{"id":4786,"date":"2018-08-18T12:30:35","date_gmt":"2018-08-18T10:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/?p=4786"},"modified":"2018-12-20T11:31:50","modified_gmt":"2018-12-20T09:31:50","slug":"garmin-fenix-5-plus-review-all-brains-all-brawn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/garmin-fenix-5-plus-review-all-brains-all-brawn\/","title":{"rendered":"Garmin Fenix 5 Plus Review \u2013 All Brains, All Brawn"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"has-regular-font-size\">The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus, is the latest multisport watch to hit the Fenix field. With its bold and newly developed features, it gives you more insights than ever! However, it\u2019s not only the brains behind your cycling success \u2013 it\u2019s the brawn in your every pedal stroke!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nGarmin have introduced a diverse range of multisport watches, within the Fenix Plus range. To break it down, you can choose from the Fenix 5 Plus, 5S Plus, or 5X Plus. For this test, we had the Fenix 5 Plus. Which gave us a general idea how the watch benefits its user.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4814\" src=\"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/P1110631-min.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-large\"><strong>Is it better than the standard Fenix 5? Let\u2019s find out!<\/strong><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<script async=\"\" src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block; text-align: center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-2543340168475428\" data-ad-slot=\"9215839881\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>New Features<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<strong>Garmin Pay<\/strong> \u2013 This new feature from Garmin, is available on most high-end watch models, including the Fenix 5 Plus. It eliminates the need to carry your wallet or phone out on training rides. Similar to the Tap and Go system on your bank card, the watch connects to the card machine, and automatically makes the transfer.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<strong>Advanced GPS Maps and Tracking<\/strong> \u2013 By its name, the Fenix 5 Plus comes loaded with a more advanced and in-depth mapping system. With colour coded map features, you can simply glance over your watch screen and know exactly where you are.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" class=\"wp-image-4815\" src=\"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-New-Features.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-New-Features.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-New-Features-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-New-Features-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-New-Features-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-New-Features-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-New-Features-20x20.jpg 20w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<strong>500 Songs<\/strong> \u2013 This is probably the most appreciated new feature that cyclists make use of. You can store up to 500 songs on your Fenix 5 Plus and listen to them with through wireless earphones. In short, there\u2019s no need to carry your phone through your rough training or racing environment. Simply press play on your watch and you\u2019re good to go.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Garmin Fenix 5 vs Garmin Fenix 5 Plus<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<table class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>Fenix 5<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><strong>Fenix 5 Plus <\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>14-day Battery Life<\/td>\r\n<td>12-day Battery Life<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>24hr Battery in GPS Mode<\/td>\r\n<td>19hr Battery in GPS Mode<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>85g Weight<\/td>\r\n<td>87g Weight<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>60hr Battery in UltraTrac<\/td>\r\n<td>8hr Battery running Music and GPS<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4819\" src=\"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/P1110628-min.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Garmin Fenix 5 Plus, on paper, is more advanced than the standard Fenix 5, and offers more useful features. However, the compromise comes in on battery life. Where clearly the standard Fenix 5 saves the day. You can bet on Garmin to improve the battery life of the Fenix 5 Plus as time progresses though.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<strong>Fenix 5 Price: R10\u00a0199.01<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<strong>Fenix 5 Plus Price: R13\u00a0999.00\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Through the Eyes of a Cyclist<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs mentioned above, there were two prominent Fenix 5 Plus features that every cyclist should kiss the feet of Garmin for. (Okay, no wait. Don\u2019t do that.) Garmin\u2019s pay using your watch system, is certainly unique. And it made our lives easier. We didn\u2019t have to carry cash or cards on coffee rides, leaving space for more important things \u2013 like fudge\u2026\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"2000\" class=\"wp-image-4820\" src=\"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-through-the-eyes-of-cyclists.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-through-the-eyes-of-cyclists.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-through-the-eyes-of-cyclists-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-through-the-eyes-of-cyclists-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-through-the-eyes-of-cyclists-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-through-the-eyes-of-cyclists-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-through-the-eyes-of-cyclists-20x20.jpg 20w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe also enjoyed the freedom provided by the wireless earphone connectivity. On training rides, the 500 tunes supplied endless motivation to keep us on the roll. So we\u2019ve reiterated the \u201cno-phone needed\u201d idea quite a lot. But what about everyday lifestyle? Well that\u2019s also sorted, since smart notifications via your phone, on your wrist; are all the range.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe Garmin Fenix 5 Plus brings out its brain power through insightful metrics, whilst riding your bike. The built in wrist-based heart monitor, is more accurate than ever. From previous watch models we\u2019ve tested, Garmin\u2019s software has certainly improved greatly in this regard. All this accuracy allows us to train better.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4825\" src=\"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/P1110674-min.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRefined GPS and maps accelerate your adventurous spirit. By allowing you to discover new trails or roads, and keep you on the bike for longer. In the maps section, the watch features Garmin\u2019s Trendline Popularity Routing, by determining which paths are mostly travelled by cyclists in your area. So you\u2019ll never be alone.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe cycling interval tracker that the Fenix 5 Plus supplies, is quite clever. You can pre-set your intervals in ride settings, and hit them hard on the bike. Your Vo2 Max is also a metric we found useful with this.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4821\" src=\"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Garmin-Fenix-5-Plus-through-the-eyes-of-cyclists-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Connect Your Fenix 5 Plus to<\/strong>:<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><em><strong>Varia Rear-view Radar<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><em><strong>Varia Smart Bike Lights<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><em><strong>Varia Vision<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><em><strong>Vector 2 Pedals<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><em><strong>VIRB X Action Camera<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><em><strong>VIRB XE Action Camera<\/strong><\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-4826\" src=\"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/P1110676.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Verdict <\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you think about it, the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus introduces a more adaptable and detailed approach to your cycling. The watch is ideal for all types of riders, whether you\u2019re a dirt kicker, or tar watt-bomber. Granted you\u2019ll have to spend an extra 2k on the Fenix 5 Plus, versus the normal Fenix 5. But based on our experience its certainly an asset to your riding.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<strong>Fenix 5 Plus Price: R13\u00a0999.00<\/strong>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Garmin Fenix 5 Plus, is the latest multisport watch to hit the Fenix field. With its bold and newly developed features, it gives you more insights than ever! However, it\u2019s not only the brains behind your cycling success \u2013 it\u2019s the brawn in your every pedal stroke! Garmin have introduced a diverse range of&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/garmin-fenix-5-plus-review-all-brains-all-brawn\/\" class=\"\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Garmin Fenix 5 Plus Review \u2013 All Brains, All Brawn<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4813,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":"","wds_primary_category":0},"categories":[27],"tags":[426,40],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4786"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4786"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4786\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4813"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4786"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4786"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sparkbikereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4786"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}