Garmin MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) Review: The Best Money Can Buy?

[@paulhume8083]

I wasn't going to get one but the Gummy Bear container sold it to me. Might even get one for my wife.

[@danielmalan756]

😂

[@SS-kg8qw]

Now wife wil put pressure to buy this watch just for the container. 😀 always happens with me in Costco

[@cardioACTIVE]

😊😊😊😊p😊😊😊😊😊

[@mlsauron]

Yep, the wife.

[@michaelthormann2164]

Im owning a Marq Commander Gen 1 and im wearing it nonstop for three years now. For me it is the best watch i ever had. Its also the smallest of the Marq Collection and the size fits best. The other models are too chunky. Got it second hand for half the price tag and it is totally worth it. There is a niche Market for this definitely. Its for those people that like to spend much money on watches, that like the functionality of a SmartWatch but want to have it in best quality materials almost Like an analog watch. I think they dont care if it is outdatet in three years. But within this time frame the quality of the watch Material stays the same. It got saphire glass and it still looks like brand new. I would be more interested to see how the Gen 2 Marq Commander looks like. Wouldnt be worth for me to Change, but i think for people interested might be interesting to wait for it, since i think is the best model of the Marq collection, kinda understatement in appearance.

[@yeuros6280]

Had to bring out the jacket for this one; on point👌👌

[@1111undici1111]

I evaluated all these new Garmin watches and decided to buy The Fenix 7x. Battery lasts over 30 days! It also has the biggest display option available. I like big watches. I don't need AMOLED display that drains the battery, I want my battery to last. That's why Fenix 7x is the perfect choice for me!

[@raysheedy1658]

With Gen Two, Garmin 'fixed' the only issue that Gen One had - the brightness of the display. Outdoors there was no issue. I must say the new display looks amazing and maybe by the time I need to upgrade my Gen One, it'll be Gen Three - but happy with it every minute it is on my wrist. Caulk it up to buying a tool that you use multiple times an hour every day of the year and the price per use is a bargain!

[@BobbyWoody429]

Maybe that would make sense, except you can get the same watch for half the price…

[@Francesco-De-Luca]

In the review the Marq 2 is considered similar to Epix 2 but actually it has a display of 1.2” which is smaller than the 1.3” of the Epix 2. That is a big difference between the watches.

[@mesa6608]

Exactly, nobody seems to talk about this! When DC is asked tell me difference between Fenix 7 and 7s he'd say "the size of the display!". Not here.

[@BigBeauBrown]

Its a good morning when Mr. DC has a new video😎

[@basengelblik5199]

Love it how you dressed up to be somewhat in style with the watch.

[@Gufolicious]

It looks really really good. By far the best looking sportswatch so far.

[@russblaisdell1163]

Thanks!

[@knutbk]

Garmin has their entire launch strategy ass backwards. This year they released, more or less, watches in order from basic --> best. Using a 935 for the last few years, I felt the itch to jump on the next high-end multi-sport watch and ordered the Epix G2, and I love it. While they look wonderful, there is nothing so compelling about the new MARQs that will persuade me to pick one up now that I've made my triennial Garmin investment. Release your flagship first, and I likely spring for one to satisfy the itch.

[@salttrader4113]

Shh, don't tell them, always skip these as they always sell their expensive watches with last gen. Probably would end up buying one if they reversed that strategy 😂

[@aslam7952]

They want to beta test new features/hardware on the cheaper watches first?

[@vidsbfree4me]

Supply Chain issues likely. But the way I see it, this is final hurrah for this particular Fenix design. So may as well use excess inventory to deplete the stock. Bill Blass and Eddie Bauer editions come to mind. The next model will be revolutionary as opposed to Evolutionary to compete better with iWatch.

[@gilberttiborjakub9890]

I totally disagree with you suppose the Garmin’s strategic management is a genius: everybody was waiting desperately for Fenix 7, so after they released it everybody was running to buy one. A slightly later the Tactix 7 came out so the former Tactix owners (like me) sold their almost new Fenix 7 watches to buy thr new Tactix, and the Quatix users did the same after just two months… then they released the Enduro 2 so some of the former Fenix 7 users also sold their half year old watches to have the latest and greatest… and now the flagship has arrived. I think this business model was very smart: they sold much more product with this.

[@mbirth]

@@gilberttiborjakub9890 And they're encrypting their firmwares for a while now. So even though the hardware in these watches is all the same, you can't easily turn your Fenix into a D2 or your 935 into a Fenix anymore.

[@GabrielGGabGattringer]

Damn that price tag is insane! My Fenix 6 Solar was not the cheapest back then but this Marq Athlete sets a new level.

[@ThomasApostol]

and you all had a go at Apple for asking 950 EUR for the Ultra

[@leagueofotters2774]

Yep, it is a high price to pay for being part of their beta test.

[@io_metre]

Obviously is overpriced. I recently had my Ultra and I'm very happy with it. No Garmin anymore

[@chifineart]

I travel to countries with a time difference of 6+ hours almost quarterly and as I've gotten older, jetlag really bogs me down. I'm curious to know how well this jetlag advisor works and if Garmin will implement it for the Epix or Fenix via an update. Update: Just watched your entire video and SO happy to hear it may make it to the Epix!

[@Markste-in]

My experience is that all the fancy Garmin features are pretty much a "hit or miss". Some work pretty well, some don't work for some people and some features work just from time to time and other features are more like guessing. Many of them are also kinda gimmicky

[@manhartlol6451]

@@Markste-in I find training readiness really accurate tbh, I am rarely in my prime due to my lower amount of sleep but when it comes to days off it jumps up and I can also feel while doing my sport. It also monitors my sleep quite well. Although when it comes to sleep I feel it's like 90% accurate.

[@Markste-in]

@TJ HRV works great for me too (including the stress level that is allegedly based on HRV). Other features are not always so great tbh

[@chifineart]

@@Markste-in I've been using fitbit since 2009 and a Garmin user since 2016. I currently use both and the features that's been released over the years I find are helpful. Even if you feel they are gimmicky, at least you get a "baseline" and from there you can see deviations from that baseline overtime to determine if there are issues.

[@chifineart]

@@manhartlol6451 I agree. If I pushed myself hard the day before, my training readiness the next day is very low and it will tell me to rest rather than workout.

[@fitgearhunter]

Awesome. I only got on YT just now hoping you had received and reviewed one! Incredibly good looking Watch all around. It did look substantially thick though! Thanks for review

[@JesterHammer]

I have the v1. The best watch i ever had. Never regretted it. Won’t plunge again for v2 and skip 1 or 2 versions but if you can afford it, don’t hesitate a second!

[@bump_draft]

Of course it comes out exactly 8 days after I receive my Epix in the mail. I was tired of waiting for the new MARQ and figured it wasn't coming anytime soon.

[@ivailokaramanolev2160]

Your Epix is now useless, as DC rainmaker said and you might as well throw it away. It loses all functionality when something newer comes out.

[@NegyedMisi]

Our Ray dressed sharp for the occasion - Legend! :D

[@jimmycychowski1142]

I've been using the first generation Marq Athlete, for a few years now, I absolutely love this watch, I'm tempted to get the generation 2 the carbon fibre edition.

[@Waaar]

I've been looking into the Marq 2 Commander...any idea when the Gen 3 would release? would hate to buy one if the Gen 3 is around the corner..

[@jimmycychowski1142]

@@Waaar no idea mate, other than battery life being better, and maybe a new sensor, what more could you want? The build quality is insane with these multi tool watches

[@Waaar]

@@jimmycychowski1142 yeah that's very true. maybe get a discount during black friday & ill def buy one.

[@bachnguyen1749]

@@jimmycychowski1142a built in led flashlight for the commander version and maybe adventurer for one. I can understand why the athlete, aviator and captain don’t have a led flashlight but instead a screen brightness version. But if you’re somewhere in the mountain, field and forest doing nighttime activities wearing adventurer/commander. I expect garmin to have built in led lights like their fenix/epix. If the Marq line up is supposed to be the best of the best from Garmin, then they should put some thoughts into designing them.

[@guyhasd]

Thanks for a great video. They should have added a microphone and a speaker to make this the ultimate fitness/smart watch and maybe justify the price a little more.

[@ProjectBiehlmeister]

I completely agree. Speaker, mic, activates voice assistant on your phone…that what I was hoping for.

[@alancampbell6236]

Just a few weeks after the Marq1 they launched the Fenix 6 with a better display. Let's see if something similar happens again with the Marq2. Edit: This time it's the other way round, I just saw in the specs that the Marq2 has a lower display resolution than the Epix2!

[@philippnilreg3410]

I think the resolution is the same. It's just the screensize: 1.2" marq vs 1.3" epix

[@alancampbell6236]

@@philippnilreg3410 From the specs: Display Size1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter Display resolution390 x 390 pixels So the display resolution is lower! You probably mean pixel density, which is almost the same.

[@mlegrand]

I literally laughed out loud when the camera switched and you were wearing the sport coat at your desk. 😂

[@charliehuang1252]

I hope Garmin won’t keep focusing on the appearance other than firmware, function and bug fixes. From years of fenix users to epix, the upgrade is significant and it’s making sense for better screen with higher resolution. From epix2 to marq, it misses the fundamental genie of Garmin watch, we want to use Garmin when we are doing activities and we want to monitor it. Marq vs epix is like lexus vs toyota. If I make enough money, probably I would pay extra for the look. However, 2k invest on relatively short life span watch seems not a good investment to me. I would spend that on bike hiking gear instead. 😀

[@MrRayceme]

I just got one for Christmas and love it.

[@danchatka8613]

jeez, those are beautiful watches. if my stock portfolio triples, i might buy one. it's fitting that you wore a sport coat for this review.

[@Iambatman1939]

Thanks for the video, it looks good, but I’ll keep my Enduro 2 for fitness and longevity and the AW Ultra for a smart watch.

[@TheKauaiboyz51]

Congratulations, here is a cookie for your accomplishment.

[@PlayMakerrn]

You're the best, as always! ❤

[@chriskennedy1076]

Why doesn’t Garmin store your info (hrv in this case) in the cloud so when you switch watches that data transfers to the new watch? I thought they had something like this set up years ago for tracking steps for when you switch into James Bond (marq watch) attire? 😎

[@JD-lv3oo]

Excellent as always, keep them coming… 🇬🇧

[@josejr.8671]

its the material that last forever! i have a Marc commander gen 1 . and it works well.

[@Cookefan59]

Looking sharp Brother Ray!

[@TrentRyan]

Being able to load in flights in advance to have it adjust your suggested workouts in advance would be a very helpful

[@BilloBob1231]

Wow they released this beast at last!

[@ashleyjohansson230]

By now I feel they should've made a fully wireless charging system like apple and samsung watches. The metal contacts are the weakest points to these garmin watches. Also this one in particular is a little too small lol.

[@binarysun_]

I would love a magnetic charger for the Fenix. These mechanical cables just suck. Over time they get more loose and you have to put the tweezers on them to bend the holding mechanism into place again. Just so 90s. Reminds me of times when you had to use folded paper to keep your cellphone battery in place 🙄

[@pstoppani]

My EPIX2 is loose from the beginning :( Wish it came with these new magnetic style

[@silvialand]

Oh wow I'll try this tweezers trick! Thanks!

[@Sinasi08]

This watch looks amazing 👏

[@JanWestergaard]

I bought the D2 Mach1 all though I'm not a pilot. Bought because of the look (version with titanium bracelet) 1658 $ and as far as I can see it's all most similar to Marq. It's cheaper if you buy it with a leather bracelet. A Marq with titanium bracelet (extra) is most double up to the D2 M1 I can recommend the D2 M1 I use it only as a smartwatch and the health section/fitness / bicycle works just fine.

[@grandpremierexpress7941]

How is the battery on the D2Mach 1?

[@grandpremierexpress7941]

Btw, because of you I bought it too! 😊 the only thing is that I am concerned about the battery on a long term! And how much time it takes for a full charge?

[@adamkreuz9068]

I was wondering when they'd finally release Gen 2. It was crazy they were still selling Gen1 at those prices with no touchscreen. Yes these are expensive, they're for a niche audience.

[@wavesnowaves]

Great review! Can “always on”, be set to automatically be enabled for workouts?

[@LewisDickenson]

That's the way my Epix 2 is on Gesture mode. All activities are always on anyway.

[@wavesnowaves]

@@LewisDickenson That's great. Unfortunately it doesnt work that way for the Apple watch Ultra.

[@LewisDickenson]

@@wavesnowaves Hopefully that can be changed in a software update!

[@jimduyck]

Love the addition of the sport coat. 😂

[@DouglasFurlong]

Just as an FYI, @dc rainmaker, if you're reading, the music overlay at the beginning was *way* too intrusive, I ended up just skipping through till it ended.

[@SpokesmanMTB]

Love the coat! Very formal! (nice watch, too!)

[@jaredstrauss617]

If Garmin offered me strait up MSRP for Epix to trade it in I might go for this.

[@Dannyv1987]

Bro the epix gen 2 is such a great watch wut more can u want from a watch

[@dstrelnikov]

3 to 5 days in "always on" mode? and the Garmin was the one who made a fun about Apple Watch Ultra battery? :-D

[@JPMNRB]

I end up getting the Garmin Explorer although I think it's over priced, it does look premium so I can use it with a rubber band for a run or leather band for the office.

[@jimjamthebananaman1]

Your jacket is really nice Ray 😊

[@paddywiggle]

I’m pretty sure my 945 charges in about an hour too, but it has nowhere near the capacity as the watches you mentioned that take 2.5 hours to charge

[@AlderaansRanger]

My friend has the MARC 2 COMMANDER. He loves it but he travels internationally and is always flying, sailing, or riding his KTM 1290 advetnure bike through different countries. I love the athlete version but think ill get the Fenix 7x sapphire.

[@DaemonViews]

I was planning on getting the captain. I wear an epix gen 2 all the time and switch to a nicer watch from time to time. It seemed nice to have an epix that I would switch less. But hearing that the software updates stop 2,5y later is too short. So just going to keep switching out when I want and keep mainly relying on my oura ring.

[@tedsz1998]

The Jet lag function would be great in Descent MK2i. Any news it comes there?

[@testaccsolutions6784]

ray, first of, thanks for the tweet reply over the overview request 😂 secondly, id reckon you had missed out one feature of the watch, more on the software side, the stock tracker? i wonder - how does that works?

[@davidlind261]

Seems nice, but I just bought the standard Quatix 7 (no AMOLED) - because - I mount my watch on my kayak (hard to see the info on the watch while flailing around with my arms). Problem with AMOLED is that you can’t turn of the brightness dimming down. No biggie when the watch sits on your arm, but if it’s mounted to a bike or a kayak etc. it’s more or less useless and unreadable during workout since it’s “sleeping”. Was a bit worried that the fancy AMOLED screens would make Garmin trash the older MIP type screen and went for the best MIP watch I could afford. AMOLED looks amazing though, when the screen is on.

[@SilveryFoxster]

I own the Epix Gen 2 but love the look of the Marq Gen 2. That said I can’t justify spending 2k on an upgraded, smaller watch just for looks. Now, if the Marq was the size of the Fenix7X I’d have to reconsider.

[@mutebg]

haha I am going to the merchandise shop right away, will finish the video later ;)

[@thani7963]

Thank you for great honest review as always, why not change the design for that price? Thinner for the example.

[@mattcollier1263]

Looks amazing, but I've had nothing but problems with the heart sensors

[@leagueofotters2774]

Heart sensors, sleep tracking, exercise tracking, charging....the time I couldn't update or access anything because they were good enough to take part in a crypto attack......

[@Feintgames]

Maybe these Marq watches are the reason the EPIX Gen 2 doesn't come in silver titanium in the largest size unless you get it with the white body.

[@marciflyer78]

Great video, thx for sharing! I wonder if there are any hardware differences between the athlete and adventurer version, or would it be possible to configure the athlete version just like the adventurer in terms of technical aspects?

[@Gufolicious]

I Just sold my epix2 for the ultra. I really liked the watch but it is just to big. I wish garmin would bring some sort of 42mm epix/marq. I know the ultra is big aswell but i dont know why but it does not look as big as the epix.

[@Fredjo]

If Epix2 is too big for you, you might be in a very minor group of Garmin customers with this issue. My wrists are extremely thin (7inch) in comparison to most guys even though I've been doing strength training for almost 7 years and wearing Tactix/Fenix 6X isn't an issue for me

[@Dannyv1987]

@@Fredjo I have medium small wrist and I was wondering if the enduro 2 or fenix 7x is too big

[@thomashall41]

I'm with you, I'd buy a 42mm Marq tomorrow. My Fenix 7S solar sapphire in a stainless steel or titanium 5 case and bracelet would be the perfect watch.

[@joecalarco2227]

Hope your trip is good; any idea if they will put out a 955 LTE? You would think the apple ultra will push them too.

[@guraygu]

Are the spring bars removable on these? Garmin switched to fixed spring bars on Epix and Fenix 7. Hoping they kept removable bars on the Marq series, especially since these are more likely to be worn with premium dress bands.

[@Alex-qs7ku]

The specs are just breathtaking but the reason I bought my fenix 7 saphire solar was the battery life. I need those 25 days of run time because I don't want to charge my watch every week.

[@_J.F_]

That is a very handsome watch but yes, in a few years it will be more or less worthless, and I found the Fenix 7 plenty expensive for my budget so I will have to pass on this beauty. P.S. I noticed that the "00" on the bezel has some discolouration or missing paint on the top of the second "0", so I would be pretty unhappy if I had just paid a ton of money for that.

[@the80s365]

That's what I struggle with, the rate of technology advancements why spend crazy money as they all become totally redundant in under five years.

[@george.r]

Fr bro my Fenix 5X was damn near top of the line back in 2017, now it's becoming hella outdated as it receives no more updates and it's general design is showing it's age

[@pauljabbour6250]

Hi DC rainmaker I was just wondering what is your every day go to Garman watch?

[@adam1885282]

Yay another damn charger

[@adamernster2471]

I’m not in the market for one, but I’m a watch guy. Grade 5 titanium makes a huuuge difference in durability, better hardness than steel. Most watches are grade 2 which is softer than steel and gets scratched to hell.

[@BananaChipzzz]

Lol. How many friggin’ watch models is Garmin pumpin’ out on a daily basis?

[@turner02]

i'll take 1 of each edition....and a sport jacket as well!!

[@dreadpirateCarlos]

I am a sailor and the sailing app on the captain version seems great. Can I get the same sailing app on the EPIX series? I can’t find any info about that.

[@33scottyp]

I really like the way the strap is like the Instinct strap now. I find my Fenix uncomfortable to wear as it moves around if it's not ultra tight unlike my Instinct 2, where the strap bends down on my wrist holding it better.

[@JanWestergaard]

Hi, thanks for responding - i would very much like to hear what you got for me regarding Marq vs D2 M1 but your mail is not valid.

[@supo_sk]

Marq should have been X size as Fenix 7X. Definitely bigger than Epix maybe with that fancy screen but with bigger battery. And it should include Led light as Enduro 2. This version 2 looks like they are trying to steal your money without any real effort to make a great watch 😢

[@philippnilreg3410]

Exactly. Screensize and missing led light don't make me buy it.

[@KMKM2002]

Hi thanks for the video. On the golf features seems like this watch has exactly the same features as the golfer version. For the other versions are you effectively paying for the way it looks? As in all Marq 2 gen watches are exactly the same in terms of features/apps on the watch? Thanks

[@someusername121]

Should have deployant clasp and ceramic case at that price point. I feel like this thing is worth $1000 the moment you take it out of the packaging, and probably $500 next year.

[@hillogical]

the same can be said about any electronics these days

[@geek545]

Does the Garmin MARQ Athlete (Gen 2) also has the small Flashlight as the Garmin Fenix 7? What about the Solar Option? :)

[@harrytorres9517]

Like the sale pitch LOL

[@Tommy31416]

Dons sports jacket for this review 😂👌👍

[@Scoobied77]

Like the Epix2 47mm is too small for me. Needs to be 51mm like my Tactix.

[@iMaxPatten]

They got me with the Epix. I got swayed away by the AW Ultra. Now Garmin means business and my bank account is in panic

[@SS-kg8qw]

Same with me. But I already returned the Apple Watch ultra

[@itstonto21]

Sure rock away and get three, send one over to me too 👍👍👍

[@4toes1nose]

Thank you

[@nevmann]

Whacked the button! This is really cool, but way to expensive. I find the Epix 2 to expensive as well since I got my Fenix 5 quite cheap

[@oscardj7318]

Can you use the rubber band from marq in a epic, like the curved end

[@chololennon]

Could someone tell me why Garmin has an insane number of watch models, all of them with plenty of open bugs? I really don't understand their marketing strategy, and I also don't understand people that are willing to pay $1900 for a buggy watch with more or less, 2 years of support 😲

[@Madzguy007]

Because we don't want the type of watches that looks ugly square and a battery life that seems like it's still the 90s

[@trdi]

I am one of those that pays thousands for a watch. But I have actually never bought a running watch and the price seems too steep for me. With that said, the most expensive one actually does look good from the photo shown.

[@krakatoasundra]

😂. the suit thing is funny 😆.

[@elbattyluego]

Fenix 3 here, since 2015, you sure I won’t pass it to my next generation 😅😅?

[@chickenclips]

I like the charging port

[@frontyflipmiller]

Store your size comparison Oreo's inside the MARQ's box!

[@ThomasHoffDE]

Hate the thinner strap of the EPIX and Marq. They should have the wider strap like on the Fenix X

[@milk-it]

I'm not buying a $2,000 watch that will be obsolete in two years and stop working after a few more years once the battery and electronics fail. I'll stick with my Omega Speedmaster on my wrist and my smartphone for all the other stuff this watch can do. Thanks for the review.

[@GardenHard2012]

Same can be said about phones, laptop, computers, TV and cameras!

[@milk-it]

@@GardenHard2012 Too true. I've got enough of these devices already. I can see a use if you can't practicably lug around a smartphone while doing a strenuous activity to monitor you, but few of us weekend warriors would have that need.

[@JayColingham]

Doing any events in Denver?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, just visiting with friends. Cheers!

[@Benhutchie22386]

great video

[@buzzman4860]

When will Garmin 840 be released?

[@Idler81643]

Come on Garmin, how expensive can magnetic clip on be? It's on every Apple Watch, Pixel watch and even Suunto 9. They just don't want to lose their fat margin on that because they dominated the fitness watch market.

[@krakenidis9118]

Does it recognise the naps?

[@igloozoo3771]

Is there any improvement on the Phone APP or is it using the same app?

[@dejansavic52]

In your test of the Epix the battery lasted about 6 days with always on display, has that changed after six months or are you using it differently now?

[@xtransam9970]

When are you going to make a ew video of the new Garmin 2nd Marq Adventure

[@mouwangwang7934]

Wait, does that means the new functionality will support naps? I mean even not in a jet lag, many people may have multiple sleeps in one day.

[@Lasombra08]

Probably not.

[@Dcrainmaker]

No nap support sadly.

[@hardmtnbiker]

You mentioned in a video years ago. Why pay for fashion when buying technology that is obviously going to change and be updated. It’s not as if this is jewelry that you saving for you kids. If you really like the fashion then get this watch but if you are really more concerned about the tech analysis aspects of a HRM watch then save your money or spend it on third party such as Training Peaks or some of the newer APPs. Actually Strava is really one of the best and not expensive

[@davidpottage6402]

Lots of people buy expensive cars for fashion reasons, even though the technology will be out of date in 5 years or so. Why spend big big bucks on a Mercedes when a Toyota will get you to the office just as fast?