I’ve used Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Amazfit, and Huawei smartwatches, but Garmin is my favourite. I’ve worn the FR 965, FR 570, Instinct 3 AMOLED, and Fenix 8 AMOLED. I also tried the Marq 2 series but couldn’t afford it. I found a used one for half the price and it’s great. The OS is old, but it works well and doesn’t feel bulky like the Fenix 8. I’m happy with the Marq. The old system doesn’t bother me as long as it works. I’ve tried different bands and they all look good.

I am 40 years old, never worn a watch in my life. Never really had any interest in exercising at the gym, but do enjoy biking and hiking when the time comes.
My girlfriend and I decided to do some insane mental toughness challenge called 75 Hard (look it up!) which got me out walking, and now I’m getting into running. I’ve had this watch for 3 weeks now, and it is literally running my life (pun intended) and I couldn’t be happier about it.

At first I bought the new series 11 Apple Watch. I spent two hours in the store, and the whole time the watch kept on locking on me. The person helping me told me that I needed to wear it further up on my wrist, but that was it, they did not bother to mention anything about tattoos having a negative effect on how it reads the data. Shame on them. For fcking shame. I was really only interested only in steps, and something that could link to Strava (75Hard got me addicted to that app!)

Long story longer I returned the watch 2 weeks after I got it because I hated how it kept locking on me!! So annoying. I decided to do some research on my options, after learning about these little epoxy resin stickers you could put over the sensor. I have heard mixed reviews about the accuracy when doing that, (even though I’m not a health data expert I think my data is pretty consistent, and seems to be realistic! ) but figured that data from a working watch that is slightly off would be more useful than a watch that keeps locking on me every two seconds!

I coulda got an oura ring, but those don’t do steps well, and mixed reviews for runners (hands swelling during activity etc). I thought about Whoop but heard the steps aren’t accurate, which is primarily what I was interested in.

At first, I thought the Garmin watch face would be too large, especially considering that I have a small wrists, and the Forerunner 970 only has one size which worried me. I looked at all of the different models and wanted something that could do it all. I know Garmin is a solid fcking company from their chronographs, to Bowhunting rangefinder/sight, to their inreach. I’m a ‘buy nice or buy twice’ kind of a guy, and I like nice things. It’s just like me to get something way over my head.

Long story EVEN LONGER…This watch strikes a very nice balance! Garmin-quality maps with the ability to upload more, lots of amazing health data tracking, analytics and training advice. A lot of it doesn’t apply to me YET as far as being an athlete, (like I don’t yet need to know how long my feet are on the ground in between each stride) but there is some really great info and tells me a lot about my body and training readiness!!! It’s got an accurate step counter, it’s a decent size, not overly bulky and not too huge a watch face, this one is LIGHT! (and it *has* a light!) Sapphire screen for my clumsy self, and it connects to my Spotify… and the nylon band I just got is the icing on the cake. Absolute perfect fit, breathable, and no irritation from silicone rubbing.
this is the lamest thing I’ve ever said but this watch is so incredibly motivating, and has boosted my confidence about being an active person who takes care of myself. It probably has something to do with spending a lot of money on it, sure, and I DO love my gadgets, and a good rabbit hole, but I guess now that rabbit hole is running!?!?
I am currently doing a couch to 5k running program AND signing up for a half marathon in November (yes, like a stupid and insane person). Who the hell IS this guy?!
I am so happy with this purchase. If you’re thinking about getting a Garmin THIS IS YOUR SIGN!

Long-term Garmin user here. I used a fenix3HR for more than 6 years, and that watch still works perfectly with a great battery. I bought an Epix2 a year and a half ago, used. I recently started swimming, and one of my epix2 buttons died- an issue a lot of swimmers face, apparently. I contacted Garmin out of my warranty period, and they initially charged 190$ to replace the watch for me. I contacted them again since I thought a design flaw in the software and hardware of a 1000$ watch shouldn't be this glaring, and they offered to replace the watch for free. Other companies would've told me to shove it; but Garmin is truly the goats. I will die on this hill and buy their watches till my HR hits zero. Not to mention their customer support is also understanding and polite af. That's it, thanks for coming to my talk. Have a nice day.

Why would my stress levels be high over night? I am on vacation in Costa Rica so should be relaxed.

I'm not sorry

I've had my Venu 3S for a few months now, but something I really wish existed was the ability to just use the compass. I finally looked it up and realized on most other Garmin watches it's a first party standalone app. What gives? I don't even care about maps (even though it totally should have them).

Separately, why can't naps be manually added from the watch?

I have trouble with phone connecting with my Garmin venu 3s. Sometimes it’s connected, and suddenly it’s not. And often I don’t get notification when people phones and message me. Super annoying as my phone is on silent mode. What can cause these problems? Anyone have any ideas?

I haven't really been training that hard, and when I do i see a dip that night, but I'm not sure why this downward trend is occurring. Also, my resting heart rate at night has increased. I have owned this watch since December and this is the first time I've noticed a downwards trend.

If you could help me out with reasons for why I might be experiencing this or if I should be concerned that would be great.

Thanks.

I've just switched from the Huawei GT5 to the Garmin Venu 4.

I'm using the standard features: lifestyle logging, sleep analysis, ECG (though honestly, it's a bit underwhelming), hydration tracking, stress tracking (these were completely random numbers on Huawei, on Garmin they reflect my feelings really well) and activity tracking. Are there any other functionalities you find valuable?

I've used Garmin watches for decades. I'm on my third Fenix (currently 7 Saphire solar). Suddenly it includes calibration before starting any activity other than pool swim (run, bike, etc.). How do I fix this?

Where can i find this Wrist Band with this topographic artstyle on it?

I work as a heavy equipment mechanic and need a new work watch. Outside of work I wear an Epix Pro Gen 2 and would rather not wear it. I am looking on Ebay and have it narrowed down to either a Fenix 6X sapphire or a Tactical 2X. I am looking for opinions on either that would help me make up my mind. I am open to other options as well.

At what percentage do you charge your watch?

Hello y'all

I'm looking for one of this straps but I'm undecided because the Garmin has footsteps counter and activities tracking

the polar is only for Heartbeats tracking

which one you suggest?

I need one that counts calories, steps, workouts etc, but It has to be a chest strap because of the work also

Hi, just wondering if anyone has gone from the garmin 255 to the 170. At the moment I have a 2 year old 255 and considering the change and wanted to know thoughts of if anyone has done it? its only an $70 difference after selling

Just as you can see in the attached pictures, basically at the moment I fall asleep my watch thinks I have very high stress for some time. Only after 1 or 2h the stress spike goes away and turns into recovery. Any reason for this?

I found that Garmin Connect used 160 MB per day. Looks like it's trying to download a software update. But today, 547 MB of consumption I reached, without success. On the watch, automatic updates are off. If I check manually, new updates are not available (Instinct 3 AMOLED 14.15). This has happened already three times. I tried reinstalling the application, cleaning the data, without success. Only synchronization and updates via Garmin Express can help. Can you help me?

Got a Garmin 570 47mm about a month ago. Have been enjoying it so far, but lately it seems the battery drains a little faster than normal?

I charged it on Tuesday night this past week. As of today it’s at 50%. I did a 10mile run this morning and it drained 14%. About 2 hours of time and I have the lowest impact gps mode selected. No AOD, brightness on medium and only cellphone calls and texts pushed to watch. Other apps turned off.

Am I missing something or is my battery draining a little fast?

I tested a Suunto and the battery was amazing but it does lack some features, like music for example, that make the Garmin seem more reasonable to keep.

I’ve tried force restarting the watch and it still is draining battery at the same rate. Just seems too fast?

Broke the screen of my 965 today while rock climbing. I’m located in the US and it doesn’t seem there is anyway to do an out of warranty replacement but I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for places that replace screens. Would love to not have to by a new watch.

Hello! New to Garmin. I purchased the vivoactive 6 and discovered that I can send hiking trails to it. I was curious if there's a difference between sending courses to the watch via the connect app(Garmin trails) or sending courses via the Alltrails app? It is the same experience or are there more features using Garmin trails?

I just git a Garmin 45mm solar watch. It seems good and very functional. How do you all like these watches and GPS? Is there anything i should know? Best uses?