During fitness routines, knowledge is power, which is why a fitness watch is a smart investment.
If you have problems figuring out whether or not a workout was efficient or effective, a fitness watch can give you highly valuable data.
In a head-to-head Polar Vantage V2 vs. Garmin fēnix® 6 battle, the Garmin fēnix® 6 wins because it has more features.
Polar Vantage V2 vs. Garmin Fenix 6
Polar Company Info
Polar has been in the technology business since 1977, and today, the team is paving a path as an industry leader.
The company sets the bar with great innovations and advanced heart rate monitors.
Introducing The Polar Vantage V2
The Polar Vantage V2 has great technology that fuels progress and a large fan base that expands into the professional sports world.
Well-known racing driver Valtteri Bottas is one of the many fans who appreciates the Polar Vantage V2’s technological advancements.
The Polar Vantage V2 shines because it’s designed with precision and crafted with quality.
Garmin Company Info
Garmin manufactures a wide range of products for fitness fans, outdoor enthusiasts, marine use, and the aviation industry.
The team at Garmin strives to be better every day because innovation drives the company’s success.
Introducing The Garmin Fenix 6
The Garmin fēnix® 6 is designed for athletes who play multiple sports. Thanks to practical technologies, this watch can set a pace during a workout.
However, it’s not just a sports watch because it has maps, planning tools, music apps, and more.
Head to Head
The Battery Life
The V2’s battery can provide power for 40 hours. You could extend the battery life to 100 hours by taking advantage of the power save option on the Polar Vantage V2.
A more powerful lithium rechargeable battery powers the Garmin fēnix® 6, so it can provide reliable power for up to 14 days.
However, this long-lasting power capability is only possible in the smartwatch mode. If you use the GPS tool and play music as well, the battery will only provide power for up to 10 hours.
The Garmin fēnix® 6 also has a battery saver mode. When activated, it preserves power for up to 48 days.
Both watches have a solid battery that can provide consistent power throughout multiple workout routines.
Because the Fenix’s battery life lasts for days instead of hours, it’s the clear winner.
Winner – Garmin fēnix® 6
GPS
An integrated GPS with quick fix times is included with the Polar Vantage V2. Along with the GPS, the interface also has a handy barometric altitude meter and a helpful compass.
The GPS system on the Garmin fēnix® 6 has a more practical interface that mimics a traditional system.
One of its highlights is the routing system as it can provide turn-by-turn directions on a map.
Winner – Garmin fēnix® 6
Heart Rate Monitoring
The heart rate monitor on the Polar Vantage V2 has features that are optimized for specific sports.
If you’re concerned about how certain activities can impact your conditioning and performance, you’ll appreciate how the Vantage V2’s heart rate system functions.
However, you must buy additional accessories in order to get the most out of the technology.
The heart rate system on the Garmin fēnix® 6 tracks stress levels. Optical heart rate tech gives the watch this capability, and it works well underwater.
Since the Polar Vantage V2 has more advanced heart monitoring solutions, it has the edge.
Winner – Polar Vantage V2
Routes
Komoot helps the Polar Vantage V2 plan routes. To use it, you must import your data so that the software can create turn-by-turn directions.
The Garmin fēnix® 6 uses Treadline to calculate routes. Treadline is a great tool because it can provide suggestions based on the data.
To get a suggestion, you’ll only have to enter the distance to your preferred destination, and Treadline will compile the best paths.
Convenience is what the Fenix’s routing tool does best, which is why it’s the winner.
Winner – Garmin fēnix® 6
Recovery Capabilities
Recovery Pro for the Polar Vantage V2 prepares you for intense workouts. If you’re not ready, the technology will give you feedback, which can direct you on the right path.
To use Recovery Pro, you’ll need the Polar heart rate sensor.
The Polar Vantage V2 also has tests that focus specifically on the leg muscles. It can determine if your legs are ready for a high-intensity workout.
Nightly Recharge by Polar complements both of these recovery features. When activated, it carefully gathers data and measures how sore muscles are recovering.
In terms of the Garmin fēnix® 6, it has a respectable recovery system that gauges recovery times after workouts. It makes strategic calculations based on sleep, daily activities, and daily stress.
The technologies that power the Polar Vantage V2’s recovery systems are very fine-tuned. This is a big reason why the Polar Vantage V2 is the winner.
Winner – Polar Vantage V2
Music Apps
Music controls are included with the Polar Vantage V2. By tapping the screen, you can navigate songs and adjust the volume of the tracks.
Thanks to a wide range of streaming apps, the Garmin fēnix® 6 can provide access to over 2,000 music tracks. If you already have a collection that features your favorite songs, you can easily store them on the Fenix.
When it’s time to play the songs, you can listen to them using wireless headphones via Bluetooth.
More music gives you more opportunities to find great tracks that can fuel your workouts. As a result, the Garmin fēnix® 6 is the dominant winner.
Winner – Garmin fēnix® 6
Sleep Solutions
The Polar Vantage V2’s Sleep Plus app gathers data while you’re sleeping and compiles it into three categories. There is a category for light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep.
Garmin’s sleep solution is an energy monitor. The technology tracks stress, sleep patterns, and respiration data based on a user’s heart rate.
The Garmin fēnix® 6 tracks three stages of sleep along with breathing patterns, so it wins this battle.
Winner – Garmin fēnix® 6
Stand Out Features
A brand’s signature features drive sales, so if you don’t know which watch best suits your needs, make your decision based on the exclusive features.
Polar Vantage V2
- Color Touch Display: Color Touch Display is an optimized readable light. It dramatically increases visibility when the watch is in direct sunlight. The screen on the Polar Vantage V2 also has a layer of Laminated Gorilla glass and a coating that prevents smudges.
- Performance test for running: If you like to run, you’ll use the Running Performance Tests often. There are tests that track your progress, speed, power zones, and more.
- Performance tests for cycling: The Cycling Performance Tests are like the running tests. The progression feature can help you discover your personal threshold.
- Training mode: Training Load Pro lets you review how well you’ve trained on the Polar Vantage V2 throughout a variety of routines. It also tracks muscle strains.
- FuelWise: FuelWise teaches you how to refuel. It’s basically an assistant that tracks your carbs, hydration, and energy level.
- Running Power: Running Power pairs nicely with the heart rate monitor. While you’re running, the Polar Vantage V2 will carefully monitor your intensity level.
Garmin Fenix 6
- Sports apps: The Garmin fēnix® 6 has multiple preloaded profiles for various activities. There is a profile for a hiker, golfer, runner, swimmer, and more. The profiles make the process of preparing for a specific activity easier.
- XC Ski Dynamics: XC Ski Dynamics gathers data during workouts on the slopes. To get the most out of this mode, you’ll need the HRM Pro. This is a chest strap, and it’s sold separately.
- MTB Dynamics: MTB Dynamics is a measurement tool for mountain bikers. The technology tracks and rates the difficulty of a trail and a biker’s descend on a trail. Then, it compiles all of the data and calculates a score that a user must beat during the next run.
- Surf features: If you’re a surfer, you’ll appreciate how the Garmin fēnix® 6 captures surfing footage. The watch can catch key moments as they happen, and a user can learn how to hone specific surfing skills by reviewing the video on the watch.
- Animated Workouts: The animated workouts benefit anyone who doesn’t fully understand how to perform basic fitness routines. The Garmin fēnix® 6 has easy-to-follow lessons that focus on yoga, strength training, and cardio training.
Polar Vantage V2 Pros & Cons
Vantage V2 Pros
- Comfort: Comfort is a pro for the Polar Vantage V2 because it’s constructed out of premium materials. It has a lightweight aluminum case and very soft silicone wristbands.
- Distance tracking: The Vantage V2’s options for distance tracking is a selling point. Thanks to great support from compatible apps, it’s very easy to research and study data long after each workout is over.
- Reports: When the V2 generates post-workout reports via the Polar app, it doesn’t cut corners, which is a major pro. The Polar app has analysis solutions, progression tools, training preparation features, and more.
- Performance: All of the data that the Polar Vantage V2 gathers is a pro from a performance standpoint. It provides the right balance; this means that you’ll always know when it’s time to take a break or work harder.
Vantage V2 Cons
- Limited music options: The Polar Vantage V2 doesn’t have music storage, so you’ll have to listen to tracks via an app.
- Bland maps: When compared to traditional maps, the local maps for the V2 lack polish.
Garmin Fenix 6 Pros & Cons
Garmin Fenix 6 Pros
- Quality design: The Fenix’s design is rugged and sophisticated. Its military-grade housing can resist water damage, heat damage, and shock.
- Premium materials: The Sapphire edition watch has many premium touches, such as a dense sapphire lens that’s scratch resistant.
- Wristbands: Multiple stylish wristbands are available for the Garmin fēnix® 6. The colors range from solid tones, rustic tones, and two-tone patterns.
- The app selection: The Garmin fēnix® 6 has sports apps, food apps, and more.
Garmin Fenix 6 Cons
- Visibilty: When the Fenix’s backlight isn’t activated, some of the information on the screen is tough to see.
- Heart rate monitoring: On some occasions, the HR monitor on the Garmin fēnix® 6 isn’t very accurate.
The Verdict
Choose The Polar Vantage V2 if…
The Polar Vantage V2 is worth buying if:
- You need a watch that can help you effectively plan routines, train harder, and track data.
- You need a high level of comfort while wearing a smart watch.
- You need a watch that can balance your workouts.
- You want to quickly sync data to other devices following workouts.
Choose the Garmin Fenix 6 if…
A Garmin fēnix® 6 is a suitable choice if:
- You need an advanced heart rate monitor that can track respiration functions.
- You want to listen to your own music on the go.
- You want to track data without worrying about battery power.
- You need access to a wide range of performance features.
Our Pick
Overall, a Polar Vantage V2 vs. Garmin fēnix® 6 can give you an edge during a workout.
The Garmin fēnix® 6 is the overall winner because it has a great battery life and dozens of useful features.
Buy one of these popular smart watches today and take your game to the next level.
