Summary of Reddit Comments on "Garmin Watch Open Water Swimming"

Garmin Watches for Open Water Swimming

• Garmin Swim 2
  • Loved for its open water GPS tracking and pool workouts tracking.
  • Some users find it effective only for swimming.
• Garmin Instinct 2
  • Records open water swims with GPS and works well for surfing.
• Garmin Forerunner 255
  • Users report issues with GPS accuracy.
• Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 51mm Sapphire
  • Described as a beast of a watch with unbelievable metrics.

Pros and Cons of Garmin Watches

• Pros
  • Good for open water swimming, surfing, and other activities.
  • Reliable GPS tracking for swims.
  • Some models offer additional features like heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking.
• Cons
  • Second-hand options may have concerns about battery life and durability.
  • Some users experience issues with GPS accuracy.

Other Recommendations

• Second-hand Garmins are a cost-effective option.
• Using a free app like AllTrails in a waterproof case with a swim buoy.
• Some prefer Suunto 9 attached to a tow float for better GPS reception.

Budget-Friendly Options

• Look for used Garmins like Instinct (original), Garmin 735xt, or Garmin Swim 2 for cost-efficiency.
• Consider the Garmin 2 for a balance between price and functionality.

Summary of Open Water Swimming Preferences

• Many users express admiration and joy for open water swimming over pool swimming.
• Enjoyment of the freedom, unique views, and sense of achievement of open water swimming.
• Some find peace and mindfulness in the abyss, along with encounters with marine life.
• Recommendations to try open water swimming experiences if possible.
• Challenges of dealing with water pressure at depth, with some finding it uncomfortable.

This summary encompasses diverse perspectives on Garmin watches for open water swimming, including user recommendations, pros and cons, and personal experiences with open water swimming.