Hey everyone

I have enjoyed using my vivoactive HR for on water feedback (together with GT31 for logging) but the watch has died so looking for a new one. Not interested in a GW52 at this stage.

Fenix is outside my price range unfortunately but I see there's a vivoactive 3 and also forerunner 235.

Does anyone have any experience with these two? In reality the smart watch side is probably the part I use the most. Lucky to get an hour a week on the water.

Cheers

I bought a Fenix 3 a month ago for $299 from Ryda, they no longer have stock but similar deals may come up. The 235 is also a good watch with very similar menus. it is a fair bit slimmer and has the built in heart rate monitor and will probably cost you about the same.

I have the vivoactive 3. I am happy with it. There is a new version with music if you would use that feature.

I have not used it for windsurfing at all yet, but I have used it a lot for cycling and walking/running and have been happy with it. I will say the HR monitor is not much good for cycling though.

I've had a 235 for three years now, James, and have found it to be super reliable and works great as a smartwatch. The screen is not as vivid as some of the more recent Garmin models but it's bulletproof and easy to use.

I have the Garmin 735xt it's similar to the 235. There are a number of windsurfing apps the one I use displays current speed when over a set speed then scrolls between peak 2sec , 10 sec speed and distance when stationary or going slow. It does read slightly slower than the gt31 but is great for an easy to read reference.

If Boston has had something for 3 years and not destroyed it, then it is a good product!

Select to expand quote

tbwonder said..
If Boston has had something for 3 years and not destroyed it, then it is a good product!

Hi James, a few of us use the Suunto Ambit 3 as a handy reference GPS whilst sailing. Around the $200 mark and has heaps of apps that are dedicated for sailing / windsurfing (such as 2 sec, nautie, 1 hr, etc.) Uploads via BT and is very robust in my opinion.

AA also uses one too!

Select to expand quote

tbwonder said..
If Boston has had something for 3 years and not destroyed it, then it is a good product!

Hahahaha spot on Andy

Thanks everyone for the ideas. As a "valued customer" (lol) Garmin actually gave me a deal on a refurbished VAHR that i couldn't refuse. So I'll be back in action soon. Cheers.