Garmin has unveiled its latest fitness devices at CES, including the Fenix3 HR, the newest iteration of its popular Fenix3 multisport watch, now equipped with an optical heart rate sensor. The company also announced the Tactix Bravo, a new sibling to the Fenix3, and the Varia Vision heads-up display, detailed in a separate announcement.
The Fenix3 HR integrates Garmin’s Elevate optical HR sensor, similar to the one in the FR235, allowing for continuous 24/7 heart rate monitoring during workouts and daily activities. This addition enables features like ‘Intensity Minutes’ tracking, aligning with health organization guidelines for weekly exercise. While the Fenix3 HR maintains the same width as the original Fenix3, it is slightly heavier by 6 grams. Battery life sees a reduction compared to the Fenix3, with GPS mode lasting 16 hours, UltraTrac GPS mode at 40 hours, and watch mode at 3 weeks. The Fenix3 HR is initially available in a grey color, with a bundle option including a HRM-RUN heart rate strap for advanced running dynamics and metrics such as HRV, Lactate Threshold, and Stress Score, which are not supported by the optical sensor alone. For swimming, a separate HRM-SWIM or HRM-TRI strap may be required as Garmin is still assessing the accuracy of the optical sensor in water. Initial testing of the Fenix3 HR’s optical sensor shows good performance in steady-state heart rate tracking, with a slight lag during interval training, consistent with the FR235. GPS accuracy during initial runs appears to be reliable.
In addition to the Fenix3 HR, Garmin has introduced new band options for the Fenix3 line, including a lightweight Titanium band, and leather and nylon ‘fabric’ straps. The Titanium band aims to offer a lighter alternative to the existing metal band option. The new leather and nylon straps utilize a slip-through system for easy, tool-free band changes. These straps include brown leather, black nylon, and olive nylon options, alongside separately available lime green and blue silicone straps. These new additions expand the already extensive Fenix3 range, which includes numerous variations based on color, materials, and bundled accessories.
Garmin will also release a software update for all existing Fenix3 watches, bringing new sports profiles and features. These include Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Golf (with 40,000 course downloads), and Rowing modes, each with specific metrics. The update also adds Gen2 Running Dynamics, Lactate Threshold and Stress Score testing, Performance Condition metrics, Music Control, Audio Lap Alerts, Last Swim/Bike/Run and ‘My Day’ widgets, a Do Not Disturb mode, and Tactical & Jumpmaster apps, previously exclusive to the Tactix series. These software enhancements are expected to be available immediately, particularly for users already on the Fenix3 beta program.
Finally, Garmin announced the Tactix Bravo, a successor to the original Tactix watch, aimed at military and law enforcement professionals. The Tactix Bravo builds upon the Fenix3 platform, incorporating features like a night vision goggle compatible display, non-reflective design, and specialized software modes including Jumpmaster and Tactical operations. In most other aspects, the Tactix Bravo shares feature parity with the Fenix3.
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