Tag Archives: Garmin

Garmin Vivoactive with Heart Rate Monitor Review

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Last January of this year, Garmin announced it’s new product Vivoactive during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Seeing from how it looks like, some people may find its appeal boring compared to other Garmin Fitness Watches. Comparing it with a smartwatch like an Apple Watch would also not give good justice. This is because this watch will be a lot more useful to highly athletic individuals. To properly describe the functionality of this watch, it actually works more like a fusion of a fitness watch and an activity tracker plus some more additional features. This device has also embraced the 3rd party app functionality of Connect IQ as well as getting support for golf. Pretty interesting. Let us now more about this device through this Garmin Vivoactive with Heart Rate Monitor Review, shall we?

Click here to check product pricing and to read more user reviews.

Although this device looks really a lot more like a smartwatch, I would not want to classify it simply as one. Keep in mind that most smartwatches in the market aren’t really GPS-enabled. That means, activities like running aren’t much accurately tracked as good as this watch can which is by the way, also water-proof and can be used when swimming.

What are the best features of Garmin Vivoactive HR?

Elevate – which is Garmin’s own technology for measuring the heart rate through the wrist is impressively quite accurate. The sensor for this is located under the watch. This optical sensor then detects the blood pulsing beneath the skin. The heart rate data from vivoactive HR gives the figures on how many calories are burned on activities and calculates the magnitude of your fitness activities, establishing an enhanced acknowldgement of your fitness efforts.

For users that are quite super active – which in this content means does a lot of different sporting activities, this watch would be the perfect activity partner as it covers a whole wider range of activities in one gadget. The list of the sport activities that are the following: Running, pool swimming (no open water option), golf, walking, rowing, paddle board skiing, XC skiing, biking, and indoor activities – run, bike, walk, and row. Sleeping is also tracked but this feature seems to be not too impressive. The automatic sleep tracking does seem to be very good at first but then it plots sleep time and interval the data to the user’s usual sleeping hours which is unrealistic as it is not always possible to sleep at the same time or interval.

One of the features that Garmin almost always outdo most of the time as compared to other products in the market is the battery life. The Vivoactive HR can run for a good 6 days of battery life using all features and occasional use of GPS. More so, it runs at about 14 hours in activity tracking using GPS. This impressive endurance is however accountable to the fact that Vivoactive HR smartwatch has less brighter and quite mediocre resolution screen.

PROS

  • GPS Smartwatch with multiple built-in Sport Apps
  • Measures heart rate from the wrist (thanks to Garmin’s Elevate technology)
  • Tracks floors climbed and has a built-in activity tracker that counts the steps, calories burned and hear rate within the day
  • Follows the progress of the users and monitors sleep quality
  • Long battery life
  • Water resistant up to 50 m (5ATM)
  • Displays smart notifications when connection to your smart phone
  • Options of customizable watch faces  from Connect IQ
  • Full GPS tracking
  • Great metrics for tracking activities

CONS

  • Heart rate measurement tends to pause on high intensity
  • Screen is quite mediocre
  • Because this device has lots of apps and features, it sometimes makes it difficult to navigate through every detail (getting lost into navigating is often – or maybe it just takes time to get used to)

For Garmin to be able to put up all these impressive sports app features in one device just like having many different sport watches in one great product makes Vivosmart HR an ultimate choice for sport enthusiasts. Additional features such as being able to connect to the user’s smart phone and having a heart rate monitor with accurate measurement makes this watch a big head turner in the market.

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Garmin vívoactive HR GPS Smart Watch, Regular fit – Black

Garmin Forerunner 920XT Watch with HRM-Run Review

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The company that launched the world’s first GPS multi-sport devices has just recently launched another watch that’s going to be perfect for triathletes. Garmin’s new Forerunner 920XT is a swim-bike-run focused watch that efficiently took hold of all of the latest new features from other new Garmin fitness devices and merged them into this watch.  More so, there are also a number of features that are fresh and are not featured elsewhere on Garmin devices like the cycling-specific VO2Max, a new metronome mode, and a support of Garmin Connect IQ that allows companies to make apps for the watch. Know more about this watch through this Garmin Forerunner 920XT Watch with HRM-Run Review.

Click here to check product pricing, read more user reviews and see color options.

The Forerunner 920XT is indeed packed with advanced running dynamics and virtual link features. It impressively records detailed metrics for swimming, biking and running, which makes the Forerunner 920XT the perfect wearable device that can take an elite or a novice athlete’s training to a higher level. And going further than just being a sports watch, this watch can also be linked to smart phones via Bluetooth to get notifications on your wrist for incoming texts, emails, calls and calendar reminders.

What are the best features of this Sports Watch?

The Forerunner 920XT’s sleek and slim profile gives an even more comfortable fit compared to its predecessor. It is also 15% lighter and 18% thinner than FR 910XT, and showacses flexible, hinged watch bands for a more suitable fit. This watch has a notable high-resolution color display that makes it easy to view stats at a single glance during any activity like training or even on race day. The high-resolution color display has a watch mode and shows daily activity tracking that includes steps, distance, calories, countdown to a personalized daily goal, audible move alert after one hour of inactivity, and sleep tracking. Other sophisticated unique features also include running dynamics, VO2 max estimate, smart notifications.

When used in water, the Forerunner 920XT can withstand up to 5ATM yest still provides advanced swim metrics for training in a pool or even in open water. This watch features drill logging which allows athletes to easily log swim drills and kick sets at the pool, along with registering the swim distance, pace, stroke type, stroke count and even the SWOLF score. In biking, FR 920XT’s advanced cycling features include a built-in altimeter for precise ascent, descent and gradient data in the course of training. These features are well-matched with sensors such as speed, cadence, heart rate and power meter, and can receive GLONASS signals besides GPS for improved accuracy. Lastly, this watch allows you to train for the best running performance with Garmin’s advanced running dynamics which will be a perfect duo with the HRM-Run monitor. Impressively detailed reports such as cadence (total steps per minute), vertical oscillation (amount of “bounce” in a runner’s step), and ground contact time (how much time a runner’s foot spends on the ground during each step) will be shown in the watch with a color gauge so runners can compare their values with the other runners. The beast feature though is the UltraTrac mode which will be good for ultra runners as it extends its up to 24 hours in GPS mode battery life for up to 40 hours.

PROS

  • Known quality Garmin technology and durability
  • Has two color options
  • Built to be used for swimming, biking, and running
  • Up to 5ATM water proof (can be used both on the pool or in open water)
  • Transition between the different sport modes with the push of a button
  • Also measures record speed, distance, ascent/decent, grade, and more
  • Paired with ANT+ compatible sensors it measures heart rate, speed, cadence, and power
  • Running dynamics (with Garmin HRM-Run monitor) include cadence, vertical oscillation and ground contact time
  • Built-in Metronome feature with vibe and audible alerts for cadence training
  • Offers VO2 max estimate, race predictor and recovery advisor (when used with heart rate)
  • Estimates VO2 max for cycling as well (when used with a power meter)
  • Wet suit-friendly and about 15 percent lighter than its predecessor, the Forerunner 910XT
  • Features swim distance, pace, stroke type identification, stroke count, drill logging and rest timers
  • Smart notifications let you see email, text and other alerts on your watch (with compatible Bluetooth Smart ready phones)
  • Battery life: Up to 40 hours in UltraTrac mode, up to 24 hours in training mode, and up to 4 months in watch mode
  • Connected features: automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, live tracking, social media sharing (when paired with compatible Android or Apple device and Garmin Connect Mobile)

CONS

  • FR 920XT does not have weight scale & fitness equipment support.
  • Not the best watch for hiking or outdoors enthusiast (does not have solid course support and may have perfect accuracy on routing and altimeter data)
  • Really heavy on the budget but makes a great all-in-one watch for triathletes

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Garmin Forerunner 920XT White/Red Watch With HRM-Run

Garmin Fenix 2 Training GPS Watch Performance Bundle Review

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Triathletes and sports enthusiasts are surely keen on first-rate and dependable data collected from GPS watches whether during running, biking, hiking, skiing where one is able to effortlessly track every activity. The Garmin Fenix 2 GPS Watch  puts together the paramount highlights of a fitness watch as well as an outdoor watch which makes it the perfect multisport athlete’s Training partner. This impressive GPS watch can track mostly everything starting from distance and pace to heart rate and recovery time, all from a dense, wrist-worn device. This watch can synchronize with other Garmin devices and at the same time, it tracks and shares your progress. It also corresponds with your iPhone to allow the user to view texts and emails without pulling out your phone. Know more about this training watch through this Garmin Fenix 2 Training GPS Watch Performance Bundle Review.

Click here to check product pricing and to read other user reviews.

The Fenix 2 allows you to conveniently switch between one feature to another as it give you easier access to the data you need. This watch can make you switch from Advanced Fitness Training features like VO2 max, Virtual Partner and a recovery advisor, to high-sensitivity GPS tracking features like 3-axis compass, worldwide base map, and TracBack. You can also shift to a totally distinct feature set for any of your sports activities.

What are the best features of this Training GPS Watch?

A favorite feature of the fēnix 2 would have to be its advanced fitness metrics. It is brimming with training features that informs the user about form and fitness. The first of which is the VO2 max estimator. When this feature is used with a heart rate monitor, what the device does is it crunches data, including your running speed, beats per minute and heart rate differences to estimate the maximum volume of oxygen you can consume per minute. It then follows the changes to your VO2 max to see your fitness gains and then have it compared with your peers. Additional fitness metrics include recovery advisor with a recovery timer and recovery check, plus a Race Predictor, that approximates your ideal finish time from your current VO2 max number.

Had enough? Not quite. The ABS sensors of the fēnix 2 provides relevant real-time information. There is a built-in altimeter that gives elevation data to accurately monitor ascent and descent, while the barometer is used to predict weather changes by showing short-term trends in air pressure. The 3-axis electronic compass keeps your bearing whether you’re moving or not. Not only this this device has the features, it is also equipped with a sturdy housing in order to survive shocks and harsh environments along with its curved mineral scratch-resistant glass lens. This impressive physical feature is paired with a large LCD display with a red LED backlight and a tough polyurethane wristband.

PROS

  • Strong and sturdy, built with quality materials
  • Provides real-time performance data such as time, distance, pace, calories, speed, lap data, and heart rate
  • Estimates state of recovery immediately following a run and operates in a countdown mode until the next effort
  • With built-in barometric altimeter that provides accurate elevation information so you can keep track of your ascent and descent
  • Calculates advanced features like recovery advisor and race predictor (when paired with the heart rate monitor)
  • Built-in barometer can help you monitor and predict weather changes
  • Includes a 3-axis electronic compass that keeps your bearing whether you’re moving or not
  • Indoor and outdoor Swim Modes that record stroke count, intervals, distance, pace, and time
  • Automatically uploads data wirelessly to Garmin Connect, Live Track and social media
  • Smart Notification feature lets you receive emails, texts and alerts
  • Ski-Board Mode measures 3D speed and distance, time, vertical drop, total runs, auto pause, auto run detection, plus features Ski specific data pages, history of runs, performance data
  • If paired with HRM-Run monitor2, fenix 2 provides feedback on Running form by measuring cadence (number of steps per minute), vertical oscillation (bounce in your Running motion), and ground contact time
  • Gain insight into temperature trends from the built-in temperature sensor
  • Easily share tracks, waypoints, routes and paperless geocaches wirelessly with other compatible Garmin GPS units and smartphones
  • Impressive battery life
  • Equipped with both ANT+ capabilities and Bluetooth technology

CONS

  • A little bulky (thick) to wear, especially for those who have smaller wrists
  • It has loads of features but setting can be quite a daunting task. But once already set-up, makes it a haven for serious triathletes
  • Does not support ANT+ Fitness Equipment (Gym) and also user is unable to export software settings
  • This device is also not compatible with firstbeat HR tools

The Garmin Fenix 2 Training GPS Watch Performance Bundle may not be very friendly to your budget but this device is jam packed with many features. It’s not a multi-sport watch for nothing as it truly brings the features one needs and can provide data that the user requires in every aspect of their activity. Definitely a must have for triathletes out there, and most importantly, this watch is built to last as it is well engineered with quality materials and is geared to endure rough conditions with a shock-resistant, steel-reinforced housing, scratch-resistant mineral crystal and durable wristband.

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Garmin Fenix 2 Performance Bundle

Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker Review

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The Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker would be an interesting fitness gadget for Samsung aficionados as this device is the company’s first attempt in jumping into the bandwagon of wearable activity monitors like that from Nike and FitBit. It may sound like a match made in heaven as users get to have a mash up of a fitness band and a smartwatch on a single product, but does it meet the needs of its users? The mixture is indeed impressive and not only that it looks strikingly pretty with its swipe and touch curved display, and impressively being the first on a wearable. Know more about this fitness device through this Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker Review.

Click here to check product pricing and to read more user reviews.

This device is made to be worn not only while you’re working out, but for also for any condition you’re in. Its curved display is unique and contours comfortably to your wrist, with bright and vivid, well readable display while interchangeable bands allows you to choose form multiple color options.

What are the best features of this fitness tracker?

If there is one thing that the Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker stands out, it has to be its design. Its sleek, slightly curved, 1.8-inch Super AMOLED rectangular screen is big enough to read, without feeling bulky and looks incredibly sexy too. The user interface can be interchanged from landscape to portrait depending on your preference for an easier view and its adjustable strap lets you snugly fit the device on your wrist.  The Gear Fit has an IP67 certification so it’s dust-proof and water-resistant (but not intended for swimming), and weighs around 27 grams, so you’ll hardly notice it on your wrist.

For sports enthusiasts, or even for those who simply want to keep track of their active lifestyle, this device might not be a good choice. It has features for both a fitness band and a smartwatch but the reliability for the data it gives as well as the software to use for the data is not quite hitting the board. The heart rate monitor as well as the calorie count is at times unreliable (failing) and inaccurate.  And to aggravate this, some data are not sent to any of the apps that are used to communicate with the device. Take note, it takes 3-4 Samsung apps to talk to the device which is really too much of a good thing specially when the apps does not do basic things like communicate biographic information between the device and your account. Clearly, Samsung needs a lot more work on this device.

PROS

  • Stylish and elegant design, lightweight yet has a sturdy built and wearable 24/7
  • Vivid colorful display resolution
  • Functions and features: Pedometer; Exercise monitor; Sleep monitor; Heart Rate; Notifications from phone (calls and texts); Media Controller; Timer; Stopwatch; Find My Device
  • Sensors: HR Sensor; Accelerometer; Gyro Sensor
  • Includes smartwatch features where you can view emails, texts and alerts
  • 1.84-inch Super AMOLED display makes it easy to read the device even with sunlight
  • Mobile S Health Partner integrated into the device tracks your steps and also you can set a personal best with real-time coaching
  • Calendar notifications from your phone can be snoozed and dismissed from this device

CONS

  • The Gear Fit does not have a GPS inside of it and is totally dependent on the phone for this so if  there is no phone, the Gear Fit will not be able to start the activity (like cycling/running)
  • For monitoring your exercise/sleep, you would have to actually to turn on the specific function on the unit in order to track them (the same for the pedometer, you have to turn it on to track steps and likewise turn it off to stop it – so in case if you forget to turn it on or off, your stats are no longer accurate)
  • Battery life lasts only for 3 days (up to 5 days for less active users)
  • Be sure to check device compatibility before deciding to buy this fitness tracker

If you are someone who gives precedence to the looks of the device as more important than it’s functions then this device will totally wow you. Without question, it really is very pretty to wear and matches with anything. However, for those who are looking forward for a better functionality as an activity monitor, there are other choices in the market out there from other brands like the FitBit, Garmin, Polar or Nike that will favorably serve your purpose.

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Samsung Gear Fit Fitness Tracker – Black

Garmin Approach S4 Golf GPS Watch Review

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Approach S3 golf watch, which has a lot of features sustained from its predecessor with few notably impresive additions. Garmin Approach S4 Golf GPS Watch is yet again another masterpiece of the company, bringing into the market a touchscreen GPS golf watch that is readable even with sunlight and has a high-resolution display. Know more about this smartwatch for golfers in this  Garmin Approach S4 Golf GPS Watch Review.

Click here to check product pricing as well as color options (available in Black or White).

This watch gives professional or non-professional golfers the precise distances from the front, middle, and back of the green. It also includes layup, dogleg, and shot distances and can store score plus tracks statistics through a digital scorecard system.

What are the key features of this Golf GPS SmartWatch?

Garmin Approach S4 Golf GPS Watch has a elegant and stylish look yet it has a rugged and robust build and is waterproof up to 10 meters. This golf watch is pre-installed with more than 30,000 International courses and has a glove-friendly touchscreen where you are able to manually position pins, get distances to doglegs and layups or customize yardage points (like marking the bunkers or water hazards). It also features a dedicated GreenView button that automatically brings you to Green View screen, hence no need to scroll through the menu. This GreenView provides the shape from wherever you are on the course.

Another impressive feature of this golf watch is that can be paired through Bluetooth with your iPhone (iPhone 4s and higher as long as it has iOS7 installed) and allows you to get texts, emails or even alerts from social media feeds right to your watch. So even if you are in the middle of your game, you will never miss important messages or alerts.

PROS

  • Precise yardages
  • GreenView button
  • Shows layup distances
  • No need for downloads and set-ups (pre-loaded and no need for subscriptions)
  • Smart notification keeps you connected with your phone
  • Touch screen (works even when wearing gloves)
  • Can be read even with sunlight
  • Stat tracking on the device for better analysis of your game is very detailed
  • Longer battery life that lasts 25% longer and up to 10 hours in GPS mode or 6 weeks in watch mode

CONS

  • No golf courses available in Asia for Approach S-series devices sold outside of Asia
  • Bluetooth compatiblity is only with iPhone smart phones (4s and higher)

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Garmin Approach S4 Golf GPS Watch (NEW VERSION) w/ Free PBS Pitchfix! (30,000+ Courses) (Black)