Garmin Enduro 3 Review: The Ultrarunner's Dream
- Lee Stapleton
- Mar 13
- 3 min read
Introduction
For ultrarunners, endurance athletes, and extreme adventurers, the Garmin Enduro 3 promises unmatched battery life, premium GPS accuracy, and rugged durability. With its solar charging, multi-band GPS, and advanced training features, this watch is designed to go the distance—literally. But does it truly deliver? Let’s take a deep dive! 🏃♂️🌍
Design & Build Quality
The Garmin Enduro 3 is built like a tank yet surprisingly lightweight for long-distance athletes. It features:
Titanium or stainless steel bezel for durability
1.4” AMOLED display with solar charging 🌞
QuickFit™ band system for easy swapping
Water resistance up to 100m 🌊
Rugged, adventure-ready design 🏔️
Key Features
AMOLED display with solar charging ☀️
Ultra-long battery life (up to 100+ hours in GPS mode with solar) 🔋
Multi-band GPS for extreme accuracy 📍
ClimbPro™ & advanced trail running metrics 🏃♂️
Pulse Ox, VO2 Max & Recovery Advisor ❤️
Topo maps, ski maps, and turn-by-turn navigation 🗺️
10ATM water resistance 🌊
Garmin Pay™, music storage & smart notifications 🎵💳
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
✔️ Insane battery life with solar charging ☀️ ✔️ Unmatched GPS accuracy for trails & mountains 🏔️ ✔️ Extensive performance tracking & recovery tools ✔️ Lightweight yet ultra-rugged build ✔️ Perfect for ultra-endurance athletes 🏃♂️
❌ Cons:
❌ Expensive 💰 ❌ No touchscreen (button-based navigation) ⚠️ ❌ Lacks LTE connectivity 📶
Should You Buy It?
✅ Buy it if:
You’re an ultrarunner, endurance athlete, or adventurer.
You need incredible GPS accuracy & extreme battery life.
You train in harsh outdoor conditions.
❌ Skip it if:
You need a more affordable option.
You prefer touchscreen navigation.
You want LTE for phone-free connectivity.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long does the battery last on the Garmin Enduro 3?
Smartwatch Mode: Up to 60 days with solar
GPS Mode: Up to 100+ hours with solar
Expedition Mode: Up to 1 year!
Is the Garmin Enduro 3 good for ultra-marathons?
Yes! It’s built for endurance athletes, with long battery life, ClimbPro™, and advanced recovery metrics.
Does it have offline maps?
Yes, it includes TOPO maps, ski maps, and turn-by-turn navigation.
Can you use the Garmin Enduro 3 for swimming?
Yes! It’s 10ATM water-resistant, meaning it can handle pool & open-water swimming.
Does it support music storage & Garmin Pay™?
Yes, you can store music offline and use contactless payments.
User Reviews: What Are People Saying?
⭐ 4.8/5 – Amazon Review: “Battery life is simply insane. Took it on a multi-day hiking trip, and it lasted without charging.”
⭐ 4.7/5 – Ultrarunning Forum Review: “Perfect for long-distance runners. The endurance tracking features are a game changer.”
⭐ 4.6/5 – Reddit Review: “Expensive, but if you’re serious about endurance sports, this is the best watch out there.”
⭐ 4.8/5 – Outdoor Gear Blog Review: “Navigation tools are incredibly detailed. Love the solar charging.”
⭐ 4.7/5 – Trail Running Community Review: “Built like a tank but feels lightweight. Ideal for extreme adventures.”
Full Specs
Feature | Details |
Display | 1.4” AMOLED (Solar) |
Battery Life | Up to 100+ hours (GPS mode) |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS |
Water Resistance | 10ATM |
Weight | ~60g (Titanium), ~80g (Steel) |
Heart Rate Sensor | Yes (Wrist-Based) |
Sleep & Recovery Tracking | Yes |
Smart Features | Garmin Pay™, Music, Notifications |
Offline Maps | Yes (Topo, Ski, Trail) |
Similar Products: Alternatives to Consider
Smartwatch | Key Features | Price Range |
Garmin Fenix 8 | AMOLED, Multi-GNSS, Premium Build | 💸💸💸💸 |
Coros Vertix 2 | Ultra Battery, GPS, Rugged Design | 💸💸💸💸 |
Suunto 9 Peak Pro | Long Battery, GPS, Extreme Sports Modes | 💸💸💸 |
Polar Grit X Pro | Military-Grade Durability, Outdoor Maps | 💸💸💸 |
Apple Watch Ultra 2 | Adventure-Ready, LTE, Smart Features | 💸💸💸💸 |
Verdict: The Best Ultrarunner’s Smartwatch?
The Garmin Enduro 3 is a powerhouse for endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers. If you need the best battery life, extreme GPS accuracy, and top-tier training features, this is the ultimate watch. While it’s pricey, its performance justifies the cost for serious athletes.
👉 Final Rating: 4.9/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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