Paragliding is an adventure sport that promises thrill and fun in equal measures. But to make the most of it, you require the right equipment.
Apart from the typical gear such as a helmet, harness, gloves, and boots, a smartwatch will always come in handy in guiding you while at a high altitude. Today’s modern watches come with valuable features such as GPS support, a compass, and a barometric altimeter.
This post presents to you the top four best Garmin watches for paragliding. Keep reading to find out more.
Last update on 2024-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What to Look for When Buying?
GPS Support
Paragliding requires you to know your exact location to ensure safe landings. For this reason, it makes a lot of sense to buy a smartwatch that has GPS support.
Fortunately, many Garmin watches support satellite navigation systems, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo.
Altimeter Sensor
An altimeter is an instrument used to measure altitude attained, and as you know, measuring altitude is vital for paragliding.
You need to know how high you can go and this why getting a smartwatch with an altimeter sensor is crucial.
Durability
Garmin smartwatches don’t come cheaply. You, therefore, need to get a watch that can stand the test of time.
Buying a durable timepiece will ensure you get good value for your money.
Battery Life
When shopping for a Garmin smartwatch, consider the battery life.
A suitable watch should last at least two weeks on a single charge on smartwatch mode and a minimum of 10 hours on GPS mode.
These settings will ensure the watch doesn’t go out on you during your paragliding adventures.
Does Garmin Forerunner 45 Have An Altimeter?
Unfortunately, the Garmin Forerunner 45, doesn’t have a barometric altimeter. The watch is essentially intended for runners rather than paragliders, which explains why it doesn’t have an altimeter.
If you’re searching for a Garmin smartwatch with an altimeter, consider the watches listed in the section below.
Also read: 3 Best Garmin Watches For Interval Training
4 best Garmin Watches for Paragliding
Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
- Fit for performance with rugged, sophisticated design that features an always-on 1.3” (18% larger than previous fēnix models) sunlight-readable display with...
- Enhanced estimated wrist heart rate and Pulse Ox to support advanced sleep monitoring and altitude acclimation at high elevations (this is not a medical device...
- Advanced training features include PacePro for grade-adjusted pace guidance throughout your activity plus environmentally adjusted VO2 max and training status...
Last update on 2024-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Garmin Fenix 6 Pro is arguably one of the best watches for paragliding. It features a compass, gyroscope, and barometric altimeter so you can never get lost while in the high skies.
The watch comes with over 2000 pre-loaded maps, and it shows metrics for ascent or descent during takeoff or landing.
This premium watch also has a pulse ox sensor that measures your oxygen levels at higher altitudes.
It also has an HR monitor for checking your heart rate during thrilling paragliding sessions.
The highlight of this watch is the long battery life of up to 14 days on smartwatch mode on a single charge.
Top Features
- Respiration tracking.
- Multi global navigation satellite systems support.
- Acclimation widget.
Pros
- Long battery life.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Pre-loaded maps.
Cons
- Somewhat pricey.
Garmin Forerunner 935
- Premium GPS running/triathlon watch with wrist based heart rate; Strap material: Silicone; Smartphone compatibility: iPhone, Android, Windows.Control...
- Offers advanced running and multisport Features in a comfortable watch you can wear all day, and it only weighs 49 grams
- Provides elevation changes with a built in barometer; altimeter and electronic compass help you keep your bearings
Last update on 2024-07-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re searching for a premium GPS watch on a budget, consider the Garmin Forerunner 935.
This smartwatch has a sleek and stylish design, and it comes loaded with plenty of features that you’ll find useful during your paragliding adventures.
It has a barometric altimeter and an electronic compass that can help you keep your bearings when gliding.
The watch provides advanced dynamics for various activities, and it has several performance monitoring features.
It also has GPS support to tell your exact location with utter precision.
The battery life of this watch is highly impressive. It can last for up to 15 days on a single charge but only on smartwatch mode.
Top Features
- Built-in altimeter.
- Electronic compass for direction.
- Smart notifications.
Pros
- Very easy to use.
- Sleek and stylish design.
- Multiple live tracking features.
- Excellent display quality.
Cons
- Version differences.
Garmin Venu 2
- Suit your style with a smartwatch that's available in two colors and features a bright AMOLED display.Supported Application:GPS. Connectivity technology:GPS....
- Know your body better with extensive health monitoring features including health snapshot, Body Battery energy levels, sleep score, fitness age, stress tracking...
- Find new ways to keep your body moving with more than 25 built-in indoor and GPS sports apps, including walking, running, cycling, HIIT, swimming, golf and many...
Last update on 2024-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Paragliding requires a smartwatch with GPS support, and the Garmin Venu 2 undoubtedly fits the bill.
This premium watch provides accurate GPS supported by GLONASS and Galileo navigation systems.
It features a super AMOLED display with three different brightness settings, allowing you to see essential data at a glance.
As if that isn’t enough, you can store up to 650 songs to keep you entertained when paragliding in the high skies.
Moreover, it has a long battery life of up to 12 days on smartwatch mode and 8 hours on GPS mode.
This smartwatch also has a pulse ox sensor that monitors your pulse rate and oxygen levels at high altitudes.
Top Features
- 25 Built-in GPS apps.
- Hydration tracking.
- Pulse ox sensor.
Pros
- Live tracking features.
- Available in two different sizes.
- High-quality display.
Cons
- Limited app support.
Garmin Instinct Solar
- Vastly extended battery life through solar charging.Supported Application:GPS. Connectivity technology:GPS. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth
- Rugged GPS Watch is water-rated to 100 meters and constructed to U.S. military standard 810 for thermal, shock and water resistance
- Built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter plus multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Glonass and Galileo) track in more challenging...
Last update on 2024-06-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Garmin Instinct Solar comes loaded with dozens of features suitable for paragliding.
First, it supports GPS mode with GLONASS and Galileo navigation systems.
Moreover, it has an industry-leading battery life of up to 54 days on smartwatch mode. That’s not all. The watch has a solar battery that charges automatically under the sun.
This premium watch has a built-in compass and a 3-axis barometric altimeter so you can know your altitude when paragliding with relative ease.
It also has several live tracking features, including a pulse ox sensor to monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels at higher altitudes.
Top Features
- Power glass screen with power manager.
- Body Battery energy monitor.
- Stress tracking.
Pros
- Durable design.
- Industry-leading battery life of 54 days.
- Dual screen.
Cons
- Not particularly attractive.
Which Garmin Watch Is Best for Multisport?
The best Garmin watch for multisport is the Garmin Fenix 6. This premium watch comes loaded with outstanding features that support various indoor and outdoor sporting activities.
The highlight of this smartwatch is that you can switch between different activities at the touch of a button.
The watch also has several sensors for monitoring and tracking your heart rate and oxygen levels.
Final Thoughts
If you love paragliding, you need to buy a Garmin watch.
Our best pick is the Garmin Instinct Solar watch simply because it has a very long battery life.
It comes loaded with several features to ensure you enjoy a thrilling paragliding adventure.
Also Read: 4 Popular Garmin Watches for Aviation
