The GNSS chipset is probably the most significant factor when it comes to the accuracy and reliability of GPS watches. Additional factors include antenna design, GNSS firmware, watch firmware, and user settings. The activity profile and / or app choice are also really important.
This page lists the GNSS chipsets of the many Garmin watches that people may wish to use for GPS-Speedsurfing (GP3S). The information is intended for people choosing a Garmin watch, or curious about the suitability of their current watch.
When choosing a Garmin watch it is highly recommended that you choose a model which incorporates an Airoha GNSS chipset. The speeds from the Airoha chipset are a lot more trustworthy than earlier watches, especially the ones using a Sony GNSS chipset.
There are numerous Garmin watches that incorporate the Airoha AG3335M (multi-band GNSS) or AG3335MN (single-band GNSS). The following sections list all of the Airoha-based Garmin watches that you might wish to consider for wind sports.
Disclaimer: It should be noted that not all of these watches have been tested extensively. Whilst they all use Airoha chipsets there are other factors that impact GNSS accuracy, such as the antenna design and watch firmware. Testing different watches is an ongoing activity.
| Series | Model | Multi-Band |
|---|---|---|
| fēnix | fēnix E | - |
| fēnix 8 - 47/51 mm - Sapphire Solar | Y | |
| fēnix 8 - 42/47/51 mm - AMOLED | Y | |
| fēnix 7/7S/7X - Pro Sapphire Solar | Y | |
| fēnix 7/7S/7X - Pro Solar | Y | |
| fēnix 7/7S/7X - Sapphire Solar | Y | |
| fēnix 7/7S/7X - Solar | - | |
| fēnix 7/7S | - | |
| epix | epix Pro (Gen 2) - Sapphire - 42/47/51 mm | Y |
| epix Pro (Gen 2) - 42/47/51 mm | Y | |
| epix (Gen 2) - Sapphire - 47 mm | Y | |
| epix (Gen 2) - 47 mm | - | |
| quatix | quatix 7 - Pro | Y |
| quatix 7 - Sapphire | Y | |
| quatix 7X - Solar | - | |
| quatix 7 | - | |
| tactix | tactix 7 - AMOLED | Y |
| tactix 7 - Pro Ballistics | Y | |
| tactix 7 - Pro | Y | |
| tactix 7 | - | |
| Instinct | Instinct 2X Solar - Tactical | Y |
| Instinct 2X Solar | Y | |
| Instinct Crossover Solar - Tactical * | - | |
| Instinct Crossover Solar * | - | |
| Instinct Crossover * | - |
Note * - The Instinct Crossover is not supported by APPro Windsurf.
| Series | Model | Multi-Band |
|---|---|---|
| Forerunner | Forerunner 165 | - |
| Forerunner 965 | Y | |
| Forerunner 265 / 265S | Y | |
| Forerunner 955 | Y | |
| Forerunner 255 / 255S | Y | |
| Enduro | Enduro 3 | Y |
| Enduro 2 | Y |
| Series | Model | Multi-Band |
|---|---|---|
| vívoactive | vívoactive 5 | - |
| Venu | Venu 3 / 3S | - |
| Venu Sq 2 [Music] | - |
The following app is highly recommended for wind sports, due to its features and ease of use:
The following app may be worth trying if APPro cannot be installed on your watch:
The following data field may be worth trying if you compete in the GPS Team Challenge:
If you are using a standard Garmin activity profile, it is important that you use one that is suited to wind sports.
The vast majority of activity profiles on Garmin watches perform filtering of the speed data that is highly undesirable.
Suitable Garmin activity profiles include:
The following Garmin activity profiles are NOT suitable:
Technical specification, including GNSS details are provided for the following Garmin watches:
These watches are rarely / never used on GP3S, but supported by APPro Windsurf or Windsurfing application:
These devices are rarely / never used on GP3S, and not supported by the recommended apps:
Most of the information has been gleaned from watch reviews, disassembly / teardown photos, testing and / or deduction.
Chipsets for the very oldest watches have been determined using a variety of sources, including fellrnr.com and test results by Mark Gee.
API levels obtained from Garmin developer site.