How does the Garmin Lily 2 Active compare to other Garmin models in terms of swim accuracy

Swim Tracking Features of the Garmin Lily 2 Active

Built-in GPS: Unlike the original Lily models, the Lily 2 Active features built-in GPS, allowing it to track swimming distances and routes without needing a smartphone. This is a notable upgrade, as previous models relied on phone GPS, which could lead to inaccuracies in tracking[5].

Swim Metrics: The Lily 2 Active offers advanced swim metrics, including lap counting and stroke detection. However, some users have reported occasional inaccuracies in lap counting, where laps might be missed or incorrectly recorded. This suggests that while it performs well for basic swim tracking, it may not be as reliable as higher-end models designed specifically for swimmers[4][5].

Comparison with Other Garmin Models:
- Garmin Swim 2: This model is specifically designed for swimming and includes features like advanced stroke analysis and drill logging. It tends to outperform the Lily 2 Active in terms of swim accuracy due to its dedicated design for aquatic activities.
- Garmin Forerunner Series (e.g., Forerunner 265): These models also provide robust swim tracking capabilities, including detailed metrics such as SWOLF (a measure of swimming efficiency). They are generally more accurate for serious swimmers compared to the Lily series.
- Garmin Fenix Series: The Fenix watches offer comprehensive swim tracking features along with multi-sport capabilities, making them ideal for triathletes. They provide superior accuracy in various environments due to their advanced sensor technology.

General Performance in Swim Tracking

1. Accuracy: The Lily 2 Active has shown solid performance in swim tracking under normal conditions but may struggle with accuracy during high-speed turns or complex strokes compared to more specialized devices[1][5]. Users have noted that while it can count laps effectively, there are instances where it fails to capture every lap accurately.

2. User Experience: The interface of the Lily 2 Active is user-friendly, allowing swimmers to easily view elapsed time and other metrics during workouts. However, the lack of a barometric altimeter means that real-time elevation data during swims is not available[3][5].

3. Battery Life: The battery life of up to 9 days (in smartwatch mode) and about 9 hours in GPS mode makes it suitable for extended use during training sessions without frequent recharging[5].

Conclusion

The Garmin Lily 2 Active provides a stylish option with decent swim tracking capabilities suitable for casual swimmers or those looking for a multi-functional fitness tracker. However, for serious swimmers or those who prioritize swim accuracy and detailed metrics, more specialized Garmin models like the Swim 2 or Forerunner series would be better choices due to their advanced features and higher accuracy in aquatic environments.