I wasn't sure where to put this topic, as it has to do with Biking, Skiing, The Great Outdoors, as well as general use. I decided to put it here, as biking would currently be my greatest use for one. I'm looking for recommendations on what people have used for smart or fitness watches. Likes/dislikes? What does your watch not do that you wish it does? Features you thought you'd use but don't?
- GPS is a must: GPS would mainly be used for everyday fitness tracking (mostly biking in the summer), and for navigation/tracking in the backcountry (hiking, skiing, etc).
- Good battery life: I would like to be able to go out for a minimum of a day and not worry about it dying on me...especially when using in the backcountry. Multiple days would be better (week+ would be best )
- Durability: As mentioned, I'll be using this for hiking, biking, etc...fragile watches need not apply.
- Altimeter/Barometer/Compass
- Trail Maps: Visual maps would be desirable, but not required.
- Golf Maps: Preloaded/updatable golf courses would be desirable, but not required.
- Strava Compatibility: This is currently what I use as a fitness tracker, so I'm familiar with it, so it's a bonus if the watch is compatible.
- Bonus points if it doesn't look like a "sport watch", and I can wear it as an everyday watch too.
- I have small wrists (approx. 150mm around and 50-55mm wide)...so this limits the physical size
The Garmin Fenix 6S seems to check all of my boxes, but with a hefty price tag. The Garmin Forerunner 945 seems to check most, if not all of my boxes. Then there are offerings from Suunto, Polar or Cortos that all seem good. A few people have said to just go with an Apple Watch since the interface is easy, and it's much more than a "fitness tracker". I'm concerned about durability and battery life on this option.
- GPS is a must: GPS would mainly be used for everyday fitness tracking (mostly biking in the summer), and for navigation/tracking in the backcountry (hiking, skiing, etc).
- Good battery life: I would like to be able to go out for a minimum of a day and not worry about it dying on me...especially when using in the backcountry. Multiple days would be better (week+ would be best )
- Durability: As mentioned, I'll be using this for hiking, biking, etc...fragile watches need not apply.
- Altimeter/Barometer/Compass
- Trail Maps: Visual maps would be desirable, but not required.
- Golf Maps: Preloaded/updatable golf courses would be desirable, but not required.
- Strava Compatibility: This is currently what I use as a fitness tracker, so I'm familiar with it, so it's a bonus if the watch is compatible.
- Bonus points if it doesn't look like a "sport watch", and I can wear it as an everyday watch too.
- I have small wrists (approx. 150mm around and 50-55mm wide)...so this limits the physical size
The Garmin Fenix 6S seems to check all of my boxes, but with a hefty price tag. The Garmin Forerunner 945 seems to check most, if not all of my boxes. Then there are offerings from Suunto, Polar or Cortos that all seem good. A few people have said to just go with an Apple Watch since the interface is easy, and it's much more than a "fitness tracker". I'm concerned about durability and battery life on this option.
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