Pros
Better than Apple Watch for swimming
Superior to old Timex as a watch
Excellent Garmin phone support
Quick satellite lock for GPS
Extensive swimming metrics
Smooth software interface on PC
Reliable heart rate monitor underwater
More flexible alarm, timer, and stopwatch features
Accurate GPS
Simple to use
Stylish design
Battery life of around 4 days
Good for triathlon training
Durable with protected bezel
Tracks various activities
Provides detailed swim data
Good customer support
Cons
Expensive
Not as intuitive to use as Apple Watch
Only one Cardio option
Main Product Advantages
10 Customer Support
Exceptional customer service with responsive and patient support teams.
9 Swimming Metrics
Accurately tracks distance, pace, stroke count, and type. Superior to many other smartwatches for swimming.
8 Build and Design
Robust design with bezel protection. Looks good and is durable for fitness activities.
7 Underwater Heart Rate Monitoring
Optical heart rate monitoring under water is reasonably accurate, though it may occasionally make errors.
7 Battery Life
Battery lasts around 4 days with regular use, which is satisfactory for a GPS watch.
7 Compatibility
Seamless integration with Garmin Connect. However, customization options for display during activities are limited.
6 GPS Accuracy
Reliable for open-water swimming but can occasionally lose signal or take a long time to connect.
6 User Interface and Controls
User interface on PC is smooth but controlling the watch can be less intuitive compared to competitors like Apple Watch.
6 Price and Value
More expensive than other models but offers specialized features for swimming.
5 Lap Counting
Lap counting can be inconsistent, especially in busy or shared lanes.
Garmin Swim 2: GPS Swimming Smartwatch Review
The Garmin Swim 2 is a versatile GPS swimming smartwatch designed for use in both pools and open water. This sleek device allows swimmers to monitor their underwater estimated heart rate directly from the wrist, providing a hassle-free, accurate measure of their workout intensity.
Track Your Performance
One of the standout features of the Garmin Swim 2 is its ability to track critical swimming metrics. It records distance, pace, and stroke count, as well as identifies stroke type and calculates distance per stroke. These features make it a valuable tool for swimmers looking to improve their efficiency and performance.
Advanced Training Features
The Garmin Swim 2 is equipped with advanced features that cater to serious swimmers. It includes options for timed sets and logging drills, making it easy to structure and keep track of training sessions. Additionally, the new Auto Rest feature adds another layer of convenience, automatically detecting when you take a break, which is ideal for swimmers of all levels.
Everyday Wear
Despite its specialized functions, the Garmin Swim 2 has a slim profile that can be worn comfortably all day. Beyond swimming, it estimates step count and monitors sleep, offering a comprehensive view of your daily activity. This makes it not only a great companion in the water but also a useful general fitness tracker.
Connect and Analyze
The Garmin Swim 2 integrates seamlessly with the Garmin Connect online community. This platform allows you to analyze your activities, track your progress over time, and even create custom workouts tailored to your specific goals. It's a fantastic resource for anyone committed to improving their swimming performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garmin Swim 2 is an excellent choice for swimmers who want a reliable and feature-rich smartwatch. Its ability to track a wide range of metrics, advanced training features, and user-friendly design make it suitable for swimmers of all levels. Combined with its everyday fitness tracking capabilities and integration with Garmin Connect, it offers comprehensive support for both swimming and general fitness goals.
