When my loved ones left me three years ago Apple Watch Series 4, it wasn't a major technological tragedy. More like a small irony of fate. The display started to suddenly turn green. No solution worked, and when the watch started to randomly restart and turn off, it was time to retire it. And since I didn't have enough money for a new model, I accepted the offer to buy a second-hand Garmin Fenix 6 for a price that was… let's say almost ridiculous.
The "Sixes" were already an older model at the time, and I originally bought them as a temporary solution until I could buy a new model. Apple Watch. Three years have passed and I am looking for new Apple Watch I've gotten so used to Garmins that when they're finally gone, I know I'll be replaced by a newer Garmin model.
Age is just a number
Garmin Fenix 6 is of course not one of the newest models today. But here I came across an interesting thing, and that is that in practice I don't care at all. Applications Garmin Connect It still works just as well, synchronization runs without problems (actually, just this year, at the turn of February and March, there were a few times when synchronization started to malfunction after updating the Connect application, but these were only four cases where it was enough to delve deeper into the appI have to manually sync my watch and all the metrics I track are available just like on the newer models. In fact, I never once felt like I was missing anything essential. I sometimes wished for more advanced and “prettier” displayed metrics, such as those related to sleep, energy, or training readiness, but the truth is that I didn’t really need these features at all.
Not just for runners
Fenix 6 can track a really decent amount of data: heart rate, variaheart rate variability (HRV), sleep quality, VO2Max, stress, Points Battery or blood oxygen saturation. For running, it adds metrics like cadence or training load estimation. For a watch that is now considered “older,” that’s still more than enough. When I first got my Garmin, I was a relatively active runner, and I really enjoyed tracking the metrics. And once I got used to the watch’s user interface and the different layout and functionality of the Connect app, I found that I actually liked it more than the Apple Watch.
A question of habit
At first I was worried about how I would get used to the way it was controlled. Garmin Fenix 6, unlike Apple Watch buttons, not touch (Garmin does offer touchscreen watches, but my beloved prehistoric model doesn't). After years of Apple Watch It was a bit unusual. For the first few days, I felt like I couldn't remember what each button did and how long I had to press it to get where I needed to be on the watch. For a while, I considered throwing the watch away, getting rid of my self-righteousness just to be safe, and finding an institution where trained staff would take good care of me. Fortunately, it turned out that I wasn't degenerating in any way, but I just learn new things more slowly at my advanced age. After a week, I was using the buttons almost automatically, and today I would even say that they have one advantage – they work reliably even when doing sports or in the rain.
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Do I need notifications?
One of the reasons I once loved Apple Watch, their role was as an extended hand of the iPhone. Notifications, messages, applications – everything right on the wrist. After buying Garmins, I was worried about how I would manage without these things. To my own surprise, I realized that I am one of those people who actually do not need notifications on their wrist at all. I gradually reduced notifications until I finallyonec completely turned off and I absolutely don't miss it. iPhone I carry it with me all the time anyway.
Astronomical clocks, music and other things
Garmin Fenix 6 is not a small watch. On my relatively thin wrist, it sometimes feels like I have a small circular ice rink attached to it. But you get used to that too. And when I add to that the durability, the readability of the display in sunlight and the overall robustness, I am actually happy to forgive the size. Fortunately, I don't have to worry about how the "astrologers" look with formal clothes. I don't go to balls, I usually wear a shirt and jacket to the opera and the philharmonic. I also don't care about music with Garmins. When I went running, I also wore my iPhone, so I played music from it.
I originally used Garmins mainly for running. And that's where I first noticed how much advanced metrics they could offer. But after about five years, I almost completely gave up running. I don't know if it was temporary or permanent. Paradoxically, it didn't diminish the usefulness of the watch in any way. Now I mainly track VO2Max, sleep quality and variaheart rate variability, because I combine various forms of cardio with strength and functional training during training.
And what's interesting: after the transition from Apple Watch My need to have dozens of apps on my watch has almost disappeared. I haven't opened the Connect IQ store in a year. I use one watch face... and I've had it set up for the second year. Garmins have turned me into what I call a pragmatic watch user. minimalist.
Stamina as... however, develops
But one thing is the absolute winner, especially compared to Apple Watch. Battery. While Apple Watch I charged it practically every day, Garmin Fenix 6 can easily last a week or more. Even after years of use. It's a small thing, but it makes a huge difference in everyday life. Charging is compared to Apple Watch a little inconvenient, because I connect the watch directly to the cable, the charging port is on the back of it, and the watch usually lies on my table with the display down when charging. However, I saw charging stands on the Internet for these older models, and these stands will at least allow you to comfortably charge the watch with the display up. Pro Personally, this is more of a minor issue, I don't actually need to see the display while charging and the charging itself is surprisingly fast, even for an older model after several years.
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Do you need accessories?
If you're a runner, I'd recommend one more thing. Garmins are great, but if you're serious about training, it's worth adding a chest strap. It can measure your heart rate more accurately and provide additional running metrics that you simply can't get from your wrist with older models. The ideal option is to go for a Garmin strap, which logically works very well with Connect appkou. By the way, if you use Garmin, it is definitely worth having the Garmin Express program on your computer. It is mainly used to update the watch, manage maps or synchronize data. It is an inconspicuous tool that you turn on once in a while, but it can solve a lot of small problems.
When I read user experiences on forums and Reddit, a few things keep coming up. People are Fenix 6 is most often praised for its battery life, robustness, accurate GPS and huge amount of training data. On the other hand, criticism is mainly directed at the more complicated menu or the less modern display. But after two years of use, I have to say one thing: Garmin Fenix To me, the 6 is not an "old" watch. It's just a watch that works. And sometimes that's exactly what we need from technology.
You don't use apple watch? Seriously?
Totally agree, although I will switch to 8 advice, but I will not allow 6, maybe even a tear will fall out when I change!
I completely understand that, okay?oneI finished in line. Instinct, because I don't need the batteries and I charge them once every three or four weeks. And they are significantly lighter than the Fenix. Notifications are sufficient, metrics are basically the same as the FenixExcellent durability.
6s already have enough metrics, but much less than 8s. I have a 6s myself withapphire for almost 5 years.
You just didn't mention one crucial thing, which is that most of the metrics Garmin tracks are poorly measured and are basically estimates. So rather than relying on some sleep "measurement" and the like, it's more accurate not to wear them.
Have you worn Gra for a long time?mini or did you just get it from the Internet? When you look at the metrics that Garmin measures in a certain period, you can clearly see the details that correspond to your body. ProFor example, some indicators will only appear after a week of use, because Garmin needs to "feel" your body and find out what your "normal states" are and what is outside the standard. I switched from Samsung to Garmin, so I completely understand this article. It's just a different philosophy of watches.
Have you worn Gra for a long time?mini or did you just get it from the Internet? When you look at the metrics that Garmin measures in a certain period, you can clearly see the details that correspond to your body. ProFor example, some indicators will only appear after a week of use, because Garmin needs to "feel" your body and find out what your "normal states" are and what is outside the standard. I switched from Samsung to Garmin, so I completely understand this article. It's just a different philosophy of watches.
F3, F5, F6X, F7X, F7 pro, F8.
So actually just a moment. But I always use something else to measure sleep and upcoming illness, so I even have a comparison, not just a feeling. Garmin outside...