Garmin FENIX 5/5S/5X MEGA Unboxing!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hi all! Hope you enjoy this look at what's inside the boxes. As noted, these are final production units from a hardware standpoint, however, they are currently running beta firmware. Once I get final firmware, I'll aim for about 1-2 weeks later for an in-depth review, likely putting it mid-March. Plenty of goodness to come!

[@MattLongacre]

Since you've got hardware versions of this, do you have any clue in what timeframe they will have a release date?

[@Dcrainmaker]

March is still on track.

[@gregmartin6888]

Amazon UK have 1st of April but one of the tech sites thinks this is slipping. I do wish Garmin would give a firm date bit like a videogame release but maybe they ship on time and just patch post launch. www.amazon.co.uk/Garmin-Multisport-Outdoor-Navigation-Wrist-Based/dp/B01N7J9APR?tag=openwaterswim-21&linkCode=w13&linkId=&ref_=assoc_res_sw_zz_dka_cra_t0_result_1&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.buckstutors.co.uk%2F Reply

[@gregmartin6888]

Garmin UK have the vague and flaky "1st Quarter 2017" buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/p/552982

[@Dcrainmaker]

Garmin has always stayed Q1 2017 (since day 1), and they've also always stated March. Everything is on target for that, but keep in mind that there simply won't be enough units on week 1 of shipping for all SKU's (it's always been that way). Also, various retailers will differ. For example, historically Amazon doesn't tend to get first shipments. Not sure why..just is.

[@kirklawrence620]

This will be my first-ever Fenix. Already pre-ordered (sapphire 5) and CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

[@Rfpepe7295]

What are you currently using? I am thinking of getting the 3 now with the price drop

[@kirklawrence620]

Oh, I'm using OLD SCHOOL gear! A Forerunner 310XT :-) From all that I've read, the 3HR is still a very good alternative, especially with the price drop. Go for it!

[@Reticulosis]

I switched from Polar V800 to fenix 3 HR, I love it, only issue is battery life. I'd charge my V800 ever week/week and a half, Id run 2-3 miles and do hour at the gym plus long runs on weekends (6-14 miles). My fenix I'm charging it every 4 to 6 days.

[@jermaximus]

Great video! But why didn't you put them on your wrist!!?? I want to see what they look like on the wrist before I order one! I liked your comparisons, but I still have no idea what they would look like on my wrist and am still conflicted between the 5 and 5s

[@Dcrainmaker]

+JDA Check out the post linked in description, I've put tons of wrist photos there.

[@jermaximus]

Thanks brother!

[@KomengDeBatiste]

At first, chose the 5 over 5X due to batt stamina alone. But wait, my ultras would be >24hrs and have to bring charger/powerbank anyways and prices for both 5/5X sapphire/metal are the SAME...finally settled on 5X and I can now sleep better! GREAT and HELPFUL video, thanks!

[@MicheldeMaat]

Have you seen the way to connect a charger? The only way you can use it , is when you have a hole in your wrist.

[@KomengDeBatiste]

Yes I do, but I dont HR data so charging it off my wrist (and in my race vest) is no problem for me.

[@Maverick5588]

iv been waiting for this video! very pleased to see it even though i wont be buying one for quite a while because i already have the fenix 3. they look fantastic

[@massimomatricini]

ho avuto (e rivenduto dopo pochi mesi) il fenix 3 hr, ed ora voglio il fenix 5!!! 😍

[@MarlonVoorn]

Thanx DC Rainmaker for the unboxing .........Fenix 5x saphire

[@AndreasPinkert]

I think the sapphire is worth the money. I owned a LOT of mineral glass watches and they all had scratches after a few months. I now own a Saphire glass watch since 8 years and it is covered in scratches *on the case* but none on the glass. So for a sport watch. That will get in contact with gear, nature, etc. I think I will definitely go for the sapphire and the X is a no-brainer from there.

[@MichelleH45]

Thanks for letting me know the size of the 5S is about the same as the 735XT. That is a much more manageable size for a person with smaller wrists.

[@jcg5280]

Love your videos!! They're so informative! So excited for the Fenix 5s!

[@DarkaFire]

Great video Ray, still love my Fenix 3 so may wait until the Fenix 6 comes out in a year/two but if I didn't have it I'd get the 5x I think.

[@timosalpharomeo]

Great video, totally loved it. Great work. Many thanks

[@JTMinnesota]

Not much enthusiasm in an inboxing video of a highly-anticipated device. Hopefully Garmin has solved the altimeter issues specific to the wrist-based HR sensor. A few bummer moments in this video: 05:00 10:12 12:40 I really want to be more excited to buy a Fenix 5x, but the combination of high price, inconvenient charging cord, lack of available non-HR version (I just don't want buggy altimeter/GPS or other sensor stuff), and lack of non-Sapphire 5x version WITH WiFi kind of turns me off a bit. Plus, my Fenix 3 is still going strong with no issues, so... I'll wait for a few months to see how the Fenix 5x is reviewed by folks before shelling out $800...

[@geotwj]

that B roll , great vid.

[@gesteinsrad2409]

Jesus Ray, are you using the tiny mic hole on some action cam?

[@Maverick5588]

gesteinsrad ya the sound is really off in this video. did make it hard to listen to. sounds like it was recorded by a potato in a tin can

[@bedoinuk]

haven't tried to record anything with a potato in a tin can, but liking the idea - potatoes are amazing! But my question is - has the 620 survived?

[@janvanderwegen01]

getting real better in the cinematography! nice :-)

[@janvanderwegen01]

Sound quality was not that good however... Still way better than I could ever make!

[@GaryDePriest]

Thanks DCR! Looking forward to hearing about the features and benifits of the 5X for triathletes in comparison to the 920xt. (time to upgrade from the 910)

[@Toolsinaction]

Are they out now?

[@alexandertrinh]

Very thorough. Thank you!!

[@kevinhikes]

Thanks for the video. Would love to see a detailed comparison between the 5X and 3HR. In one of the images, the 5X looks slightly thinner than the 3HR.

[@brandonporter4227]

Thanks for the videos on the Fenix 5 series! Can you confirm a feature, or lack thereof, for me? The 5X has maps, and I believe the Round-trip Run and Round-trip Ride are tied to that. So I'm assuming the 5 and the 5S don't have that feature. Is that correct? I think it's a feature that could be included by using the Garmin Connect app on your phone, have it generate a route, and then send turn-by-turn directions to the watch. I know not everyone carries their phone with them when they run or ride, but some do. I do. It's like they built the watches, specifically the 5X, to be completely independent (understandable), but then don't even bother to consider all the additional features they COULD have had (on the 5 and 5S) were the phone present.

[@Dcrainmaker]

That would be very logical (and cool), but alas, not a feature. :(

[@chrisconley3579]

I preordered my 5X the day they opened for it... DYING to get it.. come on!

[@myopenmind527]

Video of the watches on your wrist would be great. The photos on your website are a help. The fenix 5x looks the same size as the fenix 3 HR as far as I can tell.

[@StephenAbrahamMY]

+Ray, can you do a video installing the quickswap bands from the F5 onto the F3? Wonder how does that work, and does it work well? I suspect on the F3, we just install the original pins without the original strap, and put on the new quickswap bands?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup - on my short list!

[@squirrito]

DCR, question about navigation: can you simply enter an address via the watch or phone and navigate there turn by turn? or is the navigation function poi and random route based only?

[@hayabusa27]

16:23 ouch did that poor ol watch land ok?

[@JafarAlMoosa]

would have loved to see them on the wrist when you were doing the size comparison, I am still torn between the 5 or the 5x and size is my biggest deciding factor.

[@barmun]

It was very useful n intresting, thank u

[@tymbrimi0]

Thanks for the ongoing coverage! Did Garmin explain why they made the seemingly stupid decision not to use some of the 12GB storage for music playlists?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's likely not about the storage, about the Bluetooth chipset and whether it's the right one.

[@HumbleD50]

Nice unboxing...Subscribed.

[@Yalsti]

Hi! Thanks for a video. At 11:08 U said 5X has different optical hr sensor, right? what is different?

[@omadlom]

Great video, thanks boss

[@CarlosGarcia-fb8pe]

good companion: I wanted to know your opinion. I am taking pleasure to run and when I do a little better, now it is very cold in my land, I want to go out with the bike ... I have been looking at your blog to see if I decide on the 5 sapphire fenix but I get many doubts. .. 1. Would you wait for another model? 2. better the 5x .. it seems very big and I would use it for day to day but I would be guided by your opinion. thanks for so much information

[@BorreyKim]

Did you mix up the battery life titles in your video? 7:56?

[@Dcrainmaker]

+Borrey Kim I don't believe so. The 5X actually gets less battery life due to processing of maps. Or did you mean something else?

[@BorreyKim]

wow thanks, must have not been listening and just assuming...

[@charlielimena3536]

Nice roadbike t-shirt. What is it?

[@agentsmith916]

After trying the Fenix 5 and the Fenix 5x on your wrist, which one do you like more? Was the bulk from the 5x really noticeable compared to the regular 5? I like the size of the 5 but I also really really like the idea of having maps on the 5x. I will most likely be wearing this all the time so comfort counts. Any input would be nice. Thanks!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Having worn the 5 for two months now, I like the size. When i put on the 5X, it feels massive/heavy, even though that's basically the same size as the Fenix3 was. I guess it may be because I rarely wore the Fenix3 as a day to day watch.

[@JvKintheUSA]

When will they start shipping?

[@msjoe4918]

great video ...cool

[@vegasryan777]

Great video...thx!

[@Stigke]

Hi Ray, love your vids en reviews. Question, does this Fenix lack the same issue as the Fenix 3 when it comes to alti and barometer issues? Thanks!

[@mikederas8530]

I'm really interested in the 24/7 HR feature as an activity monitor...

[@oytungur]

The inner screen of the watches look like they are same in the diameter. Does resolution or inside diameter change for each? Or only the outside antenna gets bigger and bigger?

[@Meeexpxp]

Thanks great video!

[@marcojm9]

Hi. Could you install "Tree Benchmark" from the Connect IQ store and see what score this watch gets and post back? Thanks.

[@johnmanley4528]

Hi Ray. Is there any difference in size/weight between the 5S Saphire and the regular 5S? Thanks.

[@hiroadrian]

You mentioned in the video that the fenix 5x watch band can be used with the fenix 3hr? Really interested about this.. can you make a short video on showing this compatibility? I just bought a fenix 3 so I wont be upgrading anytime soon but I'm really interested in switching bands instantly to use between office and sports..

[@Dcrainmaker]

+Hiro Adrian Yup, planning a video on exactly that.

[@larrnt]

several complaints about audio so I thought I'd suggest trying out the rode smartlav+. I am not educated in stuff like that but I saw a video with it and it sounded pretty good.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, I have a SmartLav+, which I often use. But, the mics I have are in theory far better. But I think the issue is the connection to my camera causing issues. I bought a pre-amp the other day, so I'm hoping that helps. The only downside to using the SmartLav+ is that it adds one more step with the file merging later on, since I have to mix the video files separate from the audio files.

[@GordonMoat]

DC Rainmaker I'm running the same lav mic into a Zoom H2n. It"s really about the settings, though you have to be certain any connections or adapters are secure. Some cameras also cause interference on these thin cables.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, I received the pre-amp last night. Going to do some playing with it here this afternoon. I'm 99% sure it's the connection into my D500 DX that's causing the issues. I've just gotta dink with it for a while and figure it out. Super frustrating. And as much as I like the SmartLav+ (I use it a lot at events), the speed in which I can edit without having to re-combine audio is much faster if the audio layer is on the video (especially if I end up with many pieces of video/audio to combine).

[@larrnt]

I definitely appreciate the effort put into the videos and editing. Even though I can't constantly be upgrading, I still enjoy watching your videos. Your channel is by far the most informative and well put together when it comes to this kind of gear.

[@Nadavgordonbar86]

Hi, can you explain in depth once and for all - because I keep seeing different data in different places that compere the two - what exactly are the differences between Fenix 5 sapphire and Fenix 5S sapphire? I'm, off course, not asking about size and weight - but things like Wi-Fi that some say that there are some Fenix 5 sapphire without. I already know about the battery life, and pixels. Are there any more differences? Thanx so much.

[@ferryengr]

Can you use the standard NATO strap (nylon strap) that is commonly available? That is, does the Fenix 5 have a strap "bar" at each side that the NATO style strap could slip behind?

[@Bigtomstud84]

On your site it has the Sapphire 5 in both silicon and metal band coming with a different band. Yet on the 5x only the metal comes with the yellow band. Is that still the case? Seems only the 5x in black band doesn't come with the second band.

[@Dcrainmaker]

That's my understanding of it. Not entirely sure on reasoning.

[@beltrantailhade9373]

What do u think about the new sunnto Spartan Sport Wrist HR Baro, would you say is a good watch for running?

[@CatalinEnache]

Hi Ray, I'm thinking about buying the 5s because I've a small wrist: how about HR precision of Fenix 5s vs Fenix 5 as a smaller watch will fit better on the wrist? thanks.

[@KentR23]

DC please review the watch on a GYM/Workout environment, I know it's the best running watch but I want to know it's workout performance because Fenix 3 was weak and basically like a Fitbit...

[@markmontuori7003]

Does the 5x come with BOTH metal and rubber bands? Most of the pre-order websites show them as SEPARATE items. Thanks

[@Crimsonium]

How would you compare a Fenix 5 (not x or S) vs a Fenix Chronos (leather). I just love the all metal design of the Chronos.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Chronos got in a recent firmware update all of the software features of the Fenix5. The only different is it has a slightly (like, by 6 months) older sensor, so it doesn't get the 1-2 second 24x7 HR recording of the Fenix 5.

[@-NateTheGreat]

Is the battery life on all models the same?

[@cpzd83]

Nate The Great sadly not look at 7:57 he gives you the specs

[@-NateTheGreat]

I can barely read the white text over the white band in the video

[@arusticcharm]

It's unclear to me if the 5S will work well with the HRM tri bundle, because the Garmin site doesn't allow you to select the tri bundle with the 5S model. Any thoughts?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It does work - no issues there. In fact, used the 5S today with the HRM-TRI. :) As for the bundles, it's a bit...messy. I think they were trying to minimize just how many variations/SKU's there would be.

[@ToolkiT73UK]

@8:01 this is the black version and as you can see it is...... eh black :D

[@realme-em3xy]

One question hope u help me answer it .. on your opinion garmin 5s or garmin instinct

[@berthuygens5420]

Did i see it correct that only the 5X has a red ring around the upper right button? Does it have a extra function (like on the cronos) than on the 5 and 5S ?

[@oliverramirez2719]

What do you do with the watches you don’t use?

[@belarus35]

Thank you. this video that what I look for "compare"

[@RealStudBrownie]

does the fenix 5x come with both the metal band and silicone band? and does the fenix 5x have MGRS

[@dixitk13]

would you suggest Sunnto spartan sport wrist HR or Garmin fenix 5 for daily running with gps navigation? + DC Rainmaker

[@spyrosaxel]

hello my friend!when it comes out(Europe)?

[@FallingStar1591]

april

[@abbyblackmon3777]

Can you explain the difference between the 5s and the 5s sapphire? i know that it pertains to WiFi but i am unsure what that means exactly. I currently have a forerunner 230 and am looking for a big upgrade. The 230 syncs to my phone when bluetooth is connected.

[@ep6606]

Is there any way of pausing or disabling the steps?

[@victorgpatriots]

how are ppl saying they have these? it shows me not available until 4-6 weeks... on garmin website... this would be my first fennix or Garmin product... really hesitating on waiting for it to come out or just buying the fenix 3 HR

[@eSKAone-]

I hope you stay like this, with all the different reviews, tests, and insights. Don't get like Richnose (Rizknows), becoming a home order television channel begging for attention at Casey Neistat.

[@LIIeBa]

Hi. Is it possible attach not original band to f5? e.g. is f3 band compatible to f5? Thanks

[@agentsmith916]

What is the battery life of the 5x compared to the regular 5? I want the 5x but I don't want it if the battery life is horrible compared to the regular 5

[@Dcrainmaker]

+Chris Smith Check out the battery life section at 7:56ish

[@Awegener69]

is the fenix 5 have capable of inputing MGRS coordinates like the tactic bravo?

[@nickvanornum5206]

Andrew I need to know the answer to this also? Can I look up my current grid coordinates? Big concern of mine. Deal breaker if it doesn't!

[@jbb66]

Where do you buy one? Hard to find in DFW.

[@JoshRivner]

Jarrod Barclay REI has them in the DFW area

[@jbb66]

Appreciate the reply. I checked with them last week. They had some in non-sapphire glass. What's your opinion on the mineral glass? I've never had one of these watches before - no experience with wearing them.

[@ciro2001max]

Lo que no aclaraste es que el vidrio del la version X es mas grande que la del 5 normal, entonces la pantalla parece mas chica en el X.

[@RFLSWE]

Love your videos but the audio makes them almost unwatchable. Please get a decent mic.

[@Kaevinlaw]

Side by side it looks like the F5S is smaller than 735XT and F5 is slightly larger than 735XT. That's interesting.

[@summerfondue]

Weights twice more than 735xt...

[@raki76]

Thanks!!! Always the first!

[@indorock]

Why did they skip 4? As a Fenix 3 owner I was thinking to myself, am I THAT out of the loop?

[@Kortochtjock]

"FOUR" sounds like "death" or something like that in some asian languages. So they went with 5.

[@JamesBooker82]

4 is an unlucky number in some parts of the world so manufacturers sometimes skip it. plus they had the Fenix 3 HR come out last year, which you could argue is the 4th model, at least from a true hardware/feature perspective with the integrated HR sensor. not talking bands etc.

[@laurenceliu794]

Can you install offline maps on the 5/5s?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, there isn't storage on it for it, nor the processing power (the 5X has storage and a different proccessor.)

[@laurenceliu794]

Ah right, thanks!

[@mr.coolguy7633]

no seal on the box?

[@matthewjohnson7350]

Garmin, until u put music storage on the Fenix or the Forerunner, I will be waiting impatiently on the sidelines with my old (but reliable) 920 xt.

[@marcaononymous]

there is some issue with the audio dude, it's pretty bad

[@LETurner76]

Please, for the love of Pete, buy yourself a Blue Microphones Yeti. Good video tho! Thanks!

[@SKANDaR0875]

is it true that fenix 5 has better battery life than fenix 5X?

[@weekendpartier]

I want to see the watches..

[@JesseRitchey]

Does anyone know if Garmin is going to continue to support the Fenix 3 with new software?

[@Dcrainmaker]

There's no plans for the Fenix3 to get much in the way of new features. Likely just occasional bug fixes.

[@vassbak]

❤ Garmin ❤

[@marathonbaker]

After all the issues with the Fenix 2 failing to sync, I'll never run with Garmin. They must think people have money to burn so they can charge such high prices for unreliable gear. What's the point in creating a watch if you can't pull the data off it.

[@mstu8097]

That's my big problem with Garmin. It's not just the stupidly high price they're asking, it's that I don't have any confidence in their software. The Fenix 3 has been having altimeter issues for months, and my own experience with the VIvosmart HR+ is not particularly good. Bugs, bugs everywhere.

[@THEMANCAVE2023]

Felix 5x works great

[@bradkaberline5828]

My girlfriends dad likes garmon like the military style with the green band

[@clockyro]

not a single online unboxing with the steel version of the bracelet. disappoint

[@badbob8394]

The t shirt drives me nuts

[@squirrito]

thanks DCR, when do you estimate your full review will come out? please if you could give the altimeter and barometer a thorough test! I just got rid of my fenix 3hr which suffers from a defective altimeter and barometer (see forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?363520-Fenix-3-HR-barometer-Altimeter-errors/page68). not sure if I should trust Garmin again!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Mid-March, assuming final firmware in the next 1-2 weeks. I want 1-2 weeks on that. I'm definitely watching that thread, and have been looking for any signs of similar issues with the F5 (I haven't seen any yet). Obviously though, as that thread/case showed - it was a firmware update that caused it, so definitely something that could change with the wind.

[@squirrito]

DC Rainmaker thanks, appreciate that you are looking out for us consumers. look forward to your review. note however: it's not at all clear that the fenix 3hr altimeter issues are a software problem only. I had an email just a few weeks ago from their tech support saying that they were finding it difficult to pin down the issue because it was so random... not confidence inspiring at all!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Agree, I don't think all are software, but I think basically most since November are. I think the rest are actually a combination of just normal altitmeter ports clogged issue (salt typically, as has the been the case for years on Garmin and even Suunto/etc watches). Then a small side order of just broke watches. We'll see though...

[@squirrito]

DC Rainmaker FYI the Garmin forum thread has been updated with what looks like a leaked document from Garmin explaining how the altimeter and barometer work and are unstable under certain conditions such as sudden changes in temperature orpressure. just a thought but maybe you could test a few scenarios like this for your review and see if the Fenix 5 is also unstable.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Interesting. Though to be honest, everything in that 'troubleshooting' guide is actually the same for any barometric altimeter watch. Meaning, everything there applies to every Garmin baro watch, as well as Suunto, Polar, etc... Obviously, that's all separate than the issues in that thread (which are real with that specific firmware). But in two months of testing, I haven't seen that baro issue on any of the four Fenix5 units I have.

[@LarsTore]

Ant+ FE-C??

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, unfortunately not.

[@LarsTore]

No need to upgrade from F3 then, pity...

[@mlumpatchannel69]

Mantap harganya berapa itu

[@eSKAone-]

The only thing you need is a better microphone.

[@WatchmanNiel]

Thanks, you're the goto guy for Garmin watches - but please get a better mic!

[@Kaevinlaw]

Where is oreo

[@Dcrainmaker]

+Kevin Law One has to save the Oreo for special occasions. Else...I'll eat too many Oreos.

[@juliojames5986]

I do not care about the box or the bands or the rest o your putzing ! What will it do, how to do it and a demo or two ! I will go elsewhere

[@Dcrainmaker]

You literally clicked to watch a video titled unboxing. Not ‘demo’.

[@juliojames5986]

@@Dcrainmaker my bad, in a way. Thumbnails are trickery. 😁☕️

[@kikonwito]

Alguien me lo regala?

[@johannesvalkrist]

Good video. Really bad Sound :(