In our quest to find the ideal smartwatch tailored for swimmers, we came across the Garmin Swim 2. It’s designed to cater not just to pool swimmers but also to those who prefer the unpredictability of open water. We took it for a spin in our local lap pool and the nearby lake to see how it stands up to its promises.
Right away, we noticed the convenience of having a watch that could effortlessly switch between pool and open water swimming modes. It was comforting to see our underwater heart rate, pace, and stroke type displayed clearly on the screen. While we were impressed with the accuracy in the pool, we found that the GPS functionality in open waters added a new level of reliability to our training sessions.
- GPS swimming smartwatch for the pool and open water
- o Battery life: up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, 13 hours in GPS and optical heart rate (OHR) mode and 72 hours in pool and OHR mode
- Pool swim mode: records distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type and SWOLF (gauges swimming efficiency)
However, we did notice that while the watch is generally simple to use, the non-touch screen might take a bit of getting used to for some users. And while the battery life is commendable, heavy GPS usage does tend to drain it faster as expected. For those who rely on accurate lap counts, do note that no device is perfect, and occasional miscounts do happen, though they are minimal with this watch.
Bottom Line
We conclude that the Garmin Swim 2 makes a solid choice for swimmers of all levels seeking to track their performance. Its specialized features for both pool and open water swimming complemented by a robust build, and a straightforward interface made our swims more informative and enjoyable.
Considering investing in a swim-focused smartwatch? Take a look at the Garmin Swim 2 and get the most out of your aquatic workouts.
Garmin Swim 2: A Comprehensive Overview
Recently, we took the Garmin Swim 2 for a spin, and our findings are a mix of admiration and a few caveats worth considering. Designed for aquatic athletes, this smartwatch tracks swimming metrics with precision. In the pool, it diligently records your laps, stroke type, and SWOLF scores, providing a comprehensive view of your swimming efficiency. Open water swims benefit from its built-in GPS, making it a strong companion for tracking distance and pace in less structured environments.
The Swim 2 shines when discussing battery life, boasting up to a week on a single charge in smartwatch mode and impressive GPS performance for long swims. On the downside, the watch has a round 1.04-inch screen that’s not touch-sensitive, which some may find less intuitive than touch-enabled models. While the watch is generally user-friendly, some users mentioned inaccuracies during pool swims, although its performance in open water is notably better.
Connected features add convenience, with the ability to receive notifications and automatic uploads to Garmin Connect when paired with a smartphone. The device carries a certain simplicity while setting the standard for swimmers who need reliability. Garmin’s support is responsive, enhancing the user experience for those rare moments when troubleshooting is needed.
In essence, the Garmin Swim 2 stands out for people who are serious about swimming, offering functionalities that cater specifically to their aquatic routines, albeit with the expectation of occasional manual checks for accuracy.
Master Your Swims with Advanced GPS Capabilities
When we took the Swim 2 by Garmin out for a spin, the GPS functionality really stood out, especially during open water swims. While swimming in a lake, the watch maintained a solid GPS connection, providing consistent data on our swim route. It’s impressive how it tracks not only the distance and pace but also stroke count and even SWOLF scores, which give insights into swimming efficiency.
However, in the pool, we noticed it was slightly less accurate, missing around 100 meters or so on longer sessions. That said, for open water enthusiasts, the Swim 2’s built-in GPS is reliable for tracking how far and fast you’re swimming.
The heart rate features worked well underwater, giving us a good sense of our exertion levels throughout the swim. Although the watch isn’t a touchscreen, navigating through the menus was simple and intuitive. The slightly larger watch face did take a moment to get used to, but the protection around the edge of the watch face is a thoughtful touch for durability.
Overall, for swimmers looking to keep tabs on their open water workouts, the advanced GPS capabilities of the Swim 2 are a strong selling point. Just remember, for precision pool training, it might not be spot-on every time.
Stay Informed with Underwater Heart Rate Monitoring
Swimming enthusiasts often struggle with tracking their vitals underwater, but with the Garmin Swim 2, we’ve discovered that monitoring our heart rate while making a splash isn’t just possible; it’s impressively accurate. One standout feature of this watch is its ability to gauge our heart rate during a rigorous pool session or a tranquil open-water swim without missing a beat.
The device doesn’t just show numbers; it gives us insights into our swimming efficiency. This is particularly useful when we’re trying to maintain a certain intensity or when we’re curious about how our endurance fares over time. However, it’s worth mentioning that while the heart rate monitor is generally dependable, there can be occasional hiccups, especially during high-intensity intervals when water turbulence is at its peak.
Overall, the Swim 2 keeps us in the know effortlessly. The convenience of having our swim data and heart rate right on our wrist makes tracking our progress a breeze, and sharing this data with the Garmin Connect community motivates us to keep pushing our limits.
Maximize Training with Swim-Specific Features
In our tests, this Garmin device stands out with its precise swim tracking capabilities, both in the pool and open water. The watch’s pool swim mode is particularly impressive, efficiently recording extensive swim metrics like distance, pace, stroke count, and SWOLF scores—a measure of swimming efficiency. It’s a solid tool for swimmers who are serious about analyzing their performance and making tangible improvements.
When venturing into open water, we appreciated the built-in GPS functionality. It reliably tracks distance and pace, alongside stroke-related data, which is invaluable for training in less structured environments like lakes or oceans. The ability to keep heart rate monitoring underwater without a chest strap truly enhances training sessions, giving us insights into our effort and endurance levels without interrupting our swim.
Though the smartwatch includes many advanced features, it avoids overwhelming users. Garmin Connect is particularly helpful, allowing for detailed analysis and sharing of our swim data, while also enabling workout customization — a significant benefit for tailoring training to individual needs. The balance of sophisticated yet user-friendly features makes it a reliable choice for swimmers keen on elevating their training regimen.
An added benefit of the Garmin Swim 2 is using your own custom works on the watch. Read more about Creating a Custom Swim Workout on Garmin Connect.
One of my personal favorite features of the Garmin Swim 2 is the ability to set audible alerts on either pace or time. I prefer setting time alert to help track my 100 splits. So for example if I’m doing a set of 200s I will set the time alert to 1:20. This way I hear the alert before hitting my turn at the 100 I know I’m behind pace or alternatively if I’m already coming off the wall at the 100 and hear the alert then I know I’m ahead of pace.
Daily Wearability and Smart Connectivity
Having had the Garmin Swim 2 on our wrist for several weeks now, we’ve found it a stalwart companion in and out of the water. It boasts a comfortable fit that’s easy to wear all day, whether you’re at a desk or on the go. With a battery life that lasts up to a full week in smartwatch mode, it’s clear this device can keep up with the demands of our daily routines without frequent charging interruptions.
In terms of connectivity, the Swim 2 keeps us in the loop with smart notifications when paired with a smartphone. We welcome the convenience of automatic uploads to the Garmin Connect online community, where our swim data awaits analysis. This element of connectivity elevates the experience by weaving our workouts seamlessly into our digitally connected lives.
On the flip side, while the watch interface is intuitive, the absence of a touchscreen might be a miss for some users used to the tactile experience other smartwatches offer. The screen is adequately visible, though not the largest on the market, making it a functional middle-ground for visibility and comfort. Overall, the Garmin Swim 2 finds a solid balance in wearability and intelligent features that effectively complement a swimmer’s lifestyle.
Pros and Cons
We’ve been exploring the ins and outs of the Garmin Swim 2 and there’s quite a bit to unpack. On the plus side, the watch comes across as a swimmer’s best friend for both pool and open water sessions. Its ability to capture a range of swimming metrics like distance, pace, and stroke count is impressive, and we certainly appreciate the efficient SWOLF score calculations. Battery life doesn’t disappoint either, lasting generously throughout your weekly workouts.
One caveat we encountered pertains to the slight inaccuracies in the pool swim distance tracking, which can occasionally be off by a small margin. The strap originally felt a little snug, but Garmin’s responsive customer care provided a longer replacement at no extra cost, which we found to be a helpful resolution. While the watch’s face might seem bulky to some, the non-touchscreen functionality is actually a boon when maneuvering through the water.
In essence, Garmin Swim 2 brings practicality to the forefront for aquatic athletes. It doesn’t oversell itself with bells and whistles but delivers on its promise of tracking your swim with reliable GPS and heart rate monitoring. Our collective verdict emphasizes function over form, making it a sturdy choice for swimmers hunting for a specialized timepiece.
Analyzing Customer Feedback
Based on our time with the Garmin Swim 2 Smartwatch, we observed its strengths and some quirks that customers commonly mention. In the pool, the Swim 2 occasionally mismarked distances, but these inaccuracies were minor. Yet, customers generally praise its open water GPS capabilities, which proved consistent during our swimming sessions outdoors. Battery life is robust, though frequent GPS use will naturally shorten it, something we took into account during our testing.
The physical design receives compliments for its simplicity; however, some find its watch face larger than anticipated. The watch isn’t equipped with a touch screen—one aspect that could be a potential downside for those used to swipe gestures. Garmin’s customer support stands out as responsive and helpful according to feedback, a sentiment we echoed when reaching out for assistance.
We noticed comments on the strap’s length, an issue Garmin resolved by providing a longer strap upon request. This commitment to customer service bolstered our confidence in the brand. While the Swim 2 performed better tracking outdoor activities than indoor swims, the overall consensus is of a reliable tool for swimmers dedicated to monitoring their progress—an experience our testing substantiated.
Battery Life and Usage
When considering the Swim 2, we were particularly impressed with its battery life. Garmin promises a week’s worth of juice, and indeed, it doesn’t disappoint. Throughout our testing, which included routine laps in the pool and multiple open-water sessions, the device held its charge admirably. Of course, heavy GPS usage during long open-water swims will drain the battery faster, but even then, we didn’t find ourselves reaching for the charger too often. The always-on display is a nice touch that doesn’t seem to significantly affect battery longevity, allowing us to glance at our stats without interrupting our swim.
On the flip side, it’s worth noting that GPS acquisition can be a bit sluggish, which some users have experienced. We’ve seen a few inconsistencies in pool swim accuracy, nothing substantial but enough to mention for those seeking precise tracking. Garmin’s customer support has been responsive, and for the most part, using the Swim 2 is smooth sailing—or should we say, smooth swimming. Its simplicity is a double-edged sword; while easy to navigate, some may find the feature set a tad basic compared to other fitness smartwatches.
Conclusion
After spending quality time with the Garmin Swim 2, we’ve gathered a well-rounded understanding of its performance. It’s especially impressive in open water, where its GPS tracking proves reliable, and it consistently captures swimming metrics accurately. The watch isn’t just robust but comes with assistance that is prompt and helpful, making any troubleshooting a breeze.
On the flip side, while the device simplifies usage with a user-friendly interface and adequate protection for the screen, there’s some room for improvement in pool accuracy, and the larger size can be surprising. That said, the generous battery life and free strap replacement service from Garmin enhance the overall user experience.
We found that it’s more than just a tool; it’s a companion for our swims and, evidently, performs better in natural bodies of water. Whether you’re swimming laps or taking on the open sea, the Swim 2 is a solid choice, albeit with a few considerations to keep in mind regarding fit and pool precision.
