Which Garmin Watch to choose?
We often get asked for advice on which is the best Garmin watch for tracking your kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing sessions using the Hoolan app. Here are the key things to consider before you buy, and some of our personal recommendations:
Firstly, check which Garmin models are compatible with Hoolan
Are you wanting to track just your GPS data or are you also jumping?
See which watch models are compatible with our Garmin app for tracking your GPS data, and which ones can also track your jumps: Compatible watch list.​​​
Features and budget
The choice of watch is then down to the other other features you want your watch to have, and the amount you want to spend.
As a start, here are are few options we recommend in different price brackets, that will work for jumping as well as GPS data:
High end - Forerunner 970 (support coming very soon)
Mid - Instinct 3 AMOLED or Forerunner 265
Low - Forerunner 255
We personally really like the Instinct 3 AMOLED - the price point is amazing for the number of features you get and the accuracy and quality of the data we get for both GPS and the sensors for jumping is excellent. The battery life is great and we really like the bright AMOLED screen that makes the data on the watch super visible even in the brightest sunshine.
We also really rate the Forerunner 255 for its simplicity, the quality of the data it provides and its amazing price point - it really is a great value watch for tracking every detail of your session. You don't need to buy an expensive watch to get accurate statistics.
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We advise you take a look at the Garmin watch specifications to see what might suit you, and your lifestyle, the best.
You are able to select the correct activity for your session using the Hoolan app on your watch, and we will automatically use the best Garmin activity for recording your data, whether or not it is a native Garmin activity option on your watch model.
TIPS:
You don't need a top end watch!​
You will be able to use Hoolan to track your jump and GPS session data just as effectively using a Forerunner 265/255, and these are much cheaper. They have been designed and marketed by Garmin to be more of a running/ lifestyle watch, so it depends what else you'd like to use the watch for.
You don't need a watch that has native kiteboarding, windsurfing or wingfoiling activities. ​
You are able to select the correct activity for your session using the Hoolan app on your watch, and we will automatically use the best Garmin activity for recording your data, whether or not it is a native Garmin activity option on your watch model.