Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire Training Watch

While we don't deny the positive impact that wearables have on our fitness levels and training regimens, it does seem a bit prohibitive to pop hundreds of dollars on a giant, fluo monstrosity whose utility ends as soon as the workout does especially if the thing's aesthetics are as office appropriate as a mustard stain on a lapel. Garmin's Fenix 3 Sapphire Training Watch addresses the concerns of the endurance athlete who also has to be, you know, a real person in between workouts. Of course, the fact that it says Garmin on it means it's not just a pretty face and, compared to the standard Fenix 3, the Sapphire model has a host of upgrades that recommend it for an active lifestyle, not just a single activity. The Sapphire's first obvious upgrades include a fashionably rugged, full grain leather strap. If a dashing professor turned bull whip wielding archaeological adventurer had access to a smart wearable to keep track of his biometrics while looting exotic locales, this would be it. Despite the workmanlike leather band, the Fenix 3 Sapphire's titular Sapphire lens is a sparkling dome of pure, academic class that keeps the digital Chroma Display safe and sound during dimly lit temple runs and bright, sunny workouts alike without blowing the Fenix 3's cover at formal occasions. The Sapphire's less readily apparent upgrades include a few that our adventurous professor would definitely appreciate. While not in the field, the new Golf Mode would allow him to hobnob with collectors and deans on the links, propping up his underdeveloped game with the ability to download distance info for 40,000 international courses when paired with a smart phone. The other new activity specific feature would be more useful while navigating lethargic jungle rivers on a SUP, as it counts paddle strokes, rate, and distance per stroke. Regardless of the situation, though, the new Fenix 3 boasts enhanced functionality when paired with a separately sold HRM Run heartrate monitor, incl...