The Fenix 6 Series

Fenix 6 series front small
From left tot right: The 6X, 6 and 6S
[update aug 21, 2019: added the model names]

Early last week i got hold of a huge amount of pictures (200+ and more to come) of the upcoming Fenix 6 series.
Based on the text on the back i would place them in 7 groups. 3 times a Fenix 6S, 2 times a Fenix 6 and 2 times a Fenix 6X.
All of them mention 100m and  316 SS (Stainless steel). All of them have the most recent version of the Elevate OHr sensor and have mechanical added a 5th screw on the bottom side next to the select button (just like the top side of the Fenix 5, 5X)

  • Fenix 6S Sapphire – Alt/Baro
  • Fenix 6S – Gorilla Glass
  • Fenix 6S Pro – Gorilla Glass
  • Fenix 6 Sapphire – GPS/Multi-GNSS
  • Fenix 6 Pro – Gorilla Glass
  • Fenix 6X Sapphire –  GPS/Multi-GNSS
  • Fenix 6X Pro – Gorilla Glass

The front and back side of the 3 main series look the same for each variant (Sapphire, none, Pro). The Garmin design team clearly has made more variants with bezels and bands than every before (*not all designs shown)
On the firmware side more and more small graphic elements / icons are added to the existing and new metrics.

Pricing:

  • Fenix 6S – $599-$899
  • Fenix 6 – $599-$999
  • Fenix 6X – $749-$1199

The pro is more expensive (+$100) compared to the “base” model and sapphire is more expensive compared to the Pro model (+$100)

Models:

  • Fenix 6s White with White Band
  • Fenix 6s Silver with Black Band
  • Fenix 6s Pro Black with Black Band
  • Fenix 6s Pro Rose Gold-tone with White Band
  • Fenix 6s Sapphire Rose Gold-tone with Powder Gray Band
  • Fenix 6s Sapphire Carbon Gray DLC with Black Band
  • Fenix 6s Sapphire Rose Gold-tone with Heathered Black Nylon Band
  • Fenix 6s Sapphire Light Gold-tone with Shale Gray Leather Band
  • Fenix 6 Silver with Black Band
  • Fenix 6 Pro Black with Black Band
  • Fenix 6 Sapphire Carbon Gray DLC with Black Band
  • Fenix 6 Sapphire Titanium with Ember Orange Band
  • Fenix 6 Sapphire Black DLC with Heathered Red Nylon Band
  • Fenix 6 Sapphire Titanium with Vented Titanium Bracelet
  • Fenix 6X Pro Black with Black Band
  • Fenix 6X Sapphire Carbon Gray DLC with Black Band
  • Fenix 6X Sapphire Black DLC with Chestnut Leather Band
  • Fenix 6X Pro Solar Titanium Carbon Gray DLC with Black Band
  • Fenix 6X Pro Solar Titanium with Vented Titanium Bracelet

 

Fenix 6 series back small
From left tot right: The 6X, 6 and 6S

 

Garmin – Fenix 6

Fenix6-Front-small
Most left is the Fenix 6 Pro, the other 3 are the Fenix 6 sapphire models

Not expecting any Garmin announcements during the summer, just before my weekend started i came across the different sites (the5krunner/gpsrumours/activejr) which where all talking about the Fenix 6.
A YouTube video was up and some photo’s where leaked.

According to the various sites the video mentioned the following Fenix 6 models:

  • Garmin Fenix 6 / 6 Pro
  • Garmin Fenix 6s / 6s Pro
  • Garmin Fenix 6x Pro / 6x Pro Solar

While the photo’s showed clear evidence i still had some double so i did a very fast little research and all seems to be true.

Because of the very, very limited time i had i only did the research for what looked the nicest watch for me: the Fenix6 / Fenix 6 pro.

My search result revealed:

  • Both a Fenix 6 Pro and a Fenix 6 sapphire exist (marking PRO or SAPPHIRE on the back)
  • Fenix 6 Pro has Gorilla Glass
  • Same optical HR sensor as Forerunner 945 (and most likely other hardware like GNSS)
  • Barometer on right side has slightly changed dual hole input.
  • Full set of renders of various Fenix 6 Pro/Sapphire models
  • All features of the Forerunner 945 / Fenix Plus 5x (Edit: even swim OHR was listed swim is only listed in 1 of the 5 sites with the upcoming product info making it more a wish than a fact)(all of the Garmin features are taken from the FR945)
  • Is listed in various online shops at the moment so SOON to be released!
Fenix6-Front-screens-small
Most left is the Fenix 6 Pro, the other 3 are the Fenix 6 sapphire models

As the rumours seem true i will try to get hold of the Fenix 6S and Fenix 6X information next monday asap. Little info: There are indeed 3 different (main) series which will lauch on the same day.

 

Garmin – Edge 530 & Edge 830

Edge530
Edge530

[Edge530front.jpg][Edge830front.jpg][Edgex30back]

Garmin is going to release 2 versions of the new Edge series, the 530 & 830, for specifications and ETA see below.

Edge 530:

  • 7 button version (No Touchscreen)
  • Bluetooth and ANT+
  • WiFi
  • A03485 / IPH-03485
  • Manual: Edge 530

Edge 830:

  • 3 buttons + Touchscreen
  • Bluetooth and ANT+
  • WiFi
  • AA3485 / IPH-03485
  • Manual: Edge 830

Cadence Sensor:

  • Bluetooth and ANT+
  • Power Supply: CR2032 3V battery
  • A03650 / IPH-03650

Speed Sensor:

  • Bluetooth and ANT+
  • Power Supply:CR2032 3V battery
  • A03610 / IPH-03610

 

Edge 530:

Edge530Front

Estimated delivery: Late May 2019.

The Garmin Edge 530 GPS Bike Computer Bundle really is at the edge of innovation when it comes to advanced bike computer technology. The best selling Edge 520 has been upgraded and improved across the board. The Edge 530 offers dynamic performance monitoring and insights to help take your bike riding to the next level. The improved processor makes it twice as fast as its predecessor, with an increased battery life of 20 hours and a 13% larger display. The Edge 530 is packed full of new features to enhance your riding and training, starting with performance focused metrics such as VO2 Max, recovery time, training status/load with new training load focus, Heat/Altitude Acclimation status and smart nutrition/hydration tracking. The new Climbpro feature allows you to see the remaining grade and ascent when climbing, while mountain bikers are well looked after with new Mountain Bike Dynamics tracking your jumps and descents, while Forksight will automatically display upcoming forks in the trail when you pause, to give you at a glance context of where you are in the trail network. These features really are great for mountain biking, making the Edge 530 a real option for both the road and the trails.

On top of these great features for riding, Garmin have done their best to make the Edge 530 practical and easy to use. Adding a Find My Edge feature that allows you to find your device should it come off in a crash and a bike alarm that will detect if your bike is being moved while you’re away from it. You’ll still get the same great Garmin features, with GPS, GLONASS and Galileo support giving you accurate location data, as well as preloaded Garmin Maps and improved off road navigation with trail specific content from TrailForks.

(ERP €350)

Garmin: Forerunner 45

FR45

Forerunner 45

Above are some views of the Forerunner 45. Placed on request of Martin.
Same (new) optial HR sensor as NEW Forerunner 245 Music.
Again a fixed band like the FR35, firmware is a crippled down mix of all current watches.

There are even some inside rumours this watch will be the reason the Forerunner 245  might not see the daylight, with the appearance of the FR245 pictures this does not seem to be true. [updated after receiving the full set of FR245 pictures]
Soon we will have the FR45s, FR45,  FR245, FR245 Music, FR645, FR645 Music & FR945. [edit: 2019-april-23 activejr.com has specs and pictures of a FR45s]

 

FR45-back
Backside of the FR45
FR45vsFR945
Main screen of the FT45 vs FR945

Forerunner 945

While writing the above the5krunner posted some of the Forerunner 945 pictures.
Below is one of the complete set, for the others: https://the5krunner.com/

Forerunner945
FR945 (source: the5krunner)

As i see now, not all pictures are available on the other sources. So i made a compilation of the major screens which show all functionality the FR945 has.

FR945Screens

 

 

Edge 830

Personal i don’t know what the order of release will be. We still have the Edge830 (baby 1030 / slightly larger upgraded 820) compatible with the Garmin Charge™ Power Pack  which should be available with the “new” speed and cadence sensors.

Garmin: Instinct

Garmin_Instinct.jpg

Today Garmin released their latest watch: Instinct.
I had pictures and the name since last week, however i could not verify if it was a new watch or an old “engineering sample”. I couldn’t find anything on the internet and based on the pictures it looked like an old watch so i didn’t use the information.

The press release:

Meet the Garmin® Instinct®: a GPS watch built tough for the outdoors

Thursday, October 11, 2018 6:00 am CDT
Garmin_Instinct2
“We are thrilled to add Instinct to our adventure watch lineup, an approachable smartwatch that is rugged and reliable”

OLATHE, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced Instinct, a strong and durable GPS watch with built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter plus multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) support and wrist-based heart rate. In addition to key GPS data, ABC and heart rate sensors, Instinct includes built-in sports apps, smart connectivity and wellness data.

“We are thrilled to add Instinct to our adventure watch lineup, an approachable smartwatch that is rugged and reliable,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Instinct is perfect for those who spend their time outdoors and demand a device built tough to stand up in the elements.”

The Instinct is a reliable tool built to endure challenging environments. The Instinct is constructed to military standards (MIL-STD-810G) for thermal, shock and water resistance (rated to 100 meters) with a fiber reinforced polymer case. It’s built with a chemically strengthed and scratch-resistant display that’s easy-to-read, especially in direct sunlight. Plus, the fully vented silicone bands include two independent, removable keeper loops to ensure a secure fit.

While in the field, feel confident exploring off the beaten path thanks to the Instinct, which features multiple GNSS satellite networks to help track a users location in more challenging environments than with just GPS alone. Before venturing out, use the Garmin Explore™ app to plan the trip in advance and when it’s time to head back to camp, the TracBack® feature on the watch can navigate the same route back to the original starting point.

With built-in wrist based heart rate, users can monitor daily activity, stress, sleep and other wellness data1. Whether camping, on a training run or going through day-to-day activities, Instinct keeps track of heart rate, steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned and more. Hiking, running, biking, swimming, kayaking and skiing are just a few of the activities supported on the device. Through heart rate variability, the Instinct can track stress levels, allowing the user to be more aware of when physical or emotional sources may cause stress levels to rise.

When paired with a compatible smartphone, Instinct users can leave their phone packed away and protected while they receive smart notifications like texts, emails and other alerts right on the wrist. Instinct is compatible with Garmin Connect™, an online fitness community where users can track workouts, sleep patterns such as how much time spent in light, deep and REM cycles, and even compete in virtual fitness challenges. The Instinct will also be compatible with other Garmin devices including inReach Mini, VIRB action cameras and dog tracking devices. Send and receive inReach Mini satellite communication messages2, declare an SOS, control the VIRB start and stop function and get dog status updates and alerts for viewing at a glance on the watch.

Instinct features a battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode, and up to 40 hours in UltraTrac™ battery saver mode. It is available in Graphite, Tundra and Flame Red for a suggested retail price of $299.99.

Instinct is the latest solution from Garmin’s expanding outdoor segment, which focuses on developing technologies and innovations to enhance users’ outdoor experiences. Whether hiking, hunting, trail running, mountain biking, golfing, diving or using satellite communication, Garmin outdoor devices are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. For more information about Garmin’s other outdoor products and services, go to garmin.com/outdoorsgarmin.blogs.com and twitter.com/garmin.

For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmintwitter.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin.

1 See Garmin.com/ataccuracy

2 Active satellite subscription required

 

Polar Vantage V & Vantage M

VantageV_Hires
Vantage V (click for larger view (1500×600))
Official Polar News:

Introducing the new Polar Vantage series – the next-generation multisport watches

September 13, 2018
The rumors are true: They are here!

We introduce to you: the new Polar Vantage series, the pro-level multisport watches designed to help ambitious, goal-oriented athletes reach their full potential.

Building on Polar legacy, these advanced multisport watches go way beyond the earlier Polar products and are unique in their accuracy, design and technology.

No matter what your sport is, the new Polar Vantage products will guide you on your way and provide the most accurate data so that you can focus on what’s important: the sport itself.

Vantage_V-M_beautyshot_running-HR-web.png


INFO below is from before official Polar release


Rumours become facts -> No updates will be made until after the official release. at that moment i will add the Polar release data and continue to work on getting info on future products. (just before release all the information is already spread on many sites)
PolarVantageVM.jpg
Update: 12 September: “password” on the polar site released: BLOODSWEATANDDATA, shows a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC3r9hzGW-Q and a confirms Thursday 12:00 (CET)
Update:
12 September – Nothing special, tiny views of watch appearing on various photos (not added), all of course the same as the renders.
Update
: 10 September Polar Live Stream from Berlin Thursday at 11:25CET (13 Sept).
Update: 10 September – Polar has send out a mail we still have to wait a few days for double excitement. Nothing we already knew.

Update: 10 September – Polar site now shows 2nd teaser to everyone (https://d3bxcklrjdjbsc.cloudfront.net/polar/mp4/vantage-teaser-2-xyz123GloB4l.mp4). More teasing on twitter/facebook etc with the “Polar” athletes.
Update: 9 Sept. 2018 – Reshuffle of old post and added the high-res Vantage pictures and a few extra specs.

At the moment teasing and promotion of the new Polar Vantage series is being held.
Latest rumours are closed presentations begin next week (Oct 10), official release Thursday 13 sept 2018, 12:00 (see update above Polar Live Stream from Berlin Thursday at 11:25)
This “new” post is a reformatted old one where new information will be added.
Current we see sporter’s line Maurice Clavel, Molly Huddle, Sebastian Kienle and Patrik Nilsson appear in short promo’s all with the hashtag

Global Triathlon Network shot a video on the new Vantage in Oulu, Finland and visited the Polar Factory. The visit to the Polar Factory is online the one on the Vantage not yet.

(if Polar would invite me i would be happy to shoot  a video while in Finland)

Personal i would love to see a watch which has the features of a real sports watch and collects real and correct data. One of Polar’s quotes is “Data you can count on. Get truly accurate insights into your training, sleep and activity.
Time will tell

PolarVantageA

https://www.polar.com/en/vantage – or – http://www.polarvantage.com/

Vantage V

The Polar Vantage V, the premium polar GPS Multisport Watch integrates cutting-edge technology, a design of first quality and the polar flow Integral ecosystem for all those who pursue maximize your performance optimizing your training.

specifications

Based on watch and Amazon info

  • Polar Precision Prime
  • Water resistance 30m (WR30M)
  • Up to 40 hours of registration time with maximum precision, optical HRM and GPS enabled.
  • First watch able to measure running power from the wrist
  • Polar claims it’s “the most accurate wrist heart rate recording system on the market” with both red and green LEDs (9*)+ 4 electrodes
  • Price €499,-
  • Black, White and Orange  (Orange limited)
  • Training Load & Recovery Pro
  • Weight: 81.6g / 99.8g  (Garmin Fenix 5 plus = 86 g, Suunto Baro 9 = 81g)
PolarVantageB
Screenshot of Teaser 2

Vantage teasers.

https://d3bxcklrjdjbsc.cloudfront.net/polar/mp4/vantage-teaser-1.mp4  – live, 1st teaser
https://d3bxcklrjdjbsc.cloudfront.net/polar/mp4/vantage-teaser-2.mp4 – taken offline, replace by:
https://d3bxcklrjdjbsc.cloudfront.net/polar/mp4/vantage-teaser-2-xyz123GloB4l.mp4

 

Vantage V types and ordering info

90069634 – Polar Vantage V – Black HR  – €549,95
90069668 – Polar Vantage V – Black – €499,95
90070736 – Polar Vantage V – White €499,95
90070738 – Polar Vantage V – Orange exclusive – €499,95

 

PolarVantageAmazon

VantageV-box-Kienle
The Vantage V of Sebastian Kienle? (size looks similar to known specification 125 x 95 x 85 mm, 472gr)

 

Vantage M

VantageM_Hires
Polar Vantage M (click for larger view (1500×600))

Vantage M types and ordering info

90069736 – Polar Vantage M – Black M/L – €279,95
90069740 – Polar Vantage M – Black S/M – €279,95
90069738 – Polar Vantage M – White M/L – €279,95
90069744 – Polar Vantage M – White S/M – €279,95

polar-vantage-m
Render vs Real

Demo day

PolarVantageSignUp

In the Netherlands there is a demoday on oktober 3 on which a limited amount of Vantage watches are for sale (no model mentioned)

Text:
Introduction day 3 October 2018
The introduction day of the Polar Vantage is in sight. Wednesday, October 3, 2018 the watch is available at xxx Polar delivers a limited number of models, so make your reservation now!
Polar Vantage introduction day
Registration form Polar Vantage introduction day on Wednesday 3 October 2018.

E-mail address *
First Name
Last name *
Number of persons *
Time of day *
– 10 am
– 11 am
– 13.00
– 14.00 hours
– 15.00
– 16.00 hours
Reservation Vantage sports watch
Polar delivers a limited number of watches. Are you planning to purchase a watch? Then we advise to reserve one now.
Reservation of sports watch *
– Yes, I would like to book a Vantage sports watch
– No reservation

Polar’s Flagship “Vantage V” on the horizon?

Polar Vantage V Front and Back
Polar Vantage V

Post frozen, new information added in new post:

Polar Vantage V & Vantage M

 

PolarVantageA

PolarVantageUnlock

PolarVantageB
Left: Vantage V – Right: Vantage M

It seems finally Polar has finished their premium GPS Multisport Watch: the Vantage V.

I have seen quite a few rumours about this one but no specs or pictures (when this post was first published) so lets start with the ones i like best (specs from Amazon):

  • Up to 40 hours of registration time with maximum precision, optical HRM and GPS enabled.
  • First watch able to measure running power from the wrist!
  • Polar claims it’s “the most accurate wrist heart rate recording system on the market” with both red and green LEDs (9*)+ 4El (electrodes )!
  • Price €499,-
  • Black, White and Orange  (Orange Only? shipping date mid November, 2018?)
  • Training Load & Recovery Pro
  • Weight: 81.6g (Garmin Fenix 5 plus = 86 g, Suunto Baro 9 = 81g)(99.8? with HR)

Product Description

The Polar Vantage V, the premium polar GPS Multisport Watch integrates cutting-edge technology, a design of first quality and the polar flow Integral ecosystem for all those who pursue maximize your performance optimizing your training.

 

PolarVantageAmazon

 

White box Vantage V
Polar Vantage V proto “lookalike” box  (125 x 95 x 85 mm, 475gr)

Vantage M & Vantage V types and ordering info

90069634 – Polar Vantage V – Black HR  – €549,95
90069668 – Polar Vantage V – Black – €499,95
90070736 – Polar Vantage V – White €499,95
90070738 – Polar Vantage V – Orange exclusive – €499,95

90069736 – Polar Vantage M – Black M/L – €279,95
90069740 – Polar Vantage M – Black S/M – €279,95
90069738 – Polar Vantage M – White M/L – €279,95
90069744 – Polar Vantage M – White S/M – €279,95

Vantage M

A question why i didn’t include the Vantage M?
Basic because i have little interest and “limited” info on this watch.
Added the little info i have
Price should be: Polar VANTAGE M. € 279,99
I combined the two available pictures: Westernbikeworks and ducane

polar-vantageM
Polar Vantage M

 


Update: clarification: 4El stands for 4 electrodes (elektrodi), box size
Update2: (Aug 17, 2018) Date changed from date (on sale November 15, 2018) to “Available in presale“? (Orange) All European Amazon sites have the Vantage V added to their inventory. The orange remains (personal preorder) the only one which stays in the basket.
Update3: (Aug 24, 2018) Added Front and Back picture (comment from Pierre below, thanks!)
Update4: (Aug 27, 2018) Sales date of my Orange pre-order changed back to “on sale November 15” (in pictures you can find sept 29 for the Vantage M)
Update5: (Aug 28, 2018) In the Netherlands there is a demoday on oktober 3 on which a limited amount of Vantage watches are for sale (no model mentioned)
Update6: (sept 3) Added final types and pricing (europe), No major update. (new one: closed presentation begin next week, official Thursday 13 sept 2018, 12:00)
Update6: (sept 5 ) DNS changed, Polarvantage.com now points to the Polar.com site with Vantage teasers. https://d3bxcklrjdjbsc.cloudfront.net/polar/mp4/vantage-teaser-1.mp4 & https://d3bxcklrjdjbsc.cloudfront.net/polar/mp4/vantage-teaser-2.mp4

PolarVantageSignUp
Text:
Introduction day 3 October 2018
The introduction day of the Polar Vantage is in sight. Wednesday, October 3, 2018 the watch is available at xxx Polar delivers a limited number of models, so make your reservation now!
Polar Vantage introduction day
Registration form Polar Vantage introduction day on Wednesday 3 October 2018.

E-mail address *
First Name
Last name *
Number of persons *
Time of day *
– 10 am
– 11 am
– 13.00
– 14.00 hours
– 15.00
– 16.00 hours
Reservation Vantage sports watch
Polar delivers a limited number of watches. Are you planning to purchase a watch? Then we advise to reserve one now.
Reservation of sports watch *
– Yes, I would like to book a Vantage sports watch
– No reservation