Putting Garmin's Waterproof Claims to the Test
The latest Garmin Cirqa fitness tracker claims to offer water resistance up to 50 meters. As part of an upcoming comprehensive review, I decided to verify these capabilities by subjecting the device to a practical, real-world submersion test: keeping it underwater for 30 minutes at a depth of slightly over one foot.
Understanding Water Resistance Ratings
Navigating the technical specifications of wearable technology can be confusing. It is a common misconception that a 50-meter rating allows for diving to that specific depth. In industry terms, this rating typically signifies that a device is shielded against water intrusion during casual, surface-level swimming or brief exposure to moisture.
According to official documentation, the Cirqa is designed to handle
«splashes, rain or snow, showering, swimming, diving into water, and snorkeling.»
The Submersion Experiment
To conduct the test, I placed the Cirqa at the base of a tall cylinder filled with water to a depth of one foot and left it undisturbed for 30 minutes. Upon removing the tracker, the results were promising:
- Sensor Activity: The indicator lights were active immediately upon retrieval.
- Functional Response: The physical button used for workout controls triggered the expected vibration feedback.
- Connectivity: The device synced seamlessly with the Garmin Connect application without any issues.
Observations on Design
While the tracker passed the technical test with ease—remaining fully operational more than 24 hours later—there is one practical drawback to note. Unlike some competitors that utilize quick-drying materials, the Cirqa's strap tends to absorb water. Following the test, the band remained damp for nearly two hours, which may be a point of consideration for users who engage in frequent aquatic activities.