Fitness Watch Recommendations and why

[paindonthurtDCD2]

the redneck engineering thread triggered this.

Currently have an apple watch. Love everything about it except the battery.

Its only for fitness, tell time and occasional stop watch or timer. Not text, phone or internet use at all.

Suggestions?

 

[dog99walker]

An Ulta is the best watch. Won’t do a walk or day’s work without it.

 

[HailStout]

Apple Watch Ultra. It rules. Battery life is about 3 days and charges quickly. I usually charge mine on the way to and home from work

 

[onewoof]

If you want to not worry about messing one up and replacing it every 18-24 months, get an AmazFit. Best value by far, not even close.

If you want a nice one that is better than any Apple Watch including the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and cost is not a concern, Garmin fenix 9 when it comes out later this year. Gold platinum standard and will always be.

 

[PCHSDawg]

Garmin Fenix line. My Fenix 6 will stay charged for weeks, track all my activities including navigation for my hikes. It acts as a remote for my Garmin InReach when I'm hiking. Tracks more metrics than I know what to do with. They have the Fenix 8 on sale so a 7 should be easy to find cheap. I see no reason to upgrade my 6 and probably won't until the battery life starts to fade.

 

[PBRME]

Apple 10 was on sale a couple weeks ago 100 off. I’m happy with it. I charge it everyday when I’m showering, and getting ready. It hasn’t dropped below 60% in any 24 hour period yet.

 

[paindonthurtDCD2]

Apple Watch Ultra. It rules. Battery life is about 3 days and charges quickly. I usually charge mine on the way to and home from work

How long have you had it?

do I need to get a new one every 2 years?

 

[paindonthurtDCD2]

An Ulta is the best watch. Won’t do a walk or day’s work without it.

How long have you had it?

do I need to get a new one every 2 years?

 

[HailStout]

[

How long have you had it?

do I need to get a new one every 2 years?

I’ve had mine a year and a half and it is still working like brand new

 

[dog99walker]

I have had my Ultra for a year and a half. I won’t replace it until I need to. Haven’t had to do any repairs on it. Only problem is that it wants to call 9-1-1 every time I crank the chain saw.

 

[Xenomorph]

How long have you had it?

do I need to get a new one every 2 years?

I was gifted an ultra soon after they came out in ‘22. Still going strong and I wear it every day. If I break it tonight I’ll buy another one tomorrow.

 

[HailStout]

I was gifted an ultra soon after they came out in ‘22. Still going strong and I wear it every day. If I break it tonight I’ll buy another one tomorrow.

Agree 100%. If mine broke tonight I would be at the store when it opened tomorrrow to buy a new one

 

[onewoof]

Slap an apple logo on something and many will argue it's the best in the world. Even when it costs 250% more than it should.

But we all tend to be overly biased when we pay too much for something. Choice-supportive bias is a real thing. Happens often with the most expensive products available from Apple, the highest priced electronics brand in the world. When you own it you'll believe it is the best no matter what. No matter what.

For example, a yeti cooler is worth every penny.

 

[kired]

Only for fitness? Get a Garmin. I can't recommend a specific one because I use mine primarily for running (think mines the 165) but it does all I need and more.

 

[HailStout]

Slap an apple logo on something and many will argue it's the best in the world. Even when it costs 250% more than it should.

But we all tend to be overly biased when we pay too much for something. Choice-supportive bias is a real thing. Happens often with the most expensive products available from Apple, the highest priced electronics brand in the world. When you own it you'll believe it is the best no matter what. No matter what.

For example, a yeti cooler is worth every penny.

I hated my Apple Watch with a passion. It was too small and not functional. the battery. Life sucked. Iput it in a drawer after wearing it for a few months. I love my Apple Watch Ultra. I get there is brand loyalty, but that doesn’t mean Apple doesn’t make good products.

 

[beachbumdawg]

I have the Garmin Fenix 7x Pro Sapphire Solar 51mm
Love it

 

[FreeDawg]

I have the Garmin Fenix 7x Pro Sapphire Solar 51mm
Love it

How big is your wrist to pull off a 51mm watch? Mine is a slightly above 7.5 and I have a bulova lunar pilot that’s 45mm that feels huge on the wrist.

 

[dawgnabit]

Not a watch, but I love my Whoop band. Its very accurate on workouts and recovery. Also tracks a lot more than what my Fitbit tracked.

 

[TheDawg-Pound]

How big is your wrist to pull off a 51mm watch? Mine is a slightly above 7.5 and I have a bulova lunar pilot that’s 45mm that feels huge on the wrist.

That's why I stopped wearing mine. Loved everything it did but was way too big for me

 

[paindonthurtDCD2]

Not a watch, but I love my Whoop band. Its very accurate on workouts and recovery. Also tracks a lot more than what my Fitbit tracked.

what does that whoop band cost and how long does the battery last?

 

[jethreauxdawg]

I just wear a Rolex and pay people to move the heavy stuff for me. **

 

[dawgnabit]

what does that whoop band cost and how long does the battery last?

They have different plans depending on how advanced you want it. But I just did the $200/year plan. The battery lasts about 4-5 days, but the charger attaches to the band, so you never have to take your band off. I typically charge the battery in my car and then put it on my band while driving.

 

[beachbumdawg]

I needed it for eye sight more than anything

How big is your wrist to pull off a 51mm watch? Mine is a slightly above 7.5 and I have a bulova lunar pilot that’s 45mm that feels huge on the wrist.

 

[RocketDawg]

I have had my Ultra for a year and a half. I won’t replace it until I need to. Haven’t had to do any repairs on it. Only problem is that it wants to call 9-1-1 every time I crank the chain saw.

Mine does that every time I hit a fat golf shot. It thinks I've taken a fall.

 

[johnson86-1]

How big is your wrist to pull off a 51mm watch? Mine is a slightly above 7.5 and I have a bulova lunar pilot that’s 45mm that feels huge on the wrist.

Man, that is a dainty wrist. How big is your husband's wrist? Maybe he could pull it off...**

Just kidding obviously. I'm not a pansy european so I can't even tell what those numbers mean to judge you on wrist size without pulling out a ruler and looking at the wrong side of it.

 

[BertleTheTurtle]

I upgraded about a year ago to the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar from the Garmin Forerunner 965. Use it a ton in training for ultra endurance races, sauna, sleep, etc. The Fenix is an investment for sure, but it's like a life line for me during races. Probably not worth it if you're not spending a significant amount of time in activity. The Garmin Instinct 3 is a more affordable option and really highly regarded.

 

[RivaDawg]

I upgraded about a year ago to the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar from the Garmin Forerunner 965. Use it a ton in training for ultra endurance races, sauna, sleep, etc. The Fenix is an investment for sure, but it's like a life line for me during races. Probably not worth it if you're not spending a significant amount of time in activity. The Garmin Instinct 3 is a more affordable option and really highly regarded.

Always been fascinated by endurance races. Which one(s) have you done. What was the experience like.

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

I have not worn a watch since the 80s. Best decision I ever made.

 

[Swede39]

Based on your criteria, I'd say a Rolex GMT Master II would probably be best. Your choice on the bezel color combo.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

Two separate smart watch threads on the same day?

Clearly, I'm in the minority not owning one. My wife has one, no idea what model. She had it when we met.

 

[horshack.sixpack]

the redneck engineering thread triggered this.

Currently have an apple watch. Love everything about it except the battery.

Its only for fitness, tell time and occasional stop watch or timer. Not text, phone or internet use at all.

Suggestions?

Had Fitbit for years. When it died after 5 years, I replaced it with a new Fitbit and had two die within and 18 month period. Fitbit did replace the first one that died for free but would not replace the second one. I moved to Apple and really like it and how it integrates with my iPhone. I don't have any battery issues, but I do charge it nightly where my Fitbit was once every 5-7 days.

 

[paindonthurtDCD2]

Had Fitbit for years. When it died after 5 years, I replaced it with a new Fitbit and had two die within and 18 month period. Fitbit did replace the first one that died for free but would not replace the second one. I moved to Apple and really like it and how it integrates with my iPhone. I don't have any battery issues, but I do charge it nightly where my Fitbit was once every 5-7 days.

I love the iwatch integration with iphone but i hate having to charge it nightly. Using it for sleep tracking is one of the things i like the most.

 

[Jacknut]

Had Fitbit for years. When it died after 5 years, I replaced it with a new Fitbit and had two die within and 18 month period. Fitbit did replace the first one that died for free but would not replace the second one. I moved to Apple and really like it and how it integrates with my iPhone. I don't have any battery issues, but I do charge it nightly where my Fitbit was once every 5-7 days.

My Charge 5 just **** the bed the other day. I'm ordering a new charge cable to see if that's the problem, but no more Fitbit for me if that doesn't fix it. Guess I'll be looking at Garmin.

 

[FreeDawg]

Man, that is a dainty wrist. How big is your husband's wrist? Maybe he could pull it off...**

Just kidding obviously. I'm not a pansy european so I can't even tell what those numbers mean to judge you on wrist size without pulling out a ruler and looking at the wrong side of it.

7.5 is actually a pretty large wrist that kills me in the luxury watch aftermarket. I find the perfect watch and it fits a 6.75 wrist and isn't a full set... I can pull off a 36mm with a decent case but I'd say 40mm is my sweet spot. My everyday work beater is a 43mm but its low profile so it wears small for 43mm. I have a 44 mm Ocean Crawler Core Diver and the beforementioned 45mm lunar pilot and I cannot go any bigger and neither are a regular wear to begin with.

 

[PCHSDawg]

How big is your wrist to pull off a 51mm watch? Mine is a slightly above 7.5 and I have a bulova lunar pilot that’s 45mm that feels huge on the wrist.

Garmin has several sizes to fit, smaller watches have smaller batteries but I don't think you lose a lot of features.

 

[HotMop]

Amazfit Bip, cheap as he'll, does everything you need. Stays charged for weeks.

 

[Bowdawg]

How big is your wrist to pull off a 51mm watch? Mine is a slightly above 7.5 and I have a bulova lunar pilot that’s 45mm that feels huge on the wrist.

i have the Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire that’s 51mm as well. It’s not that big when you start wearing it. No one has ever said damn that’s a big watch. It’s basically bulletproof. Plus screw charging every night. If I don’t use the flashlight, which is awesome, on it too much, I get around 20-22 days between charges. This is with tracking turned on everyday.

 

[BertleTheTurtle]

Always been fascinated by endurance races. Which one(s) have you done. What was the experience like.

Got into ultra running about 3.5 years ago. I live in Memphis so my first crack at it was at a race in Alison, AR called Sylamore. I've done that 50k every year since 2022. I've also done the Big Buffalo 50k in Memphis several times, and I ended up winning the Big Buffalo 50 miler this year. In the Fall of 2023, I ran the Mamba 100k in Memphis and was 2nd place male, think I finished like 4th overall or something. In the Spring of 2024, I ran the UTMB Canyons 100k in Auburn, CA and that was just an awesome experience. Incredible to run in that part of the country, finished in 16.5 hours. In the Fall of 2024, I ran my first 100 mile race, the Mamba 100 miler and finished in 23.5 hours. I'm currently training to hike Mt. Whitney in early August and the UTMB Grindstone 100 miler in mid-September.

To be abundantly clear, I'm not a very good runner, like at all. I have a ton of running friends who are significantly faster than I am. I think my advantage is in the grind of it all. I've been lucky enough with injuries that I'm able to be super consistent with my training, and I'm willing to do the stuff that most people scoff at (running in terrible weather conditions, training at night or early morning hours with headlamps, running without food, power hiking on my treadmill, etc.). The longer races get super difficult. My legs get super stuff and achy and don't want to move, and almost always I reach a point where my stomach won't take down any food. These races are basically eating contests, if you aren't staying ahead on calories, then you're going to fail. There comes a point in each race where the physical side just sucks and it is what it is, but the mental is where people are broken. Your mind starts to tell you it's okay to quit or that you're too tired or that you've already done enough. For me personally, that's where I'm able to settle in, and it's really my favorite part of the race. It's almost like a point of clarity where I can focus on things that maybe I've been pushing off for a while. I pray a lot, not about the race, but just things going on in my life that I've been avoiding. I think about traumas in my life that I've kept submerged. It's wild to say, but it's honestly very positive for me. The sense of gratitude I get at the end, isn't from the finish, it's from the things I thought about or pushed through along the way.

 

[RivaDawg]

Got into ultra running about 3.5 years ago. I live in Memphis so my first crack at it was at a race in Alison, AR called Sylamore. I've done that 50k every year since 2022. I've also done the Big Buffalo 50k in Memphis several times, and I ended up winning the Big Buffalo 50 miler this year. In the Fall of 2023, I ran the Mamba 100k in Memphis and was 2nd place male, think I finished like 4th overall or something. In the Spring of 2024, I ran the UTMB Canyons 100k in Auburn, CA and that was just an awesome experience. Incredible to run in that part of the country, finished in 16.5 hours. In the Fall of 2024, I ran my first 100 mile race, the Mamba 100 miler and finished in 23.5 hours. I'm currently training to hike Mt. Whitney in early August and the UTMB Grindstone 100 miler in mid-September.

To be abundantly clear, I'm not a very good runner, like at all. I have a ton of running friends who are significantly faster than I am. I think my advantage is in the grind of it all. I've been lucky enough with injuries that I'm able to be super consistent with my training, and I'm willing to do the stuff that most people scoff at (running in terrible weather conditions, training at night or early morning hours with headlamps, running without food, power hiking on my treadmill, etc.). The longer races get super difficult. My legs get super stuff and achy and don't want to move, and almost always I reach a point where my stomach won't take down any food. These races are basically eating contests, if you aren't staying ahead on calories, then you're going to fail. There comes a point in each race where the physical side just sucks and it is what it is, but the mental is where people are broken. Your mind starts to tell you it's okay to quit or that you're too tired or that you've already done enough. For me personally, that's where I'm able to settle in, and it's really my favorite part of the race. It's almost like a point of clarity where I can focus on things that maybe I've been pushing off for a while. I pray a lot, not about the race, but just things going on in my life that I've been avoiding. I think about traumas in my life that I've kept submerged. It's wild to say, but it's honestly very positive for me. The sense of gratitude I get at the end, isn't from the finish, it's from the things I thought about or pushed through along the way.

Thanks for the reply. I have read a couple of books about ultras and know a couple of people that have done them and find it fascinating. In my (very much) younger days, I ran a marathon and can’t image what it takes to go beyond that!

 

[stateu1]

Got into ultra running about 3.5 years ago. I live in Memphis so my first crack at it was at a race in Alison, AR called Sylamore. I've done that 50k every year since 2022. I've also done the Big Buffalo 50k in Memphis several times, and I ended up winning the Big Buffalo 50 miler this year. In the Fall of 2023, I ran the Mamba 100k in Memphis and was 2nd place male, think I finished like 4th overall or something. In the Spring of 2024, I ran the UTMB Canyons 100k in Auburn, CA and that was just an awesome experience. Incredible to run in that part of the country, finished in 16.5 hours. In the Fall of 2024, I ran my first 100 mile race, the Mamba 100 miler and finished in 23.5 hours. I'm currently training to hike Mt. Whitney in early August and the UTMB Grindstone 100 miler in mid-September.

To be abundantly clear, I'm not a very good runner, like at all. I have a ton of running friends who are significantly faster than I am. I think my advantage is in the grind of it all. I've been lucky enough with injuries that I'm able to be super consistent with my training, and I'm willing to do the stuff that most people scoff at (running in terrible weather conditions, training at night or early morning hours with headlamps, running without food, power hiking on my treadmill, etc.). The longer races get super difficult. My legs get super stuff and achy and don't want to move, and almost always I reach a point where my stomach won't take down any food. These races are basically eating contests, if you aren't staying ahead on calories, then you're going to fail. There comes a point in each race where the physical side just sucks and it is what it is, but the mental is where people are broken. Your mind starts to tell you it's okay to quit or that you're too tired or that you've already done enough. For me personally, that's where I'm able to settle in, and it's really my favorite part of the race. It's almost like a point of clarity where I can focus on things that maybe I've been pushing off for a while. I pray a lot, not about the race, but just things going on in my life that I've been avoiding. I think about traumas in my life that I've kept submerged. It's wild to say, but it's honestly very positive for me. The sense of gratitude I get at the end, isn't from the finish, it's from the things I thought about or pushed through along the way.

All that and you don't mention the Swamp Stomper?