Garmin EPIX: The Complete Beginners Guide

[@christoffertews9792]

Gosh no one does reviews written or on YT on your level of quality! It’s totally amazeballs! You already helped me with 3 purchase decisions. Please keep it up - great content ❤️

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - much appreciated!!!

[@BleakVision]

Seriously GARMIN should hire you as Chief UX Officer. You‘ve brought them millions of users and made them millions of dollars. I alone have spent 1500€ on Garmin products in the last three years, very much influenced by your competent reviews and general coverage of the industry. You are to Fitness devices what Jon Siracusa is to the Mac and what Ron Amadeo is to Android. Another guy ho I can think of is Anand Shimpi and guess what, Apple did actually hire him,

[@mj99875]

Check out Project Farm or Gamers Nexus as well. And a few others depending on the niche.

[@nugetta]

@@BleakVision I wouldn't be surprised if, as an independent reviewer, he had a greater influence on what's going on in Garmin than if he were employed there :-)

[@dthomaswilliamson33]

Except for all the other people that have been doing it for years... hope sucking up to someone you don't know got you something besides this comment, loser

[@Daveortiz693]

This watch is beautiful (AMLOED display) mine is already in the mail, cant wait to get it, thanks for this in depth review, subscribed!

[@JD-lv3oo]

Excellent as always and you have given me the information and going to buy the Epix. (due to your content, I have bought 2 watches in the past). I think GARMIN should be employing you. Good work and please keep going…

[@terencemcgrotty5227]

Great review, as is the one on comparison with Fenix 7 and the one on how to update. i just got mine and updated it to 7.35. I like the HotKey option and being able to configure the watch from my phone. I am also surprised how well it communicates with my Android phone for notifications and is able to respond to the main notifications like text, and phone calls. I ended up getting the non-saphire model (the others are back-ordered) but prefer the stainless steel bezel and the screen is so clear and bright that I changed the General use brightness to low and Activity use to medium. I also have AOD off for general use as the wrist gesture is so quick.

[@TheSurfskidude]

Thanks as always for such an informative review! EPIX gen2 is the big winner for me… weekly charging is no biggie and the 64K colors closes the deal. 🤙🏼

[@lloydmack3486]

Well done as always ! ! !

[@peter_heilrath]

Thanks! A direct comparison Fenix 7 and Epix is still coming up, right?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, got it largely edited tonight. Just need to add some footage in.

[@rasmokey4]

How does this compare to the Garmin Venu 2 Plus?

[@Muazzes]

I wonder, can we now add more than 2 custom data fields (like, downloaded from CIQ) to workouts in Epix/F7? You don't mention it anywhere, but I really hope they have added this feat?

[@craplax]

Hey Ray ! I have a question for you cannot find it on garmin. I’ve read on the venu 2 you have a quick charge 15 mins = 30 % battery. Is it the same with the Epix ? Thank you and keep it up

[@nuts77]

Hello Ray, cool video ! One big question for me : do we also get the new data screen layouts with 6 data fields and more (22:56 to 23:00) on the 47 mm Fenix7 ? Thanks !

[@richardgoodall3580]

You get your kids up take them to the playroom and then go back to sleep!!!....teach me how!🤣

[@Dcrainmaker]

Lots and lots of practice!

[@mohamadjamil3164]

Hi DC RM. I just got my epix. Upgraded from fenix 6 pro. Although both watches indicates that they are 47 mm size. I can not but notice that the epix is larger. I don’t have my old watch so I can’t compare/measure. Have you done that? Let me know

[@adrianbjones]

Seems a real shame that you can't have touch enabled for the map and nothing else during activities. I often used maps for trail runs, but don't want touch enabled for the rest of the interface elements.

[@craigcoco6014]

We should all contact Garmin support and request this. I did this once with a bug and it was fixed in a month. Perhaps they will add this feature

[@HenleyBailey]

Hold the top right and bottom left buttons down to quickly disable/enable touch, would be better to have just map screen enabled for touch but this makes it bearable

[@zachtutor7998]

Please do one of these for the Coros Vertix 2

[@tomwestbrook]

Adding Health snapshot has apparently changed. Just got a new epix2 and installed the latest update and it’s in sports/activities list, but prompts for text entry. 🤷‍♀️

[@Dcrainmaker]

That’s super weird and sounds like a bug. What’d it ask for?

[@thetrailwaychildren]

So can you upload gpx files to this and follow it like a sat nav?

[@HugoParedes]

I’m trying to understand if, when in always on mode, does it always turns the brightness up when moving the arm, or can we have it only doing it if we touch the screen or press a button? Thanks

[@kylecolmar964]

Your the best

[@joshlindl6169]

You mention using Kamoot, I'm new to this game (just got the Epix based on your excellent reviews!), is Kamoot better than using Garmin mapping? How do you typically use one vs. the other / both?

[@mikelambrou4462]

Great overview! Mine arrived today, however I can’t edit activity data fields on Connect, the data field option isn’t there. Are you using a beta version or has Garmin dropped support for this feature do you happen to know?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Double check firmware is up to date (7.20) on watch, and that phone app up to date. And the finally, close and re-open garmin connect on phone. Should be good then.

[@ibby81ae]

I'm only getting 5 days on always displaying and 15 days on gesture, I'm doing something wrong?

[@gianlucagilliotos8111]

Super review, maybe I missed something but does it offer the possibility to download gpx tracks and also open street maps?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes.

[@softraid]

ATM there came up some more people who say that the AMOLD ist a lot to bright in the night, also with the right night seeting.

[@dominicomucci3014]

Love the review but I'm surprised you think garmin have good sleep tracking I think it's garbage. I was kind of worried it was going to be when they ask you to pre set bed times etc. Compared to samsung it's terrible. Samsung even picks up naps and is much more accurate.

[@vancekeith5642]

Im sorry but didn't understand where to locate the written review

[@eddelgado2171]

It does have a flashlight! Just FYI. Thanks

[@KeithHepburn]

This is the thing. Someone bought me this watch as a present. I couldn't believe it's rrp was £750.00. I don't know if I want to keep it so I've been watching reviews. Here's the thing. What does it actually do I've watched these videos and still don't know what it does. You can even listen to your stats whilst running because it don't talk. You can't take a phone call. It's like £750 and does very little why would I not jist want a £250 decent smart watch.

[@johnhudson7677]

To enable/disable touch without going through the menu, hold the down and start buttons simultaneously.

[@RodneyClang]

oh my, thank you! So easy, I love it

[@prefixerable]

Wow, best discovery after two years

[@COYSMike]

I've got to talk myself out of getting one of these to replace my Forerunner 935

[@RMILLSMMA]

Just picked up a Epix Gen 2 for £350 new at H Samuel. Bargain imo. (now has nap tracking for anyone interested.)👍🏼

[@Dcrainmaker]

Solid deal!

[@StephenAusden]

I have just received mine from same company slightly more expensive at £375.00 but still a very solid deal

[@tomi8347]

same me 💪🏻✌🏻

[@rollercoaster4841]

I’m looking g at the same deal, why do cheap, is there a gen 3 coming soon or something?

[@Sam-qh1sh]

Mines being delivered tomorrow 😊

[@GuadalupeGonzalez-kk1ut]

Man I can’t decide between the epix and fénix 7x. I wish the epix came in a 51 size.

[@rohdich]

What did you go for? Epix 2 pro 51mm I hope came out for you in time!

[@curtisgoodwin8962]

Great video Ray! It helped me decide to pull the trigger on the 16gb model (32gb not available in Canada yet). Definitely a steep learning curve coming from an AW, but will complement my Garmin Edge well and finally lock me into one ecosystem! Looking forward to seeing how the body battery tracking matches up to my overall “feeling of health” on a day to day basis.

[@dominicomucci3014]

Quick hint for you and others by the way you can go up in the menu instead of going down all the way to the bottom it goes straight there if that makes sense. Up once puts you at the bottom.

[@pierrepaniagua]

Even after all these videos I'm torn between the 7x and epix. I may have an opportunity to get one and I'm drowning myself in these videos, love the work you do!

[@chadotis8416]

Me too. The 7X flashlight is pretty handy i guess. But that Epix screen is 🔥

[@ebmike8]

Great Review! I was on the fence about the Epix 2 and Ultra. Your review was the reason I purchased the Epix 2 yesterday and currently configuring the settings. I had an Apple Watch but the battery was always terrible. Even now when I go Kayaking or Paddling for 4-6hrs in one day the watch dies halfway through. Or when I go cycling 30-50miles in one day the watch barely held on. Needed something more connected to the outdoors vs a fancy watch. Glad I made this purchase! Thanks for your vids!!!

[@Misko16]

Hej DC, I have a question: Do you know when or if Garmin would install Nap time in his app and integrate it with sleep and recovery ect. It's a great thing for athletes and other people to recharge, yet I did not see it anywhere. Whoop has it and it's working great! Thank you in advance and I am a big fan of yours. Keep up the good work!

[@peter_heilrath]

Do you think (or know) if Garmin will release a 51mm version of the Epix in the near future?

[@Emmanuel-Uncensored]

Nice Watch…for sure better than the first Epix (that I owned…) the issue is the price tag and the pricing policy of Garmin lately… not a brand for athletes anymore but a brand for wealthy people!

[@sagybp]

Thank you so much for all your hard work and amazing videos! I'm gonna upgrade my Fenix 5 Plus and really can't decide between the Epix and 7 or 7X. I'm a little scared about the Epix battery life as I'm planning 12-hour ultra runs. But that screen... Oh my god. How can I give that up?!

[@NoThisIsPatrick87]

Did you choose/decide? I’m planning to upgrade from my fenix 5! I’m in the same boat I’ve got my first ultra in November!

[@sagybp]

@@NoThisIsPatrick87 Yes, I'm with the Epix now for a few months and I cannot be happier.

[@God-dt7om]

I’d love more info on setting up maps and routes. I got the epix 2 and I’m struggling with the maps for hill walking etc.

[@justanothernoobe]

So glad I watched this - if only for the single tip that turning off Always On and switching to Gesture Mode has just boosted my battery life from 5 to 11 days 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ClaudioVaglini]

Hi, I've seen tons of Garmin EPIX videos on youtube but you remain one of the best. I want to try to share with you my experience of daily use for 2 years of another Garmin watch with AMOLED screen: Garmin Venu. I immediately fell in love with a particular watch face that I have never changed in these two years. Despite having automatic shutdown of the screen after 10 seconds and adaptive brightness, I recently noticed that many pixels have remained frozen with the background image that I have always used. I wanted to switch to EPIX just to keep the AMOLED screen that I really appreciated, but I can't afford to have this problem every two years, considering the cost of this smartwatch.

[@OmmerSyssel]

Thanks for sharing valuable user experience.. Ever complained to Garmin?

[@marcusbaker]

How does the Fenix 7 / EPIX handle phone notifications. I've had a Fenix 5 for years now (with a brief spell with a Galaxy Watch to compare with) and the Garmin WhatsApp / email / messenger notifications are truly horrible and have stopped me considering upgrading from the 5. Can you tell me if they have improved the UI especially around real worl situations where you have loads of messages going through a group WhatsApp. The old one just keeps showing the first message in the chain from the point I last opened the chat in my phone which is pointless. I know it's not a sports feature but these are smart connected devices with phone notifications which is a big thing for a lot of people but no one really delves into the phone connected features much beyond the IQ store and Garmin health ecosystem

[@gammelgamer]

I was wondering if they’ve changed anything to the usual only two ConnectIQ-Datafield limitation per activity profile on these new models or if it stayed the same? Can’t find anything on this anywhere. Thanks in advance! (Ok I’ve seen that you’ve answered this question on the written-review comment section. For anyone wondering, it stayed the same... 👎🏻)

[@willidevegt8831]

Does the Epix come with fast charging ? do you have an estimation of how long it takes to get a full charge ? Thanks

[@scottabergermd]

I stand TOTALLY correctly - outstanding video and you explained many of the features. Thank you again!

[@mjsolomon5427]

Garmin hates me. I've been begging for a watch with a Venu type screen and some of the higher athletic features. So they finally release it. But now I am kinda liking that my Venu 2 Plus can receive and send calls. Sigh... can't win for losing with Garmin. Just make a kitchen sink watch!

[@terencemcgrotty5227]

I expect having it rated for Open Water and Pool swimming limits the addition of speakers and microphone. I have tried other devices that you can take a call on after a swim but they are useless until they dry out.

[@mjsolomon5427]

@@terencemcgrotty5227 Good point.

[@davidalderson7761]

Can you do or get a female guest presenter to go over the watch and sizes for female sports and ultra runners. Many women are smaller and which watch options may suit them for weight size and strap comfort compared to the mens builds.?

[@ethangreen4257]

Low key flexing his VO2 max

[@brianbailey7128]

I've had my Epix for a couple of weeks and I keep coming back to this content. Thanks!

[@chrisalberti]

I have heard in some reviews complaints regarding the Epix buttons. I have not heard them from you. Any issues? I would upgrade from the 6XS for the screen.

[@kristyjohnson6504]

Thanks for the video. Trying to decide if I want to switch from AW or try Garmin. Love the display on the Epix. But the size is too large for me so may settle for the Fenix 7s. What are the chances they bring out a smaller version of the Epix?

[@ericmills1212]

You most definitely should NOT work for Garmin. Great for them, but we would lose our unbiased reviews. Just keep working for us (consumers). Great review, as always.

[@blitzer25blitz62]

im concerned about that display lifespan..especially when AOD turn on all the time

[@fendermon]

Leave it in gesture mode to save battery and screen lifespan, I would guess.

[@Wardaddy865]

Just bought mine. Dumping my series 9 Apple Watch. Hopefully I’m making a good pick

[@callsignhawkshot]

Just sold my Apple Watch ultra for this updating it right now so exited ! ❤

[@Halv_Turken]

is it possible to get a white screen in the garmin epix gen 2? as in a white background when you for example show data, diagrams, maps, etc etc or is it always gonna be black in the background?

[@AlfuhPAD]

Yesss inject the Epix coverage directly into my veins

[@Ghostina1]

Great Video. An interesting question for me is. Does it grap the VO2Max around the garmin eco system. I have a Garmin 830 head unit with a breast strap and a Powermeter on my bike. When I train and have a possible new vo2max my old current garmin fenix3 grabs the data but not the recovery recommendations. Does the line up epix, fenix7 does that ?

[@currahm]

Hi, help needed, I can’t get out of the activity of ‘bike’, if I go back it takes me to the watch face. Please help

[@hueigiap]

Does anyone ever mention VO2Max at 57 is bad ass level?

[@josephblessingh2384]

Im planning to buy it now in May 2024 for €460. Is it worth it over the venu 3?

[@SunnyWpg]

So, so disappointed this did not have the call functionality of the Venu 2 plus. Guess I'll stick with my huawei gt2 a little longer.

[@KingLifeTale]

So ready for Garmin to bring speakers 🔊 to the Fenix and Epix line

[@shondamartin6183]

I'm curious about Treadmill runs and accuracy. Garmin has lacked in this space, which why I still use my old school Garmin foot pod. Any update on treadmill running accuracy and would be able to pair my foot pod with the Epix? BTW- Kudos on another great review.

[@ericmills1212]

Agreed. I still track my treadmill runs after all these years with my Fenix and Stryd (or other footpad) because its easiest way to get data to garminconnect and strava. I was on a crusade for couple years to try to get " elevation gain" tread data easily into Strava but never found way. There are work arounds like RunCline app and now with Stryd/Garmin you can manually enter tread incline on your watch or app as you run, but that generates power correction, not elevation data. Peloton tread came close but for some reason the elevation data didn't sync over with the rest.

[@whatsgoodmyguy4391]

Thanks for the in depth review. Really appreciate the time you took to make this.

[@icychap]

Do you think this would be a good choice for ice climbing?

[@ryangreen7694]

Any videos or examples of what satellite maps look like with birds eye?! I have seen videos on fenix 5/6 and with this newer resolution display maybe it would look even better?!

[@victorf.morales875]

Thank you, very good presentation. I train in a swimming pool with counter current and the two options I see are Pool swim and open water swim, what would be your selection?

[@ivorhamilton5304]

Hey. DC Rainmaker. Is mtb good to use on this watch?

[@bigbigdog]

I just pick up a Epix a year after this video. This is very helpful. I already have an Instinct 2 Solar and much of the functionality are similar on both watches. Thanks again for the detail review.

[@jakehardy5997]

Hey I just bought an Epix 2 Sapphire coming from an instinct 2 as well (surf version) how did you like the upgrade? Mine should hopefully be in by Saturday

[@bigbigdog]

@@jakehardy5997 I love it. It has been on my wrist everyday since I got it. Literally.

[@erickranz]

This looks great and I am tempted. Any idea if there will be an update to their golf line? The Approach s is due a serious update. s62 was a big disappointment.

[@SoshitoNakagata]

How many millimeters is the REAL screen of the Epix? It seems to have a big frame around the amoled comparing to my Fenix 6 PRO solar. It seems to have less usable screen. Please can you take the real diameter? Thanks

[@iacchos-fr]

Good question ! And what is the REAL difference between Epix 1.3’´ screen and Fenix 7X 1.4’´ screen considering the solar area ??

[@ibby81ae]

Sold the galaxy watch 4 classic and purchased the epix, thanks.

[@UABFWSS]

Found that you can set a hot key to disable the display, even for gestures, which might save a countless number of gesture activations, a smidge of battery life I imagine. Can tap screen or any button to view display for the time out duration. Good for maybe when you don't want to give up your location via gesture act at night too.... basically just having display "off", but simpler via a hot key maybe

[@jurajhorvat693]

Would epix survive the whóe iron man race? Or is Fenix better option? Like epix screen so the only to validate is the battery for longer race like half or full iron man. Thx

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes, easily. Even with every feature enabled on the biggest battery burning options you’d never use in an Ironman, by battery was still clearing north of 20 hours GPS time.

[@danielfeinler1052]

I have the watch, but I don't have the schedule option in Nighttime Dispsay waht you are showing. I can only enter a fix date when it starts and wehen in ends. But no schedule for each day? Do I need to change something to get the schedule?

[@dannywarren2344]

I've just had a software update and the schedule option is now there.

[@Scoobied77]

Disappointing it’s only 47mm. 👎 Really need to make a 51mm version.

[@Audunsfitness]

Hi, Ray Thanks for the detailed video! There is one thing I can't find any info on anywhere: Can you turn off both Always On and Wrist Gesture at the same time, so that the only way to turn on the screen is to press a button or tap the screen? I know it's possible in Sleep Mode, but I mean in general use and activities.

[@danielvargo8369]

Yes u can I did the same thing on my Epix gen 2

[@alexjackson7785]

Very happy with my purchase… until I tried to play golf “cannot load maps” startup began to appear. Can’t load the golf mapping rendering the app useless. Any solution? I’ve tried all the on offs, resets, updates everything. TIA

[@venelinbakalov5945]

This watch is amazing! Both the Epix pro gen 2 recently and I am in love. Yes, it dies have a learning curve but it is SO capable! And on that regard, thanks for that video, you really put out a lot of helpful stuff! One question that I have, in case you have some extra time, do you have some specific recommendation for Android skiing? Previously I used Slopes on my Android phone which automatically pushes to Strava since a lot of users recommended it over directly tracking in Strava. Now with the Garmin I also have the skiing activity on the watch itself...so do you have any specific recommendations or impressions on that topic?

[@phoenixashes0013]

Just got my epix gen 2 last week. Agree with everything. I do hate how hard it can feel just to start a workout, esp if it’s not running (strength). And auto-nap not being able to be turned off or naps deleted is a strike against garmin. Why is that not customizable when literally every other inch of garmin seems to be?

[@tapecdmp3]

I just got a new Epix 2. updated the Sw to 11.28. For the Steps count in the last 12 hours scree, I see a flat line at around 5500 (current number of steps). But no increasing curve as it should have shown. Is this a bug in my watch? Is it because it's just day 1?

[@costman71]

This watch has a severe drawback.. Screen dims when in activity.. there is no way it can stay on at full brightness.. which means that it cannot be used for cycling for example, when i need to constantly watch my numbers (HR, Watts)

[@gamesetdraw]

Hi, on the outer edge, Sapphire 47mm, there are some numbers, 5,10,15,20 etc. is there anyway of illuminating them or changing their colour as they can only be viewed in daylight

[@brendonclarke5537]

Very helpful, but it would be even better if you slowed down and explained what buttons you are hitting when. I've had to go back and view certain sections 5-10x to figure out exactly how you are getting to certain screens and even then it's tough.

[@SG-dg6oi]

did they fix the button stickiness? my Fenix 5 buttons are always sticky, not clicky.... I've soaked the watch in hot soapy water, nothing cleans the stickiness......

[@speedlever]

I have a 7 month old Epix2 and love it. I recently enabled PulseOx mode during sleep and noticed it doesn’t always record every night. Is the PulseOx during sleep option disabled below a certain battery level if the battery is running low? I didn’t see anything in the manual in that regard but could have missed it. I typically charge when the battery drops below a day remaining when it shows hours left (3% or so left).

[@davidmartin413]

A bit late to the party but just bought the sapphire edition black titanium with chestnut leather strap looks stunning on wrist and perfect size got a good deal on it some stores here in the uk still want £1000 didn’t pay that tho

[@christaloney19]

Why does nobody mention that there are problems with the watch(epix2/fenix7)? If you look in the forum you will see countless posts about individual software problems. A lot of random reboots, poor swimtracking, wrong altitude and wrong sleeptracking, map details missing, screen goes off and a lot of other bugs. Even with the latest update there are a lot of bugs. This watch is around 1000$ - i want it to run smoothly and not super bugy. A lot of youtubers are reviewing this watch but no one mentions those bugs - why ? Just have a look at the garmin forum and you will see what i mean. Hope this helps people to get a other point of view. BTW my comments get deleted all the time ^^

[@johncaban4310]

You are my go-to guy. When it comes to all my Garmin watches. I was curious about your opinion between this and the Fenix 7. I'm 54 years old. I do hikes, walks and some bicycling but nothing major. I currently own a Fenix 6x sapphire. If it was up to you, what would be a better upgrade this one or the Fenix 7? I currently get about 5 to 6 days of battery life with my 6x Sapphire. Your opinion means a lot. Thanks a lot

[@james.oakley]

Hi Ray, Firstly I want to say thanks so much for all your amazing content! Your videos helped me with my purchase decision! I’ve recently jumped to GARMIN Epix 2 from an Apple Watch Series 4 and I have a few niggles I wondered if you could shed some light? - Calories count seems way off - to the point I’m almost at 2000 and I’ve only done a 3km walk and sat down? It’s saying over 1500 resting calories! - Apple health sharing is awful and doesn’t seem to add to activity rings at all - pretty sure I saw a blog of yours relating to Strava but do you have any updates? Thanks so much!

[@adammillsindustries.]

I want the Suunto race however I can get the more expensive Epix for the same price. What would people do?

[@mome12accer51]

I have a Garmin 955 Renan and it does not show the number of kilometers correctly. It runs 10 km and the clock shows 5

[@larsstecken]

Nothing is wrong with this review if you watch it on 0.75 speed 😂 I actually think that's his real voice...

[@mome12accer51]

Does he have a speakerphone that I can answer from

[@sfkid57]

most every video tutorial , people talk very fast. they know the Info and want to get as much as they can out. the problem is that we don't the info, and get lose very quickly.

[@xentaatnex8261]

I have a Polar Stride Bluetooth sensor and I'm having a hard time trying to get my Epix Gen 2 to pair with it. I've tried the sensors & accessories options in the watch settings but nothing seems to work. I've also made sure the sensor had a fresh battery. i'm wondering if this is even compatible.

[@alaefarmestatesllc]

How do I get my steps to show on my watch face?