Wear This: Garmin Fenix 2 Multi-Sport Watch

Garmin has recently introduced the Fenix2 multi-purpose watch in the local market. Targeting multi-sport enthusiasts, the Fenix2 was built to fit the likes of swimmers, hikers, runners, and skiers.

I’ve been a fan of G-Shock watches and have had quite a good collection last year until I sold them all and shifted to oversized Diesel watches. I complemented them with smartbands and activity trackers. When I tried the Garmin Fenix2, both the regular watch and the activity trackers found their match.

The Fenix2 looks like your typical metallic rugged wristwatch with a thick rubber strap. It has a fairly large face diameter with a curved mineral, scratch-resistant glass lens and a red backlight. The knobs and buttons peppered around the sides are self-explanatory and easy to use.

I’ve used the Fenix2 for a couple of weeks when going to the gym, running and doing laps in the pool. For running, you can select either outdoor or inbox activity mode. Outdoor allows you to turn on GPS so you can also track the route you took while indoor mode does not need GPS and will only track the distance, time and calories burned.

For swimming, the indoor mode can also be used and it will ask you for the length of the pool. Once activated, it will count the number of laps, distance, time and number of strokes. The watch is waterproof up to 5 ATM or about 50 meters without any time limitations.

The Fenix2 comes with numerous sensors — GPS radio, an altimeter, barometer, 3-axis compass, an accelerometer, a thermometer, and both ANT+ and Bluetooth.

Garmin Fenix 2 specs:
Screen: 1.2-inch/3.1cm diameter, 70×70 pixel monochrome LCD
Touchscreen: No
Weight: 90 grams
Size: 4.9 x 4.9 x 1.7 cm
GPS enabled: Yes
Battery: Li-Ion 500mAh (840 hours)

The watch has an internal Lithium Ion battery that can be charged using a cradle. Battery life is expected to last up to 5 weeks on normal use and up to 50 hours when you turn on GPS for tracking.

The Fenix2 has several dedicated programming for specific activities. It does not have the normal step counter and sleep tracker like the Vivofit although it’s still possible to set it to track distance and movement (like with running or hiking).

Fitness Training – Real-time performance data such as time, distance, pace, calories, speed, lap data, and heart rate1 Advanced Workouts – When paired with heart rate monitor, calculates Advanced features like recovery advisor and race predictor.

Running Dynamics – When paired with HRM-Run monitor2, fenix 2 provides feedback on Running form by measuring cadence (number of steps per minute), vertical oscillation (bounce in your Running motion), and ground contact time.

Ski Mode – Ski-Board Mode measures 3D speed and distance, time, vertical drop, total runs, auto pause, auto run detection, plus features Ski specific data pages, history of runs, performance data.

Swim Mode – Indoor and outdoor Swim Modes that record stroke count, intervals, distance, pace, and time. For pool Swimming, also counts lengths, detects stroke type, and computes the user’s SWOLF score.

The watch automatically uploads data wirelessly to Garmin Connect, Live Track and social media (using Garmin Connect Mobile app on smartphone3), plus features Smart Notification so you can receive emails, texts and alerts directly on the Fenix2.

The Garmin Fenix2 is available in sports stores like ROX, Runnr and Toby’s for a suggested retail price of Php22,900USD 390INR 33,081EUR 372CNY 2,842. There’ an optional kit that comes bundled with wireless Heart Rate Monitor for Php25,900USD 441INR 37,415EUR 420CNY 3,214.