Are there any other trackers that have wrist heartrate and can pair with the chest strap? I called Garmin support and they said the Vivoactive 3 and HR are their only two models which can do both.
Hello my friend, I know this is a nearly two year old video but I wanted to give you a big THANKS for the effort you put into these videos, you have helped a lot of people including me. Cheers!
As a person that knows nothing about this kind of devices I say... THANK YOU. It´s the first time i see one of your videos but you sound quite impartial, so i loved it!
Honestly, I have never commented on a single review video (and I watch a TON). This is one of the absolute best review videos I've ever seen. You da bomb
I've been using this watch for the last few months based on your review. I'm quite pleased with it. I migrated from a Vivofit3 to this and you were spot on that this device was the perfect transition piece. Very easy to customize and use right out of the box with great features.
I just bought mine the other day. After having 2 faulty Fitbit charge 3’s in a row. I chose to pay the extra and get this Garmin vivoactive 3 and I’m very impressed with it
Your review was spot on! I purchased my Vivoactive 3 couple of months ago, checked your review then and again today, my purchase price was $200, well worth it. GOLF function works great, better than more expensive golf watches. I did get elliptical to work just fine.
I have watched every one of your videos on this watch. I have an Apple watch series 1 and have been extremely disappointed with the battery life, it never lasts a full day. I am excited to try this watch and would be thrilled even if it only has enough battery with only 2-3 days of activity. Mine should be coming soon. Thank you for your in depth reviews and joyful presentation.
+rydeaz Thanks so much! I appreciate it! You should easily be able to get 2-3 days out of this if you’re not using GPS a ton over that time period. Enjoy!
This is an excellent review - clear, comprehensive, balanced, well paced, brings out information a user might not think of before purchasing, but which could matter. Liked and subscribed. Thank you!
Thanks for the great review. Had a hard time to choose between the forerunner 235 and this but after watching all the videos, I got myself a Vivoactive 3. Thumbs up for these videos!
Love this video!!!! Thank you! After that, I decided to buy one for me! And I'm also thinking about going back to my English classes because... oooowwwwww.... you speak so fast!!!!!
Thanks for all your reviews. I've had my v3 for 2 weeks and love it. Battery is not as good as original bioactive so I'm keeping that for my camping trips but overall I'm more than happy with thus. Being female with tiny wrists it's still looks stylish and comfortable. Unlike the ionic which I tried on and was huge!
Thank you very much! I watched many of your videos, some more than once. Your reviews direct to conclusion. I was in between Garmin VA3 and Suunto Spartan Trainer. Finally I bought VA3-white. The reasons VA3 won are size, weight, app.
I’ve had a FitBit for a few years now but want a little more... I’m still comparing the Versa Lite with the vivoactive 3, but your video has been SUPER helpful with questions I had about the Garmin. Leaning towards this one now. Thank you!
Hey dude, how did the watch over an year? Did you ever wanted your watch had the capability to hold some songs on it and play it thru Bluetooth headset, so that you could go phone free for runs n workouts. Basically I'm torn between this and Music version. Interestingly, music version is cheaper on the Garmin website. Thank you.
After 7 days of using this device I can say everything best about it. My VA3 (gunmetal) is very comfortable, battery is durable, great activity settings and, above all, watch looks GREAT! I'm satisfied with it. REPLY
The blueish hue is from the backlight. The display is transflective, so you dont need a backlight at all when outdoors. As seen in your footage with it next to the Fenix 5, the display has deep blacks and very good contrast.
Loved the review. I'm using the vivoactive3 for a month, and your prediction was absolutely right. I increased my fitness activities a lot! Next year, maybe, i'll be looking for a more complete gps watch.
Just bought this and although old I am upgrading from a Vivoactive (1?). Bought it a the price point suggested so even if it’s not the latest, ur review confirms what I need it for and it will perform. I will def use it for all the data it can provide. Great 👍🏻 vid.
I have so much confidence in Des, I like the video before I watch it. Thanks for all your effort, and I look forward to the day you pass the million subscriber mark!
I'm considering upgrading from a Polar A370, which I chose mostly because of the similar size to the Fitbit Charge HR (because the Fitbit wrist heart rate wasn't very accurate). The Vivo Active 3 seems like a great option for a woman because it is smaller. It also appears to have many of the same features as the Polar A 370. Thanks for your review.
Very thorough and nicely done reviews. Thanks a lot, Des. This helped me a lot with my decision process of buying this thing. Keep it up & best regards from Germany!
@@whosthis1230 I still like it! long battery life when not in GPS mode, and all the notifications from my phone go here so I know what's on my calendar without getting out my phone! it's not too big or heavy which is nice. It's simple which is what I want - I don't really have any complaints!
Great review, thank you! Garmin finally put out an affordable, female friendly watch! I got tired of wearing those masculine running watches, but this one looks stylish and it's light weight.
Great video. I was torn between AW3 and this helped sway my decision to purchase the Garmin instead. So far this was the best review of the watch that I have viewed. Thanks Des
Hey! I’m trying to decide to get the Forerunner 45 (sale for 190$cad) or Vivo 3 (sale for 170$cad). I saw you made videos on both and I’m wondering which one you prefer! (I’m a runner on a track team and I swim and bike as well but it’s just for fun (I’m 14 girl btw) thank you!
I've had my VA3 for a few weeks and really love it. I had bought the original square Vivoactive as my first Garmin device a few years ago, after having used Polar products forever. After that square VA, I went to the Forerunner 230 which I also liked a lot. I knew that I needed just a little more than the 230 was giving me, but I didn't want to spend the $$ on either a 735XT or even a Fenix 5S. So when the VA3 came out, I knew it was the right device for me. I use it running and biking, and overall the platform has much improved since the days of the 230. Cannot recommend it highly enough!! Get one!
I like my Vivoactive 3 but I have had problems with watch faces changing unintentionally. Another oddity has been the stair counter. Roughly a month ago, the watch started telling me that I had climbed 7 or 8 or even 10 times my stair goal. I’m 67, live in Florida (flat...). I’m lucky if I actually go up one flight of stairs a day not 10 or 12 floors.
I’ve looked at lots of reviews on sports watches and fitness trackers lately, so much so, I’ve not been as active! Lol Finally made a decision based on my tiny budget and what I’ll use it for. This is the watch for me. Can’t wait to put it on and get moving more. Great review. Thanks 😀
I just bought this watch today mostly due to this review...I had Fenix 3hr before and I gotta say it’s a completely different feel. Although I absolutely love it,it’s light and responsive,packed with features and it was half the price of Fenix 3,but boy I am worried about the fragility of this watch!!! Definitely not for outdoors if anyone wondering.
Hi, i am considering to bye the vivoactive 3 (i had the vivoactive 2) but i like fenix 3 hr also, my question is between these two, which hr optical sensor works best.. Probably the VA3 comes with a new one or keeps the same as Fenix3hr?
Τάκης Πολ ji,well I don’t know if the sensor has been improved in any way,after few days I can say it seems pretty much same to me. Highly inaccurate for gym/strength training or steps climbing but good for running and all day HR monitoring,just as the F3 hr was for me. Either way I wouldn’t base my decision to buy on oHR accuracy, rather consider things like size,weight,durability,touchscreen vs button etc bcs that’s where most of the differences lies. also the battery life seems shorter vs Fenix 3 where I got easy 7 days and now V3 is more like 4.
The big upgrade to the sensor is the fact that it sits more flush and then with the VA3 it collects HR more often than 3HR. But from my experience with both, HR during activities was pretty good on both but maybe a little better on 3HR.
DesFit So nothing new sensor for VA3 (I mean hardware) apart the shape.. Still the choice is difficult, 300€ for a used 3HR (still under guarantee) or 265€ for a new VA3.. The activities that I practice most are running (indoor and outdoor), hiking, skiing, swimming (open sea), cross training and i definitely want 24/7 hr, sleep recording and in the same time comfortable in my medium size wrist.. (asking much? 😋)
I have the va3 and you can pick 3 reply's that you can type out and put in the list for phone calls and a bunch for text . You do this in the garmin connect app and it adds it to the watch . In Garmin connect tap on the watch photo that's at the top . then tap on text responses . That will give you 2 lines the top one is respond to messages and the bottom on is respond to incoming calls . From there add a pre typed response or tap on one and you can back space a response and add your own words . Once you add the responces you want it will send them to the watch .
I've had my Vivo Acctive 3 for about 18 months now and when it's working, I love it. I wear it as my every day watch, only take it off before bed and plug it into the charger. I use the GPS for tracking my bike rides and the battery life has been long enough to track a couple 6-7hr rides without fail. However, 3 times since I've owned it, the touch screen has frozen and become completely unusable. The first time it was right after a long, cold weather bike ride. The next time was after a hot sauna session, and the last time (last week) just for no reason I could figure. Each time the screen froze in the watch mode, so it would still tell time, but I couldn't get it to do anything else, other than shut off by holding the button in for 10 seconds. After the first time it froze, (after about 6 months of use) I called Gamin customer support and he told me to hold in the off button for 30 seconds after it shut down, which I did, 3 times, and it finally started working normally again. But the next two times the screen froze, no amount of shutting and restarting it would fix it. I called Garmin again and they said send it back for replacement, which I was about to do....when it started working normally again! It just started functioning all by itself, I hadn't just shut it down, this was after a week of being frozen! That was about 2 months ago, but it just froze up again! This time it's been a week of frozen uselessness, but this time the watch set itself to some bizarre time zone, about 12:25 ahead of my actual time zone! So now it's useless even as a basic watch. I've already put it back in the original box it came in when I bought it (for $329!) and I'll be shipping it back to Garmin tomorrow. Hopefully they can fix or replace it. I do love the watch when it's working for all the reasons listed in the above video, oh, but my strap tail keeper broke after about 1yr, so there's that. But I love the Garmin Connect app on my phone and tablet for tracking and storing my bike rides and other stuff I do when wearing the watch. As long as Garmin will support it and replace it, I'll keep using their stuff. I have a couple of their other GPS units, a 3 Pilot for my light airplane, and a hand held Etrex for hiking which I also use when sailing, both have been great. I hope they can fix my watch!
Nice video Des. I also found the side swipe option quirky. When I was playing tennis today I could not get it to work. Also, the OHR didn't seem to record me much over 100, which was clearly off. The weather was in the mid 90s and that may have had something to do with it. Overall, it looks like a regular watch and is very comfortable to wear. The comfort is really good for a wearable.
+John Manley Interesting about your HR...I haven’t had any issues with cold nor hot weather, so maybe take that up with “the big G.” ;) Agreed on all your points, John, and thanks again!
My swimming works I love the design and love lightness I can sleep with it on without pain. I love this watch but battery life is not great? Thanks for the sensitivity comment I was wearing surfing and the heart rate came on as I’d knocked it. It has a surf setting on my phone but I don’t know how to set it so it measures on the watch. It is important that the heart rate monitor is off so I’m setting on pool swim. Everyone who sees it and hears about it loves if. I’m so happy I love it
Hey Des, as you've always been my favorite fitness gear TH-camr... If I were only active in indoor rowing, indoor cycling, weight lifting and open water swimming.. would the vivoactive 3 or 4 be acceptable for the open water swimming? I really can't afford the Fênix 6 and looking for the best solution for my needs. I'm open to other suggestions also, as long as it has a great display to read. Looking forward to hearing from you and thanks in advance.
I had problem with “floors climbed” until I discovered you have to let the arm the watch is on swing like you’re walking rather than grasping the rail.
@Chrissy Reyna If you go into the Garmin Connect app, then go to your device, you should have an option to download watch faces, apps and widgets. I did this video a while back explaining some of this and how the Garmin software works with the wearables: th-cam.com/video/vW_CPjcKDZ4/w-d-xo.html
Des, Checked out the VA3 at REI this week. With your detailed review I didn't need to play with the functions too much but just get a feel for how the touch screen and the swipe function works. Touch screen was excellent and I would say smoother than the Garmin Vivioactive HR that I currently wear. I am still disappointed on the clarity and brightness level of the Garmin screens. Since you advised to lower the screen brightness to extend battery life, this is a double wammy! I agree with your take on build quality. I like a watch with substance and I could not believe how light or perhaps delicate this watch is. The VA HR is more solid in my opinion. This was the biggest drawback of my observation. However I believe Garmin makes the best fitness watches with respect to options and functionality, but they do cut corners a bit on some of their watches to keep the price point in line. In the meantime I am going with the Viita Smartwatch as I don't need all of the fitness options provided by Garmin. The Viita has a solid stainless steel body, 320x290 color display and a 3-4 week battery life! Yes no 3rd party review but for $175 I am going to give it a try and wait for Garmin to release their next Vivioactive watch.
Thankyou soo much for this review, how you compared the watch to the treadmill and other devices gives me an understanding on how good the actual device is. Went through so many other videos of TH-cam's explaining the watch in detail non of them did the comparison to the treadmill. I rely on counting my calories through the treadmill however mine broke so in replacement I'm buying this watch as a good alternative to counting calories while running. :)
Upgraded from vivoactive first generation to this as a birthday gift and I was really happy with it first. However things got changed while using it. Watch may freeze somehow - it doesn't have a manual sleep mode, so it detects your sleep mode after you lay down (also by reduced HR I understood) and awake by your movement in the morning. In my total 35 days of use; it didn't wake up fm sleep mode for three mornings in different days and didn't count my steps at those mornings (after a soft reset, it went back to normal, but wasted step data :/ ). My primary and the biggest complains are regarding running app; first you can't get your avg. pace by metric (it only gives avg. pace based on miles while all my settings are arranged to kilometers); your run settings like laps and other things gone away after every run (for example I am using auto-laps at every 1K, but watch insists on to arrange it to 0,62K by itself strangely) and sometimes GPS is troubled & not correctly measuring the distance (especially on trails). Second issue is with the strenght training app; you can't adjust your sets and rest times for yourself (you can use a widget but I wish my brand new watch could do that). Also, it has a very very sensitive screen so I lock the screen before I sleep. While I sent my complains to Garmin Customer Service, I only got "we're working to fix these issues" replies, terrible CS btw. Not a good point? Of course it has: decent heart rate, good sleep tracking, very lightweight and good looking, good battery life. I am getting used to it & like it somehow, but I still pissed off with the avg. pace issue at most! I hope they can find a solution as soon as they do. Because endbuyers are not beta testers and Garmin does this to us so many times recently on other VA products.
Question ... is there a way to completely disable GPS? If so, how does this affect activities that would normally use GPS? ... do they become unavailable or do they fallback to step counts + velocity for estimating distance?
Hello - On Android, can you filter notifications so that you only get calls and text messages, all others disabled? I like to get the VA3 but if notifications can't be filtered then I may end up with the Ionic. Thanks!
Another great and thorough video review. Thanks a lot. Must say even though it looks way better than the previous model, the software looks a bit laggy and slow and the screen quality looks more like a bad cartoon compared to the screen of the Apple Watch and other OLED watches. Yes it might be a tad more fitness focussed but as you mentioned yourself the black looks blue and all in all the screen looks like something from an old phone before colour screens really took off or maybe a high end calculator - I might be overreacting a bit but the screen is the part you look and interact with all the time
Tw different kinds of screen tech, i bought this for the battery life, prefer becones easier to read in bright conditions, this is a fitness tracker with smart watch functions, apple is a snart watch with ftness tracker functions, i sold my apple watch as had to charge ut every third day, get five days from this little beauty😉
I have a VA 3 and my colleague has an AW. Va pros: battery life and the reflective always on display. AW is better in terms of smart watch functionality, as well as a lot of useful stuff brought by the latest updates (and they will keep coming). Bottom line - I'd buy an AW if I had an iPhone.
@@Xdc5 Thanks for reply. I can get the VA3 Music through my health insurance for $161. As much as i want to the Apple watch 4 I might end up withe VA3 music at that price.
I would agree that the move IQ is not needed for those you really like all the data, but I would like it to track my bike commute without having to track those 25 to 30 minute rides through traffic.
For someone not bothered much by wrist notifications and not SERIOUS about full-on fitness tracking, what would you recommened? the VivoActive 3, or the Forerunner 235? This is also about the price range I am willing to work in for a smartwatch/fitness tracker. The FR235 appears to have some more/different functions, but the VA3 looks slightly better screen-wise.
If you are not serious about full-on fitness tracking, the VA3 should work out fine for you. They should perform similarly but the 5-button configuration is easier to use in a fitness capacity. The screens should be similar in terms of clarity, brightness and resolution, other than the touchscreen of the VA3.
Great review, thanks. I wish it also has a cellular LTE support. I'd like to leave my phone at home when I go for a run. Hopefully next vivoactive or forerunner series will have that feature.
Thanks for watching and Follow on Twitter for updates! 👉 twitter.com/GetDesFit
Are there any other trackers that have wrist heartrate and can pair with the chest strap? I called Garmin support and they said the Vivoactive 3 and HR are their only two models which can do both.
Does slate version look better than stainless steel?
I suppose that depends on your individual style.
Hello my friend, I know this is a nearly two year old video but I wanted to give you a big THANKS for the effort you put into these videos, you have helped a lot of people including me. Cheers!
That’s great to hear - thanks a bunch!
As a person that knows nothing about this kind of devices I say... THANK YOU. It´s the first time i see one of your videos but you sound quite impartial, so i loved it!
Honestly, I have never commented on a single review video (and I watch a TON). This is one of the absolute best review videos I've ever seen. You da bomb
Wow thanks a bunch!
I've been using this watch for the last few months based on your review. I'm quite pleased with it. I migrated from a Vivofit3 to this and you were spot on that this device was the perfect transition piece. Very easy to customize and use right out of the box with great features.
2:06 “Baby One More Time” Britney Spears. LoL!
It’s OK Des. I love the song too.
+Joseph Anthony Hit me baby! 😂
I love your spin on reviews, definitely stand out from all the generic tech spec ones on TH-cam. Great job!!
I just bought mine the other day. After having 2 faulty Fitbit charge 3’s in a row. I chose to pay the extra and get this Garmin vivoactive 3 and I’m very impressed with it
Just bought this. I love it!
Nice!
Your review was spot on! I purchased my Vivoactive 3 couple of months ago, checked your review then and again today, my purchase price was $200, well worth it. GOLF function works great, better than more expensive golf watches. I did get elliptical to work just fine.
You got a great deal! Glad you are enjoying it.
Did you pay extra for golf app?
What about Heart rate sensor, is it works properly?
My main focus is on running, so should I opt for this one?
I have watched every one of your videos on this watch. I have an Apple watch series 1 and have been extremely disappointed with the battery life, it never lasts a full day. I am excited to try this watch and would be thrilled even if it only has enough battery with only 2-3 days of activity. Mine should be coming soon. Thank you for your in depth reviews and joyful presentation.
+rydeaz Thanks so much! I appreciate it! You should easily be able to get 2-3 days out of this if you’re not using GPS a ton over that time period. Enjoy!
I’ve just bought one for £110 so I’m very happy with it, a load of watch for the money.
Nice!
This is an excellent review - clear, comprehensive, balanced, well paced, brings out information a user might not think of before purchasing, but which could matter. Liked and subscribed. Thank you!
Thanks! Glad it helped!
Thanks for the great review. Had a hard time to choose between the forerunner 235 and this but after watching all the videos, I got myself a Vivoactive 3. Thumbs up for these videos!
Love this video!!!! Thank you! After that, I decided to buy one for me! And I'm also thinking about going back to my English classes because... oooowwwwww.... you speak so fast!!!!!
😂Sorry about that! I’m trying but I guess good thing there is the .5 speed playback option in TH-cam.
i thought he was speaking slow.
Priscilla Guerra did you buy one ? How did you like it
I have one and l love it.
I teach English and would be glad to help you ;)
Great summary. Nicely done reviews too. You’ve helped me make the decision to go with this watch.
Thanks! I’m glad it helped!
Just bought this from my cousin for $75. First Smartwatch. Glad I didn't pay retail. He upgraded to the Vivoactive 4.
Your reviews are very thoughtful. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and opinions.
Thanks and sure thing!
Thanks for all your reviews. I've had my v3 for 2 weeks and love it. Battery is not as good as original bioactive so I'm keeping that for my camping trips but overall I'm more than happy with thus. Being female with tiny wrists it's still looks stylish and comfortable. Unlike the ionic which I tried on and was huge!
+Mel Taylor no doubt! Glad you’re enjoying it!
Great review and video, Des! You're becoming my "go to" now for reviewing fitness tech!
+Michelle Hunt Wow! Thanks so much Michelle! If there’s anything that you’d like see specifically, let me know and I’ll see what I can do.
DesFit Thanks, Des, I’m sure I’ll think of something soon!
6b
Thank you very much! I watched many of your videos, some more than once. Your reviews direct to conclusion. I was in between Garmin VA3 and Suunto Spartan Trainer. Finally I bought VA3-white. The reasons VA3 won are size, weight, app.
Ya, Garmin Connect is the benchmark for smartphone fitness apps dedicated to a particular device/company, and yes, the VA3 is extremely light!
3 weeks with VA3, my first activity tracker/sport watch, I really enjoy outdoor running and biking. I also play badminton, but no badminton program.
I’ve had a FitBit for a few years now but want a little more... I’m still comparing the Versa Lite with the vivoactive 3, but your video has been SUPER helpful with questions I had about the Garmin. Leaning towards this one now. Thank you!
The VA3 will be quite a bit more capable than the Versa Lite. Not to say it’s a bad device but hard to compete in regards to fitness functionality.
Just got this watch after watching the review. good recap! thank you
Thanks! Hope you enjoy your new watch!
Hey dude, how did the watch over an year? Did you ever wanted your watch had the capability to hold some songs on it and play it thru Bluetooth headset, so that you could go phone free for runs n workouts. Basically I'm torn between this and Music version. Interestingly, music version is cheaper on the Garmin website.
Thank you.
After 7 days of using this device I can say everything best about it. My VA3 (gunmetal) is very comfortable, battery is durable, great activity settings and, above all, watch looks GREAT! I'm satisfied with it.
REPLY
The blueish hue is from the backlight. The display is transflective, so you dont need a backlight at all when outdoors. As seen in your footage with it next to the Fenix 5, the display has deep blacks and very good contrast.
Thank you, this helped a lot. - Yo Momma
Sure thing
Des you could play Gengis Khan man, you'd look mean with a beard. Good reviews too
😂
One of the best reviewers out there. too bad Des missed the firstbeat features, the only reason am buying this watch.
Thanks! I was thinking of covering that but I think I may do more of a generalized video about FirstBeat with all Garmin devices rather than just one.
Thanks for this series. Your insight has helped me decide on my next watch.
+Michael Hilliard awesome! You’re welcome!
Loved the review. I'm using the vivoactive3 for a month, and your prediction was absolutely right. I increased my fitness activities a lot! Next year, maybe, i'll be looking for a more complete gps watch.
+Bruno Lourenço Reis that’s awesome to hear! Love it!
Just bought this and although old I am upgrading from a Vivoactive (1?). Bought it a the price point suggested so even if it’s not the latest, ur review confirms what I need it for and it will perform. I will def use it for all the data it can provide. Great 👍🏻 vid.
Thanks!!
I have so much confidence in Des, I like the video before I watch it.
Thanks for all your effort, and I look forward to the day you pass the million subscriber mark!
+Kansokusha Kamui wow that is such a nice compliment! Thank you!
I'm considering upgrading from a Polar A370, which I chose mostly because of the similar size to the Fitbit Charge HR (because the Fitbit wrist heart rate wasn't very accurate). The Vivo Active 3 seems like a great option for a woman because it is smaller. It also appears to have many of the same features as the Polar A 370. Thanks for your review.
Very thorough and nicely done reviews. Thanks a lot, Des. This helped me a lot with my decision process of buying this thing. Keep it up & best regards from Germany!
Is it possible to have the watch face display the time in a digital format 11:45 or just with time hands?
Oh there are tons of watch faces that you can choose from, including digital.
I'm getting this watch because of your review... fellow Fort Collins citizen!
Hope you enjoy it!
What do you think of this watch now?
@@whosthis1230 I still like it! long battery life when not in GPS mode, and all the notifications from my phone go here so I know what's on my calendar without getting out my phone! it's not too big or heavy which is nice. It's simple which is what I want - I don't really have any complaints!
Spot on review, just got mine. Keep up !
Nice! Enjoy and thanks!
Great review, thank you! Garmin finally put out an affordable, female friendly watch! I got tired of wearing those masculine running watches, but this one looks stylish and it's light weight.
It’s very lightweight! Hope you enjoy it!
Great video. I was torn between AW3 and this helped sway my decision to purchase the Garmin instead. So far this was the best review of the watch that I have viewed. Thanks Des
Wow, thanks so much! Appreciate it and enjoy!
Hi.
What is the name of the digital wtachface?
Hey! I’m trying to decide to get the Forerunner 45 (sale for 190$cad) or Vivo 3 (sale for 170$cad). I saw you made videos on both and I’m wondering which one you prefer! (I’m a runner on a track team and I swim and bike as well but it’s just for fun (I’m 14 girl btw) thank you!
I've had my VA3 for a few weeks and really love it. I had bought the original square Vivoactive as my first Garmin device a few years ago, after having used Polar products forever. After that square VA, I went to the Forerunner 230 which I also liked a lot. I knew that I needed just a little more than the 230 was giving me, but I didn't want to spend the $$ on either a 735XT or even a Fenix 5S. So when the VA3 came out, I knew it was the right device for me. I use it running and biking, and overall the platform has much improved since the days of the 230. Cannot recommend it highly enough!! Get one!
Potz druze koji je bolji ovaj ili forerunner 220 dvoumim se između ta dva kod ovoga se mogu mjenjati pozadine a u 220 ne mogu jer je star dosta
I just ordered this for just $70 to replace my aging Pebble Time collection. Looking forward to the changes.
From where did you buy it?
Still have my Garmin Vivoactive 2 HR - love that shape - width Garmin had kept instead of the round shape.
Good video, pulled the trigger today on the Amazon price. I hope the wife likes it if not it's mine. I dig the bluetooth feature to wireless ear plugs
I also did get the wireless Apple ear plugs. Great video.
Really in-depth review. Helped me out a lot in my decision to purchase. Thanks!
Sure thing! Thank you!
I like my Vivoactive 3 but I have had problems with watch faces changing unintentionally. Another oddity has been the stair counter. Roughly a month ago, the watch started telling me that I had climbed 7 or 8 or even 10 times my stair goal. I’m 67, live in Florida (flat...). I’m lucky if I actually go up one flight of stairs a day not 10 or 12 floors.
I’ve looked at lots of reviews on sports watches and fitness trackers lately, so much so, I’ve not been as active! Lol Finally made a decision based on my tiny budget and what I’ll use it for. This is the watch for me. Can’t wait to put it on and get moving more. Great review. Thanks 😀
2:30 I wonder if you can have your watch, but phone turned off (or not with you) and then the data will sync once they are in range again.
Skinny lugs are definitely an issue they broke on me in 3 months. Functions are all great tho
amazing review, thanks mate
Sure thing.
I just bought this watch today mostly due to this review...I had Fenix 3hr before and I gotta say it’s a completely different feel. Although I absolutely love it,it’s light and responsive,packed with features and it was half the price of Fenix 3,but boy I am worried about the fragility of this watch!!! Definitely not for outdoors if anyone wondering.
Most definitely not for the outdoors! Coming from a 3HR...boy, that IS gonna be different for you.
Hi, i am considering to bye the vivoactive 3 (i had the vivoactive 2) but i like fenix 3 hr also, my question is between these two, which hr optical sensor works best.. Probably the VA3 comes with a new one or keeps the same as Fenix3hr?
Τάκης Πολ ji,well I don’t know if the sensor has been improved in any way,after few days I can say it seems pretty much same to me. Highly inaccurate for gym/strength training or steps climbing but good for running and all day HR monitoring,just as the F3 hr was for me. Either way I wouldn’t base my decision to buy on oHR accuracy, rather consider things like size,weight,durability,touchscreen vs button etc bcs that’s where most of the differences lies. also the battery life seems shorter vs Fenix 3 where I got easy 7 days and now V3 is more like 4.
The big upgrade to the sensor is the fact that it sits more flush and then with the VA3 it collects HR more often than 3HR. But from my experience with both, HR during activities was pretty good on both but maybe a little better on 3HR.
DesFit So nothing new sensor for VA3 (I mean hardware) apart the shape.. Still the choice is difficult, 300€ for a used 3HR (still under guarantee) or 265€ for a new VA3.. The activities that I practice most are running (indoor and outdoor), hiking, skiing, swimming (open sea), cross training and i definitely want 24/7 hr, sleep recording and in the same time comfortable in my medium size wrist.. (asking much? 😋)
I have the va3 and you can pick 3 reply's that you can type out and put in the list for phone calls and a bunch for text . You do this in the garmin connect app and it adds it to the watch . In Garmin connect tap on the watch photo that's at the top . then tap on text responses . That will give you 2 lines the top one is respond to messages and the bottom on is respond to incoming calls . From there add a pre typed response or tap on one and you can back space a response and add your own words . Once you add the responces you want it will send them to the watch .
What is the digital watch face that you were using?
I've had my Vivo Acctive 3 for about 18 months now and when it's working, I love it. I wear it as my every day watch, only take it off before bed and plug it into the charger. I use the GPS for tracking my bike rides and the battery life has been long enough to track a couple 6-7hr rides without fail.
However, 3 times since I've owned it, the touch screen has frozen and become completely unusable. The first time it was right after a long, cold weather bike ride. The next time was after a hot sauna session, and the last time (last week) just for no reason I could figure. Each time the screen froze in the watch mode, so it would still tell time, but I couldn't get it to do anything else, other than shut off by holding the button in for 10 seconds.
After the first time it froze, (after about 6 months of use) I called Gamin customer support and he told me to hold in the off button for 30 seconds after it shut down, which I did, 3 times, and it finally started working normally again. But the next two times the screen froze, no amount of shutting and restarting it would fix it. I called Garmin again and they said send it back for replacement, which I was about to do....when it started working normally again! It just started functioning all by itself, I hadn't just shut it down, this was after a week of being frozen!
That was about 2 months ago, but it just froze up again! This time it's been a week of frozen uselessness, but this time the watch set itself to some bizarre time zone, about 12:25 ahead of my actual time zone! So now it's useless even as a basic watch. I've already put it back in the original box it came in when I bought it (for $329!) and I'll be shipping it back to Garmin tomorrow. Hopefully they can fix or replace it.
I do love the watch when it's working for all the reasons listed in the above video, oh, but my strap tail keeper broke after about 1yr, so there's that. But I love the Garmin Connect app on my phone and tablet for tracking and storing my bike rides and other stuff I do when wearing the watch. As long as Garmin will support it and replace it, I'll keep using their stuff. I have a couple of their other GPS units, a 3 Pilot for my light airplane, and a hand held Etrex for hiking which I also use when sailing, both have been great. I hope they can fix my watch!
Great review videos. Really helped me make my mind up on what to get as my next Garmin ;) Keep up the great content.
Thanks!
danny2rod __ aa
The heart rate monitor of my Vivoactive 3 doesn t show up anymore... Any idéa on how to display it?
Nice video Des. I also found the side swipe option quirky. When I was playing tennis today I could not get it to work. Also, the OHR didn't seem to record me much over 100, which was clearly off. The weather was in the mid 90s and that may have had something to do with it. Overall, it looks like a regular watch and is very comfortable to wear. The comfort is really good for a wearable.
+John Manley Interesting about your HR...I haven’t had any issues with cold nor hot weather, so maybe take that up with “the big G.” ;) Agreed on all your points, John, and thanks again!
My swimming works I love the design and love lightness I can sleep with it on without pain. I love this watch but battery life is not great? Thanks for the sensitivity comment I was wearing surfing and the heart rate came on as I’d knocked it. It has a surf setting on my phone but I don’t know how to set it so it measures on the watch. It is important that the heart rate monitor is off so I’m setting on pool swim. Everyone who sees it and hears about it loves if. I’m so happy I love it
Whats the name of the watchface he applied at 4:49 i would like to download it
3:20 where'd you get the digital clock and what kind is it. I've been looking for one like that
Is there a way to just add my mp3 music into this watch instead of Garmin express please help.
Hey Des, as you've always been my favorite fitness gear TH-camr... If I were only active in indoor rowing, indoor cycling, weight lifting and open water swimming.. would the vivoactive 3 or 4 be acceptable for the open water swimming? I really can't afford the Fênix 6 and looking for the best solution for my needs. I'm open to other suggestions also, as long as it has a great display to read. Looking forward to hearing from you and thanks in advance.
I had problem with “floors climbed” until I discovered you have to let the arm the watch is on swing like you’re walking rather than grasping the rail.
Just purchased one for ££75 used from eBay in the U.K. Trying to figure out how to navigate following a GPS route
Get the gunmetal rim color instead of silver. It's sexier and shows scratches less.
Desmond I love your channel, and appreciate your time to post detailed comments on products. Would love to know about gear fit 2 pro review from you
at 4:49- what is that watch face called in the app? I am looking to download it, I love that interface.
SC7
@@DesFit I'm new to Garmin. How do I put this SC7 face on my watch?
@Chrissy Reyna If you go into the Garmin Connect app, then go to your device, you should have an option to download watch faces, apps and widgets. I did this video a while back explaining some of this and how the Garmin software works with the wearables: th-cam.com/video/vW_CPjcKDZ4/w-d-xo.html
Can't thank you enough!
I don't know how to access the compass could you please give me the steps? Thank you so much
5:48 how to get this watch face?
Des,
Checked out the VA3 at REI this week. With your detailed review I didn't need to play with the functions too much but just get a feel for how the touch screen and the swipe function works. Touch screen was excellent and I would say smoother than the Garmin Vivioactive HR that I currently wear. I am still disappointed on the clarity and brightness level of the Garmin screens. Since you advised to lower the screen brightness to extend battery life, this is a double wammy! I agree with your take on build quality. I like a watch with substance and I could not believe how light or perhaps delicate this watch is. The VA HR is more solid in my opinion. This was the biggest drawback of my observation. However I believe Garmin makes the best fitness watches with respect to options and functionality, but they do cut corners a bit on some of their watches to keep the price point in line. In the meantime I am going with the Viita Smartwatch as I don't need all of the fitness options provided by Garmin. The Viita has a solid stainless steel body, 320x290 color display and a 3-4 week battery life! Yes no 3rd party review but for $175 I am going to give it a try and wait for Garmin to release their next Vivioactive watch.
what is the watchface on thos Fenix 5X at 3:57 or on vivoactive at 4:27 please?
SC7 or SC8 (can't remember exactly, but it's one of those).
Thankyou soo much for this review, how you compared the watch to the treadmill and other devices gives me an understanding on how good the actual device is. Went through so many other videos of TH-cam's explaining the watch in detail non of them did the comparison to the treadmill. I rely on counting my calories through the treadmill however mine broke so in replacement I'm buying this watch as a good alternative to counting calories while running. :)
Upgraded from vivoactive first generation to this as a birthday gift and I was really happy with it first. However things got changed while using it. Watch may freeze somehow - it doesn't have a manual sleep mode, so it detects your sleep mode after you lay down (also by reduced HR I understood) and awake by your movement in the morning. In my total 35 days of use; it didn't wake up fm sleep mode for three mornings in different days and didn't count my steps at those mornings (after a soft reset, it went back to normal, but wasted step data :/ ). My primary and the biggest complains are regarding running app; first you can't get your avg. pace by metric (it only gives avg. pace based on miles while all my settings are arranged to kilometers); your run settings like laps and other things gone away after every run (for example I am using auto-laps at every 1K, but watch insists on to arrange it to 0,62K by itself strangely) and sometimes GPS is troubled & not correctly measuring the distance (especially on trails). Second issue is with the strenght training app; you can't adjust your sets and rest times for yourself (you can use a widget but I wish my brand new watch could do that). Also, it has a very very sensitive screen so I lock the screen before I sleep. While I sent my complains to Garmin Customer Service, I only got "we're working to fix these issues" replies, terrible CS btw. Not a good point? Of course it has: decent heart rate, good sleep tracking, very lightweight and good looking, good battery life. I am getting used to it & like it somehow, but I still pissed off with the avg. pace issue at most! I hope they can find a solution as soon as they do. Because endbuyers are not beta testers and Garmin does this to us so many times recently on other VA products.
Thanks Des I really appreciate your down to earth style and very comprehensive review this is the perfect Garmin for me :)
Hope you enjoy! Thanks!
Is there a way to track my HIIT exercises using vivoactive 3?
Can you tell me how to create that watch face in minute 5:47. It's super cool and I can't figure out how to get it there!
That's the SC7 watchface from the Connect IQ store. Enjoy!
I got this for Christmas and it’s amazing!
Nice! Enjoy!
DesFit thank you!
Question ... is there a way to completely disable GPS? If so, how does this affect activities that would normally use GPS? ... do they become unavailable or do they fallback to step counts + velocity for estimating distance?
Thanks for the review!
Sure thing!
i need a watch that tracks sea kayaking and pickleball is there one watch that can accurately track those activities. Any ideas?
Nice range of comments here, from two years to recent months.
This might be a thing worth money at these times when nature needs less consumption.
Hello - On Android, can you filter notifications so that you only get calls and text messages, all others disabled? I like to get the VA3 but if notifications can't be filtered then I may end up with the Ionic. Thanks!
Thanks for this review I'm looking at getting my first smart watch. Saw a bunch of runners in my running club use the Garmin but this convinced me.
Hope it works out well for you and happy running!
Thanks, my HR finally developed an issue with the touch screen. The 3 looks like it’s replacement.
Another great and thorough video review. Thanks a lot.
Must say even though it looks way better than the previous model, the software looks a bit laggy and slow and the screen quality looks more like a bad cartoon compared to the screen of the Apple Watch and other OLED watches. Yes it might be a tad more fitness focussed but as you mentioned yourself the black looks blue and all in all the screen looks like something from an old phone before colour screens really took off or maybe a high end calculator - I might be overreacting a bit but the screen is the part you look and interact with all the time
Tw different kinds of screen tech, i bought this for the battery life, prefer becones easier to read in bright conditions, this is a fitness tracker with smart watch functions, apple is a snart watch with ftness tracker functions, i sold my apple watch as had to charge ut every third day, get five days from this little beauty😉
Does it show Altimeter, Barometer and Compass on individual screen? I am looking for a watch to show them stand alone not in activity mode!
i am thinking about this watch or the Apple Watch 4. I will be using it for cycling and running and exercising.
I have a VA 3 and my colleague has an AW. Va pros: battery life and the reflective always on display. AW is better in terms of smart watch functionality, as well as a lot of useful stuff brought by the latest updates (and they will keep coming). Bottom line - I'd buy an AW if I had an iPhone.
@@Xdc5 Thanks for reply. I can get the VA3 Music through my health insurance for $161. As much as i want to the Apple watch 4 I might end up withe VA3 music at that price.
My dad got this but he didn’t get texts on his watch also he can’t figure out how to put music on it. Does he need a music verson
Is it possible to make your own backgrounds for the clock idle screen though?
Hi, in run modality with 4 voices, is It possible to change the first one and the last one both in blue color ( timer and HR)? Thanks in advance
I would agree that the move IQ is not needed for those you really like all the data, but I would like it to track my bike commute without having to track those 25 to 30 minute rides through traffic.
+Erik Schlegel for sure!
Anyone know what watch face is used at 4:46?
What is this watch like for tracking indoor activities such as cycling machines, treadmills, cross trainers and rowing machines?
I actually bright this watch and it is an amazing fitness tracker thanks
For someone not bothered much by wrist notifications and not SERIOUS about full-on fitness tracking, what would you recommened? the VivoActive 3, or the Forerunner 235? This is also about the price range I am willing to work in for a smartwatch/fitness tracker. The FR235 appears to have some more/different functions, but the VA3 looks slightly better screen-wise.
If you are not serious about full-on fitness tracking, the VA3 should work out fine for you. They should perform similarly but the 5-button configuration is easier to use in a fitness capacity. The screens should be similar in terms of clarity, brightness and resolution, other than the touchscreen of the VA3.
Great review, thanks. I wish it also has a cellular LTE support. I'd like to leave my phone at home when I go for a run. Hopefully next vivoactive or forerunner series will have that feature.
199 on Amazon now this might just be what I'm looking for
Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into your reviews, it has been really helpful, subscribed!! :-)
+Francisca Sapag Thanks!