Garmin Epix Gen 2

My review on the Garmin Epix series of watches and whether or not I'll be upgrading to the new Epix Pro. This is NOT an in-depth review of specs or features. This is my overall impression of how this watch has worked for me over the last two years and why it is still my go to sports and fitness watch.

[@candidobm]

Superb content! 👏🏽 I'd only suggest removing the background music. It can send a message that it's only shallow content, advertisement, or promotional video. And you gave us much more than that. Congrats on the channel.

[@chris_shafer]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll do that.

[@RigiLiquid945]

After 3 years with the Vivoactive HR and 4 years with the Instinct, I just upgraded to the same watch as you have (got it on sale -35%). It looks great, it's light, fits my 7" (180cm) wrist, lasts for days, charges in minutes, the screen is 10 times better than the MIP especially on the maps. So many functions, but easy to use.

[@chris_shafer]

awesome!

[@cgarrett1974]

The flashlight is a game-changer. I just switched from the 51mm fenix 7X to the 47mm Epix Pro- very happy with the size change and keeping the flashlight with AMOLED.

[@chris_shafer]

For sure. I wish I had the flashlight multiple times each day. I agree with the 47mm size and AMOLED display being the way to go. I just ordered the Apple Watch 2 to see how I like it, but I have a strong feeling it'll get sent back as a return.

[@rnovachuk]

@@chris_shafer Hi, what's a color name of your band? thanks!

[@brucelin5842]

@@chris_shafer r u deciding between the ultra 2 and epix pro ? If u want to improve ur fitness goal in the gym which should u get ? Or will the epix gen 2 be just enough, since it’s on big sale now…

[@matrhein]

Exactly what I suppose, I am currently on the Epix gen 2 but am eyeballing the 51 Pro for significant price changes ;-). With the flashlight it might just be the perfect combination.

[@marcusslade9804]

Good video and agree with virtually all your points. I’ve been using Garmin watches for about 20 years now, dominantly for running and cycling (golf now too) but seem to be adding activities all the time. On average I tend to get a new device about every five years or so, often because the existing one wears out (heavily scratched, battery life, system glitches etc). Ironically, I just got a 51mm Epix Pro last week, after a long period of research, to upgrade my five+ year old Forerunner 935. As much as I largely live in the Apple ecosystem, I just couldn’t get past the battery life issue on even the Watch Ultra and I also wanted fitness and activity tracking way more than a “smartwatch”. I'm sure this new Epix Pro will seem old in a certain number of years but I expect this to last a long time…and I do love the flashlight feature, having used the one on my iPhone daily. Really good stuff. Thanks.

[@chris_shafer]

Thanks! Glad you are liking the Epix Pro.

[@nv1573]

No, you don´t need to upgrade. not for 300$ more it´s ridiculous, you get a flashlight and more battery with the 51mm version that´s it. the firmware on the pro and gen 2 are basically the same. I got the epix 2 and it has everything I wanted and more. If they want me to buy a more expensive version it would have to be the epix pro with a speaker like the venu 3 and hopefully solar charge built in on top of that + the capability do to an ecg with the watch. I hope they will go into that direction for their next fenix and epix models

[@chris_shafer]

Totally agree.

[@grahambowes756]

Thanks for this. I’m considering the Epix or 965. I have an Ultra, but of course Apple doesn’t like to let you share health data with Garmin Connect. So I’m looking for a wearable to work with my Garmin Edge 840, when off my bike for hiking, recovery and sleep tracking.

[@chris_shafer]

Can't go wrong with either. I like the styling on the Epic a bit more, personally. I use it as my bike computer too.

[@nigeljohnwilson4549]

Hi Chris, found your review on Epix Gen 2 rather useful. You didn't actually mention if you wear your watch in bed at night. I've been a Fenix 5X 51mm user for last 5 years, but found that I eventually had to remove the watch at night, as it was simply too big to wear in bed. I'm now thinking of upgrading to Epix Gen 2 47mm. I was wondering if you have an y issues with size & weight of yours on your wrist at night?

[@sebastianep]

My Epix has both Hill Score and Endurance Score with the Beta firmware. I believe alls Epix 2s will. What watch face is that?

[@chris_shafer]

Yes, just noticed the Hill Score and Endurance Score metrics were on mine this morning too. The watch face is called "EASY Round". I really like it. Totally customizable.

[@vpnconsult]

The Epix 2 Pro is all the sportwatch you need.

[@chris_shafer]

Absolutely. If there is someone out there that needs more for their chosen sport then I want to meet that person.

[@wreck90]

What color band do you have on it?

[@chris_shafer]

Dark Sandstone.

[@brucelin5842]

What is endurance score?

[@chris_shafer]

From what I gather it is an estimate of your ability to maintain a high level of exertion during cardiovascular exercise.

[@brucelin5842]

Is the sleep tracking accurate?

[@chris_shafer]

It seems to do a fairly good job from what I can tell.

[@maciejcichocki4535]

👍

[@tudorpalela4729]

What is your wrist size?

[@chris_shafer]

About 6.5 inches.

[@rnovachuk]

Hi, what's a color name of your band?

[@chris_shafer]

Dark Sandstone Silicone

[@rnovachuk]

@@chris_shafer, Thanks!

[@davidbraswell1481]

you lost me in the lie of scratching the sapphire crystal screen on the apple watch .....I have had mine for well over a year now and hundreds of miles on it with not one scratch on the sapphire crystal. I have banged it bumped it smashed it in a wheeler wreck and nothing not one scratch. I also wear Garmin and have not scratched the sapphire crystal on it either why even bring up apple stuff on a Garmin sponsored video.....lol Insecure much, they are the most popular watch in the USA!

[@chris_shafer]

WTF are you talking about? Insecure? Yes, I scratched the face of the Apple Watch hitting it on a shelf at one of my businesses right before being interviewed by the local news. While I was on camera I was thinking about how pissed I was about having messed up the screen. I've also scratched my Garmin and the bezel. Sapphire crystal isn't some magic compound invented by elves thereby rendering it invincible. It can be scratched, it can crack. Yes, Apple Watches are super popular, they just aren't for me. Since you seem so worked up about how someone can make a negative comment about them it seems you are the one that harbors a bit of insecurity.

[@makistudio1592]

You scratched the face of sapphire glass?? I don’t believe you. 👎

[@davidbraswell1481]

@@chris_shafer your an idiot sir

[@davidbraswell1481]

@@makistudio1592 he is a lie