Details
Brand
Garmin
Model
fenix 3 HR
Battery Life
50 hrs
Use
Tracking
Latest Version
Yes
Key Features
• Optical heart rate monitor that provides highly accurate metrics of a runner’s performance• Easy-to-use, Easy-to-read interface controlled by analog buttons• Training Status app provides a complex readout of the runner’s training regimen and biomechanical metrics• Waterproof up to 100 meters• Highly accurate GPS
Comfort
The built-in heart rate monitor on the back of the watch is slightly raised, which is in contact with the skin but is not uncomfortable. The fenix 3 HR comes with a black silicone band, which is soft and flexible and rather comfortable to wear. The fenix 3 HR’s body is rather compact and lightweight, which allows for freedom of movement without discomfort even after wearing it for long periods of time.
Size
s;Runners may find the fenix 3 HR perhaps more cumbersome than a standard watch, even with its larger-than-average watch body it is still rather sleek. Although it only comes in one size, its adjustable band allows for a secure fit for any sized wrist.
Accessories
A number of accessories are available for the fenix 3 HR, including a plethora of replacement bands in a variety of styles and materials, a speed/cadence bike sensor accessory, and bike mount.
Style
The fenix 3 HR is a very stylish fitness watch: by hiding its true purpose in plain sight, it looks more like a high-end watch instead of a fitness tracker. Thanks to its array of user-friendly analog buttons, the fenix 3 HR is sleek and functional, coming across as a high-end watch rather than a sports watch. Unobtrusive with a straightforward aesthetic, this no-nonsense watch is for fitness enthusiasts who like a great, versatile fitness watch that’s not flashy but still has an understated style.
Activities
The Garmin fenix 3 HR is an optimal fitness tracker for runners, particularly since its major upgrade from the third edition–the built-in heart rate monitor–provides highly accurate readouts that are far more complex than the original fenix 3. With the push of a button, the user can scroll through data fields to monitor their metrics (pace, speed, distance), rest and recovery periods, and calories burned, and a race predictor that lets the runner know their ideal finish time.;With its built-in heart rate monitor, biomechanical performance is also recorded, such as cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation and ratio, and ground contact time and balance. Combining these metrics with other activities it records, such as cycling, swimming, skiing, and climbing, the overall exercise enthusiast will find the fenix 3 HR an excellent training companion. No matter your sport, the fenix 3 is built to monitor and maximize your exercise efficiency.
Basic Features
The Garmin fenix 3 HR is an optimal fitness tracker for runners, particularly since its major upgrade from the third edition–the built-in heart rate monitor–provides highly accurate readouts that are far more complex than the original fenix 3. With the push of a button, the user can scroll through data fields to monitor their metrics (pace, speed, distance), rest and recovery periods, and calories burned, and a race predictor that lets the runner know their ideal finish time.;With its built-in heart rate monitor, biomechanical performance is also recorded, such as cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation and ratio, and ground contact time and balance. Combining these metrics with other activities it records, such as cycling, swimming, skiing, and climbing, the overall exercise enthusiast will find the fenix 3 HR an excellent training companion. No matter your sport, the fenix 3 is built to monitor and maximize your exercise efficiency.
Advanced Features
The advanced features of the Garmin fenix 3 HR makes it really stand out among fitness trackers. Users can set it to receive emails, text messages, and alerts. Thanks to its built-in heart rate monitor, the fenix 3 HR calculates rest and recovery periods, calories burned,vertical oscillation and ratio, stride length, ground contact time and balance, and VO2 Max are also calculated. The fenix 3 HR’s GPS system automatically calibrates barometer, altimeter, and a 3-axis compass.;This fitness watch can also automatically and wirelessly update all data to Garmin Connect, LiveTrack, and other apps. Both Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ compatible, the fenix 3 HR is also waterproof up to 100 meters, making it ideal for tracking swimming metrics.
Connectivity
From its excellent GPS that features automatic calibrating barometer, altimeter, and a 3-axis compass to its omni-directional EXO antenna that provides a faster and more accurate location fix, its hardware is top of the line. The fenix 3 HR also wirelessly uploads data automatically to its upgraded fitness software Training Status, along with Garmin Connect, LiveTrack, and other fitness apps via Bluetooth connection to your smartphone. This also allows for texts, emails, and alerts to be received on the fenix 3 HR.
Ease of Use
The fenix 3 is remarkably easy to use, mostly because the analog buttons on its side make navigation simple and straightforward. Basic metrics, such as speed, pace distance, etc. are just a button’s push away, while the more complex features are easily synced and navigated since all programs are also accessed with the same buttons.
Power Source
s;The fenix 3 HR fitness watch is a versatile watch, and its power sources are reflective of this. Besides a stand-alone charging station, a power adapter with a USB cable is also included. In addition, you can also plug the fenix 3 HR into any USB slot, such as your computer, to charge it.
Accuracy
The Garmin fenix 3 HR accurately measures pace, speed, and distance, and with the heart rate monitor measurements such as VO2 Max, recovery time, and (of course) heart rate are measured with excellent accuracy. As a 24/7 heart rate monitor, the fenix 3 HR is an incredibly useful fitness tracker that provides the user with an overall performance record that runners and fitness enthusiasts alike will find incredibly useful.
Face
The fenix 3 HR’s face is a 1.2-inch sunlight-visible high-res color display. Using analog buttons fixed around the face, the user can easily switch between the multiple features of the watch, including the many metrics that work in conjunction with its heart rate monitor (such as cadence, vertical oscillation, and VO2 Max) are also displayed on the watch. A highly functional interface that uses analog buttons makes navigating and using the fenix 3 HR a straightforward experience.
Band
The band of the fenix 3 HR is a treated black silicone band with notch enclosure for extra security and durability. However, there are a number of band options available, from metal to leather to nylon, that users can buy separately. In fact, the user can pick from any band they’d like, so long as the band does not block the optical heart rate monitor on the back of the watch.
Apps
The major software update to the fenix 3 HR is their Training Status app, which analyzes both today’s run and long-term running habits, providing the runner with incredible insight into their training regimen. By analyzing your running trends, Training Status helps the runner make decisions about their future training, automatically marking changes in fitness level, current training load, and any change in training. The Training Status app tracks the the effectiveness of your training to improve training decisions. Of course, the fenix 3 HR also works in conjunction with a number of other popular training apps, as well.
Durability
Constructed of highly durable materials, the fenix 3 HR features scratch-resistant mineral glass for its face, is waterproof up to 100 meters, and its rechargeable battery lasts up to 16 hours when the heart rate monitor is being utilized and up to 6 weeks in watch mode.
Price
While the fenix 3 HR is a relatively pricey activity tracker, runners will have to weigh the investment they’re making in such a piece of equipment. Given its incredible versatility and built-in heart rate monitor, which provides not just an accurate measurement of one’s heart rate but also provides the runner with a complex, in-depth measurement of their performance. It’s a high-end activity tracker loaded with features, so it’s going to have a high-end price.
Bottom Line
Garmin created a huge improvement on their already solid fenix line of activity watches with a built-in optical heart rate monitor which provides complex metrics on the user’s training regimen. Coupled with their new Training Status app, which helps optimize a runner’s training and provides a great, in-depth look at their overall performance, the fenix 3 HR is a high-tech, high-end activity tracker. A highly versatile, durable, and overall impressive piece of technology, the fenix 3 HR is one of the best fitness trackers on the market. Of course, it’s priced accordingly, but this is an investment that will definitely pay off in the long run.
