Now a regular feature, here’s the round-up of recommendations so everything is in one place, and so we have a nice record of speculations updated for October 2017…
Sorry sorry sorry I’ve been very busy with a new job! hopefully everything is covered here, corrections in comments please as I didn’t spend long looking this month. Hopefully next month I’ll get back to doing these in the first week of the month.
In alphabetical order of manufacturer.
| Manufacturer | Device | Current Speculation |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin | Fenix | Don’t buy – this is very old |
| Garmin | Fenix 2 | Don’t buy – Fenix 3 is now cheap and Fenix 4 is due imminently |
| Garmin | Fenix 3 Fenix 3 HR, Quatix 3, D2 Bravo, Tactix Bravo | This has been superceded. It’s been a while since the Fenix 5 came out and this is still amber because it’s actually still reasonably supported and doesn’t need much fuctionality so offers great value if you don’t need the latest shiny thing. |
| Garmin | Fenix 5 | Released in January 2017 so this watch is not dated and will be very well supported throughout the next year (2018) at least. I’ve downgraded to amber purely because of speculation of a Fenix 5 Plus. Whether or not there is a “Plus”, there will be new Fenix models in January, including a Titanium one and new updated colours so be aware of that over the Xmas period. This is unlikely to be a complete new device though, so much like when the Fenix 3 went to Fenix 3 HR there will be minor incremental changes. |
| Garmin | Fenix Chronos | New, buy if you wear solid gold underpants. As with the Fenix 5 this may be replaced soon with minor changes, although as a premium model this may not be affected. |
| Garmin | Forerunner 910XT | Don’t buy – this is very old |
| Garmin | Forerunner 920XT | Has now been replaced, but this is a very capable and mature device (October 2014). If it’s cheap I’d certainly get one. |
| Garmin | Forerunner 935 | Has arrived at last (March 2017) so is fresh and good to buy. Uses Fenix 5 firmware so pretty safe from bugs. |
| Garmin | Forerunner 25 | This has been out a while (August 2015) and has been sorta replaced with the FR30. Still cheap and capable though |
| Garmin | Forerunner 30 | released September 2017 |
| Garmin | Forerunner 35 | Buy – this is still fairly new (September 2016). September 2018 would be the soonest we’d expect a replacement. |
| Garmin | Forerunner 210 | Don’t buy, this is very old (2010) |
| Garmin | Forerunner 220 | Don’t buy, this is very old (2013) |
| Garmin | Forerunner 230 | Don’t Buy – this is still fairly new but is already on the “previous models” (aka “dead to me”) page at Garmin. October 2017 is the soonest we’d expect replacement but optical HR rules the roost now so this probably won’t be replaced |
| Garmin | Forerunner 225 | Don’t buy. Garmin immediately replaced this with the 235 using their own sensor. |
| Garmin | Forerunner 235 | Wait. Garmin have started teasing about a device which is almost certainly the 245 and 645 already. |
| Garmin | Forerunner 245 | Likely coming soon to launch alongside the Forerunner 645. August-October 2017. Expect this to be similar to Approach S60 hardware. |
| Garmin | Forerunner 610 | Don’t buy, this is very old (2011) |
| Garmin | Forerunner 620 | Don’t buy, this is very old (2013) |
| Garmin | Forerunner 630 | Don’t Buy – this is still fairly new but is already on the “previous models” (aka “dead to me”) page at Garmin. October 2017 is the soonest we’d normally expect replacement. With the release of the touchscreen Approach S60 it’s likely the Forerunner 645 will come sooner rather than later since they will probably share a hardware platform |
| Garmin | Forerunner 645 | With the release of the touchscreen Approach S60 it’s likely the Forerunner 645 will come sooner rather than later since they will probably share a hardware platform. Expect this announcement some time in October 2017 and shipping November 2017 |
| Garmin | Forerunner 735XT | Buy if very cheap – this is fairly new (May 2016). If it’s cheaper than the FR935 then great, otherwise definitely go for the FR935. May 2018 is the earliest we’d expect replacement but with the Forerunner 935 in the mix it may be dropped as it was an interim solution using FR235 hardware before F5 hardware was finalised. |
| Garmin | Epix | Don’t buy. This experimental watch led to the Fenix 5X but firmware updates have all but stopped on this device despite numerous bugs |
| Garmin | Epix 2 | Abandoned, the Epix has been replaced by Fenix 5X |
| Garmin | Vivoactive | Replaced by the Vivoactive HR and on the “previous models” (aka “dead to me”) page at Garmin. |
| Garmin | Vivoactive HR | Don’t buy unless you get a good deal. This is still quite new but has been superceded by the Vivoactive 3 which seems to add a lot of things including wrist based payment. Not quite ready for a red grade yet, this is still a great watch |
| Garmin | Vivoactive 3 | Buy, this is just released in August 2017 so August 2019 is the probable replacement. |
| Garmin | Edge 20 | Buy, this is current, although may be replaced around June 2017. Given that we’re still waiting on the Edge 10×0 the Edge30 is more likely to be 2018 |
| Garmin | Edge 25 | Buy, this is current, although may be replaced around June 2017. Given that we’re still waiting on the Edge 10×0 the Edge35 is more likely to be 2018 |
| Garmin | Edge 200 | Don’t buy, this is very old (2011) |
| Garmin | Edge 500 | Don’t buy, this is very old (2009) |
| Garmin | Edge 510 | Don’t buy, this is very old (2013) |
| Garmin | Edge 520 | Buy, this is current, although may be replaced around July 2017. Given that we’re still waiting on the Edge 1010 the Edge530 is more likely to be 2018 so don’t hold out for a new one this year. |
| Garmin | Edge 800 | Don’t buy, this is very old (2010) |
| Garmin | Edge 810 | Don’t buy, this is very old (2013) |
| Garmin | Edge 820 | Buy, this is quite new. July 2018 is the earliest we’d expect replacement although 2019 more likely |
| Garmin | Edge 1000 | Buy if you get a really good deal, this was overdue for replacement and very, very old for a current device (2014!) even when replaced in August 2017. This is cheap everywhere now, and still a good device but only a little cheaper than the Edge 1030. |
| Garmin | Edge 1030 | Finally arrived in August 2017. Likely replacement…2020! Although I can imagine a 2019 update so we’ll wait and see |
| Garmin | Edge 1040 | Keep calm and wait until 2020! |
| Polar | v800 | Wait – update is probably imminent. This watch is very, very old for a current watch (2014!). The M400 was just updated and that was launched near the v800. This watch is now so far behind the curve and so long overdue for replacement that Polar might have decided to exit the premium end of the market. |
| Polar | v800.next v850 | Overdue, expected announcement at…who knows! This watch is now so long overdue for replacement that Polar might have decided to exit the premium end of the market. |
| Polar | M200 | Buy, this is just released (Oct 2016) |
| Polar | m400 | Finally updated. This is a very old watch for a current model (2014) but is very cheap and still works well. |
| Polar | m430 | Launched April 2017 and based on M400 so shouldn’t be buggy, a definite safe buy |
| Polar | M600 | Buy, this is new (Aug 2016) and was updated with new Androidwear in 2017 so definitely supported well |
| Polar | M450 | Replaced with….identical hardware and a new firmware. Normally I’d say buy if cheap, but Polar abandoned this for no reason so buyer beware. |
| Polar | M460 | Launched April 2017 this is M450 hardware with new firmware. Given the treatment of M450 owners I’d say be careful buying this. Yup, Amber warning for a “brand new” device. That’s a first for me. |
| Polar | v650 | Wait, this is very old for a current model and overdue for replacement (Jan 2014). This device is now so long overdue for replacement that Polar might have decided to exit the premium end of the market. |
| Polar | v650.next | Overdue, expected announcement at…who knows! This device is now so long overdue for replacement that Polar might have decided to exit the premium end of the market. |
| Suunto | Ambit | Don’t buy this is very old (2012) |
| Suunto | Ambit 2 | Don’t buy unless you need Ant+, this is very old (2013) |
| Suunto | Ambit 3 | Don’t’ buy, this is very old (2014) |
| Suunto | Ambit 4 | Officially not going to happen, Spartan Series has replaced Ambit |
| Suunto | Spartan Ultra | Buy, just released (Jun 2016). Be aware there may be more models coming |
| Suunto | Spartan Sport, HR, Baro | Buy, just released. Be aware there may be more models coming. Suunto is dripping out many, many models |
| Suunto | Spartan Trainer | Announcing shortly, just leaked. Be aware there may be more models coming |
| Suunto | Kailash | Buy if you can work out what it’s for or who it’s aimed at |
| Suunto | Traverse | Why Suunto, WHY!? |
| TomTom | Multisport | Launched April 2013, available July 2013 older watch probably best not to buy. Replaced by newer runner models |
| TomTom | Multisport Cardio | Launched April 2014, available April 2014 older watch probably best not to buy. Replaced by newer runner models |
| TomTom | Runner | Launched April 2013, available July 2013 older watch probably best not to buy. Superceded |
| TomTom | Runner Cardio | Launched April 2014, available April 2014 older watch probably best not to buy. Superceded |
| TomTom | Spark (Runner 2) | Launched September 2015, available October 2015 2 years old so buy if a good deal but has been superceded by Spark/Runner 3
TomTom have just announced they may exit this market so beware! |
| TomTom | Spark 3/Runner 3 | Launched September 2016, available September 2016 one year old so relatively safe, although TomTom seem to have a yearly cadence so expect announcement in September 2017
TomTom have just announced they may exit this market so beware! |
Vivoactive 3 or 245/645, that is the question.
Same here. But the Apple watch series 3 is a serious option for me too.
Onboard music is key for me!😎
I’m on the same boat, but since I’m only interested in the running part I think I’ll go for the 245
Depends on features for me between 245 and 645. Music is not a big seller as have phone for that.
These aren’t really comparable devices, you may want to look closer at the specs and reviews before making that decision. Obviously this link is for the current devices, but may be helpful DCR Product calculator
I personally still think the Garmin Forerunner 735XT should be yellow. Look at the price! It almost half the the price of the Garmin Forerunner 935!
Price doesn’t count in those scores. The entire point is how “safe” the watch is from an update/replacement perspective. The FR735 was based on an already old platform as an interim measure while they tested the 935/Fenix 5 platform. This is a pattern with Garmin where they sometimes release a device to fill a gap before something newer and better is announced. The FR225 was a classic example which was almost immediately superceded and dropped. The FR735 has had good support but won’t get many of the new updates and CIQ versions.
Hi, I’ve started running trail running for 6 months, now I’m starting to want a sports watch and I have some doubts.
In principle I am deciding between Polar M430 and Garmin 235 (or 245).
My doubt arises around the 235, which happens once the 245 goes on sale, I have read in their publications that the old models are stopped giving support, well that supposes that, stop being practical that Smartwatch ?.
I am trying to buy in Cibermonday´s day to save me a few euros, and I still do not know if I decide on the 235, wait for the 245 because I may have barometric altimeter or buy Polar M430.
Support doesn’t stop overnight, but new versions of ConnectIQ may not be supported. The FR235 is still a great watch and will continue working for many years to come including notifications from your phone as a smartwatch. If it’s just for running also consider the VivoActive 3 and make sure you read the DCRainmaker reviews of all of them before buying. For trail running you may want to focus on something with a barometric altimeter as the up and down is often as important as the distance there.
Will the 645 be out this year? Starting to get very impatient these days!!
Should be this week, shipping this month
will the 645 be releaved together with the 245?
Where did you read that?
Thanks
Just wondering..
I was expecting a 645 announcement this week, though based only on timing relative to Black Friday and Christmas (no inside info).
FWIW, in one of today’s reviews (Epson ProSense) DCR mentioned that he doesn’t have any other “announcement-focused” watch posts coming this week. So 645 may not be announced until next week (or later). [https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/11/epsons-new-prosense-running-triathlon-gps-watches-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know.html#comment-2602796]
I’m also eager to know whether we can expect any announcements on the 645 and possibly 245 this week. It seems really quiet.
Going by the pass few weeks, seems Tuesday is the day they announce things. Will we be lucky?
no 🙁
Haha! 😄
Where is the Garmin Varia Vision in its life cycle? Any rumors of upgrades or new versions?
Still nothing? No FR645 or 245? Also no leaks?
Have a bad feeling garmin are going to wait till after xmas and let people buy the 235.
See DCRainmaker’s reply to the comment here: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/11/trainers-power-meters-fenix5-sale.html#comment-2620476 . Doesn’t look likely. If the 935s were at $100 off like the Fenix 5s, my daughter would probably be getting my FR235 tomorrow. 🙂 Instead, I’ll just continue playing the waiting game.
BE POSITIVE!!
I see on some websites (ex idealo) that there are stores now offering the 235 for 215 / 218 euros which is a great drop…so probably it is an indicator that the 245 is finally coming?
Garmin has been making announcements for various new products and updates regularly on their website. They usually announce at 6:00 AM. They recently unveiled their newly redesigned Garmin Connect App. Next, they will most likely announce their CIQ 2.4 update, followed by the long awaited next versions to FR 235 & 630, named (i.e. 245 & 645??).
Note: Connect IQ 2.3.5 was made available prior to the launch of Descent Mk 1 dive watch. A Beta version of CIQ 2.4 was made available on Oct 18. This new version sounds like it has been updated to accomodate new apps that run more efficient, do cooler things, and are more reliable.
When the 245 comes out, I expect the FR230 getting cheaper soon, e.g. on Cyberweek or other sales.
I don’t need HR monitoring and a like the FR230, but would it make sense to buy a FR230 after it has been replaced, or woult it be out of support too quickly?
I don’t know how long they will continue updates but… FR230 last software update to 7.50 was Sep 6/17. FR235 and FR630 have been receiving the same updates as FR230. More recently FR735 was updated Nov 9/17 and FR935 Nov 3/17, Fenix 3 Nov 15/17, Fenix 5 Sep 22/17. The last update for older FR220 Nov 17/14 and FR225 Dec 21/15.
DCR wrote in one of the comments “Certainly both the FR235/FR630 are slightly over-due for replacement, but even if we do see new watch announcements at CES, it’s historically often months till stock is available”
That means that DCR doesn’t have the 645/245 yet for testing, which means intro most likely in 2018.
Ray has developed an excellent poker face over the years. I’d agree CES is a likely candidate now though and can’t imagine a pre Xmas launch at this late stage.
Thanks! This is why I bought myself an Apple watch series 3.
I know… it is a whole other kind of watch. But I found that it suits my modest needs just fine.
Never been as happy with a watch 😉
Garmin may announce their new Forerunner watches (245, 645) pre-CES like they did last year with Fenix 5/5S/5X. CES 2018 runs from Jan 9-12 so this announcement would be the week before.
That seems like the most logical outcome. Interestingly, on the garmin website the fr 630 now has a 3-5 week processing time if you try to order. About 1-2 weeks ago it was 1-3 days.
Garmin Forerunner 235 now at $320 Canadian (235 US). Should I buy? Replacing Forerunner 405.
Maybe this Will help you guys decide.
https://the5krunner.com/2017/11/28/garmin-645-review-specs-comparison/
Will be waiting now!
All i need is to get into berlin via the lottery this weekend and the watch to be release!!
No open water swimming, no swim heart rate, no touchscreen. I’ll skip on this one.
Its a runners watch not a swimmers watch. 935 is what you need.
Delighted its not touch screen
My hope was simply that they would differentiate it from 935 / Fenix 5 line via the multisport and some other fancy stuff only, not by cutting on the open water swim, which should not be a problem given that the watch carries a gyroscope and pool swim in there. As to the touchscreen – that’s the reason I waited for a successor of 630 (with a touchscreen) rather than buying a 935 in Apr.
Still don’t understand why cripple products – just make a touchscreen turn-off option for all the serious runners out there despising this feature. I’m used to it, I love it since my old 610 days back in 2012.
hi, makes sense to purchase a Polar v800 now at a reduced price (approx. 100 eur, 130 us dollars) ?
or is so aged that the replacement will cut it out from the market and from the tech support?
thanks
Paolo
It really is very old now and well overdue for replacement. It’s a good watch though so if it meets your needs and is cheap then go for it, it won’t stop working when they release a new watch 🙂
thanks for your feedback. it fully shares my view
Based on the FCC product testing page Garmin will be releasing a new Bluetooth device (Forerunner 645?) on Jan 26, 2018.
False alarm. It’s just the Vivofit 4.
A new Garmin device containing Bluetooth has been tested, model: A03393. Based on the model number my guess is it’s the VivoSport 2. This won’t be out until around late January so there’s still hope for FR645 within the calendar year.
I always wonder how people come to these conclusions?
Based on the model number?
The Vivosport is only a few months old and based on the free available documents no indication about the sports 2 can be made.
It’s NOT a “portable” wrist device.
First will see the “updated” Fenix series and FR645.
Just bought the 935, got bored waiting.
i did the same mistake… sold it again… disappointed!
Main reason for sale?
For the moment (to bridge the gap to the next Polar) i use a Suunto Spartan Trainer for some types of moves (steady run and OWS).
I was thinking about replacing the Trainer for the 935 for a few months so interested in your main sale reason.
oHR didn´t work as accurate as hoped, was fine for running and cycling but not at cross country skiing or icehockey. didn´t recognize intervals or peaks (sometimes) at all.
i mainly bought it for the oHR usage, since this didn´t go to well i decided it to sell it.
furthermore the creatin of sport profiles feels like beeing in the stoneage if you know how comfortable they can be created in polar´s flow and synced to the watch.
the apps sounded nice for me but most of them are rather useless and dont give much new insights.
Ah no, i love the 935. Glad i bought it and 645 won’t have much extras compare to it
Same for me. The 935 + Stryd is a dream-combination. I couldn’t think of anything I’m currently missing. While cold days I also use a Polar OH1 which allows me to wear the watch over clothes.
any news on replacement of polar v650 or are polar out of top end bike computer?