Samsung Gear S3 for kiting?

[airsurfer]

I've read the posts about other surf watches but I already have the Gear S3 and like the fact that it works as a phone too. Anyone tried kiting with it yet? just wondering if it will hold up. Also I've had 2 Garmin GPS watches that only lasted about 6 months of kiting so I'm a little skeptical of waterproof claims of electronics.

[gmb13]

Done it. It died. Not under warranty as it was in salt water.

Always pays to read the small print on the IP rating.

--
Gunnar

[ianridesnowaves]

I've read the posts about other surf watches but I already have the Gear S3 and like the fact that it works as a phone too. Anyone tried kiting with it yet? just wondering if it will hold up. Also I've had 2 Garmin GPS watches that only lasted about 6 months of kiting so I'm a little skeptical of waterproof claims of electronics.

Any luck with trying this out while kiteboarding?

[TomW]

Get a Suunto. They know how to make a waterproof product because they make serious dive watches. I have an Ambit 3 I've used a season, in Sweden, in Brazil, in the hot tub. No problems.

[ble]

Garmin fenix 3hr. 6 months of kitinig, wakeboarding, poolswiming, sauna, very happy

[Dave_5280]

I can’t comment on it for kitting, but maybe there’s a dive housing to protect it.

In general it was a few generations ahead before Apple’s watch came out with cellular, and Consumer Reports rated it slightly higher than Apple and recommended it for Android users.

A consideration has to also include the cell carrier cost for both. Also battery life, reception, etc.

There are probably a few tech forums you could search for user comments, or Amazon listing reviews.

[or6]

Airsurfer, I'm confused. How does it work as a phone? You still need a phone next to it, don't you? Or is it an independent phone, so to speak?

I'd definitely be interested if it were an independent phone!

[Bushflyr]

^^It's not. Also not very waterproof. I was going to order one but the survivability factor is pretty crappy for what I do so orfered the Garmin Fenix 5x instead.

[ianridesnowaves]

Well after doing a lot of research I narrowed down my options, for what I'm looking for out of a watch, to the Garmin Fenix 3 and the Samsung Gear S3. A friend of mine has been using the Fenix 3 for the last 2 years kiting with zero problems. The only thing stopping me from getting the Samsung Gear S3 is whether or not it's as durable as the Fenix 3. I want the Gear S3 because I love riding on the water listening to tunes and the features I want overlap with the Fenix 3 AND it has MP3 capability.

[ble]

^^It's not. Also not very waterproof. I was going to order one but the survivability factor is pretty crappy for what I do so orfered the Garmin Fenix 5x instead.

Friend got fenix 5X he somehow managed to break thing in back that measures heart rate (ceacked) even it is much smaller then on version 3
Another friend has apple watch not the newest one. He carries iphone in waterproof pouch, manages to answer calls while kiting whaterproof is OK, but screen scratches alot..

Well after doing a lot of research I narrowed down my options, for what I'm looking for out of a watch, to the Garmin Fenix 3 and the Samsung Gear S3. A friend of mine has been using the Fenix 3 for the last 2 years kiting with zero problems. The only thing stopping me from getting the Samsung Gear S3 is whether or not it's as durable as the Fenix 3. I want the Gear S3 because I love riding on the water listening to tunes and the features I want overlap with the Fenix 3 AND it has MP3 capability.

I had this exact choice. Touch display is not so responsive when wet, waterproof is no good at all. No warranty when with saltwater damage. Also when had both in hand samsung was shinny toy, while garmin more like military style something little similar to what I like in Panerai wathes ( dont have one )..

Regarding music garmin got music control
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnRa3TTC8-8

but you have to carry phone with you. Personally I got phone with me most of the time I go downwide, call after session to collect me. Last summer local dealer offered me a waterpoof casing for phone with airphone jack out + waterproof earphones but I did not pay attention to it much.