r/Garmin

The app has the option to:

1. quickly add a new timer

2. choose from a short list of timers you recently used

3. choose from a selection of preset timers (e. g. 1 min., 2 min., 5 min., 10 min. etc.)

I searched the connect IQ store for a similar app but so far I couldn't find anything similar. Especially the 2nd option is important to me since I often use timers of different durations repeatedly.

Does anyone have a recommendation? TIA

I’d like to buy my first Garmin. I started running a few months ago and want to track my runs.

Ideally, I’d like the Forerunner 970, but it’s too expensive for me.

The Forerunner 170 would actually be sufficient, but since I have a wrist circumference of 21 cm, it would look too small on me. So, I’m looking at the Venu 4 (45 mm) or the Forerunner 570 (47 mm). I don’t need the Venu’s ECG function, though I do think the flashlight feature is really cool.

I just want to record my route and load songs onto the watch via Spotify so I can go running without my phone. Since that’s something only Garmin offers, I’ve decided to go with a Garmin.

I don’t need coaching features, sleep tracking, etc. I really just want reliable route tracking.

Can I connect both a heart rate strap and headphones simultaneously to the Venu 4 and Forerunner 570?

Which watch would you recommend?

I’d be very grateful for your tips! 😁

Anybody doing kb workouts with their watch on? Some suggest wearing it with the face on the underside, which to me makes sense, but how effective is it from protecting the face?

I’ll preface this by saying I’m a 24M and have been investing more time and energy into my fitness and health as of late! I rock climb (indoors and outdoors), run, walk, swim and hit the gym from time to time. The idea of picking up a watch to help keep track of everything I’m doing has been on my mind quite a lot recently and I’ve been wondering which watch I should go with between the big two, that being Apple and Garmin. If anyone could give me some insight on the difference between the two and opinions based on personal usage/experience it would be greatly appreciated!

Any model recommendations for either would be appreciated and welcomed as well 🙂‍↕️

Since my fr 970 updated to 17.33, i discover bugs everyday, its bug on metrics, touch, animations and some more. I can't be the only one noticing this right?

Hey everyone,

I’ve been doing professional Garmin repairs for over 5 years. To be clear, I’m talking component-level micro-soldering and board diagnostics, not just basic battery or screen swaps.

I actually love the brand and use their gear for all my hobbies—cycling, hiking, diving, and boating. On my workbench, I mostly handle smartwatches, dog trackers, and handheld outdoor GPS units.

Lately, I’ve noticed a frustrating trend in hardware quality, especially with the premium consumer watches. The most absurd engineering choice has to be putting metal buttons directly into a plastic inner housing (like on the Fenix and Epix series). Because metal and plastic react differently to stress and temperature, the mechanical wear eventually widens the plastic holes, completely ruining the water resistance over time.

It feels like a deliberate shift toward planned obsolescence. Garmin isn't trying to build a Seiko 5 to pass down to your grandkids anymore; they want you in their ecosystem, upgrading every few years.

Interestingly, this drop seems isolated to consumer watches. Their pro-grade gear—aviation, marine, and dedicated handhelds—still holds a solid, industrial standard. But the premium watches definitely feel like they are getting cheaper on the inside.

To any other technicians or long-term users here: am I just biased because I only see the broken ones on my desk, or are you noticing this decline too?

Hi!
I’m going on a cruise in a few weeks and I was wondering if my watch would still work since I won’t have any wifi or cell service? I assumed my watch wouldn’t synch to my phone but will it still track everything?

I recently bought a 47mm Fenix 8 and I love it. I’ve switched from an Apple Watch Ultra 2. I used to wear a Whoop 5.0 with the Apple Watch, and now I’m wearing it with the Fenix. It’s just that I now think the Whoop is unnecessary. I can still get a refund from Amazon. Should I return it? Does anyone wear both?

I have read a few post on these but still not sure. My daughter started cross country and it will be a birthday gift. She is new to running and the music part is important. She likes the display that shows on the 265 in the garmin site but we were not sure if you can change the display on the 170 to match. We cannot find slaes on the 265 s so it is 100 more than the 170. We are leaning toward the 170 but both are a large purchase so want to make sure we get the ine She will be most happy with. I see lots of posts rave about the 265 but then others point to get the newer 170 for longevity. Any insite would be appreciated especially on being able to change the display.