Garmin Fenix 3 is the third generation of the Fenix sports watch, which combines many useful features. Such a device can be of great help for those who are actively involved in mountaineering, hiking, triathlon or regular running.
Garmin Fenix 3 - The Pro's Choice
The glorious Fenix family delights fans with an abundance of features and excellent value for money. The advanced version of this watch, called the Garmin Fenix 3, combines a stylish chronometer, heart rate monitor, and navigation device. Garmin was able to create a watch that immediately became popular with those who were accustomed to leading an active and healthy lifestyle. This is an elite gadget, not a standard toy in a plastic case.
Watch package
Garmin Fenix 3 Advanced Package Includes:
- clock;
- cable for charging the device;
- manual;
- additional strap;
- heart rate sensor.
Several versions are produced, differing from each other in the nature of the equipment. The watch, depending on the set of options, can be equipped with a special glass, replaceable silicone or titanium straps of different colors, heart rate sensors (on the wrist or on the chest),
Garmin Fenix 3 watch appearance
All watches in this family are equipped with a durable metal case. Its diameter is 51 mm and its thickness is 16 mm. The weight of the device depends on the material of the strap and ranges from 82 to 186 g.
The Phoenix screen is somewhat recessed into the body and protected by a metal bezel. The glass can be standard mineral or sapphire (this is determined by the version of the product). Both design options are considered to be very durable. Even with intensive use in adverse conditions or with careless wear, scratches on the glass will not form.
There are five buttons to control the gadget. There is no touch control.
The watch has a color screen, its size is 30.4 mm. The resolution is 218x218 pixels. The screen brightness is average and is inferior in saturation to the Apple Watch. However, the contents of the screen are clearly visible even in bright sunlight. There is a button to turn on the soft backlight; if necessary, you can also activate the backlight by raising the clock.
Garmin Fenix 3 autonomy
A 300 mA / h battery is capable of supporting the operation of the gadget for forty hours in hike mode. Up to 16 hours the device can work without recharging in training mode. In simple hours, the battery lasts for three weeks. When switched to smart watch mode, the device can function for up to 14 days.
To extend battery life, while in Hike Mode, you can:
- use only those external sensors that are urgently needed;
- enable UltraTrack mode;
- turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth;
- reduce display backlight time;
- disable sound alerts and vibration.
Garmin Fenix 3 functionality
The Garmin Fenix 3 watch can support multiple sports with individual parameters. The gadget will count the circles in the pool for the athlete. He works for the athlete even where, for some reason, the GPS system does not catch. With the help of "Phoenix" you can build a graph of heart rate values and calculate the optimal parameters for aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
During endurance training, the watch will indicate pre-set thresholds for entering the desired mode. With such a device, the athlete will train not for wear and tear, but for the benefit of the functional state.
An abundance of features makes the Garmin Fenix 3 a source of self-improvement and a virtual coach. The advantage of the device is that in order to master its unlimited possibilities, a long and tedious study of the operating manual is not required. To understand how to use the watch, you just need to click on the buttons in the convenient menu. The control system of the gadget is intuitive.
The most convenient feature of the gadget, according to reviews, is the comprehensive Connect IQ application. It contains extensions, dial styles and much more.
Standard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions are used for synchronization and communication.
It will be extremely difficult to list all the functions of this watch without exception. It makes sense to dwell in the review only on the most demanded opportunities that are relevant when practicing specific sports.
For swimmers, the following features may be of interest:
- determination of the style of movement in the water;
- counting the number of strokes;
- determination of distances;
- the ability to withstand high pressure (up to 10 atmospheres).
Runners will benefit from the Indoor Run and Run Modes (they are individually configurable). For this sport, the device provides the following functions:
- determination of the pace of running;
- measuring heart rate;
- a reminder of the time of meals;
- vibration and sound signals;
- definition of any intervals;
- time cut-off;
- ready-made training plans;
- music control;
- "Virtual partner";
- calculation of oxygen consumption.
The watch can measure the vertical vibration of the runner's body and the time of contact with the ground. There is also the so-called "mountain" mode: it is activated when the ascent begins.
Cyclists will appreciate the separate outdoor and indoor modes. This is a big plus when athletes use bicycle racks for training. The gadget can be compatible with many load and power meters.
For adherents of triathlon, the manufacturer has provided a special “multisport” mode in the Garmin Fenix 3 watch. One press of a button - and the device switches from one sport to another. You can customize each type of competition separately, as well as transit zones. The only drawback of the watch when doing triathlon is the lack of a way to quickly transfer the gadget from hand to handlebar and vice versa.
Navigation and tourism
The Garmin Fenix 3 watch is more designed for everyday use by tourists than any previous model.
Watch functions necessary for almost every tourist:
- navigation systems (GPS, Glonass);
- compass;
- barometer;
- altimeter;
- laying a route on the map;
- return to the starting point.
If you have planned a tourist route that contains key points, for example, in Google Earth, load this data into your watch. You will instantly see your location and track markings along your route line right on the Garmin Fenix 3 screen. No need for tiresome orienteering or a massive GPS receiver.
Imagine that you are climbing up with a voluminous and heavy backpack. You can preset your heart rate limit so you don't overexert yourself in the first leg and maintain your strength until you reach the most difficult part of the route.
The altimeter of the watch will help the tourist to cope with high-altitude acclimatization. It is important to observe the principle of a phased, stepwise climb here. A heart rate monitor will also come in handy: if the heart rate in the parking lot is high, think about whether it makes sense to climb even higher today?
The Garmin Fenix 3 hike leader will help make the correct weather forecast, provide data on atmospheric pressure and air temperature. The Storm Weather Alert Program will help keep the tour group safe. The TrackBack function will allow the group to return to the starting point without hassle and problems, even from the most remote thickets. The smartwatch will simply reverse the track and show the way back home for tourists. This is why professional hikers choose the Garmin Fenix 3.
