i suggest you add wifi update to your requirements list. i have an old garmin 310xt. ticks all your boxes but having to use a pc and plug the ant dongle into usb is a pain. to be fair most modern watches have this feature...

I had a Fitbit Ionic and I was very happy with it. Of course there are issues with the touch screen when wet but I found it not to be a concern when kiting. Some have reported issues with the Ionic but mine has been perfect.
I got a Garmin Fenix 5 for a present and it is a much more ruggedised watch than the Fitbit but in someone ways they are very comparable and a fair few of the side by side features of the two watch I prefer Fitbit.

Its only the additional features the Garmin has that I think make it a better watch.

Cheers
Rich

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KiteAddicted said..
i suggest you add wifi update to your requirements list. i have an old garmin 310xt. ticks all your boxes but having to use a pc and plug the ant dongle into usb is a pain. to be fair most modern watches have this feature...

+1 for that, its a pita. bluetooth/wifi upload will be on my list of upgrades

My 6 years old 910xt now seems waterlogged beyond repair (at least I got my last kite session uploaded :)

So the battery did last longer than the watch (as they said)

Anyone know if the waterproof seals can be fixed?

Garmin Quatix 5 is good but $$$$.

JMG- Wind-Kitesufing app is good.

SUP app is good for stoke count and metres per stroke etc.

Bike app is good.

Hiking app is good.

Beers consumed app...........thank fully not a feature ;)

Watch has heaps of features and actually does help track your walk metres, floors climbed and sleep which does make you more aware if you are an old fat lazy bugger ;)

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richswing said..
I had a Fitbit Ionic and I was very happy with it. Of course there are issues with the touch screen when wet but I found it not to be a concern when kiting. Some have reported issues with the Ionic but mine has been perfect.
I got a Garmin Fenix 5 for a present and it is a much more ruggedised watch than the Fitbit but in someone ways they are very comparable and a fair few of the side by side features of the two watch I prefer Fitbit.

Its only the additional features the Garmin has that I think make it a better watch.

Cheers
Rich

I am thinking of getting a Fitbit Ionic because of its retro 80s look, and not to look like a fighter pilot. Chicks these days hate alpha males I hear. So what other features does the Garmin have? May go for something inbetween. At the moment I use a Pebble watch with a gps Bluetooth receiver in a waterproof bag. Works great but it doesn't record my ride, just realtime positioning. However the ForeSail app in the watch is great for direction, position tacking, and speed.

I got a Amazfit Stratos a couple of weeks ago. I'd never had a gps fitness watch previously but am very happy with this purchase. It does everything I wanted (as per original poster) and heaps more that I'd never realised and cost $200 from Toby deals. Highly recommended.

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NorthernKitesAUS said..

richswing said..
I had a Fitbit Ionic and I was very happy with it. Of course there are issues with the touch screen when wet but I found it not to be a concern when kiting. Some have reported issues with the Ionic but mine has been perfect.
I got a Garmin Fenix 5 for a present and it is a much more ruggedised watch than the Fitbit but in someone ways they are very comparable and a fair few of the side by side features of the two watch I prefer Fitbit.

Its only the additional features the Garmin has that I think make it a better watch.

Cheers
Rich

I am thinking of getting a Fitbit Ionic because of its retro 80s look, and not to look like a fighter pilot. Chicks these days hate alpha males I hear. So what other features does the Garmin have? May go for something inbetween. At the moment I use a Pebble watch with a gps Bluetooth receiver in a waterproof bag. Works great but it doesn't record my ride, just realtime positioning. However the ForeSail app in the watch is great for direction, position tacking, and speed.

Well you are definitely not Alpha if you're purchasing a watch on what Chicks Dig. How about getting a watch that's fit for purpose and within your budget??? Just saying.

Has anyone tried the Garmin Instinct?

More kiting gear is always a better choice than more tech junk. If you have so much money that you already have all the kiting gear you want then just buy some of those diamond teeth covers the rappers have, at least they look cooler than a digital dork watch.

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Weta said..

NorthernKitesAUS said..

richswing said..
I had a Fitbit Ionic and I was very happy with it. Of course there are issues with the touch screen when wet but I found it not to be a concern when kiting. Some have reported issues with the Ionic but mine has been perfect.
I got a Garmin Fenix 5 for a present and it is a much more ruggedised watch than the Fitbit but in someone ways they are very comparable and a fair few of the side by side features of the two watch I prefer Fitbit.

Its only the additional features the Garmin has that I think make it a better watch.

Cheers
Rich

I am thinking of getting a Fitbit Ionic because of its retro 80s look, and not to look like a fighter pilot. Chicks these days hate alpha males I hear. So what other features does the Garmin have? May go for something inbetween. At the moment I use a Pebble watch with a gps Bluetooth receiver in a waterproof bag. Works great but it doesn't record my ride, just realtime positioning. However the ForeSail app in the watch is great for direction, position tacking, and speed.

Well you are definitely not Alpha if you're purchasing a watch on what Chicks Dig. How about getting a watch that's fit for purpose and within your budget??? Just saying.

But it works!

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Lorgra said..
Hi all

Thanks for your input.

Ended up going with the Garmin Fenix 5 in the sapphire.

Got it half price from Ryda.com.au as the Fenix 6 has taken over.

cheers

$549?

Good choice

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CJ2478 said..
Has anyone tried the Garmin Instinct?

I have the instinct, good watch and rugged enough for kitesurfing.

Same love my instinct. Does everything I need it to do and doesn't look like a "smart watch"

Just got another Suunto Ambit Sport 3 @ 198 buck's down from around original $500 odd retail..
Does everything and can read log as soon as you stop. No phone or computer needed. ps.. No I don't work for Suunto!

I've had two Tom Tom Spark watches, the GPS function on these watches is absolute rubbish and annoys me every time I use them, sometimes after multiple attempts it doesn't get a satellite lock.. I'm considering a new watch (apple or samsung probably), there are some good non mainstream options in this thread for consideration though!

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snalberski said..
I got a Amazfit Stratos a couple of weeks ago. I'd never had a gps fitness watch previously but am very happy with this purchase. It does everything I wanted (as per original poster) and heaps more that I'd never realised and cost $200 from Toby deals. Highly recommended.

Sounds like a good one for the price.. would like some more feedback like if anyone has any (eg. durability, longevirty and battery life). One thing always gives me the **s is how long it some of these watches to sync with satellites.

My original Garmin cost me $300 new, hard to justify spending $600-$1000 on a new one, they're not made of gold ffs.

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Peahi said..

snalberski said..
I got a Amazfit Stratos a couple of weeks ago. I'd never had a gps fitness watch previously but am very happy with this purchase. It does everything I wanted (as per original poster) and heaps more that I'd never realised and cost $200 from Toby deals. Highly recommended.

Sounds like a good one for the price.. would like some more feedback like if anyone has any (eg. durability, longevirty and battery life). One thing always gives me the **s is how long it some of these watches to sync with satellites.

My original Garmin cost me $300 new, hard to justify spending $600-$1000 on a new one, they're not made of gold ffs.

Ive been using my Stratos for sessions every day for nearly a month now. It gets a gps signal whilst standing on the beach within about 10 seconds and has never lost the signal once. I suspect it has intelligent software as it seems to detect gps more quickly every time I use it. I get 3 or 4 days usage before it needs recharging, possibly more if I didn't use gps tracking everyday. It has a carbon fibre look body, toughned glass and cermanic bezel which have not marked at all so far, even though Im pretty rough with it... including some big slams last Thursday.

Garmin fenix5. Maybe I'm lucky but that's the best watch I have bought..

I've used the running and swimming regularly. Works great.

I'm used the SUP function for kiting. It tracks speed etc and shows on a map.

I've gone through a band, so be careful.

Still have 10 year old g shock that I keep in the centre console in case I forget the other watch.. that is bombproof. Never had to change batter in 10 years.

Polar M430. For about $150 - $200 nothing comes close in terms of reliability, accuracy and features. I enjoy viewing distances, speed, heart rate and of course the time whilst out for a session.

Syncs to POLAR FLOW app which has kite and windsurfing features.

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Sauce said..
Garmin fenix5. Maybe I'm lucky but that's the best watch I have bought..

...

I have been using my Garmin Fenix 3 since May 2016. I've recorded about 1000 sessions on it. That's mostly foiling, but also surfing and some paragliding. It's still going strong. I'd happily buy a new one when this one dies.

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yvanni01 said..
Polar M430. For about $150 - $200 nothing comes close in terms of reliability, accuracy and features. I enjoy viewing distances, speed, heart rate and of course the time whilst out for a session.

Syncs to POLAR FLOW app which has kite and windsurfing features.

where did you get it for that price, could only find white one at probikekit.

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Peahi said..

yvanni01 said..
Polar M430. For about $150 - $200 nothing comes close in terms of reliability, accuracy and features. I enjoy viewing distances, speed, heart rate and of course the time whilst out for a session.

Syncs to POLAR FLOW app which has kite and windsurfing features.

where did you get it for that price, could only find white one at probikekit.

Rebel sport. On sale $184. The M400 is slightly cheaper and the only real differences between the two is the M430 has heart rate integrated in the watch where as the M400 requires the heart rate chest strap.

Question for those in the know about the Garmin Fenix:
I got a Fenix 5 for my birthday but have the option of upgrading to the Fenix 5X, will cost me an extra $100.
Are the Saphire scratch resistant screen and WiFi worth the extra $100?

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yvanni01 said..

Peahi said..

yvanni01 said..
Polar M430. For about $150 - $200 nothing comes close in terms of reliability, accuracy and features. I enjoy viewing distances, speed, heart rate and of course the time whilst out for a session.

Syncs to POLAR FLOW app which has kite and windsurfing features.

where did you get it for that price, could only find white one at probikekit.

Rebel sport. On sale $184. The M400 is slightly cheaper and the only real differences between the two is the M430 has heart rate integrated in the watch where as the M400 requires the heart rate chest strap.

Settled on a 735XT forerunner which now retails for $300 instead of $600. Chose Garmin for reliability/longevity.

For a runout model it has pretty much all the features of the newer models such as picking up notifications, messages off the phone, inbuilt HRM etc. Waterproof obviously for kiting. Worth checking out.

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yvanni01 said..

Peahi said..

yvanni01 said..
Polar M430. For about $150 - $200 nothing comes close in terms of reliability, accuracy and features. I enjoy viewing distances, speed, heart rate and of course the time whilst out for a session.

Syncs to POLAR FLOW app which has kite and windsurfing features.

where did you get it for that price, could only find white one at probikekit.

Rebel sport. On sale $184. The M400 is slightly cheaper and the only real differences between the two is the M430 has heart rate integrated in the watch where as the M400 requires the heart rate chest strap.

Settled on a 735XT forerunner which now retails for $300 instead of $600. Chose Garmin for reliability/longevity.

For a runout model it has pretty much all the features of the newer models such as picking up notifications, messages off the phone, inbuilt HRM etc. Waterproof obviously for kiting. Worth checking out.

Suunto 7 is almost out - waiting for some reviews. Like that it's based on Wear OS, just need to see the battery....

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Gateman said..
Question for those in the know about the Garmin Fenix:
I got a Fenix 5 for my birthday but have the option of upgrading to the Fenix 5X, will cost me an extra $100.
Are the Saphire scratch resistant screen and WiFi worth the extra $100?

Sorry if this reply is too late, but I'd recommend the upgrade.
If you like to upload your workouts to connect or Strava etc. then the wifi is great as an auto connect to your home wifi.
The sapphire crystal glass is pretty good too. I've knocked mine around and it indeed is pretty resistant - but not completely scratch proof.

I bought some Fenix 5X screen protectors off eBay (pack of 3 I think for about $10 delivered from China). They go on just like the phone screen protector and you can't even tell it is on once you have put it on. It's a sacrificial kind of thing and last 6 or even 12 months. I highly recommend getting a pack.

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ReefWalker said..

Gateman said..
Question for those in the know about the Garmin Fenix:
I got a Fenix 5 for my birthday but have the option of upgrading to the Fenix 5X, will cost me an extra $100.
Are the Saphire scratch resistant screen and WiFi worth the extra $100?

Sorry if this reply is too late, but I'd recommend the upgrade.
If you like to upload your workouts to connect or Strava etc. then the wifi is great as an auto connect to your home wifi.
The sapphire crystal glass is pretty good too. I've knocked mine around and it indeed is pretty resistant - but not completely scratch proof.

I bought some Fenix 5X screen protectors off eBay (pack of 3 I think for about $10 delivered from China). They go on just like the phone screen protector and you can't even tell it is on once you have put it on. It's a sacrificial kind of thing and last 6 or even 12 months. I highly recommend getting a pack.

Thanks Reefwalker, I felt the Fenix 5X was a fair bit bulkier so stuck with the normal 5. Purchased 10 glass screen protectors for $6.49 on eBay. Within a week I knocked the screen on the corner of my aluminium ute tray which took a gouge out of screen protector, pulled it off when I got home and the glass was thankfully undamaged. Put new screen protector on straight away and she looks brand new again
Dachopper has a sailing/racing app for the Garmin which looks amazing but I've only used the Sup, bike and run apps thus far and they all download onto the Strava App. Have also downloaded a kite app but haven't had any wind recently. loving the Fenix 5

I've got the new Fenix 6 after my fenix 5 battery died.

If you like 21 to 90 days smartwatch battery time, and nice colour display + wireless music go for it !

It's also titanium and a lot lighter than the fenix 5.