Best products from r/Garmin

I think the VA4/Venu are both great, and would serve you well. I think the whole Garmin infrastructure and software with Garmin Connect, etc., are great, and superior to Samsung's (disclaimer: that's based on liking Garmin, I don't really know much about Samsung other than I hate their phones - lol).

If you think they are still a little bit expensive and over-featured, consider the Frontrunner line. I didn't (I ended up going all-in on a Fenix) but I've seen some threads on here that make them seem like a terrific cheaper alternative, and there are so many models that, while it's confusing, you can pick and choose the features you are willing to pay for. For example, I read someone reporting how happy they are with a 245. I just looked on Amazon and its $149. https://smile.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Running-Watch-Black/dp/B0160BC1FO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=garmin+frontrunner&qid=1574871025&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=8-3

So, I wholeheartedly endorse the Garmin lineup, but perhaps a cheaper version?

Finally, I hate all things Apple, but my wife uses an iPhone and has an Apple Watch Series 3. She absolutely loves it, and it does all sorts of fitness things on top of having seamless integration with her phone. It's on sale for like $169. If you use an iPhone, I would reluctantly steer you towards considering that. :-)

I currently have the 245 but did have the instinct for a week before I returned it. The Instinct definitely is going more durable. However, I’m pretty comfortable with how my 245 has stood up. I’ve bumped and banged it on doors and corners, not very hard, but still enough to make me cringe. So far it’s held up without any marks. I haven’t dropped it yet, but I’d expect it to be just fine dropped from waist to chest high on wood or tile. It might scratch, but I don’t think it would break from an average drop.

I would strongly recommend putting a screen protector on the 245 if you go that route. The screen should be durable on its own, but the protector will just you extra protection. I got my protector from Amazon, and you can’t even tell I have a screen protector on.

Link here in case you might need it.

Edit: it’s late and I messed up the link formatting

Actually just to clarify, below is the specific set I got (just in case there is a difference), but both bands had a set of tools in their individual package, so I assume the other link and other style bands from that brand have them too, any 22mm should work. I actually like the pattern on these better than the plainish Garmin bands. Wish the stock 945 was available in quickfit too, I like that pattern/feel, but want quickfit.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07JNDRN37/

You say you have a 20mm QuickFit band, but I think what you have is the "Quick Release" style, which is an industry standard (https://res.cloudinary.com/bartonwatchbands-com/image/fetch/q_auto,f_auto,fl_lossy/https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0835/8495/products/Esp_Esp_8edeba2d-7c59-4f45-8da6-3bf79b920c7a_1024x1024.progressive.jpg%3Fv%3D1523308440).

On the newer Fenix line, Garmin uses a connector called QuickFit (20mm for 6S, 22mm for 6, and 26mm for 6X). I believe QuickFit is proprietary, so you're going to be very limited on the available watchbands for a Fenix 6S. Garmin offers a few but they're expensive IMO ($50-$100). There are a lot of silicone bands for the 6S on Amazon and other markets, and there's even a decent leather one. I have this one for my 5S, and it's okay, but it has 2 pivot points on it and it just isn't as nice as I'd like it to be: https://www.amazon.com/LDFAS-Leather-Compatible-Release-Smartwatch/dp/B079HT8JHH?ref_=ast_sto_dp

I'm still happy with my 5S, but I really wish they would have gone with a Quick Release style watch band because there are just so many more options out there.

I've had very good luck with the ANCOOL bands found on Amazon for $14 or so (cheaper if you buy 2-packs and whatnot). I've closely compared these to the Garmin brands, and I can't tell a difference. Same markings, same screws, same materials, they wear the same, etc. I've used them for over a year and had one hole tear out on one band, but that was because I hooked my band on something, and the clasp tore the band and was definitely not it's fault. I'm confident the stock Garmin band would have done the same.

I can't vouch for the quality but just found a random one. You might have luck if you also search for either deployant or deployment (yes, both spellings) as they may be similar enough or identical based on some different terminology.

As long as it has the same quick-release pin like the FR645's band and the bands are also 20mm wide, you should be good.

https://www.amazon.com/Ullchro-Silicone-Replacement-Rubber-Waterproof/dp/B07NRFWPFL

I’m using these ones and they have been perfect. No issues whatsoever. They fit perfectly.

tempered glass screen protectors

Rant about the rant.

1 - He repeatedly talks about the 945 costing $150 more with the HR straps "you really need", yet that's the Tri-bundle. He compares those costs to his Suunto which came with the equivelent of the $21 Garmin hard strap.

2 - He compares apples to oranges WRT the FR 45 vs FR 35 by misrepresenting the FR35 price. The FR35 debuted at $200 and spent a long time there, and most of it's life at $170 or higher. CamelCamelCamel never forgets, but this youtuber apparently does.

The FR45 is unarguably much more than the 35 was, and it debuts at the identical price.

3 - The idea that the FR 10 "basicly did the same thing [as the FR35]" is ridiculous on its face. It was not introduced at $100 as he claims, it spent most it's life above $125. Yes, there is no longer a Garmin with GPS under $170, but those at $170 have optical HR, better battery life, smartwatch features, and some metrics like VO2max.

4 - Comparing a black on white single field screen to a white on black complex one is disingenuous at best. I have no trouble seeing 7 datafields on my Fenix (black on white) all the way from sunup to sunset.

5 - Nobody forces you to buy both the swimming HR straps with the 945. The watch comes without either if you like.

6 - None of the serious watches have a touchscreen. "You're paying for it" is a lie.

7 - "new watches don't actually do anything more" is a lie, so he qualifies it with "unless unless unless" IF YOU DON'T NEED THE FEATURES THEN THE FR945 ISN'T THE APPROPRIATE WATCH FOR YOU.

He's completely ignoring the fact that these Firstbeat metrics are for STRUCTURED TRAINING and trying to replace coaches for many athletes who want structured training. The alternative is coaches, subscription services, or (awesome but) complicated solutions like Golden Cheetah.

This whole rant so far boils down to "I see something shiny I don't need and I wish it was priced lower. It has more features than I personally value or need, but I still want it."

8 - He wants optical HR + Music, pace, distance. FR45, not FR945 is what he should be looking at.

9 - "2 or 3 or 400$ more". Bogus, none of the new ones are that much more expensive than their parents, not even the Spartan.

10 - FINALLY at the end he argues than people buy more watch than they need... at the 9 minute mark.

11 - He's wrong about having more data than the great 80's athletes. He is underestimating the data a coach and trainer who monitor your metrics provided these athletes. THAT is what the Firstbeat metrics he rails against are attempting to provide.

12 - The irony of saying "buy a coach" when for many people Firstbeat-guided structured training can replace a coach is hilarious.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SMD7T4G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the one I bought and they state that it is glass too. Haven't tried breaking it yet but feels like glass.

Thank you for the clarification.

No idea if it's flexible enough for you, but I picked up one of these Barton silicone watch bands with the quick release. I've only had it for a few days, but it's much nicer than my original Garmin band.

Two options: 1) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZJ75BQD/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A16E20Z4VM8O17&psc=1

2) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32807538288.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.6a154c4dSDKPHp - This one is the best I found on the web. I have four. (Price dropped now more than half)

I've been using this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SD41FDW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I don't know if it would be considered good, but it fit the bill for cheap.

I know this doesn't contribute to the conversation at all, but I am having the exact same dilemma.

I noticed that the 735xt is only $50 more on Amazon and will ship next week. I've thought about getting that a couple of times over the past few days. Just with everything I've read it seems the software is more up to date to work with all of Garmin's Connect software. Again, this is all in research so I have no idea and I'm glad you asked the question.

I am using the basic Garmin Heart Rate Monitor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UOD5QM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sz70DbW81TYNK

There's a 645 non-music that'll save you money but I'm seeing factory certified refurb 935s discounted to only $100 more than a 735XT, same price as the 645 "non-music."

Opinions are going to differ on generational trade-offs but, to me, the UX/UI makes a huge difference.

You can get this silicone one for $20. It's not the factory one but it's just as good. I've been using it for a little over a month now just because I wanted a little color on my wrist. Barton also makes other materials that all seem to be generally high quality products.

https://smile.amazon.com/Barton-Elite-Silicone-Watch-Bands/dp/B07B5PRPCP/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1MEELWUVZDOKU&keywords=barton+watch+bands+20mm&qid=1567024172&s=gateway&sprefix=barton+%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-4

That one is actually my arm 🙂
I got the strap on Amazon.
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B074137WYF/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1

You can use any strap that is a 20mm quick release strap.

Garmin has a good one for about $25 on Amazon.

Thanks! The face is called Retro2cubes. Here's the band I got: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EKWRP2E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use this three pack from Amazon, can't even tell it's there, has a nice oleophobic coating and rounded edges. https://www.amazon.com/Compatible-Forerunner-Protector-Tempered-Smartwatch/dp/B07RKM9DJ9

I just bought a replacement part for a K-Edge mount from Amazon for $7. Should be the exact same (and certainly looks it)

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UJILG10/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I can't see a direct replacement part on Garmin's site.

Thank you for giving an update on your purchase. I haven't pulled the trigger on my purchase yet but I am now leaning towards the Fx+

How are the buttons on the 945? I have read they are a little cheap. Is this correct?

FYI the 5X Plus is $645 on Amazon

Garmin Forerunner 235, GPS Running Watch, Black/Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0160BC1FO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_X6jlDbNB9BDR5