Let’s Talk About Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless gadgets promising to enhance performance. However, few genuinely impress, especially in the demanding realm of watersports. The Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch, manufactured by Garmin, aims to be the exception, a GPS swimming smartwatch packed with features designed for both pool and open water enthusiasts.
I needed a reliable way to track my swim workouts beyond basic time and distance, particularly heart rate monitoring underwater. The Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch’s advertised ability to measure heart rate at the wrist underwater and advanced swim metrics is what caught my attention.
Unboxing the watch, I was immediately struck by its lightweight design. The five-button interface felt intuitive and robust, assuring me that it could withstand the rigors of aquatic activity. Compared to other smartwatches I’ve used, the Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch seemed purpose-built for swimming, while others felt like general fitness trackers trying to adapt.
I was excited to see if it could truly deliver on its promises of accurate tracking and reliable performance in the water. Its slim profile and always-on color display give off a sophisticated look that makes me excited to test out the watch.
Real-World Testing: Putting Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place at my local indoor swimming pool. I wanted to assess its pool-specific features, such as automatic rest tracking and stroke detection. The watch was easy to configure and the pool swim mode activated quickly.
The Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch performed admirably, accurately tracking my laps, stroke count, and even identifying stroke types. I did some drills while the watch auto tracked the rests and it didn’t miss a beat, it automatically logged my rest without me needing to press any buttons.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, both in the pool and in open water, the Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch has proven its reliability. The watch showed only minimal signs of wear, primarily some minor scuffs on the silicone band. The build quality feels solid, and the five-button interface continues to function flawlessly, even after repeated exposure to chlorinated water and saltwater.
Compared to my previous experiences with other fitness trackers, the Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch excels in its swim-specific features and accuracy. The underwater heart rate monitoring, while not perfect, provides valuable insights into my exertion levels and helps me tailor my training accordingly.
Breaking Down the Features of Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Garmin
- Application: Swimming
- Gender: Unisex
- Dial Color: Black
- Case Color: Black
- Case Diameter: 42 mm
- Band/Strap Material: Silicone
- Wrist Band Type: Strap
- Water Resistant Mark: 5 ATM (50 meters)
- Weight: 36 g
- GPS: Yes
- Display Resolution: 208 x 208 pixels
- Display Type: Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
- Battery Life: Smartwatch mode – Up to 7 days, GPS mode – Up to 13 hours, Pool and OHR mode – up to 72 hours
- Display Size: 1.04″ (26.3 mm) diameter
- Memory/History: 50 hours of activity data
- Water Rating: 5 ATM
- Training Effect (anaerobic): Yes (swim only)
- Auto Rest (Pool Swim Only): Yes
- Drill logging (pool swim only): Yes
- Controls smartphone music: Yes
These specifications are important for swimmers because they ensure the watch is lightweight, durable, and provides accurate data in various swimming environments. The MIP display is crucial for clear visibility in bright sunlight, which is common during open water swims.
Performance & Functionality
The Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch performs its job remarkably well. Its accuracy in tracking distance, pace, stroke count, and stroke type is impressive. The underwater heart rate monitoring provides valuable data, although it can occasionally be affected by water conditions and wrist movement.
The watch meets and even exceeds expectations in its swim-specific functionality. The auto rest feature and drill logging are incredibly useful for structured training.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with durable materials that withstand the rigors of swimming. At just 36 grams, the Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch is incredibly lightweight. The slim profile ensures it doesn’t interfere with swim strokes.
The five-button interface is intuitive and easy to use, even with wet hands. There’s minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch appears to be built to last. The silicone band is resistant to chlorine and saltwater. Cleaning is simple, requiring just a rinse with fresh water after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch comes with a charging cable. While there are no extensive customization options like different colored cases, the silicone bands are easily replaceable if needed. The watch is compatible with the Garmin Connect app, which offers extensive data analysis and customization of data fields.
Pros and Cons of Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch
Pros
- Accurate Swim Tracking: Provides detailed metrics for pool and open water swimming, including distance, pace, stroke count, and stroke type.
- Underwater Heart Rate Monitoring: Measures heart rate at the wrist, allowing you to track your exertion levels during swims.
- Automatic Rest Tracking: Automatically detects and records rest intervals during pool swims.
- Slim and Lightweight Design: Comfortable to wear during swims and doesn’t interfere with your stroke.
- Easy to Use Interface: The five-button interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, even with wet hands.
Cons
- Underwater heart rate monitoring can be occasionally inaccurate.
- Limited customization options beyond band replacement and data field settings.
Who Should Buy Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch?
- Perfect for: Competitive swimmers, triathletes, and anyone who regularly swims for fitness.
- Who should skip this product? If you only occasionally swim and are primarily interested in general fitness tracking, a more versatile smartwatch might be a better option.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? An additional charging cable for convenience.
Conclusion on Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch
The Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch is a dedicated swimming smartwatch that delivers on its promises. Its accurate tracking, underwater heart rate monitoring, and user-friendly design make it an invaluable tool for serious swimmers. At $255.99, the price is justified for those seeking a dedicated swim tracking device.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch to anyone looking to elevate their swim training. If you’re ready to take your swimming to the next level, this watch is a worthwhile investment. Grab your Garmin Swim 2 Smart Watch today and experience the difference!