Garmin EPIX Long-Term In-Depth Review

[@IchimokuCloud]

Best Garmin watch I ever own. This is probably my 6th or 7th. I run 4000 k/year. The watch is fast in starting and finishing. No more waiting for Sat acquisition and the long activity save. I have been charging about once every 4-5 days which is about double my Fenix 6 solar. I have no battery save activated. Using full drain. The amoled screen is such a killer. Great sport and endurance watch!!

[@st.claircarr5540]

I think for a full color amoled display, charging roughly every six days is VERY reasonable. The option to use either buttons or the touch screen is fantastic. I think Epix 2 might convert some fenix users and even some fans of Apple Watch. I predict the Epix 2 will outsell the Fenix 7

[@ikuturso7570]

I agree given that it was with always on display - if you require more temporarily, just switch to gesture based. I am currently still using 645M (I love the weight & fit over F5 I had at one point) which still gives me 5-7 days depending of activity and that is completely reasonable as charging is pretty snappy - no battery anxiety at all.

[@enkidu2562]

Agreed, my only worry is battery longevity.

[@youssefazrak3548]

@Ralph Reilly Not even a Garmin user or smartwatch user. I went with the Epix2 as my first smartwatch cause it's the first one with proper features, battery life AND a screen that you enjoy looking at.

[@jchaps1]

6 days of battery life is still amazing compared to most smart watches. And honestly, if you're going out into the wild for more than 6 days, just bring a solar panel charger with you

[@andyhaochizhang]

@Ralph Reilly I don’t. Also fenix for some reason consumers a huge amount of battery in some very lightweight widgets that I use a lot so I don’t get more than a week of battery even in smartwatch mode anyway, so I’ll get epix instead of fenix.

[@ebmike8]

Was torn between Epix 2 and AW Ultra. Purchased both this past Sunday. I've been wearing my Epix 2 since Sunday and I love it. I have a AW Series 4 and the Ultra is nice but doesn't impress me the way the Epix2 does. Returning the AW Ultra later this week. Happy Epix2 convert here! This review helped me a ton when I was looking for an AW alternate.

[@orisagrind3702]

Hey Mike can you still make calls and answer messages on the epix 2 though im torn between the two.

[@ebmike8]

@@orisagrind3702 Hello, you can view and accept the incoming calls or calls in progress but you cannot actually speak through the watch since there is no mic.

[@Skytechaerials]

Hi Mike I have both an I can’t figure out what I like the most so I just switch them up when ever a fancy a change 😅

[@ebmike8]

@@Skytechaerials ha! I kind of had that same issue but decided to stay with the Epix. Even yesterday when I was outside my Epix Storm alarm went off and when I turned around sure enough there was a nasty storm approaching. Also the battery life is amazing, to the point where I almost forget I even have to charge it after two weeks lol.

[@Skytechaerials]

@@ebmike8 few days on and I’ve decided to keep the epix as my preferred go to. I’ll keep the AWU because I will be testing them both on Ben Nevis next week. I might even put a video up on here to show everyone how it fairs agains the epix in the outdoors.

[@LooptroopRocker]

I still have my Fenix 3 and it works like a charm for road and trail running and for hiking as well. Never felt the need to update but this Amoled screen could be the reason to get the Epix. More compact size size helps as well. 51mm Fenix 3 is huge. Thanks for this in depth review DC.

[@dkmchui]

I am still using my Fenix 3HR and it still works great. I hope garmin watch will support youtube music in the future. The screen in the Fenix 3HR never bother me. It is good enough for the purpose. I would take battery life over better screen.

[@seegee1613]

I switched from the 6x sapphire to Epix sapphire. Just got it today. Will keep my Fenix for long overnight treks and ultras and use the Epix for daily wear and everyday runs. Plus the smaller case is surprisingly much more comfortable. I can’t wait to take her out this weekend and log some miles with her;

[@robscherer]

How is the thickness...I upgraded to the fenix, hated the thickness, and went back to my 935...any thoughts?

[@seegee1613]

@@robscherer the Epix wears a lot nicer than the Fenix. It’s thinner, smaller and more comfortable. The screen willl blow you away. Ive had it for 3 months now, love it, wore it boston, GPS is perfect, screen is clear, watch is comfortable. It’s a good investment in my opinion, i just updated my Fenix today and could barely see the screen, the amoled makes a big difference.

[@robscherer]

@@seegee1613 Awesome and thank you for the info! I plan on picking one up. Waiting for an amazon restock of the all-black colorway

[@techable7524]

I ordered directly from Garmin yesterday, and they are saying it's going to be delivered tomorrow! It said 2 to 5 weeks. Very happy :-D

[@edsonadrianpavonhuerta1818]

I love the epix 2, it’s a little bit expensive, but it worth it in every single way…I hope I could buy it soon.

[@MAK1975-v6l]

Looks like some nice improvements/upgrades from the Fenix line. As a Fenix 6 Sapphire user it's a lot of $$$ for the upgrade. My F6 is 2 years old and I spent $900 for that watch. If I had an older Fenix series it might be worth it. I don't see that many more major upgrades to justify the purchase. Yes the new amoled + touchscreen is nice, but I can live with my Fenix 6 and the hard buttons which are key for work out tracking. I would disable touchscreen during my runs as I wouldn't want it to stop recording. I use my Fenix 6 to track my outdoor runs and have a Stryd foot pod and polar OH1 armband for heart rate. The Epix 2 isn't going to give me as accurate of HR data as the polar OH1 or distance/pace data as the Stryd foot pod. As far as GPS data, yes it will probably improve slightly, but not enough of a reason to upgrade. I think I'm going to skip this upgrade and see what the Fenix 8 and Epix 3 will have in the next 2 years or whenever they come out. I get a lot of data already and the extra features while nice aren't enough to justify another $1000 purchase. The Sapphire glass is a must IMHO. My F6 has no scratches on it. One of the reasons I bit the bullet and got the F6. But overall some nice upgrades. It might be a hard decision for me between the Fenix 7x Sapphire Solar and Epix 2. I get about 5 days of battery life with my 6. I wish I would have gone with the 6X Sapphire originally. I hate having to charge my F6 every week. It's something I wear all the time. Even though I am not Ultra running. It's still nice to not have to worry about charging your watch for a few weeks. Especially when you wear it 24x7 to track sleep data. I would hate to have to charge an Apple Watch every day or 2. The Epix 2 will only give me slightly better battery life than I have now. Have to decide if you value battery life over a beautiful screen. Great video Ray!

[@neoone75]

If I owned fenix 6 I wouldn't upgrade. My fenix 5 plus sapphire has been serving me well but the upgrades are big enough to upgrade to epix 2. I was about to buy fenix 7 but instead of that I ordered epix 2. Better screen and more detailed golf features were the main reasons I chose epix 2 over fenix 7. I don't have any endurance activities, so the battery life isn't my concern. It still has better battery life than fenix 5 plus has.

[@Picardie_Ilur]

I have the Epix 2 Saphire Titanium. Ordered mid Feb and received it last week, beginning of May. Very happy with the smartwatch. It has certainly motivated me to get more active. I love the integration with the phone and the PC where the data looks really good. The display is great, Apps and features are very good. Music control is fine, but I prefer to use the phone to control music to wireless ear buds, just because it is easier to select music and that it is linked to the car and home Hifi too. I've just bought my wive the Garmin Venu 2 Plus so she can do here thing, and we can challenge each other too.

[@orisagrind3702]

Can you upload music to the watch via pc ?.

[@Picardie_Ilur]

@@orisagrind3702 Yes you can. And listen to it via wireless earbuds.

[@ajayg9077]

@@Picardie_Ilur hello brother, im confused to buy fenix 7 47mm or epis gen 2, i need to turn on 27/7 heart rate. 27/7 spo2 and sleep tracking and basically all fitness tracking stuffs, i might go for a run with gps on and track it for an hour daily, and i like to use always on display on, how long will the battery last in this scenario, can u share ur battery exp now with ur usauage pls

[@Picardie_Ilur]

@@ajayg9077 With Everything on, my Epix battery lasts for 6 days. But I don't run for an hour a day. I walk for maybe 30 min ever other day or so. I never turn GPS off. Charging takes a couple of hours via USB of the computer.

[@ajayg9077]

i got fenix 7x finally, it fits perfectly on my 17cm wrist and is light weight

[@marielencarnacion131]

I use a Garmin instinct and a edge 530 for my bikes, I’m a regular guy just trying to stay fit, I know the epic is way more than I need but your reviews are so good that I had to watch!

[@TheBodyFirmATL]

Been waiting 3 years for this bad boy! Still on Fenix 5x but wasn't buying the incremental improvements until they had Amoled!

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Sold... I'm not even mad about it 🤣 I can't believe in one fell swoop Garmin pried the Fenix line from my fingers... The solar and flashlight were just not enough for me to pass up that beautiful screen! I wish they were on Amazon so I could use an affiliate link for you 😔

[@fendermon]

Wish Garmin would mash together the Explore, Connect, Basecamp, and Express apps. It's not enough having endless menus on the device you have to ponder what to manage it with. Reminds me of the hot mess of studying Linux. With a little luck I hope to be able to tell the time when my 7 solar arrives :)

[@sm753]

Ok, I'm convinced. Just ordered the Epix from Garmin site with 20% off, but I think Garmin is low on inventory because shipping date is like 3-5 weeks. I switched from AW to Garmin a few years ago, I was one of the few who actually liked AW, but the battery life was just really poor, especially since I wore it at night for sleep tracking. I used "tilt to wake" screen smartwatches for years so I don't think it'll be much of an adjustment for me. 16 days with that AMOLED screen...I'm sold.

[@Goffas_and_gumpys]

Watching all I can on the new Epix. My purchase is being confirmed with every review. CANNOT wait to have it my hands.

[@chateley]

Did you get one?

[@Goffas_and_gumpys]

@@chateley Yes.

[@davidwhite6479]

@@Goffas_and_gumpys how are you liking it?

[@Goffas_and_gumpys]

@@davidwhite6479 Got rid of it to my brother. I found it too Apple Watch like. Strange I know and I can't explain it. I now have the F7XSST. AND I LOVE IT.

[@rickstokes2239]

I’ve had the Fenix 5x for years and love it but this Epix2 is looking like a valid upgrade for these 58 year old eyes.

[@orisagrind3702]

Hey Rick did you end up getting the epix 2 what are your thoughts ?

[@rickstokes2239]

@@orisagrind3702 Not yet. Given the risky economy right now I actually bought into some other things that are more necessary right now. My Fenix 5x is still holding strong, although I can’t wait to have that nice hi-res screen!

[@MyAddictedLife]

I just upgraded from a Fenix 5S and love this new watch. It's time!@@rickstokes2239

[@wesleyhinkle907]

Great overview. Struggling with whether the jump from my Fenix 6x Pro to either the 7 or Epix, or neither. Again thanks for the information, really enjoy your reviews.

[@Rick999888]

same here, had the 6x pro sapphire from day one. i dont feel there's a huge reason to get a new watch after 2.5 years. that screen is nice on the epix though but i think i might stick with my current watch. having said that, i will probably get the epix when i'm having a "me" moment. 😝

[@jimclark213]

Really want to upgrade my fenix 5, can’t justify this price 😢but this review is so well done I keep coming back and get FOMO over and over again

[@NickGoldston]

Man I was so sure I was gonna get the fenix 7, but this seems like the real answer

[@JBOutside1]

Nicely done Ray! Always a done of info...Epix ordered!

[@daleb194]

I loved the old epix. I used it as a backup when backpacking, and as my main for training through a few Ironman races. I sold it pretty recently and loving the upgrade you showed us. Great video.

[@OldBoyVik]

Amoled all the way. I've been waiting for this

[@milfern]

Gonna wait until the Epix 2X. Classic Garmin waiting to launch it.

[@votdfak]

Got my white Epix for $715, I think it's a good deal. I've tried to move to Instinct 2 from my AW6, but I couldn't see anything indoors, and I sold it. Epix is great, screen is vibrant, my eyesight is not like in my 20 or 30, but I can see stuff without a problem. Epix will never be smooth like AW, smartwatch functions will never be good as AW, but I like the idea of 16 days with gesture mode compared to 1.5/2 days on AW.

[@surreytrailgoat5469]

thank you very much. I am getting this one for sure. Difficult not to go for the Amoled display. I am not doing ultras so the battery will be absolutely fine for me. what amazes me is that they had so much time to launch this but most of their watches are not yet available. oh well i am sure it is worth the wait. best, surreytrailgoat from Surrey, England

[@knutbk]

Likely due to the vast and accurate pre-release leaks in December.

[@testaccsolutions6784]

ray, sold, am going for the epix - i do have to agree with you when you look at it, its the bigger brother of the venu series. finally garmin brings the amoled to their higher end wearable. and an additional bonus, its their first ever 47mm watch that is amoled, they are going bigger in their size, as the chances for a fenix 7x 51mm full amoled may come by in the future

[@colinx6335]

Screen diameter question: Is the screen diameter on the solar versions measured from *inside* the solar strip or does the diameter measurement *include* the solar strip? In other words is the actual viewable screen size of the 7X less than 1.4", in practical terms making it more like 1.3 on the Epix or regular 7? (Trying to decide between the Epix and 7X, want the Epix but value screen size above all - although it seems like they might be the same depending on how they're measured?)

[@panosfpv]

Solar stripe included 😉

[@diipadaapa2000]

Very good question, to me it looks like solar stripe included. Which would make it similar to standard 7 without solar... Would be nice if the screen size numbers would contain the real usable size. I would have gone with no solar and sapphire if that would have been possible. A bit shame for someone like me who really trust the sapphire and like maximum screen size.

[@Tommy544]

I don't think the solar stripe is included in the screen size diameter. That would make no sense, as the solar stripe is in no way part of a screen. Also if you look at the comparison of all the watches in the video at 2:24, you can see that it is the black inner bezel that has minute markings on it that shrinks to create space for the solar stripe. I am pretty sure that the 1.3" and 1.4" measures are strictly for the screen.

[@KeithRobertson57]

Good question ... my thoughts too. Would be good to know...

[@djhonda355]

It’s the same size screen between F7 and Epix2, the difference being the size of the black bezel around it - the bezel is a little thinner on F7 to accommodate the solar part. Hope that makes sense.

[@milel0]

I use my Fenix 5X extensively for cycle navigation but attached to my handlebars not my wrist so I can continuously monitor the route. I would like to upgrade to the Epix 2 sapphire but I'm concerned that without the wrist rotation to activate the brighter display it wont be usable in this configuration particularly in bright sunlight. Feedback welcome.

[@pierrejoubert8286]

Yeah…also sold…thanx for the great reviews!!! One question though…I also play golf weekly and would like a bit more detail on the golf features…seeing as it looks like you are doing every other sport :-). Hopefully you can give me a run down on how it stack up against the Garmin Approach S62

[@tutelarius]

Been eagerly awaiting this! 😍

[@bulltivation7846]

I've tried many gps watched from every brand and the best watch that I still can't sell and change is Suunto Ambit peak 3 sapphire... This watch has 100% the best gps accuracy... Even fénix 7 can't hold up to this particular Suunto model. Don't get me wrong, I'm not Suunto fan at all because all their watched are crap, but except the Ambit 3 peak... This is exceptional watch

[@eglicomet]

VO2 max of 57. Damn. I'm looking seriously at the Epix2. Thank you for these videos.

[@remifjelldal7299]

I would still go Fenix (coming from a Fenix 5 currently). The battery life is key. And the screen is fine enough. Sure the AMOLED is better but for me that is way less important than battery life. They do the same anyway. Epix screen looks better, < Fenix battery is better.

[@alexkonovalov]

I have fenix 5 as well. And, being 4 years old, it holds the charge ~4-5 days which is worse than the new Epix. And since I'm already used to having those extra charging cables in my car, office etc I'd definitely go for the bright screen

[@remifjelldal7299]

@@alexkonovalov My fenix 5 I've had for 6 years and it still has around 14 days "smartwatch" and around 10 days "indoor activities (read zwift, treadmill etc)". GPS activities anyways depend more on the length of the activities.

[@alexkonovalov]

@@remifjelldal7299 I do mostly GPS activities, ~2h a day, and lately the battery has shown signs of a noticeable deterioration. Anyway, EPIX won't be any worse than that in terms of holding the charge. Even in your situation.

[@leonardoleivamendoza9702]

I get your point, but we are not talking about charge the epix every day, like an iwatch. Once a week or after 6 days sounds reasonable for me. The amoled screen is more than a good screen in the apple sense of it, it's about take more advantage of metrics while you are doing an activity. At least, this is what differents reviewers have said so far. And in my experience with de fenix 5 and 6, I temp to believe that. Many times doing an activity you look the watch and see nothing, nothing clear at least. There is the big difference in it. In this point the amoled could be more useful.

[@MAK1975-v6l]

I have no issues viewing my Fenix 6 Sapphire. Yes the AMOLED is much brighter/more crisp, but I never feel I can't read my F6. I get about 5 days of battery life on the F6, but I wear it 24x7 for sleep tracking. If you have a Fenix 7X and can get say 30 days without plugging it in, I think it's a very valuable feature. It really bugs me to have to charge my F6 every 4 days. I'm not running any Ultras, but I do have some occasional hikes that are 8 hours+ and those really drain the F6. I came from a Suunto Ambit 2 which lasted multiple weeks without a charge. So it was a big change for me to charge my F6 every week. I also run outside 6 - 7 days a week so my battery always needs to be charged every 4 days. I know a lot of people will prefer the Epix 2 over the F7. However in my use case I think Battery life is more important to me than AMOLED screen quality. I wish they made a Epix 2X Sapphire Solar model. That would give me a little more battery life. Don't get me wrong I love my F6, way more than the Suunto Ambit 2. I just wish I didn't have to charge it so often. Very annoyed when I get down to 10% and have to recharge by it before I can go for a run. It comes down to whether you value battery life over screen quality. To each their own.

[@bobsmith4019]

Does anyone know when Garmin will get ECG on there watches/ do they have capability already on current watches just not fda approved?

[@AlfuhPAD]

Here we go! Can't wait to watch this all to feel justified on splurging :) Now for the in-depth user interface video!

[@francisdayon]

My main concern is durability. In my experience, AMOLED smart watches don't even last a year if you heavily use it for sports activity. My Samsung gave out in less than 6 months. Given this is Garmin, I expect the sensors will hold but I don't know... Battery will have a more frequent discharge-recharge so it won't have as much lifespan as the Fenix series.

[@richdaillest1]

If you could only pick between the Epix black titanium or the Carbon gray solar sapphire Fenix 7x, which one would it be? I had the Epix stainless steel, sent it back because the always on AMOLED screen was too bright. Wish it got dimmer. I also noticed that your Epix had 4 brightness settings, mine only had 3. I would prefer 5 options. EDIT: Still rocking my old 6x but would absolutely love touch because I use maps a lot, Hiking, kayaking and snowboarding. Hate navigating the map on with only buttons.

[@soumyajyotih]

@DC Rainmaker Thanks for a nice review. I had an original Venu which had a problem of screen burn-in after 1 year of use without even using AOD. Garmin changed the product when I contacted them. So I am a bit hesitant to go with AMOLED screen for such a costly device. So you know about any such burn-in problem?

[@robbie2993ie]

Would like to know this also

[@robbie2993ie]

I believe since the venu2, Garmin have brought in pixel shifting. Burn in shouldn’t be an issue.

[@James-KL]

Excellent review as ever! 👏👏👏

[@vaughanscott7308]

Love your review man. I subscribed.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Ted038]

How fast does it charge? (like in %/hour?) Will it need to be all evening on the charger? Or will a half hour be fine from 10 to 100 %? (since when charging you loose data for body battery / sleep data)

[@zdnice]

Has the video comparing the Fenix 7 vs The EPIX gone up yet? I don’t see it yet on your page

[@JohnBaxendale]

Epix+Flashlight = ultimate.

[@FM-us3rd]

Great video! I just ordered an Epic. Thanks

[@dasnipa82]

Given that your analysis comparing the different GPS options (GPS > All Systems > Multi-Band) showed nearly identical accuracy across your tests, the question is then whether (at least at this point in time) there's any real advantage to using the more power hungry options? Given the drastically better (nearly double) battery life that can be achieved by sticking with 'GPS Only', is there any real advantage to using the other options at the expense of battery life?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It depends on the scenarios. But I think a better middle-ground would be the 'All Systems', which is GLONASS/Galileo/etc.. and that's what the FR745 and other units were using (GLONASS).

[@FPShkED]

Great video. The Epix is SO GOOD that I'm going to drop the money......

[@BeowulfHagen]

With the AW Ultra on the market, I’m hoping Garmin combines an Epix and a Descent. I want one Garmin watch to rule all my adventures.

[@MrDoekdoek]

I was really thinking about buying a Coros watch (coros apex pro, vertix 2 is to big), but now i really like this one! Will you make a comparison? I like the Coros price and the amount of data and battery. The Garmin has the music in it, live strava segments etc.

[@Graham_Rule]

I'm very tempted but my Forerunner 645 is still working well and I don't *need* those nice extra features. Oddly enough the one new feature that I do need is the one that stops the button being pressed by mistake.

[@RalfVogler]

Have you tried the 'Lock Keys' feature?

[@saudkhan3754]

Your info is always the best! Love and peace from Pakistan

[@Manguitom]

Epix 3 with flashlight I'm in!

[@_Rafiki.]

Happy to surcrifice battery life for that beautiful screen over the f7. I've run one 40 mile ultra and multiple marathon+ distances but have never ever needed more than 20 hours of battery even on multi-day events so give me the epic any day.

[@visionsoftheghost1962]

Ordered mine last night - Had to do it. Giving my Fenix 6 back to Best Buy

[@maxs8321]

thank you for the review. i have done the same hike last week, was one of the best hike that i have done.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed, such an amazing hike. One of my favorites ever.

[@eduardoremedios2573]

Another great video, thanks.

[@JonathanHebert]

Wonder if they are gonna do a tactix version of this (echo) im a year? I have a delta which I love but that would be cool! the only thing that would be a con is that the battery life will be affected.

[@dizi17]

Thanks for the review. Will the stamina feature trickle down to the 945 and 745?

[@fitdude]

I thought they would and they should have included a mic/speaker with voice assistant support. Hoping they'll add It later to a plus model. Also glaringly missing is LTE. They are so close to an almost perfect watch that includes everything. Ugh.

[@gerardchen2910]

Great review Ray. I just ordered a Venu 2 Plus a couple days ago (still in transit) and then Garmin announced the Epix 2. Do you think it's worth double the price of the Venu 2 Plus? I'm seriously considering the Epix 2 now.

[@willidevegt8831]

Will there be a video Epix vs Venu2 plus ?

[@AlexWhittemore]

The Elevate V4 in the Venu has a rounded edge, which clearly indicates the window is an epoxy blob that will inevitably get cracked by sunscreen (I've owned multiple 935s, waiting half an hour for sunblock to dry on my arm every time before putting it on, but they ALL crack). The coverlay on this sensor is perfectly flat though, and inset, as though it's a ceramic instead of plastic material. Any word on whether this one will finally survive?

[@GeorgeNikolaidis]

Excellent reviews. Pleaded makes a comparison between the new epix and venu 2 Pro please

[@marcojm9]

Hi, Just wondering, when using the touchscreen with maps and menus, which feels smoother, the Fenix 7X or Epix 2?

[@fkhan98]

The DesFit or Chase The Summit review said Epix 2 is smoother

[@marcojm9]

@@fkhan98 Got it, thanks

[@KYspeaksfood]

@@fkhan98 probably faster refresh rate from amoled display, the processor "should" be the same.

[@stevepodraza6363]

I currently have the fenix 6x and do love it but that epix is sweet. Not sure if it’s worth upgrading

[@DaemonViews]

I saw a scratch on the bezel of one already. Would the titanium or the stainless steel be more durable?

[@mostwanted2000]

Great review!

[@Jusderify]

You said your data fields don't transfer over if you're coming from a Fenix 6 (as myself), but once you have data fields configured for a Fenix 7 or Epix 2, if you get a replacement watch of the same model, will the data sources copy back from the phone at that point?

[@alexandreboisselet8336]

Thanks for the great review, as always, What about typing text with the new touch display?

[@vzimm2813]

So glad you are comparing 6 to Epix… the 7 vs Epix is clear.

[@mjsolomon]

I don't have a small wrist, but the epix was HUGE.

[@chololennon]

Ohhh no :-( amoled displays finally have arrived to Fenix (and for my bad, soon on Forerunners)... they are nice, of course, but I always prefer long battery life and always on/no touch displays.

[@tomhunt3402]

Just in case it's not in the video I would love to see a side by side of the 7X and the epix and default map zoom as the extra detail on the 6X was great. Do they make use of the extra pixels on the amoled or would I miss out.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Good one to add for my comparison video!

[@calendar9497]

@@Dcrainmaker Many (including me) are trying to decide between the 7X and the Epix. Maybe you could do a short video and go very much into detail. Like measurements, looks on your wrist (ideally different wrists, witch measurements). I am lucky enough to try them on tomorrow, but many will need to order online. btw. are downloads really that slow? 2GB per hour is what I've heard?

[@tomhunt3402]

@@Dcrainmaker Thanks so much! Really appreciate it. I much prefer the AMOLED and don't need excessive battery. But on trail runs and walks with my dog I often end doing NAV and the 6X is noticibly better then the 6.

[@jrbrannan]

Seems to me if you want different sizes best battery life and or flash light you go with the Fenix 7, if the medium size and you want the best quality screen you are good with epix

[@tomhunt3402]

@@jrbrannan I am suprised there is not a larger epix. seems an obvious thing to make.

[@macallandrinker]

I saw the mention of Triathlon in the Specs. Does this have the same Triathlon setting for all 3 disciplines? Curious as I’m wondering if it would be ok for a 140.6 mile race.

[@johnmanley4528]

Nice video Ray. How is the HR accuracy compared to the 945LTE? I get that they have the same sensors, but reviewers in the past have usually said that the lighter Forerunner watches are generally more accurate than the heavier Fenix line.

[@alakeli]

Thanks for this useful review.

[@davidjgrant23]

Quite a shame it doesn’t have the solar. I know people feel like it doesn’t do much but for longer days, ultra runs or expeditions it makes a decent bit of difference.

[@canyonblue737-8]

What they are saying is that since Fenix 7 burns much less power a small bump in power from solar makes a sizable difference. With Epix burning considerably more power that same bump wouldn’t be as noticeable. Adding 1 gallon of gas to your small hatchback makes a much bigger difference than to your V8 muscle car etc.

[@LipperMr]

Question about the always-on mode. Does the watch allow to use always-on when doing a workout (similar to disabling touch when in certain workout profile) but keep it on gesture mode while in smartwatch mode? I have seen many complaints on this for the Venu series, that the gesture detection is not so great when you are used to only doing a quick glance during workouts which is precisely how I use them during a run or on a bike. 6 days of battery life is a big no no for me and I really don't want to switch back and forth before and after a workout.

[@user-pg7lc9ql2f]

I like the new display but would the Epix provide battery anxiety for those who cycle frequently 2-3hs plus longer on weekends 4-5hs? Would it be safer to opt for the Fenix 7 in this case?

[@armandolopez4621]

Get a dedicated bike computer for cycling activities. Problem solved!

[@calendar9497]

Thanks for this Video!

[@ianpogi5]

Looks like it's time to save up and replace my Fenix 3HR :)

[@rafalkonieczny]

I think my main concern is amloed burn-in - this is pretty static display scenario with quite bright situations. Do you have any comments on that?

[@Dcrainmaker]

For AMOLED screens, Garmin does pixel shifting, plus, the screen does got to sleep at night. It’s the same screen as the Venu series, so it’s a fairly well understood beast BT now.

[@mr.mustang6636]

@@Dcrainmaker do you know if pixel shifting is new? My original Venu has some pretty bad burn in after a couple years. Wondering if they have improved since the OG Venu

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@mr.mustang6636 Yeah, they changed with the Venu 2 the way they do it, for example if you look at the new CIQ requirements for always-on display watches, they’re only allowed on the Venu 2 and above units.

[@5ervalkat192]

Great review! But, now I have to go to Tenerife! What have you done?

[@zswickliffe]

Wondering if you think it's a huge miss to go with the base model? I much prefer the stainless look and think I'll be fine with the gorilla glass so it's just the extra storage and multi-band gps.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nah, I don’t think a huge deal. I haven’t tested the base model, but I don’t think it’s a massive difference in GPS accuracy.

[@zswickliffe]

@@Dcrainmaker Awesome. Thanks for the great content!

[@thehotdoglover]

Always find it odd that Garmin ties color combos to specific hardware. I dig the black/red sapphire version, but I'd want it without the sapphire glass; it's SO much more reflective than gorilla glass

[@Jstnmnn_]

Why is sapphire considered better than? Stronger? Better responsiveness to touch?

[@thehotdoglover]

@@Jstnmnn_ it's heavier and much more scratch resistant, but at the cost of being much more reflective. So definitely a tradeoff and depends what you value.

[@jbkool]

@@Jstnmnn_ less scratches over time

[@TheSwimmerDK]

Thanks for your review 😀 I think my next watch is Epix gen. 2. I am a passionate OW swimmer. Have you tried how good it is for Open Water gps tracking and how good the wrist HR is in water?

[@Hlysander]

what i have been waiting for is wireless charging!

[@Schwermetall]

... and my concern is when I mount the handlebar of my bike like I do with my Fenix 6 to see the data without a delay. I think then I would need full brightness on the screen. Will this reliable for the screen and how long will the battery stay on power? Best regards, Alex

[@kenrodriguez2128]

ON your comparison video if able could you compare form factor of the epix to the FR 945 LTE ? And also in you opinion if you scratch titanium you will most likely be more noticeable than scratching the plastic body of the 945 correct?

[@laydsimba]

I’m also curious about which bezel is most durable. My 945 doesn’t have a single scratch despite how often I bang it into a desk, wall, or brick!

[@kenrodriguez2128]

@@laydsimba I think the reason we don’t movie the minor scratches or dings on our FR’s Is because there is more black polymer under the black polymer. I think what the titanium it’s a just the surface that’s colored and underneath that is gray titanium the color of the metal…. I think. Maybe DC could confirm..

[@4272005]

Does the Epix need a HR strap to complete the 3 minute heart rate evaluation at rest test or is a strap just advisable for improved accuracy?

[@brentcharlton1065]

Hello Sir, any chance you’ve done battery drain estimates with pulse ox on for sleep mode and/or all day mode? Many thanks

[@kimwarner6050]

I don't think Garmin killed the Fenix with watch. The new screen on the Fenix 7 looks great. I have no interest in an AMOLED display, battery life is king

[@geraldineharris9660]

I am due for an upgrade from Fenix 5, I have started using readers so when a message pops up on my screen when I am out training it is not that easy to read, do you think the amoled display will assist with that, if so I will definitely go with Epix.

[@DRONIXAR]

Nice review

[@dennismuehlenstaedt]

I‘m surprised that there’s no LTE feature 🤔

[@djhonda355]

Hey Ray, what’s your take on burn-in with these AMOLED screens? I’ve heard a lot of complaints from Venu users. Any indication this might be a different story with epix2 screen?

[@mr.mustang6636]

Wondering the same. My original venu has quite a bit of burn in

[@deathofthemagi]

Does the button guard prevent boxing gloves from stopping the workout? That is the main reason i want to leave fitbit.

[@TonyNovation]

I'm still stuck on the fact that they make it so difficult to have and switch between 2 different Garmin watches. I have a Fenix 6X but I occasionally like to wear my Venu, especially when sleeping. Trying to reconcile and track the data between 2 watches is a cluster-fudge. If they fix that, they'd open up a bigger market for Garmin fans to own a second or third Garmin watch.

[@osmirod1]

Could you Please compare the fenix 7, epix 2 and forerunner 955 side by side, outdoors and at night? Pleaseeeee

[@jcandrews308]

Thanks for the review Ray. Do you know if the data fields set up on the phone will be available to older garmin models (Fenix 6, Venu series etc.) Or only from Fenix 7 and Epix2