I was not lucky with getting this upgrade. The very next day after I ordered it, Clever Training reduced the Fenix 2 price by $100. It was stopped for customs clearance and I needed to pay duty on it (first time!) and had to chase post office to give me informations about the state of delivery multiple times. Few days before North Shore Marathon it arrived. And it was worth waiting for!

I’ve been using Garmin 910xt watch for over a year (after upgrading from Polar RCX5) and I can honestly say that it was the best piece of training hardware I’ve ever bought. After all it does all the tricks, despite few software issues here and there. Swim metrics are brilliant, heart rate is accurate and screen is big and bright. What could I want more? Actually, two things.

The differences





First thing I’ve noticed straightaway was “watch mode”. By default, Fenix 2 stays in a non-training setting, when it doesn’t use GPS or any of the fitness specific sensors, i.e. speed or HR. No more “lost satellite reception” spam, no more accidental starting of one sport just to realise we are in “other” mode instead of “run”.

Connectivity

Fenix 2 has bluetooth connectivity and basic smartwatch capabilities (eat that Apple with your stupid watch :p). I’ve used it for about 3 minutes and then decided that I don’t need another thing to notify me every time someone likes my post on Facebook. Thanks, but thanks.

Run metrics

New watch comes with upgraded heart rate sensor that can also track few run metrics. Apart from speed on treadmill (so far it’s accurate with few % margin) you get cadence, and, more importantly, vertical oscillation. You then get new charts on Garmin Connect.









Those charts will even give you feedback if your data is within “good” range. One day I’ll drop my bounce below 10 cm!

Few downsides compared to 910xt

no bike profiles. I have two bikes, and thankfully only one has speed / cadence sensor, so it’s not a big deal for me. For now at least.

Screen is in negative mode and you can’t change it. While it looks cool, it takes some time to get used to it.

4 metrics on one screen are not as clear and visible as on 910xt

You can’t double tap the screen to turn on backlight while running. I’ve used to do that a lot on 910xt

Despite the above, I’m really happy with this watch!