The fenix 5x Plus GPS Watch with Sapphire lens from Garmin represents the top of their F5 wearable line-up, with all the features of the the fenix 5x, but adding a premium tool in the SpO2 monitor, which measures blood pulse oxygen acclimation levels via the wrist sensor. The 5x Plus also has greater battery life across all functions, Galileo enhancement capabilities for GPS, plays and controls music while also storing up to 500 songs on the unit. Here you find Garmin Pay as well, Garmin's ClimbPro Ascent planner, and a few other upgrades. Yes, the price jump from the 5x is real, but so are the additions. The Pulse Ox feature is the key for those who spend considerable time at altitude, and can also help to inform sleep diagnostics. The Music and Pay functions are also desired.

Building off the success of the fenix® 3 and 5, the 5x Plus version steps up the capabilities and adds new metrics and tracking options. Do you know just how effective your current training plan is? fenix 5x series watches will all help you monitor your training and recovery so you can better prepare for a race or training cycle. Training Status is a new performance monitoring tool that automatically evaluates your recent exercise history and performance indicators to let you know if you’re training productively, peaking or overreaching. The new anaerobic training effect metric opens a window of insight to a critical dimension of training, telling you how your training is improving your ability to push the limits. You can even view your overall training load, which measures your exercise volume from the last 7 days and compares it to the optimal range for your fitness and recent training history. On your wrist, Elevate wrist heart rate technology lets you monitor your heart rate without wearing a chest strap. In addition to counting steps and monitoring sleep, the watch uses heart rate to provide calories burned information and quantify the intensity of your fitness activities.

For runner or triathletes fenix 5x Plus measures crucial running metrics that you can use to analyze your performance. Biomechanical measurements such as cadence, stride length, ground contact time and balance, vertical oscillation and vertical ratio are the key to understanding your form so you can bring your best on race day. These metrics are available with the addition of a compatible heart rate strap or the compact Running Dynamics Pod, which clips right onto your waistband. Also, take advantage of feature sets to help with cycling and even swim training. In the water, fenix 5 will track your distance, pace, stroke count and more. Add power data to your training by downloading the Running Power app from the Connect IQ store onto your compatible watch. Developed by Garmin Labs, the Running Power app taps into metrics such as: pace, vertical oscillation, grade and even local wind conditions to determine the amount of power you’re applying at the ground as you run.

The Wrist-based Pulse Ox sensor monitors blood oxygen saturation levels to support advanced sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation. It can only take a proper reading while you are stationary and manually take a reading for 20-30 seconds to get your Pulse Ox percentage. The limited function of this device has FDA approval, and may be upgraded via firmware over time. Of course Garmin has made the fenix 5 Plus series applicable to more lifestyle activities. Beyond their running functions, fenix 5 Plus watches also offer special feature sets to help with swim training, skiing, golfing and paddle sports, including stand-up paddle boarding and rowing. For swimmers, the device tracks your distance, pace, stroke count and more. Of course there are many more sports supported, so check the details.

Every fenix 5 Plus model provides comprehensive navigation and tracking to guide you on and off the beaten path using GPS/GLONASS plus ABC (altimeter, barometer and compass) sensor capabilities but with the 5x Plus you get Galileo support as well. The built-in altimeter provides elevation data to accurately monitor ascent and descent, while the barometer can be used to predict weather changes by showing short-term trends in air pressure. The 3-axis electronic compass keeps your bearing, whether you’re moving or not. In addition, there’s an internal gyroscope to help improve position accuracy (and battery life) in UltraTrac mode.

In the high-tech world we live in connectedness is crucial. Smart notifications through fenix 5x Plus let you receive emails, texts and alerts right on your watch, whether you're on the trail, on the golf course or simply away from your desk. Other connected features include automatic uploads to the Garmin Connect online fitness community, live tracking and social media sharing through the free Garmin Connect and Garmin Connect Mobile applications. Customization is a thing too and you can access free face downloads, purchase various types and colors of watch bands and even customize apps.