[rocwandrer]

I always ride with an edge computer. I have a galaxy watch which has some basic smart watch features I like and 30' ECG which I use.

I want a Garmin watch for better integration of health & fitness features like heart rate recovery, etc. which watch should I get?

 

[J.B. Weld]

I think there's too many variables for someone else to make a decent recommendation, Garmin makes a lot of watches. I got a 745 because it has a smaller profile, all the features I wanted and was reasonably priced. I've had it for several years now and it's been great.

DC Rainmaker is a good place to get lost in the weeds.

 

[Joe Handlebar]

I use a 530 for a majority of my rides and have a 245. It does everything I want it to for the most part, but doesn't parse ride data to the extent of the 530. It does keep ongoing data as you wear it though, like sleep, recovery, etc... and I can use it on it's own whenever. I also like being able to broadcast my HR to the Edge unit instead of wearing my chest strap when I like.

 

[robj20]

I have an Edge 530 and a Fenix 7X, I only really use the Fenix for uplift type riding, Edge for everything else.

 

[RS VR6]

I use an Instinct 2. It's a basic G Shock looking watch. It has all the necessary health metrics. You can see all of it in the Garmin Connect app.

 

[BFH9]

I used an Edge 820 on every ride until I got the Epix2. The watch does everything the computer did and more. Don’t use the computer anymore.

 

[Hit Factor]

I wear a fenix 8. With the release of the f8, Garmin consolidated a couple models. I use an Edge 840 for riding (MTB, road, indoor) and the f8 for everything else.

 

[Notthatbryan]

I love my Fenix 7, I would get a Fenix 8 without hesitation.

 

[Stahr_Nut]

Based on the sense I'm getting for how you'd like to use it and the fact that you have an Edge for use as your primary cycling data recording device, I'd suggest taking a close look at the Venu 3.

 

[msrothwe]

I wouldn’t bother with the Garmin (or really any fitness) watch. The optical HR isn’t accurate at all, so those stats it gives are just a shot in the dark. A lot of people don’t train with a HR strap, so they don’t realize how far off the optical HR is. It was downright useless on the Fenix 7 that I had, it was off by 30-40 beats during higher intensity exercise.

I was pretty disappointed by it but thankfully I bought at REI so I was able to return it after a few weeks.

 

[J.B. Weld]

I wouldn’t bother with the Garmin (or really any fitness) watch. The optical HR isn’t accurate at all, so those stats it gives are just a shot in the dark. A lot of people don’t train with a HR strap, so they don’t realize how far off the optical HR is. It was downright useless on the Fenix 7 that I had, it was off by 30-40 beats during higher intensity exercise.

I've had a different experience with my Garmin watch. I've done lots of rides using both a chest strap and the watch and the heart rate data overlays are nearly identical. I can use either device confidently.

 

[yzedf]

I wouldn’t bother with the Garmin (or really any fitness) watch. The optical HR isn’t accurate at all, so those stats it gives are just a shot in the dark. A lot of people don’t train with a HR strap, so they don’t realize how far off the optical HR is. It was downright useless on the Fenix 7 that I had, it was off by 30-40 beats during higher intensity exercise.

I was pretty disappointed by it but thankfully I bought at REI so I was able to return it after a few weeks.

Ironic that it’s Apple that has an accurate hrm function in their watch. It’s pretty much useless for true sports stuff otherwise.

 

[J.B. Weld]

Ironic that it’s Apple that has an accurate hrm function in their watch. It’s pretty much useless for true sports stuff otherwise.

Here's an overlay from a dcrainmaker workout using a Wahoo Tickr chest strap as a benchmark, I wouldn't consider the watch results useless

 

[Stahr_Nut]

I've had a different experience with my Garmin watch. I've done lots of rides using both a chest strap and the watch and the heart rate data overlays are nearly identical. I can use either device confidently.

Agree with this 100%. HR data from my Forerunner 955 and Edge Explor 2 w/chest strap are typically spot on with each other.

However, back when I used a Whoop, not so much...

 

[JohnShroe]

Whichever garmin watch you get I would highly recommend getting one with the flashlight feature!! It’s frickin awesome, I use it pretty much every night.

 

[zen_]

I use an Instinct 2. It's a basic G Shock looking watch. It has all the necessary health metrics. You can see all of it in the Garmin Connect app.

The current Instinct series is closer than ever to the Fenix in features. I've been very pleased with the original one, and a 2S for running, hiking, and using for MTB rides where I just want to record without a screen in front of me. As a G-Shock fan I have always loved the aesthetics and relative simplicity too.

If you just want the health tracking of a Garmin device though, another option is the Vivosmart 4 or 5 that have HRV stress, resting heart rate, sleep, and can still record activities using your phone's GPS (linked through connect) in a pinch. I've had a 4 for years so I can wear an actual watch on my other wrist.

 

[norcalbike]

I run a fenix 8 with a polar chest strap. Part of the rationale was that the fenix looks the sharpest for everyday wear and has great water resistance. I also snagged it 50% off through an employee discount. A previous gen fenix, epix, or the current enduro 3 seems like the best bang for the buck though.

I got the mount to use it as a bike computer and that’s been pretty good compared to my clapped wahoo roam.

 

[Catmandoo]

I use an Instinct 2. It's a basic G Shock looking watch. It has all the necessary health metrics. You can see all of it in the Garmin Connect app.

Instinct as well, the 2 Solar. I like this watch. When I am riding in summer as well as kayaking, I have seen battery life of 42 hrs, where as 24-26 is normal. It's a good reliable watch, can broadcast your HR to a data field on the Edge, can also do a GPS track than allows a Live Track which is useful if solo kayaking, Can do the same GPS activity tracking an Edge can do. Has weather and wind info., Has a music control function that I've never used. Plus all sorts of other do-dads.

 

[wolfmw]

I use an Instinct 2. It's a basic G Shock looking watch. It has all the necessary health metrics. You can see all of it in the Garmin Connect app.

Another vote for Instinct 2, does everything I want it to (and a lot more I don't care about) and works well with my phone and Edge.

I wouldn’t bother with the Garmin (or really any fitness) watch. The optical HR isn’t accurate at all, so those stats it gives are just a shot in the dark. A lot of people don’t train with a HR strap, so they don’t realize how far off the optical HR is. It was downright useless on the Fenix 7 that I had, it was off by 30-40 beats during higher intensity exercise.

I used to use a strap, but the Instinct is pretty much spot on so I stopped bothering. Maybe doesn't respond quite as fast to short, high intensity efforts, but I'm not tracking HR for those anyway. I have found that if the wrist band isn't tight enough I can get unrealistic HR numbers from the Instinct.

Instinct as well, the 2 Solar. I like this watch. When I am riding in summer as well as kayaking, I have seen battery life of 42 hrs, where as 24-26 is normal. It's a good reliable watch, can broadcast your HR to a data field on the Edge, can also do a GPS track than allows a Live Track which is useful if solo kayaking, Can do the same GPS activity tracking an Edge can do. Has weather and wind info., Has a music control function that I've never used. Plus all sorts of other do-dads.

to clarify the battery life statement above, that 24+ hrs is while actively tracking/recording an activity. More like 24-30 DAYS in normal watch mode (which still collects basic health data in the background)!

 

[NordieBoy]

If you've already got an Edge, then I'd go for something along the 255/265/Venu 2/Instinct 2 style for a watch.
I use an Edge 130/540/Stages L10/L50/M50 depending on mood, trail, race etc and record everything on the Garmin 955.
HR is a Wahoo OHR arm strap.