Review: Garmin Fenix ​​2 - watch for multisport and life

Man must distinguish three good things: shoes, watches and writing pen.

This father's advice I remember even in early childhood. And if the shoe and the handle everything quite simply, the clock - a thing more difficult. Especially when it comes to sports watches. And especially when it comes to watch for multisport.

For me as a triathlete clocks should have a certain functionality. For me as a businessman watches should adequately look to be comfortable and do not require a daily charge.

This year, I finally found something that meets all my requirements - Fenix ​​2 from Garmin.

Start over. Packaging and content. Since I could not wait to dive into the functionality of the device, I do not have much time spent on the "licking" box. And there, the guys have to lick it! Packing cool! Once it becomes clear that in front of you is not just a "sports watch" for $ 100, but a complex and functional device. However, judge for yourself.)

Content is also not indifferent.

The guys from Garmin is not stingy: besides themselves Fenix, inside you expect:

• cable for syncing and charging;
• adapter;
• a lot of kinds of nozzles for the adapter under the different standards of electrical outlets;
• removable strap with velcro;
• Screwdriver pair to replace the strap;
• brief instructions;
• and in my case, HRM belt and sensor.

By the way, Fenix ​​is ​​available in two trim levels - without HRM with him. If you buy a complete set, the heart rate monitor cost goes significantly below retail.

First impression

Agree appearance is important. Appearance good watch, not only says a lot about their owner, but also causes within him certain feelings. Buttoned strap on the wrist, I felt... cooler. Yes, that's better! I immediately wanted to run, swim, pedal with full dedication. But, among other things, the watch looks elegant. Even on my fine hand Fenix ​​does not look huge "pot" - no, it is rather Tissot, than Casio. Exactly what is needed! Finally, no need to change the clock depending on the form of clothing.

I was expecting a "computer" in the hand is very heavy, however, and here I was pleasantly surprised. Fenix ​​were only slightly heavier than the G-Shock.

The buttons are very convenient. When you click a feeling that it is push, rather than just trying to push a finger plastic. Incidentally, metal buttons, coated from slip.

Conclusion: Sports Watch - this is not necessarily only the functionality, Fenix ​​2 - it is also a stylish design.

on the run

I decided to start testing with the run. For the first time I did not even try to change something in the active setting, and decided to see what offer Fenix ​​default. So push Etpu Start, select the activity and then click Start.

Activities (sports) offers a wide range - from simple running to snowboard. But for now, let us simply on the run.

The first thing that makes the device, it tries to find your HRM sensor. If he had put on, the search takes a few seconds. If not - you may well skip this step by clicking the appropriate button.

If you bought the clock complete with HRM, it is already connected to the device and no further action is required. If you are using a different sensor, you will need it, "make friends" with Fenix. The procedure is simple and takes just 20 seconds. Fenix ​​works with sensors standard ANT +, so the choice is extensive. I did not try to "make friends" with the device side of the sensor, but the instructions say that the obstacles to this is no.

By the way, I really like the belts for HRM Garmin. In my opinion, it is very comfortable and soft. HRM sensor itself also has a built-in pedometer that makes it possible to precisely monitor cadence, vertical oscillation and even stride length. In addition, it can safely be used to monitor activities of daily living.

When the device has found your heart rate monitor, it starts looking for GPS-satellites. And here, unfortunately, is not so smooth. The first to do it standing alone on the street - in the room, even at the window, the satellites will not be found. satellite search may take some time - from several seconds to several minutes.

I should note that outside Russia search takes place almost instantaneously. Probably still a violation cooperation geopositioning impact on the work of ordinary devices. Once the satellite search took more than five minutes. cases of wanton loss of the satellite signal is also observed. However, with regard to GPS performance, there is also a positive point: you can skip the search for satellites and start training - the device will still find GPS-Signal and correctly display all the data in the statistics training.

The unit focuses on the entire set of sensors, not only on the GPS readings. That's cool.

Incidentally, in the Fenix ​​integrated barometric altimeter, which means that the indicators set, and the height loss during training are displayed accurately. Very fun to watch for a change in the height above sea level during the trip on the subway.)

But in the meantime I had already started to warm up, and it's time to pay attention to the indicators. By default, the Home screen displays three indicators: time, distance and pace. By pressing one of the buttons, you can scroll through the other pages. So, for example, you can see the current heart rate to display graphic changes over time. Route, compass, time, speed, target exercise, temperature, altitude, cadence, and so on. D.

The great thing - is that you can adjust the display settings on the pages and their order at your discretion.

I immediately changed the set on the main page on the four parameters: time, distance, pace and heart rate. On one page you can display up to four parameters.

Default Fenix ​​consider 1 kilometer as 1 circle. But you can celebrate any lengths, simply by pressing Lap. A very useful feature, because if you do interval work, then most likely, the intervals will be different and not always equal to 1 kilometer.

Each circle or that you specify the segment distance you will be notified in the form of vibration and sound. However, the types of signals can also be configured on your own.

There is an auto pause feature, which is turned on when you stopped moving, but I prefer not to use it.

Upon completion of training, you can save, cancel or postpone the exercise of its completion. If you choose to defer the completion, Fenix ​​go into power-saving mode and no longer receive GPS signals and sensors. Continue to exercise at any time by selecting it from the history.

Following the results of training Fenix ​​display the recommended number of hours of rest and offer to view detailed statistics training.

chips

Here are some pieces that made an impression on me:

• Power-saving mode. The device is very "smart and savvy" and does not waste charge vain. If you do not exercise, the watch can easily hold a charge for up to three weeks. On a daily basis (!) Training, I charge it once every 6-7 days.
• Data read Settings GPS. If you go on a long road and the fear that continuous communication with satellites plant a battery, you can set the range of data exchange with the satellites. The rarer, the more economical consumption of the battery.
• Light in the night. You can enable automatic backlight notifications at night. Fenix ​​know when the sun sets and rises at your current location, and in view of these data, the clock itself will turn on the backlight when notifications. Backlight fantastically glamorous!

• Automatic detection of time zone - just perfect!
• Setting notification for training. You can set certain parameters for each workout straight hours. For example, you can set certain limits on time, heart rate, speed, and so on. D. If in the process will go beyond the set parameters, Fenix ​​hours immediately tell you.
• Configuring Active parameter. In addition to the parameters of a particular exercise, you can set certain limitations for each type of activity.
• Calculation of the volume of oxygen consumed. Based on your personal data as well as statistical training, the device can show you the amount of oxygen consumed, which is very important when planning training.
• The dynamics of heart rhythm. If you set heart rate limits for the frequency of training, the clock will tell you about going beyond the established framework. However, the heart rate does not change instantly, and Fenix ​​understand it. So you get a reminder notification only if the heart rate did not change.
• Notifications from the phone to Fenix ​​screen. You can receive notifications for messages on your phone right on the clock screen. One unfortunate that the device does not understand the Cyrillic alphabet, so if you come to an SMS-message in Russian, then you will not be able to read it. Hopefully this will be fixed in future firmware.
• Synchronization via Garmin connect mobile. To synchronize with Garmin connect optionally connected to a computer clock. You can do the same via Bluetooth and mobile app on your phone.
• High and adjustable screen contrast - all perfectly visible even in bright sunlight.
• Excellent built-in thermometer, altimeter and barometer.

Bike

Driving operation is the same as for the run and start the training, determining waited HRM sensors, speed, cadence, and go satellite. However, first we must set the speed / cadence on the bike and "make friends" with the aid of a clock. As I have said, the process of "friendship" is simple. Sami sensors are also mounted very simple: the reading device is mounted on the frame, cadence sensor - a pedal speed sensor - in wheel spokes.

In this case, the reader is very elegant customizable for different frames, so that the sensors can be placed without problems as roadies and mountain biking. The clock itself is remarkable fastened to the handlebars in firm fixture on the Garmin. Quick installation can be carried out using a removable strap with velcro.

Of course, the training can be carried out without sensors. In this case, the speed and distance will be determined only on the GPS signal, cadence will not be considered. Once again I want to note that Fenix ​​read data from all of the currently available sensors, thus achieving high accuracy of statistics accounting.

Again, the default on the Home screen, three indicators: time, distance and speed. Again, I have added a fourth component - HR. On a separate screen led display of two parameters - heart rate and cadence. It is worth noting that the Fenix ​​also understand data from power meters, but, unfortunately, do not have those, so that did not work test.

Really liked the high-contrast image on the screen. Data is read on the fly - at high speed, in the bright sun in the anti-reflective glasses I do not have to stare at the screen. By the way, the contrast can be adjusted separately.

As I mentioned earlier, every workout can be customized and set certain restrictions. Due to the vibrator you do not miss a notification, even if the clock is mounted on the steering wheel. I tried to change the interval of exchanging signals with a GPS-satellites and set the interval to 1 minute. As a result, the battery life increases many times! However, the data is displayed with a certain delay, which, however, is logical. On long distances with a uniform work did not cause discomfort. Interval data exchange can be set absolutely any, from 1 second to 60 minutes.

Due to the complex accounting system data from different sensors accuracy of statistics is very high! Verifies the distance and speed of the data in the machine - the discrepancies were not!

Crush test

the strength test was carried out completely unplanned. Russian roads reality is that attention should not be lowered even for a second, otherwise you can catch the mound, pit or other "foreign body" in the road. But, unfortunately, this is what happened to me in the order of 50 km / h. To me, it looked like I just suddenly appeared in the air, then dragged on the asphalt, and finally the bike landed on top of me and tipped fins.

Alive and well, almost intact. What could be said about the bike - snapped the wheel, there are two "eights", smashed taillight, torn seats, and so on.. But the clock without a scratch! Although I'm sure that they, too, have walked on the road. However, one barely noticeable scratch was found later on the strap. So we can say for sure - a test of strength in the real world clock stood at five plus.

Swimming

Swimming involves the selection activity of two types: open water and pool. When open water once the unit starts to search for satellites and on completion will offer to start training. If you are going to swim in the pool, searching for satellites is not required, but you will be offered to specify the pool length - 25, 50 meters, or you can enter any value.

On your default screen only displays the time and distance... Well, actually, what else is needed? Want to see the frequency of strokes and swimming performance indicator? No problem, just switch to the next screen.

Despite the fact that, in principle and in the pool and open water Fenix ​​correctly display data, there are a number of nuances. Well, firstly, the device does not understand the different styles of swimming. Secondly, if you are swimming breaststroke, the GPS signal in open water will be lost, although the distance and strokes in the end counted correctly. Thirdly - and this is very annoying - Fenix, like most sports watches for multisport, can not read heart rate data in the water. The activity of "Swimming" is a function not provided.

The pool hours are well aware of reversals, and data on the distance traveled are correct.

Once again I want to note the convenience of the device: no need to remove the clock as in the donning and when removing a wetsuit. This is especially important when removing - the suit was withdrawn as if hours and not at all.
In general, the rules for swimming.

Multisport

First Fenix ​​- a watch for triathlon. And the Garmin, to their credit, conscientiously took care of that triathletes got everything you need.

Now we need to select the "Multisport" in the active list. Set order and discipline triathlon is the default - start in open water, and then transplanted to the bike and then overcome a running distance. Each of the activities as part of the Multisport can be customized with individual parameters and constraints. That is, you can just set the data for the selected strategy in the race. In addition, for each activity, you can set several reminders, for example, you can set reminders for on veloetape power. For a triathlete is just priceless!

Transit zones. Yes, they are and work just fine! At the end of stage just press Lap, and the clock will start counting time in the transit zone. We moved on to the next stage? Just press Lap again and drove on.

There is only one caveat, which I hope to correct in the future: there is no way to go back to the previous step. Why do it? In order to see if you accidentally in the heat of the race pressed on the transition to the next stage, it was possible to undo this action.

training

And now the most delicious! For me as a triathlete is imperative that the device can carry on all stages of the training process. It is necessary to watch is not just informed me about the next stage, but also displays the goal and boundaries on stage and did not allow me to go for it. And with that, everything is great!

The Garmin connect, you can create an infinite number of training in all sports, upload them to watch and to engage in a given program.

Fenix ​​is ​​great to deal with it. For example, you need to set the interval training. The process of creation is very simple and allows you to configure each of the intervals on the parameters: time, distance, heart rate and calories. You can also set certain goals for the stage. For example, warm-up - 15 minutes, then at 8 km interval with heart rate in the third zone, and then for 3 minutes in the fourth zone, and finally hitch - 10 minutes. All these different stages, and each will have its own purpose.

Fenix ​​not only alert you about the beginning of a new stage, but also display the target on the stage coming duration, and that is very convenient to view only those settings on your screen, which relate to this stage. This means that the warm-up you will see only the remaining time and the total training time. At the stage of acceleration - time, heart rate, pace, and workout time. And so on. In my opinion, that's right, and must behave in a sports watch!

By the way, when you create a workout, you can simply combine several steps and set the number of repetitions. So there is no need to make each stage separately. Cool, what else to say! Very easy life.

Workout room

Triathletes train year-round, including myself. And if you need to run around the room does not occur so often, with the onset of cold weather you can not do without velostanka. Fenix ​​and there proved to be the best: the sum of the sensor can accurately display all necessary parameters as velostanke and on the treadmill. Another plus.

Garmin connect and Garmin connect mobile

Garmin connect - this is actually a platform for managing your Garmin device. Here you can not only view and analyze your classes, but also to create a training and schedule them in your calendar view of friends and personal records, display a variety of reports and learn how to change the results of your workouts, set specific goals and much more more. Talk about the connect Garmin can be long, but I want to mention one thing - the Garmin best tools for the analysis of your sports life.

Of course, there is a mobile version of Connect. I used the Garmin connect mobile for iPhone, but there is a version for Android.

Mobile version has almost the same functionality as its "big brother". The only pity is that the training it is impossible to create. But you can synchronize your phone with Fenix ​​and view all showgirl your workouts, without having to wait until you get to the computer. Conveniently.

Minuses

There is no ideal devices, and even though my sincere admiration regarding Fenix ​​2, they have several drawbacks:

• Lack of support for the Cyrillic alphabet in communication with the iPhone.
• The lack of flash in Russian. More precisely, the firmware is, but it is only available in new devices. Once you update the firmware, the Russian language will become a kanji.
• The Russian firmware reduction names of some parameters do not fit on the screen - an annoying trifle.
• Sometimes the long search for satellites.
• Loss of GPS-signal when swimming breaststroke.
• The lack of opportunity to return to the previous step in the "Multisport".

Summary

All deficiencies - is nonsense. Fenix ​​2 just incredibly cool! Whether you are doing a triathlon or just a lot of rollerblading, this watch will be virtually indispensable assistant.

Watches for sports and life, and tourism functions such as the ability to specify the navigation point and to carry out the route for him to come back from a function of the Track back, and so on. e., are enjoyable addition. In this case, the clock is not only for sports, but also for everyday life.

Stylish, reliable, simple to use, but with all this it is incredibly complicated and intelligent device.

A couple of months I tested Fenix ​​2 in different variations, but the last test took place at Ironman distance. Interesting? Read my next review - Fenix ​​2 Ironman combat!