Garmin Epix Pro In-Depth Review: Flashlight, Bigger Battery, and More!

[@Feintgames]

This is really the best channel for this kind of content that is honest and covers what actually matters.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@condesabeatriz9303]

💯

[@kristoffersandberg5843]

Picked one up a week ago and I have to say it’s an awesome watch. Upgraded from a fenix 5 and it was definitely worth the upgrade. The flashlight with the red light is so handy when you have small kids, you don’t have to blind them when they wake up in the middle of the night.

[@jonizzzle]

Super stoked to see a lot of those software features will make it to the Epix Gen 2! The red shift mode looks like it’ll be useful at night but also looks neat for daily use.

[@spikemd1364]

Always great reviews from someone who really uses the equipment. Concise and thorough highlighting what matters. Thanks again. Trying to decide between Epix pro, Fenix and Enduro 2, but when you said it is the same battery, I think i am sold on Epix. I know it wont have as much life as tghe Enduro2, but that display is impressive in real life. Big upgrade over my Fenix6.

[@buckeyebill457]

Thanks!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - very much appreciated!

[@michaellanger5671]

My old Fenix 2 has a constant red (shift) modus (there was no other display possibility)....and I always thought it was a very cool look. Fun to see it's back now in a way!

[@Dubai892JK]

What's the purpose of this mode if i may ask?

[@KayenComment]

​@@Dubai892JKif you work night shift or want to keep your eyes adjusted to the night the red shift is the way to go.

[@BillMcGrath]

We appreciate you, man. Always great unbiased and information reviews!

[@ItsEverythingElse]

I was about to buy the old Epix 2, so glad I waited a few days!! No wonder Garmin was selling them for $200 off.

[@domcarter62]

Have to say much prefer the current UI to the one on the 965.

[@mbrackmann8]

Me too. Which is what’s holding me back from getting the 965. I have a fenix 6 sapphire and the idea of getting the 965 without sapphire and getting the uglier UI just doesn’t do it for me lol. Saves a ton of money, but idk man

[@mikem4215]

Agree

[@introvertedsalesman6427]

The 965 font and graphics remind me of the Nike Apple Watch faces. Just don't care for it.

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's interesting, when the Forerunner 965 was launched, comments were flooded with "When will this UI come to the Epix?". While I think there's always personal preferences in style - the comment population seems to overwhelmingly prefer the FR965 style (excluding perhaps the FR965 watch faces).

[@TheKarenjh]

Agree with Dom Carter.

[@bufferino7880]

The perimeter map is a neat change.

[@rpiian]

The frickin flashlight is enough for me to upgrade my instinct solar to instinct 2x. That’d be SO convenient for camping, going to bed late and not disturb spouse, kids, etc…

[@TheCsrmusic]

Thanks for the great review! Got to disagree with you on the look of the software on the Epix vs the F965. I love the clean look of all the software on my Epix 2, the janky fonts and pictures in the background of the sports screen on the 965 really don't do it for me! Each to their own though!

[@jgpratt2010]

I totally agree

[@jonathansale7138]

Do you find the 51mm too big for running and swimming? I really want the bigger watch but worried it will look huge or be annoying on a 18cm wrist

[@darkstepwarrior88]

love the flashlight function and the screen looks so nice.

[@yannickplabonte]

Is the 51mm showing more Information (for example more words on a notification) vs the 47mm or the text is just larger?

[@wilkerk01]

Thanks for another great review DCR! Just got my Epix 2 Sapphire a month ago so I’ll be riding this one out for a while. Would love the new flashlight feature.

[@MiikeWalton]

I got the same Epix 2 Sapphire a week ago and I really wanted the flashlight feature from the Fenix 7X! Garmin is allowing me to return it and get the pro, but trying to see if its even worth it

[@speedlever]

My Epix2 sapphire is just 6 months old and I love it, but I hear that 51mm Epix2 pro calling to me! I wonder if Garmin has a trade in program?

[@rajeshgandhi7961]

Epix 2 is now 999$ in NZ, that’s exactly half the price of Pro. I use screen light to go to loo almost every night and it has enough illumination for me to aim well 😅

[@craiganavi]

Can you have the always on display without 'turn wrist to activate' the full brightness. Aka: only when you push the light button will the display light up and it will stay in dim always on display?

[@screight2]

Great video

[@ActiveIdeas]

So hyped about the flashlight, more model sizes and elevate 5 🌟 Bring it on!

[@minghuachang8126]

I can't find the video you mention at the end: the one about the Epix vs Fenix comparison. Can you please link that?

[@vincei4354]

@dcrainmaker I'm having trouble finding details on the golf support here. I want to ensure there is still differentiation between the Epix and the Approach line. Did you get to test that yet?

[@oleksandryizhakovskyi3236]

Best review I saw, thanks man👋

[@AlexBz_]

The UI from the 965 and Wireless charging would be nice.... Maybee on Epix gen 3

[@shockwave402]

I like endurance score, but yeah sometimes it doesn't make sense. Like on a rest day it'll sometimes drop like 40 points. Other rest days it won't drop at all. I do find that it does value longer workouts vs the intensity of the workout. I gain way score from playing tennis for 90 minutes than a vigorous 30 minute interval run.

[@Rich.ard72]

Great video as usual, only thing missing is the notification, what they look like, emoji visible, emails etc etc. I like the watch and for me that's as important as all the other features. Be great if you could include this on your reviews 👍

[@Dcrainmaker]

Ahh, I usually do include it in the Beginners Guide (just posted today), though not this time. But emoji support is actually quite good now (you can see that in my written review).

[@Rich.ard72]

@@Dcrainmaker thank you for answering 👍

[@ninpohimiko]

The flashlight feature would have been nice, but otherwise no significant change from the Epix 2 Sapphire for me (47mm version). Battery life with AOD is not significantly better. Have had my Epix 2 for a month and am happy with it (got for £600 brand new). Glad I didn't wait for the Pro, which would be £929 at release.

[@kekkonenprkl]

For me the display based "flashlight" on the Epix 2 is more than enough. I often use it in the morning to navigate at home without waking everyone else up. But sure, the actual dedicated flashlight would have been great.

[@ninpohimiko]

@@kekkonenprkl Agreed, the display light is sufficient around bed and quickly reading something, but better if they made full brightness the whole screen lit up instead. I have a Rovyvon torch on my keyring, which is brighter than a watch light, but would be nice to have the option.

[@grantjohnston6152]

Thank you for the video, great wealth of information! I have a couple of questions - 1. Can you adjust the screen timeout duration? And more importantly, why can't they figure out a way to put the charge port on the side so that you can charge while wearing?

[@SilveryFoxster]

I’m glad I delayed buying the reduced price Epix 2, the new Pro version looks awesome. I predict a large dent in my credit card coming up.

[@U9092100]

Does the back HR sensor glass is still plastic (or normal glass)? My EPIX2 does scratch a lot.. Hope Garmin can use Sapphire in the back (like AW/Mi watch pro/Huawei watch)

[@igorstaric2496]

42mm size Epix ... Reason I didn't choose Epix over Venu 2 Plus was the size ... now the only thing holding me back is the price :)

[@Feintgames]

Same. I have a Fenix 6x pro solar and I want that AMOLED screen. But the price. They surely make you pay for it.

[@jimsmith5502]

DC, I just got the Epix Pro 51mm and the watch put 300 steps on the count just driving down the road, have you had this same issue? My Garmin instinct solar doesn’t do this.

[@lostinwillworld]

Thanks, great review! Have you heard anything from Garmin on the potential of LTE or should we give up on hoping for that?

[@NickW90]

I just got my epix pro yesterday. I’ve noticed that on the default watch face that the heart rate doesn’t refresh every second in the background like my forerunner 965 does. Is this normal??

[@jodeci888]

Another great video. I already have the Epixs Pro and I'm thinking about selling it and picking up the new descent MK 3i because of the better waterproofing/being a spare scube diving computer. I read a few people had problems with their Epix Pros after swimming. I know the MK3i has the older OHR v4 and wanted to know your opinion on the OHR v4 vs the OHR v5 and what would you do? My main sport is swimming on vacation and in my chlorinated pool.

[@Dcrainmaker]

I've swam a ton with mine, without any issues at all. I've also dove with the base Epix & Fenix before too, since the waterproofing spec is more than sufficient (incorrect information about waterproofing specs on watches is my pet peeve, there's so much dive lore around these specs that's outright wrong). In any event...for swimming, honestly, you're not going to see much of a differnece between the V4 & V5 optical HR sensors. It's either gonna work for you specifically, or it's gonna suck. Swimming and optical HR is still the wild west, and every company out there caveats that it's very hit or miss dependent on a ton of factors (mostly fit, but also swim stroke, water quality, lighting/etc...). You're basically trying to optically shoot through water/bubbles in between your wrist and the watch sensor.

[@jodeci888]

@@Dcrainmaker : Thank you for the quick response and the detailed breakdown. 1 question forget to ask, do you use a "dust plug" on any of your Garmin watches? If so, all the time or just during specific times/sports.

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@jodeci888 no problem. No, never at all use the dust plug. Honestly zero reason to, that port is extremely well waterproofed, and it's honestly better to let water get in there, clean it out, and then let air get in there and clean it out (versus a plug that basically starts corroding moisture in there).

[@jodeci888]

@@Dcrainmaker That was my thinking as well. Thank you again and I'll look out for your next videos.

[@略奪でる]

Would I like this watch for using at the gym mostly? Camping and outdoors stuff after.

[@garisport]

Excellent review

[@rikbanter694]

I've had my epix2 pro for three months major software problems ...maps won't zoom out and are ultra sluggish

[@juniorsegovia116]

Do you still suggest the auto select mode or all+multi band?

[@mobilesecure]

Many thanks for great video. How accurate HR readings in 965 compare epic pro 2? I have Fenix 6x pro solar and HR readings are very bad

[@metalman0708]

I do mostly gym training. My activities are spin, strength training, and walking on the treadmills. My Apple Watch will connect to the treadmills and the spin bikes via Bluetooth. Will this watch do that?

[@giggsirish]

There appears to be a light sensor under the display? Not seeing this mentioned anywhere. If I have AOD enabled and then shine a torch on the screen the screen gets brighter. It return to normal a few seconds after turning off the torch or removing it from under a bright light.

[@Mindolluin]

Will the new sports modes be coming to older watches (Fenix 6), too? I'm really missing archery.

[@Dcrainmaker]

No plans there. :(

[@swlak516]

Defintely love that they brought all rhe software features to my Epix! But I still wish I had the flashlight and new HR sensor 😔

[@bennyrodriguez1583]

Thanks for your honest review, as always.

[@jimtolen2689]

Thanks for your review. Have you used the watch with an RTL 515 radar light? I use an Edge 830, and I would like to receive radar alerts on my watch.

[@billygraydon]

Great Review! How would you compare this to the enduro 2?

[@markusjohansson6245]

Cool thanks. Have been waiting for this to upgrade my fenix 6pro....

[@DanielTempleman911]

Thanks. With need for reading glasses or longer arms Im finding the screen on my 6X increasingly hard to read especially on runs. The brightness and extra contrast and resolution of the Epix display looks like it would help. Thoughts?

[@martinlecuona2860]

Didn’t find the full UI video. Looking forward to it

[@andrzejostrowski5579]

Is display burn-in an issue? Will it last 4-5 years like my old Garmin watch?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Not an issue on the current gen AMOLED watches. There were some issues on the original (very first) Venu series watches, but that was fixed by the Venu 2 series, and haven't heard of anything since.

[@andrzejostrowski5579]

Thanks for the answer. I wanted to get the fenix, now I’m not so sure.

[@rcuadro]

I was just talking crap on the Fenix 7 pro video on how garmin saved me a grand and then I see this large and beautiful screen! I think garming is going to take $1100 from me 😭

[@BarbaryStudio]

Can you explain how the battery life is on the 47mm epix pro compared to the fenix 7 pro. Daily use: Gym, work, running, sleeping, cycling gps turned only one when we really start running or cycling , heart rate sensor on.

[@Dubai892JK]

I dunno, in my opinion having the screen always showing time and info is a big plus for me... doing that with Amoled(epix) will definitely force you to charge more often and it could be three times what you would usually do with the mip(fenix)

[@bevkorf]

Thanks for the great review. Mine arrives today to replace my Fenix 5X.

[@jonathansale7138]

Garmin 965 vs epix pro 51mm Great video What would you pick for triathlete and gym going

[@scottash393]

thanks! Helped alot with my new unit.

[@scalp22]

I hope that the endurance, hill scores and red mode comes to the 965 🤞

[@scalp22]

The new map features would be nice too ;)

[@hongziyang]

And the split/ perimeter data screens. Those are brilliant

[@MustafaElCamino]

Great review. Could you by any chance tell me the brand of the drawer workbench behind you?

[@golfinitup2]

Do you have a video showing all the new watch faces of the Epix Pro 2? Would love to see a quick cycle through them.

[@1HappyBob]

I love that watch face - anyone know what it is / where I can get it? I currently have an Epix 2, thanks

[@KalJoao]

I really want one of these, hoping there will be a black friday sale on the Pro this year!

[@jamble7k]

they're on sale anyway due to the new fenix release

[@KalJoao]

@jamble7k yeah, the military discount is $799 but already $749 at BestBuy

[@roboppers]

Does the hill stuff also works when for instance climbing on a zwift activity?

[@gerard7829]

I use the Epix and the 1030 plus. I don’t understand the workout suggestion features. Are the two units communicating garmin data somehow? Eg? I just got back from a grueling 723 mile MTB bike packing race with over 50k feet of climbing (the Cross-Washington). Averaged 100 miles per day. Next day I would think garmin would tell me to recover but it wanted me to do a 2 hour base ride😂. Just doesn’t seem very “smart”

[@roderikmet5457]

Great video first! Now I am looking for the video on the user interface your are referring to in minute 16:32 of this video. Can not find it. Where is it?

[@reubencowell]

Hey Ray, thanks for the review! do you think any of those new sports profiles or software features will come to the forerunner series? i think those team sports make much more sense on a smaller watch like the forerunner?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Not sure on Forerunner, I'll have to ask.

[@reubencowell]

@@Dcrainmaker Thanks 🙏

[@Joshi.]

@@Dcrainmaker Thanks! please keep us updated 🙏

[@jasonfenech5347]

Is it safe to say that all of these software features, will be soon available on older watches such Epix Gen 2?

[@dconte007]

Have you updated a review for the Epix version 2?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Sorry, not sure I understand- the Epix Pro is the most new/current version of Epix.

[@dconte007]

@@Dcrainmaker I am on Garmin site and they list it as Epix™ Pro (Gen 2) - Standard Edition | 51 mm so wondering if your review is based on this model? Thank you so much for taking the time to respond.

[@vancekeith5642]

Another great video, thank you

[@johnlabernik4599]

I wanna upgrade my epix 2 just for that flashlight

[@MWDAdventures]

does the black come off the head get nicked up vs the natural finish?

[@keirux]

Does the new HR sensor work when swimming or in water activities such as surfing?

[@gianmariacuratolo5383]

as usual wonderful review! do you have any idea if also the Marq Athlete will be upgraded anytime soon to pro?

[@Zeroed_Tolerance]

which watch you are wearing in the video ? that size looks perfect. i'm using fenix 5x plus, it's a bit to big and heavy for daily use 24/7. thinking about renew. good videos you make !

[@andre_renard]

Any indication if they'll bring the endurance score to the Forerunner 965? Seems like it would fit well with that watch, but maybe they want to keep something exclusive to the top end models?

[@Joshi.]

I am wondering the same, at least a Springe let’s screen map and data field cut the element through a software update. Wouldn’t require much work I guess 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Emperorminiatures]

Any idea when the software updates are coming?

[@betopicotto]

Do you know if Garmin would release a black color besides the carbon gray?

[@TommySchiavon]

Great review as always 😄 in your opinion make sense to switch to the New EPIX PRO from an Enduro 2 ? Thank you

[@jakubbrzoska1525]

does software features will come to fr 965?

[@diegopadre6982]

Any comparison to the tactix 7pro solar? Is it worth the upgrade, I don’t use the kill switch etc…

[@PeterHerget]

Yeah, another fabulous review. Your video was the 1st the mention ECG. Guess I need to sell my Venu 2 Plus now and buy the EPIX 2.5 PRO wearable...

[@haylo75]

Amazing watch, and as always a great overview. Too bad I just got a Forerunner 965 when it launched, but I can't help but upgrade and sell my Forerunner.

[@giochatore]

Why? You have almost the same features

[@haylo75]

@Francesco Umm, no. Did you watch the video?. 1. The sensor is completely new hardware. 2. ECG hardware is baked in and I'd bet you money that feature is coming. 3. Flashlight 4. Sapphire glass 5. Endurance Score 6. Hill Scor

[@scottwiggans6292]

I’ve just sent my 965 back and put money too and bought this

[@cdh79]

@@scottwiggans6292 are you happy with the upgrade? I am on the FR935 now and want to upgrade and am torn between the 965 and the Epix pro.. I mostly run, swim and golf (and the Epix pro has some new golf features), but I am a bit worried the Epix (47mm) will be a bit too thick/bulky when running, or should this not be a worry?

[@scottwiggans6292]

😂😂sent garmin epix back got fennix 7 pro with flashlight half price of epix well got for £511 and epix cost me £929 so £400 for omled screed mail shtick with fennix n buy 2-3 pairs of trainers with rest

[@tha_realness]

Hi DC, please can you comment on Non-Pro Epix: have they added directional arrows for gpx routes now, or is it only available on the Pro?

[@mateuszbuczma1956]

Could you please compare epix pro vs MARQ 2 adventurer?

[@youbikewithatube]

Whats the operating temperature of these watches in the direct heat of the southwest in the summer? I’ve had my iPhone just shutdown on me in the shade before in the middle of nowhere and was wondering how these more complicated watches would do in that type of heat.

[@FaithMindsMotivation]

Will the new software features be coming to the FR 255/955 series?

[@alexweigelhikes]

Thank you! Could you make a video for instructions on how to upload a track or a route? You probably have one already, but I think it would be worth a refresh. There might even be some uplateds methods that I don't know about. I'm still using Garmin's Base Camp, which I really wish they would update. It's laughable how sophisticated their watches are compared to how crappy the apps and web-apps are.

[@mikem4215]

Epix 51mm is so sick

[@fp8007]

One question for you ,do you have en epix pro 51 mm, if so how long u had it , give the pros and cons , and the solar version helps or not🤔

[@BeauG66]

Any news on the issue with the Epix 2 where buttons stop working after sea swimming?

[@Loc1792]

Does the new sensor support naps?

[@Dcrainmaker]

That's more of a software thing. Garmin actually can pick-up naps in some limited scenarios, but on the whole it doesn't. For example, if you take a redeye flight and don't sleep at all, and then sleep from 1-3PM, it'll pick that up.

[@movdqa]

I just saw your article on fast charging and I'm leaning back towards the Epix Pro now. One of the things that I didn't like about the 5+ is the lack of fast charging. Sometimes what I'd like to do is have to Fenix watches and wear the other when one is charging. I don't know if Garmin Connect can combine the data from 2 watches though. The problem isn't so much that it takes a huge time to charge that I sometimes forget to put it back on if it's been off my wrist for an hour or two.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, it’s super handy!

[@DustinKaufman-v4z]

Ray will you be doing a comparison of this new epix gen 2 pro vs the 965? I've researched quite a bit and I'm not finding any glaring differences other than a $400 price mark-up. Thanks

[@DexterHQ]

Awesome review! Will the new watch faces be available on the original Epix gen 2 as well?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, that's the only feature that stays as 'Pro' (the new watch faces that say 'Pro').

[@DexterHQ]

@@Dcrainmaker ah, too bad… thanks for the reply!

[@rodger_rabbit]

Where is the 45-60mn video you mentioned you had for pro tips?

[@peakproofuk]

Hate to disagree with the boss, but... as a graphic designer, I can't tell you how much I HATE the UI graphics on the 965, not just the watch faces, every single bit of it - looks like a 90s website - honestly it would stop me buying it.

[@Thunderbolt12966]

I can second that. What were they thinking?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Style is always individual, but, the number of people that want the FR965 UI on Epix is pretty overwhelming based on comments the last few months. Some don't like the watch faces, which is fair, but those are separate anyway.

[@peakproofuk]

@@Dcrainmaker what bothers me is that the Fenix team seem to understand that they’re dealing with information graphics. The team designing the 965 ui don’t. If ui has pointless additions and superfluous flair, it’s detracting from its job. Tasteless gradients, weird italicised text and key lines. Background textures that do nothing but confuse. Looks like an alibaba knockoff.

[@danishhaqim3155]

Does epix pro gen 2 have built in mic and speaker for Bluetooth calling?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Nope

[@arnarn4112]

Great review as always, thanks. Have you compared the display differences between glass and sapphire on these watches? I'm mainly thinking about sapphire's effect on reducing brightness and increasing reflections. Thanks.

[@paulgal]

Always go for sapphire, my brightness is at the lowest and I’ve never had an issue with brightness. I’ve banged this watch numerous times and not a scratch on it .

[@spikemd1364]

sapphire on my Fenix 6 has definitely been worth the money. beat it to heck and no scratches.

[@fbicking]

Hey Ray, thank you for the great review. Was wondering if you have the Pro broadcast heart rate to an Edge 1040 will it use the extra LED's for better heart rate data? Considering my cycling is only road that might give me accurate enough data to eliminate the chest strap.

[@-zerocool-]

Before anyone buys one of these watches, make sure you get the right size for you, makes a huge difference.

[@millemarie]

In the video he mentions an epix pro vs fenix 7 pro video. Did he make this? I can't find it.