Fitbit Blaze or Garmin Fenix 3? Overkill?

TheNightWalker

Hey.
So I have a Fitbit Surge at the moment which I really like except for the rubber band which is really not something my skin is appreciating. Anyways, I'm looking to buy a new fitness watch and I'm deciding between the new Fitbit Blaze and Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire.
So the Fenix 3 is a lot more expensive but it's packed with a *kitten* ton of features and the sapphire version comes with a metal band. If I buy the Blaze I'll probably buy a leather band to it which one of the reasons I prefer it over the Surge. The only bad thing about it is that you can only use GPS if you bring your phone, but I don't run outside and even if I'd decide to do it I would most probably bring my phone with my anyway. The screen has colors and it generally just looks better than the Surge.
But the Fenix 3 looks very nice as well and has basically has the same features and more except for the fact that you need to use a HRM band to track your pulse while the Fitbit watches have this integrated and tracks your pulse constantly. Garmin recently released a new Fenix 3 with this integrated as well, but that's gonna dig deep into my pockets. Besides, the Fenix 3 has something called Running Dynamics which gives you some deep information about your running (read more which I kind of like the information of, but for that you need their HRM Run band anyways.

I basically only do weightlifting and treadmill running when it comes to exercising so I feel like the Fenix 3 would be overkill but a part from the running dynamics you can do a lot more with their Connect IQ platform.

What are your thoughts? Anyone here with some experience with either of the two?

TheNightWalker

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EvgeniZyntx

The 3 is great. Just fantastic.
But if all you are doing is running on the dreadmill I'm not seeing the use of running dynamics or a gps based watch. Get a footpod with a cheaper Garmin.

If you are planning to start outside then go for the Fenix 3.

draekin13

I have been using a Blaze for a week and a half and I love it so far. I always have my phone with me so it using the phone GPS wasn't a big deal. It seems to work well for weight lifting and for the stationary bike that I use (well regular bike on a trainer). For some reason I can't get it to work for notifications of texts with my Galaxy S6 but not a big deal.

I ordered a leather band from Amazon and got it super cheap compared to the $100 Fitbit wants for theirs, however delivery is still a couple weeks away for that so can't say if it will be better or not.

TheNightWalker

I think I'm gonna end up buying the Blaze although I'm disappointed that Fitbit still haven't introduced ANT+ to their watches. But since I only run on a treadmill and play soccer like once a week the integrated HRM works fine which I do love on the Surge.

Yeah $100 is insane for a small band. Gonna look for alternatives on eBay. Already found some on Amazon, but the sellers there rarely ship to Europe (except for the UK I believe).

Thanks for the "advice"

powered85

F3 is awesome and would recommend that. Bit overkill for your activities but it looks great to wear as a daily watch too! I also like how it integrates with mfp and the garmin connect app.

coreyreichle

Check out the Garmin Vivoactive. It's cheaper than the Fenix, and does most all you'd need for mostly indoor work (Even swimming lap tracking). And, if you "graduate" to outdoor running, it's GPS enabled.