Garmin, a name synonymous with professional runners and running enthusiasts alike, is back with a new range of rugged fitness watches – fenix 5. Made for adventurers, sport enthusiasts and performance-driven people, the fenix 5 is built tough and naturally, packs built-in GPS.
The new comprehensive range is an evolution from the acclaimed f?nix 3, and comprises fenix 5, fenix 5 Sapphire, fenix 5S, fenix 5s Sapphire and fenix 5X.
Across the board, the rugged new series features stainless steel bezel, buttons and rear case. Each version offers a selection of stainless steel finishes, QuickFit watch band combinations; and even a handful of premium features.
Performance never looked this good.
fenix 5S
The fenix 5S was designed with size in mind, made for more feminine hands. It’s lighter, sleeker and more compact compared to other models – measuring 42mm in diameter. It’s available in silver with white silicone band with a super solid mineral glass lens. The fenix 5S Sapphire on the other hand, has the added scratch-resistant sapphire lens. It’s available in black with black band.
fenix 5X
The fenix 5X is the beefiest of the range, made for the most hardcore. It comes preloaded with topographic (TOPO) mapping, roundtable cycling maps, and advanced navigation features as Round Trip Run and Round Trip Ride, on top of standard features. You can plan your running/cycling routes, and it can suggest appropriate courses based on your input.
To assure your safety while running or riding, it displays easy-to-read guidance cues for upcoming turns.
You can opt for Around me map mode, which gives your increased awareness of your surroundings.
The fenix 5 measures 51mm, and is available with scratch-resistant sapphire lens.
Top-class standard features
The fenix 5 range includes a high-res, full colour Garmin Chroma Display with LED backlighting.
It also includes Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology which delivers information such as heart rate, steps, amount of sleep, calories burned and the intensity of your activity.
Accuracy is everything. And this is where enhanced readouts for Training Status and Training Effect can see the effectiveness of your aerobic or anaerobic workout. There’s also a VO2 max estimator there gives you’re the estimate of the maximum volume of oxygen consumable per minute. Other fitness metrics include a recovery advisor with recovery timer and recovery check.
Pair the fenix 5 with a compatible heart rate chest strap like the Garmin HRM-Run and it will provide you additional metrics like vertical oscillation and ratio. Garmin training also taps into extended physiological metrics and advanced running dynamics.
The new fitness watches aren’t just for running. The f?nix 5 series has a built-in multi-sport toolset for swimming, skiing, golfing, paddle sports and more.
The new Garmin range boasts advanced GPS and GLOBASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellite reception. All models also have a barometric altimeter, 3-axis compass and a gyroscope. Additionally, there’s an internal gyroscope to help improve position accuracy (and battery life) in UltraTrac mode.
For ultimate customizability, the fenix 5 includes QuickFit interchangeable bands. Easily switch from work mode to gym mode. There’s a selection of silicone, premium leather and metal bands to choose from.
That’s not all, each model in the range is water-resistant up to 100m. In terms of battery life, the fenix 5 can get up to two weeks of juice in smartwatch mode and 24 hours in GPS mode. The fenix 5X however, will give you 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode. The fenix 5S lasts up to 9 days in smartwatch mode and up to 14 hours in GPS mode.
For notifications, you can pair the watch with a compatible smartphone. Sapphire models are Wi-Fi enabled, giving you connectivity options like live tracking or social media sharing through Garmin Connect and Garmin Connect mobile apps.
FYI, f?nix was named a CES 2017 Innovation Awards Honouree in the wearable technologies category.
Pricing and availability
Both the fenix 5 and fenix 5S retails at MYR2,899, while the fenix 5 Sapphire and fenix 5S Sapphire go for MYR3,399.
The fenix 5 range is sold at Garmin headquarters (AECO Technologies), and concept store around Malaysia, namely Pahang.
For more info, visit http://www.garmin.com.my/.
