Never go surfing!

I lost my Garmin helping my kids surf when the leash rope got caught on my arm and pulled the watch off my wrist.

So there were a lot of things I liked about the Garmin 5X. Looking to find something similar.
*+ Nice watch lasts a week+ on battery charge
*+ GPSTC data fields - although unofficial
*- GPSTC incompatible
*+ Heart rate and other sensors

Are there any decent GPSTC compatible options better than the Locosys GW60?

Are there any better watches than Garmin?

Is the Garmin 6 less accurate than the 5?

Thanks
Berowne

I lost my fitbit going over the falls, so I feel your pain.

I much prefer the coros apex pro to the garmin

Auto-uploads to gps-speedsailing
OEM speedsailing and windsurfing app
Battery life is multiple times better than my garmin
Not approved for team challenge

I know quite a few people with the Garmin Fenix 6, I have not heard of any issues resulting in worse performance than the Fenix 5 in a a windsurfing environment.

We often see huge discounts on Garmin watches in Australia, for example at the moment the top of the range Fenix 6X Pro Solar is going for $699 at JB. Whilst Coros make some great watches it is hard to find them at comparable prices here in Australia.

Select to expand quote

berowne said..

Is the Garmin 6 less accurate than the 5?

Thanks
Berowne

It is unknown if it is of any benefit for windsurfing, but the very latest (released in the last few months) Garmin watches have some new GPS technology that has been tested to improve positional accuracy in difficult environments. Of course windsurfing is typically not a difficult environment, so it may have no effect. And of course it is still not using doppler for speed which if it were the case would mean the positional accuracy is of no benefit. But since the Garmin files use position for speed, and positional accuracy may have improved, speed accuracy may have improved also. If you want the most accurate Garmin option above other features, it may be worth considering.

Here is a review of a watch with the new tech with some testing of the accuracy:

www.dcrainmaker.com/2022/05/garmin-forerunner-955-solar-review.html

JB Hi Fi have the Fenix 6 on sale. Awesome watch

Coros APEX seem pretty reasonable around $600 and Vertex around $1200, vaguely similar to Garmin prices.
I haven't been to a JB HiFi store but online prices of the G6 and G7 are almost the same...

I'm not in a rush, would prefer to stick to Garmin to save learning new features, unless the Coros is a better watch?

Select to expand quote

Steve Charles said..
JB Hi Fi have the Fenix 6 on sale. Awesome watch

Garmin site has others on sale too. I'm looking at a 745 as the basic 245 isn't on sale anymore. I can't justify $600 for a windsurfing watch. I have an everyday work watch.

Select to expand quote

BSN101 said..

Steve Charles said..
JB Hi Fi have the Fenix 6 on sale. Awesome watch

Garmin site has others on sale too. I'm looking at a 745 as the basic 245 isn't on sale anymore. I can't justify $600 for a windsurfing watch. I have an everyday work watch.

I've just ordered the Garmin 745 from Garmin site at half price. Boom. What's the bet that the LCDMotion & DIY units arrives in the next fortnight too. Lol

I got the 255, $300 brand new. It replaced my 8 year old 920xt. Same gps as the other $1k Garmin watches, can upload apps as well for windsurfing data. Another thread is open where the data may be over-smoothed...

Select to expand quote

berowne said..
Coros APEX seem pretty reasonable around $600 and Vertex around $1200, vaguely similar to Garmin prices.
I haven't been to a JB HiFi store but online prices of the G6 and G7 are almost the same...

I'm not in a rush, would prefer to stick to Garmin to save learning new features, unless the Coros is a better watch?

Coros is easy to use, select gps speed sailing on the activities menu and go sailing

Select to expand quote

JohnnyTsunami said..
I got the 255, $300 brand new. It replaced my 8 year old 920xt. Same gps as the other $1k Garmin watches, can upload apps as well for windsurfing data. Another thread is open where the data may be over-smoothed...

I assume you are talking US$300?

Garmin US lists the Garmin 255 for US$350
Garmin AU lists the Garmin 255 for AU$629

US$350 Converts to AU$515. So here in Australia we have the pleasure of paying an extra 20% for the same thing.

It's not all bad news for aussies though, we often see 50% off deals
eg. Fenix 6 Sapphire direct from Garmin is currently AU$649 and the Forerunner 745 is AU$424

Select to expand quote

choco said..

Coros is easy to use, select gps speed sailing on the activities menu and go sailing

Choco,
What does the screen of the Coros watch display while you are sailing? I would be interested to see some screen pics.
Thanks.

Select to expand quote

tbwonder said..

JohnnyTsunami said..
I got the 255, $300 brand new. It replaced my 8 year old 920xt. Same gps as the other $1k Garmin watches, can upload apps as well for windsurfing data. Another thread is open where the data may be over-smoothed...

I assume you are talking US$300?

Garmin US lists the Garmin 255 for US$350
Garmin AU lists the Garmin 255 for AU$629

US$350 Converts to AU$515. So here in Australia we have the pleasure of paying an extra 20% for the same thing.

It's not all bad news for aussies though, we often see 50% off deals
eg. Fenix 6 Sapphire direct from Garmin is currently AU$649 and the Forerunner 745 is AU$424

choco said..

Coros is easy to use, select gps speed sailing on the activities menu and go sailing

Choco,
What does the screen of the Coros watch display while you are sailing? I would be interested to see some screen pics.
Thanks.

Garmin sale on now. Picked up 745 at half price. Fenix6 on sale too

Select to expand quote

tbwonder said..

JohnnyTsunami said..
I got the 255, $300 brand new. It replaced my 8 year old 920xt. Same gps as the other $1k Garmin watches, can upload apps as well for windsurfing data. Another thread is open where the data may be over-smoothed...

I assume you are talking US$300?

Garmin US lists the Garmin 255 for US$350
Garmin AU lists the Garmin 255 for AU$629

US$350 Converts to AU$515. So here in Australia we have the pleasure of paying an extra 20% for the same thing.

It's not all bad news for aussies though, we often see 50% off deals
eg. Fenix 6 Sapphire direct from Garmin is currently AU$649 and the Forerunner 745 is AU$424

choco said..

Coros is easy to use, select gps speed sailing on the activities menu and go sailing

Choco,
What does the screen of the Coros watch display while you are sailing? I would be interested to see some screen pics.
Thanks.

You can display any field you like ie just max speed, Nm etc , Vincet Valkenaers Coros setup

Select to expand quote

choco said..

tbwonder said..

JohnnyTsunami said..
I got the 255, $300 brand new. It replaced my 8 year old 920xt. Same gps as the other $1k Garmin watches, can upload apps as well for windsurfing data. Another thread is open where the data may be over-smoothed...

I assume you are talking US$300?

Garmin US lists the Garmin 255 for US$350
Garmin AU lists the Garmin 255 for AU$629

US$350 Converts to AU$515. So here in Australia we have the pleasure of paying an extra 20% for the same thing.

It's not all bad news for aussies though, we often see 50% off deals
eg. Fenix 6 Sapphire direct from Garmin is currently AU$649 and the Forerunner 745 is AU$424

choco said..

Coros is easy to use, select gps speed sailing on the activities menu and go sailing

Choco,
What does the screen of the Coros watch display while you are sailing? I would be interested to see some screen pics.
Thanks.

You can display any field you like ie just max speed, Nm etc , Vincet Valkenaers Coros setup

There's also another workout function Windsurfing. Within this workout if your into doing the 1hr sailing it gives your average speed so you can track your Avg Speed at anytime through the session. Pick and choose how much info you want to display on the watch.

Seems COROS has advantage over Garmin 7 even with the same chipset!
From: www.gps-foilsurfing.com/default.aspx?mnu=item&item=coros

The Coros GPS Watches use a Sony GPS Chipset, does this mean we can use any device with this chipset ? No, we work in close cooperation with Coros to build a dedicated firmware for the Sony chip and track processing system. This firmware is not available for non Coros devices, so these other devices will not use the algorithms we need and do not provide the additional data fields we use for validation.
Will GPS watches from Suunto & Garmin have the same classification as the Coros devices ? No, we work in close cooperation with Coros to build the dedicaded firmware for the Sony chip and track processing system. This firmware is not available for non Coros devices, so these other devices will not use the algorithms we need and do not provide the additional data fields we use for validation.

Select to expand quote

berowne said..
Seems COROS has advantage over Garmin 7 even with the same chipset!
From: www.gps-foilsurfing.com/default.aspx?mnu=item&item=coros

The Coros GPS Watches use a Sony GPS Chipset, does this mean we can use any device with this chipset ? No, we work in close cooperation with Coros to build a dedicated firmware for the Sony chip and track processing system. This firmware is not available for non Coros devices, so these other devices will not use the algorithms we need and do not provide the additional data fields we use for validation.
Will GPS watches from Suunto & Garmin have the same classification as the Coros devices ? No, we work in close cooperation with Coros to build the dedicaded firmware for the Sony chip and track processing system. This firmware is not available for non Coros devices, so these other devices will not use the algorithms we need and do not provide the additional data fields we use for validation.

Independent analysis has so far shown that the COROS does not live up to all the claims for accuracy. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Gps/COROS-APEX-Pro-Inadequacies-in-the-Doppler-speed-data

And the claims about validation are not transparent.

Wether COROS watch results are any better (or worse) than Garmin GPS watch results has not been shown conclusively as far as I can find.

Select to expand quote

BSN101 said..

tbwonder said..

JohnnyTsunami said..
I got the 255, $300 brand new. It replaced my 8 year old 920xt. Same gps as the other $1k Garmin watches, can upload apps as well for windsurfing data. Another thread is open where the data may be over-smoothed...

I assume you are talking US$300?

Garmin US lists the Garmin 255 for US$350
Garmin AU lists the Garmin 255 for AU$629

US$350 Converts to AU$515. So here in Australia we have the pleasure of paying an extra 20% for the same thing.

It's not all bad news for aussies though, we often see 50% off deals
eg. Fenix 6 Sapphire direct from Garmin is currently AU$649 and the Forerunner 745 is AU$424

choco said..

Coros is easy to use, select gps speed sailing on the activities menu and go sailing

Choco,
What does the screen of the Coros watch display while you are sailing? I would be interested to see some screen pics.
Thanks.

Garmin sale on now. Picked up 745 at half price. Fenix6 on sale too

Amazon UK is selling Garmin Fenix 6x Pro and 6 Pro for 48% off . Prime day deals.

Select to expand quote

sailquik said..

berowne said..
Seems COROS has advantage over Garmin 7 even with the same chipset!
From: www.gps-foilsurfing.com/default.aspx?mnu=item&item=coros

The Coros GPS Watches use a Sony GPS Chipset, does this mean we can use any device with this chipset ? No, we work in close cooperation with Coros to build a dedicated firmware for the Sony chip and track processing system. This firmware is not available for non Coros devices, so these other devices will not use the algorithms we need and do not provide the additional data fields we use for validation.
Will GPS watches from Suunto & Garmin have the same classification as the Coros devices ? No, we work in close cooperation with Coros to build the dedicaded firmware for the Sony chip and track processing system. This firmware is not available for non Coros devices, so these other devices will not use the algorithms we need and do not provide the additional data fields we use for validation.

Independent analysis has so far shown that the COROS does not live up to all the claims for accuracy. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Gps/COROS-APEX-Pro-Inadequacies-in-the-Doppler-speed-data

And the claims about validation are not transparent.

Wether COROS watch results are any better (or worse) than Garmin GPS watch results has not been shown conclusively as far as I can find.

Independent analysis has so far shown 40+hours on gps mode, features and field customisation add up to an outstanding piece of equipment, pity it doesn't comply with validation transparency but GPS Speedsurfing don't seem to have a problem with it or the Garmin. Hopefully these issues can be sorted out in the future.

Select to expand quote

Independent analysis has so far shown that the COROS does not live up to all the claims for accuracy. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Gps/COROS-APEX-Pro-Inadequacies-in-the-Doppler-speed-data

And the claims about validation are not transparent.

Wether COROS watch results are any better (or worse) than Garmin GPS watch results has not been shown conclusively as far as I can find.

Well I will have a MiniMotion to validate with so we will see.... expect some duplicate session files coming soon!

Select to expand quote

berowne said..

Independent analysis has so far shown that the COROS does not live up to all the claims for accuracy. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Gps/COROS-APEX-Pro-Inadequacies-in-the-Doppler-speed-data

And the claims about validation are not transparent.

Wether COROS watch results are any better (or worse) than Garmin GPS watch results has not been shown conclusively as far as I can find.

Well I will have a MiniMotion to validate with so we will see.... expect some duplicate session files coming soon!

What watch did you end up settling for?
Black Friday coming soon so I'll be looking for specials.

With respect to watches using doppler versus positional data to calculate speed, read K888 here on this forum. He did some tests with my cheapo Timex Ironman GPS and concluded that the speed data are probably calculated from doppler.

He has comments about this in general as well as comments about specific watches.

The inaccuracy of the Garmen GPS watch compared to Mini Motion is a running joke amoungst my GPS sailing friends who use both. The watch for on water feedback and the Motion for posting to GPSTC. The watch is often 1 kt different.

Select to expand quote

aus201 said..

berowne said..

Independent analysis has so far shown that the COROS does not live up to all the claims for accuracy. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Gps/COROS-APEX-Pro-Inadequacies-in-the-Doppler-speed-data

And the claims about validation are not transparent.

Wether COROS watch results are any better (or worse) than Garmin GPS watch results has not been shown conclusively as far as I can find.

Well I will have a MiniMotion to validate with so we will see.... expect some duplicate session files coming soon!

What watch did you end up settling for?
Black Friday coming soon so I'll be looking for specials.

I got the Coros - and have buyers remorse. Should have gone with the Fenix... :( No customisation is a big pain.

Select to expand quote

John340 said..
The inaccuracy of the Garmen GPS watch compared to Mini Motion is a running joke amoungst my GPS sailing friends who use both. The watch for on water feedback and the Motion for posting to GPSTC. The watch is often 1 kt different.

Perhaps but the mini is not a watch

I have Garmin Fenix5x had for more than 5 years been great , true might not be as accurate as mini motion in 2 sec (but who cares about 2 sec). Combined with the data fields you can download its perfect for most people...

Garmin Fenix 6 half price on Garmin site. I have a 745 which was half price too. Others on sale also.

My watch recently broke its band. I have a few like that. These are watches that I have bought off ebay and I've never paid more than $40 for a watch - ever.
So. I thought about getting a GPS watch, preferably Garmin as I have been a Garmin user for over 10 years - Nuvi for the car and Trex 20 hand helds (which I have been using for board speed and tracking and geocaching).
$1000 for a watch? - nah. (Fenix 7)
$600-$700? Hmm.... (Fenix 6)
$500 for 745? Getting closer.
My main requirements in a watch.
Waterproof - obviously
Durability - I rarely take my watch off, even when showering.
Large digital time display
Countdown timer
GPS
Tracking
Dual time
Android friendly
There are so many Garmin models that it becomes very confusing when comparing features v price.
24hrs to go.
Suggestions?

Garmin 245 music, $320 at officeworks.

Select to expand quote

aus201 said..
My watch recently broke its band. I have a few like that. These are watches that I have bought off ebay and I've never paid more than $40 for a watch - ever.
So. I thought about getting a GPS watch, preferably Garmin as I have been a Garmin user for over 10 years - Nuvi for the car and Trex 20 hand helds (which I have been using for board speed and tracking and geocaching).
$1000 for a watch? - nah. (Fenix 7)
$600-$700? Hmm.... (Fenix 6)
$500 for 745? Getting closer.
My main requirements in a watch.
Waterproof - obviously
Durability - I rarely take my watch off, even when showering.
Large digital time display
Countdown timer
GPS
Tracking
Dual time
Android friendly
There are so many Garmin models that it becomes very confusing when comparing features v price.
24hrs to go.
Suggestions?

Garmin site for sale items

Select to expand quote

aus201 said..
My watch recently broke its band. I have a few like that. These are watches that I have bought off ebay and I've never paid more than $40 for a watch - ever.
So. I thought about getting a GPS watch, preferably Garmin as I have been a Garmin user for over 10 years - Nuvi for the car and Trex 20 hand helds (which I have been using for board speed and tracking and geocaching).
$1000 for a watch? - nah. (Fenix 7)
$600-$700? Hmm.... (Fenix 6)
$500 for 745? Getting closer.
My main requirements in a watch.
Waterproof - obviously
Durability - I rarely take my watch off, even when showering.
Large digital time display
Countdown timer
GPS
Tracking
Dual time
Android friendly
There are so many Garmin models that it becomes very confusing when comparing features v price.
24hrs to go.
Suggestions?

Garmin site for sale items

Select to expand quote

John340 said..
The inaccuracy of the Garmen GPS watch compared to Mini Motion is a running joke amoungst my GPS sailing friends who use both. The watch for on water feedback and the Motion for posting to GPSTC. The watch is often 1 kt different.

Me too. Love Andrew's data fields which give me an idea of what I'm doing and the GT for the truth.