Picked up a Fenix 5+ Sapphire for $319.99. Solid watch coming from a Coros Apex Pro. I’ve never used Garmin and have always been curious of their wearables. The price point is a steal in my opinion. It’s quite a beauty and something I wear with confidence. My battery last a week with my usage. I miss the 3.5 weeks battery life with the Coros but the build quality and user interface on the watch is preferable. The navigation feature is nice. I used my watch for biking and running. I prefer the simplicity ecosystem of Coros. However, I’m beginning to enjoy the extensive options on Garmin Connect. So far, it’s been 3 weeks and I am slowly accepting battery life. I don’t do ultras or anything close so it works. I love the Apex Pro but I like big watches and can’t not lie! 😂
Lol! Great comment! I agree it’s a steal for what you get - which is a great watch. I’ve been testing the COROS lineup and interestingly enough just purchased a Fenix 6 pro. You can bet I’ll be reviewing that!
Thnx for the review. I got this (as a gift) early 2021 and back then it was definitely worth ~$350, as an upgrade over my previous Forerunner 245 music, although a tad older in the UX. Ok battery life and more sturdy, but less good pulse/oximeter, and perhaps gps accuracy. Now in May 2022, it's still very nice, with features, but the battery life is a bit worse than I'd like. I'll hold on to it, since I don't do any ultra races etc. but may consider an upgrade if and when I need better battery life...
Thanks Dan. I run these days exclusively with the Fenix 5 Plus. I am a Spotify subscriber, and I can download and update my running playlist onto the watch. The music controls are good. Frees me up NOT to take my phone with me, which I never do out on the gym floor. Running/athletic watches are getting so complex, they require a certain amount of technical competence on the part of the wearer/user to learn, customize, and trouble shoot the software. So my advice to people is to avoid paying alot for a watch with capabilities that exceed your ability to utilize. For example, I STILL haven't figured out how to successfully calibrate this watch to treadmills, and honestly it took me a few months to figure out the music system.
Great advice. This is why COROS is a great brand. Super long battery life and a more streamlined use. However the bells and whistles of Garmin can be nice.
@@UltraDad if coros had the option for detailed maps all these companies need is a nicely thought out modular UI that you can add/remove components of it from a mobile app (they all have this anyways) toggle ON only the workouts features and settings YOU want disable everything else to remove clutter and even save battery Then the user can choose from presets if they need help, or customize from scratch if they are more adept idk
@@UltraDad good luck! I'm getting the miles up without overtraining and set a realistic goal to get fit. Gets bloody expensive this hobby mind. Shoe's, gear and nutrition...
Did you use ultratrac gps mode? I ordered a 5+ yesterday and am having buyers remorse about the battery (before I even get it in the mail). UltraTrac was the thing that HAD saved it for me.
I'm in the same spot for batt life. Apex looks great, but I think I need the nav on the garmins. I have small wrists so I have to go 5s plus, so even more of a hit on batt life! The 6's look amazing, but they don't give them away.
Food review, I have the fenix 6xpro sapphire being very generously given to me by my wife for my birthday on Tuesday! 👍... looking forward to it. Never gone with garmin
I sold my apple watch 4 and bought fenix 5 plus dlc titanium sapfire version , 2 years old from 2nd hand , but in perfect condition , but I have 2 problems , i think HR sensor during power training is inacurate , on apple watch I had HR peak up to 140-160 bpm , on garmin my top is 110 , and I deff thing and feel more . And 2nd problem is just 6 days batery life (hr always on, sleeping with watch , wifi off, and BT conection turned off in night, ) is it normal just 6 days ?
I have had this watch since it was released but over the last year have had a major problem with the charging/connection where I have to keep putting it in and move it around to get a connection. I have found now that the only way I can get a connection is by using WD40 - I have bought a couple of new leads but it make no difference as it is the same with all of them SO I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS WATCH. There are a number of people with the same issue so it is definitely a design fault.
Now I have the issue that the battery is slowly not holding a good charge so I am looking at getting a new watch - and yes you have guessed it - it will NOT be a Garmin.
Your comment about “anyone running less than 50 miles will love this watch” was helpful. Coming from the Forerunner 235, it sounds like the Fenix 5 plus will end up being and upgrade for me in terms of battery.
Picked up a Fenix 5+ Sapphire for $319.99. Solid watch coming from a Coros Apex Pro. I’ve never used Garmin and have always been curious of their wearables. The price point is a steal in my opinion. It’s quite a beauty and something I wear with confidence. My battery last a week with my usage. I miss the 3.5 weeks battery life with the Coros but the build quality and user interface on the watch is preferable. The navigation feature is nice. I used my watch for biking and running. I prefer the simplicity ecosystem of Coros. However, I’m beginning to enjoy the extensive options on Garmin Connect. So far, it’s been 3 weeks and I am slowly accepting battery life. I don’t do ultras or anything close so it works. I love the Apex Pro but I like big watches and can’t not lie! 😂
Lol! Great comment! I agree it’s a steal for what you get - which is a great watch. I’ve been testing the COROS lineup and interestingly enough just purchased a Fenix 6 pro. You can bet I’ll be reviewing that!
Hey there.
I'd like to get one just as well. where did you get yours for such price?
Thanks !
Cool video! Still a good buy now for $99? Thinking of pulling the trigger for a Garmin watch but rather start out smaller than going all out. Thanks!
That’s a steal
Thnx for the review. I got this (as a gift) early 2021 and back then it was definitely worth ~$350, as an upgrade over my previous Forerunner 245 music, although a tad older in the UX. Ok battery life and more sturdy, but less good pulse/oximeter, and perhaps gps accuracy. Now in May 2022, it's still very nice, with features, but the battery life is a bit worse than I'd like. I'll hold on to it, since I don't do any ultra races etc. but may consider an upgrade if and when I need better battery life...
Yes the battery life will be better with most other options! Glad the review helped.
Thanks Dan. I run these days exclusively with the Fenix 5 Plus. I am a Spotify subscriber, and I can download and update my running playlist onto the watch. The music controls are good. Frees me up NOT to take my phone with me, which I never do out on the gym floor. Running/athletic watches are getting so complex, they require a certain amount of technical competence on the part of the wearer/user to learn, customize, and trouble shoot the software. So my advice to people is to avoid paying alot for a watch with capabilities that exceed your ability to utilize. For example, I STILL haven't figured out how to successfully calibrate this watch to treadmills, and honestly it took me a few months to figure out the music system.
Great advice. This is why COROS is a great brand. Super long battery life and a more streamlined use. However the bells and whistles of Garmin can be nice.
@@UltraDad if coros had the option for detailed maps
all these companies need is a nicely thought out modular UI that you can add/remove components of it from a mobile app (they all have this anyways)
toggle ON only the workouts features and settings YOU want
disable everything else to remove clutter and even save battery
Then the user can choose from presets if they need help, or customize from scratch if they are more adept
idk
Good video. I had 5X for awhile then upgraded to 6X. I love the Fenix versions
Yeah it was an interesting watch to try out. Great deal I think!
Came for the watch review, subscribed before watching as I'm after doing an ultra so I'll pick up what information you offer.
Awesome James. You came to the right place. I have 3 big races coming in the next 6 months!
@@UltraDad good luck! I'm getting the miles up without overtraining and set a realistic goal to get fit. Gets bloody expensive this hobby mind. Shoe's, gear and nutrition...
@@jamescairney. yes. But that’s the way to enjoy the sport long term. Keep me updated!
Great review, Dan! Definitely a great option at that price.
Thanks man. A little long winded. Trying to find my style for reviews and make it the best it can be.
@@UltraDad nice info, thanks for the review - could be nice to see some more shots of what the watch can do
This has been really helpful. Thank you so much for the video 👍🏼
Happy to help and thanks for the watching!
Did you use ultratrac gps mode? I ordered a 5+ yesterday and am having buyers remorse about the battery (before I even get it in the mail). UltraTrac was the thing that HAD saved it for me.
I have not yet. I’m just not sure I trust it with the limited gps points. I think my overall mileage would be significantly inaccurate over 100 miles.
Keep it up dude love it
How would this watch work as a backpacker used to check the map once in a while instead of pulling your phone out?
Probably pretty well. You would have to put it in ultra trac mode (which I think it has…but better double check).
I'm in the same spot for batt life. Apex looks great, but I think I need the nav on the garmins. I have small wrists so I have to go 5s plus, so even more of a hit on batt life! The 6's look amazing, but they don't give them away.
I loved your video. Get a commission from Garmin because I’m buying it !
Thanks! I just got the 6 pro and am loving it!
@@UltraDad Now it's time for a Marq Athlete or Marq Adventurer. Nice video. I just gifted one, hunter/fisherman.
@@lloydwellington5271 great glad this helped
Food review, I have the fenix 6xpro sapphire being very generously given to me by my wife for my birthday on Tuesday! 👍... looking forward to it. Never gone with garmin
You won’t be disappointed. Great battery life too!
I sold my apple watch 4 and bought fenix 5 plus dlc titanium sapfire version , 2 years old from 2nd hand , but in perfect condition , but I have 2 problems , i think HR sensor during power training is inacurate , on apple watch I had HR peak up to 140-160 bpm , on garmin my top is 110 , and I deff thing and feel more . And 2nd problem is just 6 days batery life (hr always on, sleeping with watch , wifi off, and BT conection turned off in night, ) is it normal just 6 days ?
It’s been a while but yeah battery life isn’t great. Much better than the Apple Watch though!
I have had this watch since it was released but over the last year have had a major problem with the charging/connection where I have to keep putting it in and move it around to get a connection. I have found now that the only way I can get a connection is by using WD40 - I have bought a couple of new leads but it make no difference as it is the same with all of them SO I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS WATCH. There are a number of people with the same issue so it is definitely a design fault.
Now I have the issue that the battery is slowly not holding a good charge so I am looking at getting a new watch - and yes you have guessed it - it will NOT be a Garmin.
Just scored one for $125!
That’s amazing! Great find!
Sounds like the battery life will be the game changer for many people.
Yeah and that’s probably why many will pay up for the Fenix 6 pro. I still like all the features!
Your comment about “anyone running less than 50 miles will love this watch” was helpful. Coming from the Forerunner 235, it sounds like the Fenix 5 plus will end up being and upgrade for me in terms of battery.
@@BenMcCormack42 glad I could help. It’s a great deal for most!
40 hours running is insane am i trippin ? 😂
I love ur vids
Thanks dude
Was more interesting to see more the watch not your face.😂