Garmin Swim 2 Review | Track Every Stroke & Lap

Garmin Swim 2 Review: The Ultimate Swim Companion

Enter the Garmin Swim 2, a smartwatch that’s all about making your swim sessions more effective. From tracking your stroke count to monitoring your heart rate underwater, this watch promises to be the swimmer’s best friend. In this guide, I’ll dive into the nitty-gritty, showing you what’s great, what’s not, and whether this is the right fit for you.

Product Details – Garmin Swim 2 Smartwatch

• Weight: 1.28 ounces
• Battery Life: Up to 7 days (Smartwatch mode), 13 hours (GPS mode)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS
• Screen Size: 1.04 inches
• Swim Modes: Pool, Open Water
• Special Features: Underwater heart rate monitoring, SWOLF tracking, Auto Rest
• Water Resistance: 5 ATM
• Garmin Swim 2 customer review: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Pros of Garmin Swim 2

• ? Accurate Heart Rate Monitoring: Reliable underwater heart rate tracking.
• ? GPS Precision: Excellent GPS accuracy for open water swimming.
• ? Swim-Focused Features: Tailored features like stroke count, SWOLF score, and Auto Rest.
• ? Lightweight and Comfortable: Slim design that doesn’t hinder your swimming.
• ? Durable Build: Made to withstand daily swims in all water environments.

Cons of Garmin Swim 2

• ? Limited Battery Life: Drains quickly during extended open water sessions.
• ? No Touchscreen: Relies solely on button navigation, which can be less intuitive.

The Garmin Swim 2 Smartwatch has received mostly positive reviews for its swim-centric features and accuracy. Users appreciate its durability and specialized design for serious swimmers.

In-Depth Review of the Garmin Swim 2 Smartwatch

In the world of swimming wearables, the Garmin Swim 2 stands out as a device built with swimmers in mind. It’s not just a fitness tracker that also works in water; it’s specifically designed to enhance your swimming workouts, whether you’re logging laps in a pool or taking on open water challenges.

Designed for Swimmers, by Swimmers

Right from the unboxing, it’s clear that the Garmin Swim 2 is made for those who live for the water. Its slim and lightweight design ensures it won’t weigh you down as you glide through the water. The always-on, full-color Chroma Display is easy to read even in bright sunlight, making it a reliable companion during outdoor swims.

Heart Rate Monitoring Underwater

One of the standout features of the Garmin Swim 2 is its ability to monitor your heart rate underwater. Using Garmin’s Elevate wrist-based heart rate technology, this watch gives you real-time data on how hard your body is working, which is essential for optimizing your swim training. Whether you’re in a pool or out in the open water, you can keep an eye on your heart rate, ensuring that you’re training within your optimal zones.

Advanced Swim Metrics

The Garmin Swim 2 isn’t just about counting laps; it dives deep into the details. With its swim-specific features, it tracks stroke count, stroke type, and SWOLF score, which measures your swimming efficiency. The Auto Rest feature is a boon for swimmers who like to track their intervals without the hassle of manual inputs.

In open water mode, the built-in GPS tracks your swim in lakes, oceans, and rivers, recording distance, pace, and stroke metrics. This is particularly useful for triathletes and long-distance swimmers who need accurate tracking over extended periods.

Battery Life: A Double-Edged Sword

While the Garmin Swim 2 excels in many areas, its battery life can be a concern for those who participate in marathon swims. In smartwatch mode, it lasts up to 7 days, which is impressive. However, during GPS and heart rate monitoring in open water, the battery life reduces to around 6 hours, which might not be sufficient for ultra-distance swimmers.

Usability and Interface

The Garmin Swim 2 doesn’t feature a touchscreen, relying instead on a five-button interface. While some might find this limiting, it’s actually a practical design choice for a device that’s frequently used underwater, where touchscreens are often unresponsive. The buttons are tactile and easy to press, even with wet hands, ensuring that you can navigate through your swim data without interruption.

Who Will Love the Garmin Swim 2?

If you’re a dedicated swimmer who values detailed metrics and reliable performance, the Garmin Swim 2 is designed for you. It’s perfect for:

✅ Swimmers who train regularly in both pools and open water
✅ Athletes who need accurate heart rate data during their swims
✅ Users who prefer a lightweight, comfortable watch that doesn’t interfere with their stroke
✅ Triathletes who need a swim-focused watch that also tracks running and cycling

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

While the Garmin Swim 2 is an excellent all-around swim watch, it might not be the best choice for everyone:

✅ If you rely heavily on touchscreen interfaces for navigation, you might find the button-only controls limiting.

Customer Experiences with the Garmin Swim 2 Smartwatch

We’ve thoroughly researched honest customer experiences with the Garmin Swim 2, and here’s what users are saying:

✅ Precision in the Pool: Users love how the watch accurately tracks lap counts and provides detailed swim metrics, making it easier to monitor performance and progress.

✅ Durability and Design: Many users appreciate the watch’s slim, lightweight design, noting that it doesn’t interfere with their swimming technique and stands up well to daily wear.

✅ Heart Rate Accuracy: The underwater heart rate monitoring is frequently praised, with users highlighting its accuracy even during intense swim sessions.

? Battery Concerns: Some users have mentioned that the battery life in GPS mode could be better, especially for those participating in longer open water swims.

? Stroke Recognition Issues: A few users have pointed out that the watch occasionally struggles to distinguish between different swim strokes, particularly in crowded lanes.

Value Analysis of the Garmin Swim 2 Smartwatch

The Garmin Swim 2 Smartwatch is a valuable tool for any serious swimmer looking to enhance their training. Its design and features are tailored specifically to swimmers, making it a standout in a market crowded with general fitness trackers.

Key Strengths:

• Tailored Swim Features: Unlike many fitness trackers that treat swimming as an afterthought, the Garmin Swim 2 is built for the water, offering swim-centric features that are both detailed and accurate.
• Durability: Made to endure daily swims, the Garmin Swim 2 is constructed to handle the harsh conditions of both pool chemicals and open water environments.
• User-Friendly Design: The button interface, while not as intuitive as a touchscreen, is practical for use in water, ensuring that swimmers can easily access their data.

Considerations:

• Battery Life: While the Garmin Swim 2’s battery life is sufficient for most users, it may fall short for marathon swimmers or triathletes who require extended GPS tracking.
• Lack of Customization: Some users might miss the ability to customize the display screens during activities, which is a feature found in some other Garmin models.

The Garmin Swim 2 Smartwatch is a good investment for those seeking a reliable, swim-focused wearable. Its durable build and advanced swim metrics make it a great choice for both casual and competitive swimmers.

Garmin Swim 2

Frequently Asked Questions

What Features Does The Garmin Swim 2 Offer?

The Garmin Swim 2 offers advanced tracking features. It monitors distance, pace, stroke count, and stroke type. This smartwatch also includes underwater heart rate monitoring. It’s designed for both pool and open water swimming. These features help swimmers improve their performance effectively.

Is The Garmin Swim 2 Suitable For Open Water Swimming?

Yes, the Garmin Swim 2 is ideal for open water swimming. It includes GPS functionality to track distance and pace accurately. The device is water-resistant and durable, making it suitable for various water conditions. Swimmers can easily monitor their progress in lakes, oceans, or rivers.

How Does The Underwater Heart Rate Monitor Work?

The underwater heart rate monitor uses optical sensors. These sensors measure blood flow through the wrist while swimming. This allows for accurate heart rate tracking without a chest strap. It helps swimmers gauge their intensity and optimize their training sessions effectively.

Can I Sync The Garmin Swim 2 With My Smartphone?

Absolutely! The Garmin Swim 2 can easily sync with your smartphone. It connects via Bluetooth to the Garmin Connect app. This allows you to review your swim data and share it with friends. You can also receive smart notifications directly on your watch.

How Long Does The Battery Last On The Garmin Swim 2?

The Garmin Swim 2 has an impressive battery life. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 7 days. For swimming, it provides around 13 hours of GPS tracking. This makes it perfect for long training sessions or swim competitions without frequent recharging.

Is The Garmin Swim 2 Easy To Use For Beginners?

Yes, the Garmin Swim 2 is beginner-friendly. Its intuitive interface makes navigation simple for new users. The watch provides clear metrics to help you understand your performance. Additionally, its detailed swim analysis can guide beginners in improving their technique.

Conclusion

The garmin swim 2 stands out as an impressive tool for swimmers of all levels. Its gps capabilities allow for accurate tracking in both pools and open water. With features like underwater heart rate monitoring, swimmers can optimize their training sessions.

The watch efficiently records essential metrics, including distance, pace, stroke count, and stroke type. This information helps users refine their technique and improve performance over time. The sleek design in slate gray adds a touch of style while remaining functional.

Battery life is commendable, ensuring it can keep up with long training sessions. Overall, the garmin swim 2 is a worthy investment for anyone serious about swimming. It combines advanced technology with user-friendly features, making it accessible for beginners and experienced swimmers alike.

With the garmin swim 2, achieving swimming goals becomes a more manageable and enjoyable experience.