Garmin Fenix 3 Vs Vivoactive 3

joey54321

Hey,

I am interested in the above as I am looking for a running watch (so I don't have to wear my Garmin Edge 800 on my wrist) but also an easy way to track other activities such as bouldering, commuting to work and football as well as using it as (shock!) a watch.

The Fenix 3 was the top of the range watch but is a few years old now, it can connect to the advanced running hr belt but apart from that, I am not sure what else it does better. I do like the 'adventure' nature of the Fenix and as I semi-regularly do 'adventure' holidays involving climbing mountains and as such it would be quite useful, though these are relatively few and far between and I have thus far managed without. The Vivoactive 3 is a bit smaller too which to me seems like an advantage as the Fenix 3 is quite a hefty unit. The Vivoactive 3, i think, also has the updated optical heart rate sensor so is perhaps better?

Anyone with either of these watches? Do you rate them?

fenix

I love my Fenix 3 - I'm sure I don't use it for half it's capabilities - but great for running, cycling, swimming.

I've put walking routes into it and that's really useful too. Long battery life as well.

Not sure what it would track with bouldering ?

joey54321

Fenix wrote:

I love my Fenix 3 - I'm sure I don't use it for half it's capabilities - but great for running, cycling, swimming.

I've put walking routes into it and that's really useful too. Long battery life as well.

Not sure what it would track with bouldering ?

More for the heart rate/exercise/stress/activity side of things that tracking routes and movements.

super_davo

I don't have either of those watches but I do own an original Vivoactive... and I think the answer as to which is best will massively depend on what you want to use it for.

The Fenix is a way more capable watch; it can integrate with Power meters on bikes has functionality not far away from an Edge, and when running it gives far more metrics, it can navigate and load trails etc.

The Vivoactive should be substantially cheaper, its much smaller so easier to wear as a regular watch. The optical HR for me isn't a great benefit - it isn't as accurate as a chest strap when exercising.

I would definitely go for the Fenix.

chatlow

Between the 2 then definitely the Fenix 3. It will support so many sports and connections and you can create your own as well for bouldering, whatever that is.

It is also 10x more rugged and will support open water swimming (if you decide on triathlon in future) unlike the VA3. It's the main reason I bought a Fenix.

You may find the Fenix 3 hr at a very good price since the Fenix 5 and FR935 got released.

bendertherobot

The Vivoactive is the best value for what you currently do.

The Fenix 3/5 will encourage you to do other things or, if you do other things, you're already sorted.

So, for example, yes, the V loses some running dynamics and outdoor swimming. But it does do indoor swimming and does loads of other stuff like skiing, stand up paddle boarding etc.

bendertherobot

FR645 released this month.

joey54321

mmm, interesting addition to the mix.

Thanks for all the advice so far.