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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Garmin Fenix 3 Review}} The {{Fenix 3}} is arguably the most attractive running watch, but I'd recommend the Garmin Epix as a less attractive but slightly b..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Garmin Fenix 3 Review}}
The {{Fenix 3}} is arguably the most attractive running watch, but I'd recommend the [[Garmin Epix]] as a less attractive but slightly better running watch. (I'm still testing the Fenix 3, so this is just my initial impressions, not a full review.)
* The Fenix 3 is styled as a large chronometer style watch and I think it's the nicest looking running watch. The materials are high quality and on par with the [[Polar V800]], but with more traditional watch styling. Of course, like other chronometer style watches, it's large and feels awkward on my tiny wrists.
* The color display is the largest of the current running watches with the exception of the huge [[Leikr]] that's nearly twice as big. The display quality is similar to the [[Garmin Epix]] or the [[Garmin 920XT]].
* My initial [[GPS Accuracy]] testing suggests the Fenix 3 is on par with the [[Garmin Epix]] or the [[Garmin 920XT]], which is poor but not appalling. If you want accuracy, look to the [[Suunto Ambit3]].
* The thing that somewhat offsets the crappy GPS accuracy is the ability to display your current [[Pace From A Footpod]]. I think this is a critical feature that I wish other manufacturers would implement. (If anyone has a contact at Suunto, please ask them for this!)
* [[Connect IQ]] allows the Fenix 3 to include rich apps to extend its core functionality, and I'm a big fan of this approach.
* Functionally the Fenix 3 can be thought of a [[Garmin Epix]] without the full color mapping, but for a similar price. Unless looks are an overriding concern, I can't see any reason to buy the Fenix 3.
=A Brief Guide to Garmin Epix, Fenix 3, and 920XT=
The trio of [[Garmin Epix| Epix]], Fenix 3, and the [[Garmin 920XT| 920XT]] are more alike than they are different, and the differences are not obvious. Here's my simple cheat sheet to help you understand the important differences
{| class="wikitable"
!
! Epix
! Fenix 3
! 920XT
|-
| Preloaded Maps?
| Yes
| No
| No
|-
| Looks Pretty?
| No
| Yes
| No
|-
| WiFi Upload
| No
| Yes
| Yes
|-
| Touchscreen
| Yes
| No
| Yes
|-
| Temperature sensor
| Yes
| Yes
| No
|}
=Comparison Table=
{{:Best Running Watch-table}}
The {{Fenix 3}} is arguably the most attractive running watch, but I'd recommend the [[Garmin Epix]] as a less attractive but slightly better running watch. (I'm still testing the Fenix 3, so this is just my initial impressions, not a full review.)
* The Fenix 3 is styled as a large chronometer style watch and I think it's the nicest looking running watch. The materials are high quality and on par with the [[Polar V800]], but with more traditional watch styling. Of course, like other chronometer style watches, it's large and feels awkward on my tiny wrists.
* The color display is the largest of the current running watches with the exception of the huge [[Leikr]] that's nearly twice as big. The display quality is similar to the [[Garmin Epix]] or the [[Garmin 920XT]].
* My initial [[GPS Accuracy]] testing suggests the Fenix 3 is on par with the [[Garmin Epix]] or the [[Garmin 920XT]], which is poor but not appalling. If you want accuracy, look to the [[Suunto Ambit3]].
* The thing that somewhat offsets the crappy GPS accuracy is the ability to display your current [[Pace From A Footpod]]. I think this is a critical feature that I wish other manufacturers would implement. (If anyone has a contact at Suunto, please ask them for this!)
* [[Connect IQ]] allows the Fenix 3 to include rich apps to extend its core functionality, and I'm a big fan of this approach.
* Functionally the Fenix 3 can be thought of a [[Garmin Epix]] without the full color mapping, but for a similar price. Unless looks are an overriding concern, I can't see any reason to buy the Fenix 3.
=A Brief Guide to Garmin Epix, Fenix 3, and 920XT=
The trio of [[Garmin Epix| Epix]], Fenix 3, and the [[Garmin 920XT| 920XT]] are more alike than they are different, and the differences are not obvious. Here's my simple cheat sheet to help you understand the important differences
{| class="wikitable"
!
! Epix
! Fenix 3
! 920XT
|-
| Preloaded Maps?
| Yes
| No
| No
|-
| Looks Pretty?
| No
| Yes
| No
|-
| WiFi Upload
| No
| Yes
| Yes
|-
| Touchscreen
| Yes
| No
| Yes
|-
| Temperature sensor
| Yes
| Yes
| No
|}
=Comparison Table=
{{:Best Running Watch-table}}