Powerful fitness tracking from Garmin

Johannesburg - The Garmin Fenix 5 is not just a smartwatch, but rather the hardcore fitness junkie’s gym buddy. 

The Fenix 5 is one of the newest offerings from the GPS manufacturer and encompasses numerous training regimes to give its wearer one of the most elite tracking experiences. 

The device has a very masculine appeal but is also in line with the fashion trend for big watches, making it suitable for female users. 

The smartwatch features an ink display to make it visible even in sunlight, which most smartwatches are unable to match.

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The smartwatch features five navigation buttons, more than most smartwatches today. The button on the top left illuminates the display, while two other buttons, also on the left, navigate up and down. On the right, the button on top opens training options, while the button on the bottom exits the menu. 

The Fenix 5 features training modes tailored to sporting disciplines, from trail runs and mountain biking to open water swimming and snowboarding. 

The device offers its wearer push notifications from their smartphone including text messaging, WhatsApp and email, as well as calendar appointments and incoming calls. 

The device also has an altimeter, barometer and compass.

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At a glance the Fenix 5 displays time, step count, sunset and sunrise with the day and date, all of which are customisable.

Training with the device offers accurate tracking with all-day heart-rate monitoring for a better calorie burn reading.

Despite its weight, during exercise - and even a sweaty workout - the Fenix 5 feels so comfortable that it is easy to forget one is wearing a device.

Some users might not be comfortable with its size, but the smartwatch makes for a better exercise tracking unit as opposed to many smartwatches released today.

The Garmin Fenix 5 retails for up to R11 999.00.