and sapphire display was enough for me to pull the trigger. After 3 months of daily use I can say I’m very happy with this watch. The battery life is double that of apple. I can do a 4 hour bike ride with gps and still have 60% battery left over. Battery usage is about 15% a day, more if tracking with gps. I set the gps to Ultratrac mode and forgot about it, and seems to track perfectly like this with minimal battery usage. The ride stats match Strava very closely. The heart rate is much more accurate than fitbit and no sweat issues. And the display is always on, so I can glance at my wrist and see all the data. The sun actually helps ... MoreMy fitbit died just in time for Garmin to update the Fenix series. I’m a male with small wrists, so updating the 5s with offline maps and sapphire display was enough for me to pull the trigger. After 3 months of daily use I can say I’m very happy with this watch. The battery life is double that of apple. I can do a 4 hour bike ride with gps and still have 60% battery left over. Battery usage is about 15% a day, more if tracking with gps. I set the gps to Ultratrac mode and forgot about it, and seems to track perfectly like this with minimal battery usage. The ride stats match Strava very closely. The heart rate is much more accurate than fitbit and no sweat issues. And the display is always on, so I can glance at my wrist and see all the data. The sun actually helps because it’s a passive display (like a kindle). I love that it’s water proof and can take it in the ocean. I work in an industrial environment where the sapphire face can bump and rub against steel, not a scratch after 3 months.Now on the software side, the app has all the data you could want but they need to hire fitbit or strava’s app developers to make it more user friendly. It’s all there including sleep stats but it’s a low key presentation, not as fun. Spotify just launched an app for the watch so I may subscribe and set that up. I have successfully paired the apple airpods with no issues.I could go on and on but to sum up, the only competition this watch has is the new apple watch, but they did not improve its battery life enough to make it usable for offline maps and long hikes or bike rides. So happy I went with the Fenix 5s Plus.

Beautiful design and great performance!

I switched over from the Apple watch 3 and use it mostly for running but also keep it on throughout the day. This is a solid watch that works very well. It tracks location and heart rate far better than my previous watch and the button functions are very convenient and customizable. I personally love not having touchscreen anymore as I always struggled with it doing mysterious things and having to lock it, especially in the rain.Garmin Pay works beautifully in Canada with Brim Financial master card which I did have to sign up for specifically to be able to use with this. Perhaps music is the only sticky point with bluetooth getting a bit choppy when GPS activity tracking is running in the background, however after a few days I realized once I'm out running in the ... MoreI switched over from the Apple watch 3 and use it mostly for running but also keep it on throughout the day. This is a solid watch that works very well. It tracks location and heart rate far better than my previous watch and the button functions are very convenient and customizable. I personally love not having touchscreen anymore as I always struggled with it doing mysterious things and having to lock it, especially in the rain.Garmin Pay works beautifully in Canada with Brim Financial master card which I did have to sign up for specifically to be able to use with this. Perhaps music is the only sticky point with bluetooth getting a bit choppy when GPS activity tracking is running in the background, however after a few days I realized once I'm out running in the open away from major buildings all of these issues go away. I have also not yet tried using different headphones which I've heard can make a huge difference (I have Bose Soundsport).The design of this watch is simply gorgeous. It just looks like a great looking watch instead of a 'fitness tracker' or the all too recognizable black square on your wrist.

Five Stars for the Fenix 5s Plus

I bought this as a replacement to my Apple Watch Series 3 and, as someone that exclusively uses Apple products, I was nervous.Yes I takes some getting used to; however as a fitness and activity tracker this leaves Apple stood at the starting line. The stats are detailed, yet the app makes easy work of them- it's slick and concise- so much better than the Apple interface that uses 3 separate apps!The plus has the addition of built in mapping and music which is, pardon the pun, a huge plus on the older model.If it's a smart watch you're after, this does the basics, but probably isn't for you. If you love to live an active life, spend a lot of time outdoors or are obsessed with performance stats and improvement you can't better this.Then there's the style. And ... MoreI bought this as a replacement to my Apple Watch Series 3 and, as someone that exclusively uses Apple products, I was nervous.Yes I takes some getting used to; however as a fitness and activity tracker this leaves Apple stood at the starting line. The stats are detailed, yet the app makes easy work of them- it's slick and concise- so much better than the Apple interface that uses 3 separate apps!The plus has the addition of built in mapping and music which is, pardon the pun, a huge plus on the older model.If it's a smart watch you're after, this does the basics, but probably isn't for you. If you love to live an active life, spend a lot of time outdoors or are obsessed with performance stats and improvement you can't better this.Then there's the style. And oh it's stylish. Good job Garmin!

Good, smaller alternative w/ all the features you need (and more)

A replacement for the much larger/bulky Fenix 5 with the same and more features. Still a bit of a high profile for a petite wrist, but I knew what I wanted in features and sticking with a Garmin. So far the refurbished is doing OK (only questionable wrist gesture light issue). Tracks all activities well (including open water sea swimming, cardio/aerobic) and sleep. Many other features to be discovered. I wasn't sure I could actually sleep with it on (and I wanted rest tracking) but it's actually tolerable. The battery life could be better - I charge about every other day -and use GPS tracking daily for some sport. I opted for the sapphire because I knew I would regret it (get scratches) for sure if not - worth the extra $$. I recommend (and will have to do more) ... MoreA replacement for the much larger/bulky Fenix 5 with the same and more features. Still a bit of a high profile for a petite wrist, but I knew what I wanted in features and sticking with a Garmin. So far the refurbished is doing OK (only questionable wrist gesture light issue). Tracks all activities well (including open water sea swimming, cardio/aerobic) and sleep. Many other features to be discovered. I wasn't sure I could actually sleep with it on (and I wanted rest tracking) but it's actually tolerable. The battery life could be better - I charge about every other day -and use GPS tracking daily for some sport. I opted for the sapphire because I knew I would regret it (get scratches) for sure if not - worth the extra $$. I recommend (and will have to do more) reading of instructions to take advance of all of the features. Also, it is a sport watch, but with an appearance that allows for daily wear!

Great workout partner!

I bought this for my New Years present and because the band on my old fit bit broke. It is certainly an upgrade! There are so many features and ways to customize I was a bit overwhelmed at first. This is a watch for serious athletes!! I am not one of those, but I chose this watch because it had buttons instead of the touch screen like Garmin’s more specific (less expensive) workout watches. So far I really like it.The two things I have had problems with are that it was difficult to pair with my iPhone on initial set up. No problems since, my fingers are crossed. And I had thought this watch came with the feature of seeing the workout animations when you uploaded a program. I am not sure if this watch doesn’t support this feature, although I thought it did. Or if ... MoreI bought this for my New Years present and because the band on my old fit bit broke. It is certainly an upgrade! There are so many features and ways to customize I was a bit overwhelmed at first. This is a watch for serious athletes!! I am not one of those, but I chose this watch because it had buttons instead of the touch screen like Garmin’s more specific (less expensive) workout watches. So far I really like it.The two things I have had problems with are that it was difficult to pair with my iPhone on initial set up. No problems since, my fingers are crossed. And I had thought this watch came with the feature of seeing the workout animations when you uploaded a program. I am not sure if this watch doesn’t support this feature, although I thought it did. Or if it’s an other issue. This was one of the features I was really looking forward to on this watch so it is a bit disappointing I don’t have it.

Improves your health through accountability

I purchased this as my first smartwatch, without big expectations. I wanted some navigational aid in the wilderness and thought it would be cool to track some runs. This watch has actually changed my daily habits with all of the different methods to track activity. I also find the stress metrics interesting, as they do loosely correlate to my interpretations of a relaxing vs. hectic day. I find myself exercising more frequently and smarter - turns out I was burning myself out because I never paid attention to my heart rate until this unit gave me those insights. I like how the watch allows me to set specific goals to reach, and I think a lot of people need to achieve things to keep healthy. The fit is great for my small wrists and, once over the learning curve, it's ... MoreI purchased this as my first smartwatch, without big expectations. I wanted some navigational aid in the wilderness and thought it would be cool to track some runs. This watch has actually changed my daily habits with all of the different methods to track activity. I also find the stress metrics interesting, as they do loosely correlate to my interpretations of a relaxing vs. hectic day. I find myself exercising more frequently and smarter - turns out I was burning myself out because I never paid attention to my heart rate until this unit gave me those insights. I like how the watch allows me to set specific goals to reach, and I think a lot of people need to achieve things to keep healthy. The fit is great for my small wrists and, once over the learning curve, it's many functions are pretty easy to use. The battery life could be better, but understand that it's the cost of going smaller. I have no complaints and the 5S has truly exceeded my expectations - best purchase I've made in quite a while!

Love the watch features but metal is tarnished

Functionality & Features = 5 starsAppearance & Finish = 2 starsWhen I received my Garmin watch I noticed that the rose gold finish was tarnished. I contacted Garmin to see if this was normal and they told me it was a defective product. They were great about replacing the watch and sending me a new replacement. However, the replacement process was a week long without a watch and when I received my replacement today I noticed that this watch has the same tarnish on the rose gold. This is very disappointing and worries me that the tarnish on the finish will become more of a problem in the future. Not sure if another replacement will fix it since the problem has been the same on two watches now. It is a very expensive watch to worry about how it will hold up. On the ... MoreFunctionality & Features = 5 starsAppearance & Finish = 2 starsWhen I received my Garmin watch I noticed that the rose gold finish was tarnished. I contacted Garmin to see if this was normal and they told me it was a defective product. They were great about replacing the watch and sending me a new replacement. However, the replacement process was a week long without a watch and when I received my replacement today I noticed that this watch has the same tarnish on the rose gold. This is very disappointing and worries me that the tarnish on the finish will become more of a problem in the future. Not sure if another replacement will fix it since the problem has been the same on two watches now. It is a very expensive watch to worry about how it will hold up. On the bright side, I really did enjoy the features of the watch when I was able to use it for a couple days. It is definitely an upgrade from my previous smart watch feature-wise. I just help it holds up long-term for the cost of the watch.

Wrong pace and Connection issues

I truly wanted to love this watch.I received many compliments on its look.However,after the recent update my paces have become all over the place.I went 2.52/minute for 1K.My coworker who is also a runner laughed and said that it was impossible.The first time I just shrugged and even said"maybe because I switched to barefoot running".It coincided with my transition to barefoot running.Then it happaned again just this week.I don't believe in those paces because I am an averagerunner whose fastest is 4.15/minute for afew KM then I slow down.It doesn't make sense.Another issue for me is that the bluetooth connection issues between Huawei and Garmin.With the recent update,it became better but not completely resolved.I returned my Fenix 5S Plus Sapphire and bought ... MoreI truly wanted to love this watch.I received many compliments on its look.However,after the recent update my paces have become all over the place.I went 2.52/minute for 1K.My coworker who is also a runner laughed and said that it was impossible.The first time I just shrugged and even said"maybe because I switched to barefoot running".It coincided with my transition to barefoot running.Then it happaned again just this week.I don't believe in those paces because I am an averagerunner whose fastest is 4.15/minute for afew KM then I slow down.It doesn't make sense.Another issue for me is that the bluetooth connection issues between Huawei and Garmin.With the recent update,it became better but not completely resolved.I returned my Fenix 5S Plus Sapphire and bought Forerunner 245Music . Initially,my watch connected with no issues .However,after a swim ,I lost my Bluetooth connection with my Huawei and for the last few hours,I have been trying to connect my watch to my phone.Garmin customer service is closed over the weekend and I followed everything that was written on the website with no result.I am so frustrated that I am planning to return my Forerunner 245 Music too tomorrow and look into Suunto or Polar to avoid this constant connectivity problemsbetween my phone and watch.It is sad because I really liked the feel and functions of Forerunner 245Music but didn't have a chance to test it with a run.If you have Huawei,be aware of this issuebecause it is truly frustrating.Hopefully,this review will help you.

impressive battery life and digital training coach, lots of features/metrics, good for triathlon

I bought the Garmin 5s Plus a week ago, I can say so far so good.I'll start with the battery. It lasts a long time.Although I don't wear this 24/7 days (I turn it off some days when I'm not using it for any workout/sports activities),the battery doesn't seem to drain fast when I'm wearing it, or when I turned it back on it only gets drained 1% or 2%.I last charged this when I bought it 7 days ago. I used it for 3 different activities, and worn it all day 4 days, and partially the other days. And battery is at 17%. I charged it at 17%, and took 2 hours 20 minutes to get to 100%I mainly bought this for my outdoor workouts - run/walk, bike, swim, hopefully join a triathlon one day. So after the activities, I generally turn it off, and switch to my everyday ... MoreI bought the Garmin 5s Plus a week ago, I can say so far so good.I'll start with the battery. It lasts a long time.Although I don't wear this 24/7 days (I turn it off some days when I'm not using it for any workout/sports activities),the battery doesn't seem to drain fast when I'm wearing it, or when I turned it back on it only gets drained 1% or 2%.I last charged this when I bought it 7 days ago. I used it for 3 different activities, and worn it all day 4 days, and partially the other days. And battery is at 17%. I charged it at 17%, and took 2 hours 20 minutes to get to 100%I mainly bought this for my outdoor workouts - run/walk, bike, swim, hopefully join a triathlon one day. So after the activities, I generally turn it off, and switch to my everyday 'Casio' watch.On the features I'm impressed with the digital training coach, you sign up with one of 3 professional trainers' program. Based on your goal the trainer will assign a training program and mark your calendar with the activies that you have to do as part of the training. It starts with the basic more or less easier than your fitness level, but will gradually intensify the workout activity as you profress.It measures your heartrate, stress level, sleep, climb or stairs, distance and many more. Again my main purpose for this watch is for sports activities so I don't really use the sleep or stress metrics, but it's still interesting or nice to have.It's easy to change the watch face, by customize it a little bit with your picture, change a color and style or by downloading watch faces already shared in the Conect IQ, or if you like to get your own in depth design, they provide a developer tool that you use for this purpose.Bonus it has a map of North America, if you want to check your location, in case you get lost and don't have your phone with you.There is a lot of Youtube videos online explaining the features of the watch, and how to videosIn addition to this, there are lots of accessories that you can buy, to customize the style or protect this watch even more, like screen protector, case cover, connector socket cover, and different bands.In summary, I'm happy with this GPS HRM 'triathlon' watch from Running Room.