Apple Watch Ultra V Garmin Fenix - After SIX Months

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Garmin fans - It's Christmas come early 😂.

[@tritown2822]

Oh thank god thought we were going to have to stop watching 😅

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

Do you still wear the oura ring? My only sadness in wearing the Fenix 24/7 is i miss wearing my other watches because i do love watches and now they are sitting there getting no use.

[@marshallconner7342]

Dads home boiis! 🥲

[@tedk.9093]

@@chrisvanbuggenum871 Same. Far from an impressive collection but my Fenix never leaves my wrist so the other ones that I do have just sit in the box

[@frannelk]

​@@chrisvanbuggenum871Same here

[@mantiscity]

You are the first person that made sense. Most youtubers talk so much about the VO max and your score. 🤦🏻‍♂️Love the dog.

[@ChanchoWancho]

As a long time Apple Watch user who moved to a Garmin Fenix, the best feature for me was that the notifications were so crappy I turned them all off and unexpectedly had great peace of mind having no notifications on my wrist! Like a frog in boiling water I’d never noticed how many I was getting until there were none 😅

[@mmaciek163]

Change also notification settings in your phone. Mute some of them, for the most set up just a vibration, for the important ones keep also ringtone. You will see the difference.

[@ll0z0ll]

Same! Switched from aw to garmin. Once I went for a long trip, forgot the cable, so had to turn off phone connection to save battery and realized how great is it. Now I only connect them to transfer my runs.

[@jakubz07]

I got you point as a long time Garmin user. However, I am a person who needed a sport watch with some little smartwatch features (music control, maps etc) - not a smartwatch with minor sport capabilities ;)

[@francisdayon]

@@jakubz07 That's crazy! Why would you need music control and maps on your wrist when you have a bigger screen right at your pocket. The efficiency savings are so arguably small that you can even argue these were just made up reasons to actually sell you a product. I just can't imagine a situation in real life where this would even matter. No offence, I'm just baffled by these statements as I can't imagine them.

[@jakubz07]

@@francisdayon No taken ;) "When you have a bigger screen right at your pocket" - that's the whole point! Going 3 times a week for a short run (5-12 km) I am glad I don't need to take my smartphone with me. I can control music from my watch or earphones. I have an offline Spotify playlists on my watch or I have Garmin Pay if I need to buy a water or make some shopping on my way home. I'm not using maps running aroung my neighbourhood but I always planning a runing route when I am visiting a new place e.g. when I have some business in different town or during the holidays. For quick run, the navigation on course in my watch is all I need. For me personally, it's hard to imagine running with a modern smartphone in my pocket because of the size. Maybe the iPhone Mini is the only exception I could consider to take with me. Same on the bike. I am using Wahoo which is also smaller than a smartphone but that size is more versatile when mounted on the bar. Also the display has a better visibility in the sun, battery last for all day rides and I don't have to worry about it so much. The phone stays safe in my back pocket with only phonecalls notifications turned on in Wahoo. I hope I clarified my approach a bit ;)

[@peter9351]

I just had to sell my lovely Garmin Fenix 6X Pro because of money, now I am back to G-Shock all day. And true is that that i really don't need any watch to do hard training almoast everyday. It is in you, not in watch. Cheers Mark!

[@irmagonzalez-ramirez3213]

I love that your dogs are a part of your life. Thank you for showing an active lifestyle that includes your pets!!!

[@FitAfter50]

I have used Garmin watches for a long, long time while I raced triathlon. Now that I don't race anymore, I just ordered the Fenix6 for some reason. Well, it was thanks to you. I will use it for occasional swim, bike and runs as I still love numbers. I am 52 and in better than average shape. Not nearly what I was even 10 years ago but getting back into it. Thanks Mark as you have provided this older(er) dude some motivation.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

The six is probably the best of all. Good value for money, and 99% of the functionality of a seven.

[@FitAfter50]

@@MarkLewisfitness for $329 on Amazon, hard to pass up. Good excuse to upgrade my old running watch that works perfectly fine (Garmin 230) 🤷

[@Primetime_dads]

What’s your thoughts on the swimming accuracy between apple and garmin in the pool

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

The good ol' 310.

[@FitAfter50]

@@thecrowfliescrooked the battery is still going? Nice!

[@ruechel]

what a refreshing no-nonsense take on things. i am data obsessed as well but i realize that it can be counterintuitive at best and really take away from the joy and mental health maintenance of just exercising.

[@carrjeep7538]

My old Garmin was getting more and more finicky connecting to my phone. Got the Ultra and I’m very happy with it. I really like the look of it, but to each their own.

[@caffeinelife]

I’ve been an Apple Watch user for years, but never actually started getting back into fitness until last year. The three things that pushed me away was battery and notification overload, but the biggest is feature bloat. The reality is I always have my phone with me and I hate using the watch for messages and calls. I have the cellular feature, but rarely use it. Realizing that I only needed (wanted is fair) a fitness tracker for HR, VO2, HRV and steps was big. Now that I hike, the Garmin makes more sense. I also prefer a watch that looks like a watch and is something a man wears. Apple had me, and now they don’t. It feels good to be out of their clutches.

[@MOoxYxoOA]

Which model of Apple Watch you got ?

[@achekholbeckal889]

I thanks my apple watch ultra, I had a horrible fall from my motocross bike a few months ago and barely keep awake, I sweat and bleed profusely when I hear the watch wanted to automatically contact my wife , I set her name before the emergency number, I just answered " wife..wife " , she picked the phone , I told her which track I am, she arranged the Emegency thing and what I know I was in the emergency department, the watch had a beating on the case and small scratch on the display, last week I managed to smooth the casing using a 1000 grid sand paper, the deep scratch still a little bit visible so does the on the screen, I am wearing it as before taking those scratch as battle scar

[@therambler3713]

I took my Apple watch back after a 8 months when I realized half the fancy features on the watch are completely useless because I always use my phone to text, call and listen to music anyway.

[@Martin23W09]

@@achekholbeckal889same here in 2021 with my MTB!

[@MarkS-cd3cw]

I don’t think people realize how funny this video really is. Loved it.

[@r7ndom]

We often get lost in trying to track everything, which I’m perpetually battling. It is always nice to see folks step back and try to take a more practical view on this topic. Great video!

[@final_mile_music9713]

I listen to both. Body first, Garmin second. I use the stress, recovery, sleep and body battery features to confirm what I feel. To validate it and make sure I don’t push when I’m not ready. I use it in training cycles as a predictor to make sure I don’t get injured. But I don’t obsess over it. It’s an occasional check in only.

[@gmaxsfoodfitness3035]

I like this method. It's definitely the way to go in my opinion since you don't want to rely technology too much and forget how to read your own body and use all of your senses.

[@ozbergs]

As a 50 year old, non high-level athlete and a fanatical Garmin wearer, I have to say thank you for your perspective in this video! I’ve just ordered an Ultra and I was worried about leaving the Garmin ecosystem completely, but I totally agree that there are things each company does better and just to wear the device you want to wear for the activity you’re doing!

[@LancePeterman]

Pretty fair take. I've been locked in on Apple since v2 and been happy with it. For me. I'm also leveraging a lot more of its smartwatch features, like unlocking my computer and opening the faculty office door at Uni. I'm a decidedly below average runner so the better Garmin features are likely lost on me, at least for now.

[@crowmilliken7826]

I went with the fenix 7x after watching your first video. The Apple Watch ultra seemed cool but I already have a phone. I wanted a tool that could help me be a better athlete instead of a watch that helps me be a better social cyborg. Best watch I’ve ever had and the data gathered on it is second to none. #forevergarmin

[@davidbraswell1481]

if you can get the correct heart rate and metrics.... its total fact incorrect data is useless, and with Garmin that's just what you get incorrect heart rate and everything else but wait GPS is spot on !!!! hell yeah!!!!

[@Peter.Fields.]

@@davidbraswell1481 so you had a lot of problems with accurate data on the garmin ? I mean I never had issues about my Apple Watch, even if I think that Apple is not giving us a lots of data at all or does not exploit it well, but the battery .. battery life on Apple Watch is miserable I feel like I’m tighten to a cable all the day

[@davidbraswell1481]

@@Peter.Fields. plenty have

[@davidbraswell1481]

@@Peter.Fields. it’s def a sports watch first

[@davidbraswell1481]

@@Peter.Fields. check yours against some other known heart tracker …..it’s why I sent mine back

[@TC-V8]

I used to 'have' to have some up beat/pumping music to run to - and even the BPM of the track effected my performance- if eye of the tiger came on it was like a turbo boost! Now I love running in peace and quiet listening to the birds! Must be middle-aged now 😂

[@michelstronguin6974]

If Apple would come out with a watch that has double the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra, it would be a hit. "Time takes care of these things" as Steve Jobs once said. So yeah, we have to wait for technology to catch up to what we want. Until then we have to switch it up. Great video, keep it up, loved it!

[@zed5129]

Honestly, I really don't want a phone on my arm. I love Apple stuff, and I'm sure it's very cool, but I don't want even more electronics in my day to day life.

[@MarkSetGO]

phones are a double edge, it can distract or enhance. The smart watch in my opinion eliminates a lot of distraction and leaves you with the necessities + sleep tracking + reminders, exercise tracking, etc. @@zed5129

[@venkayoung2987]

Maybe one day, wearable device would completely replace the phone.

[@adamluthfie7]

while for me, if apple can replicate the fitness data like teh apple. might change in the future. and yes, battery. im still an active athlete

[@TheZanshen]

Had AW 7 45mm and changed for the fenix 7x sapphire solar but returned it due to the display and got the Epix 2 DLC titanium. Superb watch.

[@benstanfill363]

While the fitness features on the garmin are awesome, like you said with body battery, yes I know I'm tired. With that said it's nice to be validated that I'm not just being a baby. The biggest reason I bought a fenix 7x is because it is/feels bullet proof. I am not worried about it bumping into things, not worried about water hurting it, nothing. I've played in snow, climbed in rocks, ran in light rain, hiked in heavy rain, it just doesn't matter. That and physical buttons was a huge point for me.

[@brianreiter5572]

I have never gotten the body battery lower than 1 even after 14 hours mountain ultramarathon. I think if you manage to get body battery to 0, it means death.

[@chriswooten1846]

I’ve watched a lot of videos to decide between a Garmin and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and this finally is the best one. Helped me decide to stop wearing both watches until the return period and just stick with the Apple Watch for my lifestyle and fitness. Thank you Mark!

[@abegoldberg4030]

Recently upgraded from Garmin FR 935 to Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar. Love it!! I swim, bike, run (triathlon) and more ... and absolutely love the look, feel and functionality of the Garmin 7X. I also use Garmin Connect and Training Peaks. I also have a Rolex, which I love and wear as needed. But it's Fenix 7X for everyday wear. I was never inclined to buy the Apple watch - although I have many other Apply products, i.e. Laptop, iPad, iPhone. The watch just never appealed to me. I am rarely without my iPhone, so what's the point of the watch. Anyway, to each his own. No judgment. Thanks for the continued authentic content! Cheers! PS. I'm vegan and a Starbucks fan!

[@FlatToRentUK]

I'm a pretty simple guy as well as being pretty cheap so I'm sticking to the Fenix 6x Pro. Spending God knows how much money only to have to learn a load more stuff doesn't appeal to me and I have no issue taking my phone with me wherever I go. I like having water whatever I'm doing so the phone goes into the running vest or cycling top. This video has inspired me to look closer at the Fenix though with regards to the features and customisation. As well as being simple and cheap I'm also a bit lazy, once something vaguely does what I want I usually settle for that but I plan on ramping up my exercise soon so should get to know the watch better. So cheers for that.

[@amateurexplorer809]

Hi Mark, I got the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on release day and attempted to use it to navigate me across the Black Mountains. It was a disaster! Ended up being saved by my 3 year old Garmin Fenix 6 pro. Like you said, one will suit some but not all. Another great video Mark, keep them coming 👍

[@adamking560]

Could you tell me please what issues you encountered?

[@carlw8072]

I use footpath app to navigate with, I subscribe to it so get is mapping for route planning and navigation.

[@lwittrock1]

LOL! Years ago as tech was coming of age, I had many friends, all a lot younger, from my running and tri-clubs, tell me I needed to get onboard with the tech if I was going to improve. I was considered super old school, I did begin racing as a cyclist back in the early 80's, because I said I don't need tech telling me essentially, the very same things you brought up here. Still at the top of my age group as an athlete in the various disciplines I still compete in.

[@jeffbachmann7161]

" How my dog who doesn't wear any sports tracking device because....He's a dog, he still loves going for a run" PRICELESS!

[@nkeet89]

I think your point is so important. I think a lot of people including myself look at the data and it just stresses them self. I found myself wondering if I drank enough water, if I slept well enough, if I should take a day off. It honestly made workouts and life less fun. I stopped looking at the data and found my love for workouts again.

[@joemichael5155]

I got like that with sleep tracking. Stressing out so I no longer wear it to sleep or care about sleep tracking.

[@jctraining5168]

Great update. I moved to the ultra after many years on a very old Garmin. Thought I needed all of the tracking, but after a few months Im realizing that none of that stuff is really making me any better, it’s just kind of interesting to look at. Sometimes I feel like crap and the watch says I should feel good, sometimes I feel great and it says I should feel like crap. Humans are complicated and I’m not convinced all these metrics even correlate to performance often enough for them to be necessary, at least for me.

[@asplmn]

The latest generation is crazy how much better the tracking is relative to the prior generations. Moving from Apple Watch to the Tactix 7 and I feel like I can tackle the world with this thing. It’s a beast, but also pricey. Got mine on sale to soften that blow.

[@villacurtricias]

What a refreshing take on this subject. I’m using my Apple Watch since 5 years to track my running, badminton, hikes. And I love it. I’m not an ultra sporter. So for me it does the job more then great. Since months I’m in doubt of buying a Apple Watch Ultra. But also in doubt if I rather should by a Garmin. But I know I would miss to many smartwatch features. What’s always funny is that people are so shocked someone chooses an Apple Watch over a Garmin. But with the app Athlytic I get what I need. It sums up my health data and shows me how ready I am to go out and sport. And I found out, more then once 😅, that it’s spot on 😂

[@bens6581]

Only reason I wear my garmin pretty much 24/7 is to get a better idea of my actual resting heart rate and zones (taking sleep, rest, activity, etc. into account)

[@davidkaplan5517]

AW is more accurate for HR tracking. For workout tracking it sucks.

[@Sergei__v]

@@davidkaplan5517 tighten your wrist band a notch when exercising, Apple Watch 6 LTE is spot on compared to a chest heart rate monitor and Forerunner 955.

[@davidkaplan5517]

@@Sergei__v how does it perform at hour 11 of an Ironman?

[@Sergei__v]

@@davidkaplan5517 the battery will be dead by hour 4, you know that. For regular exercises Apple Watch is plenty useful and accurate.

[@davidkaplan5517]

@@Sergei__v always good for sports watches to not do sports

[@RahulKumar-vh4xr]

Alright, this is the single best comparison video I’ve seen. It also really resembles my life. I have an Epix and switched to an Apple Watch. I really don’t give a crap about all the other features. I use my Apple Watch in the gym and my epix when I mountain bike on trails. And I’m also almost 50 years old. Thank you for this video!

[@cez1869]

I honestly could not have said everything better. I have had a few Garmin watches, namely the fenix 5 & 6, then also a few older apples watches, now currently using my Ultra. Hugely agree with you on the Garmin for connecting to my IPhone (which kept dropping out of connectivity) also the lack of Apple Pay (not that I use this feature much) but also unable to send / reply to messages from the Garmin. I do now consider the Apple Watch and it’s popularity to be more of a fashion item than an actual watch, most people I know have one. I also love your mention about going out, I do like to wear a dress watch, current one is a Bremont, but would love an Omega. (Maybe one day!) Finally, thanks for such an amazing and truthful video.

[@reverendbrown888]

Best honest review to the ultimate “which one” question of current smartwatches on KZbin. Simply brilliant. 👍🏻

[@sebcareme4249]

I have a Garmin Enduro 2 and an Apple Watch Ultra. The Garmin is so good and never leaves my wrist. But when I run, I put the Ultra on my other wrist and leave my phone at home. Gives my wife peace of mind that she can get hold of me in an emergency and if I need to buy something, make an emergency call or listen to Spotify then I’m well cared for

[@teamredog2961]

Great review as always. The main reason that keeps me within the Garmin Ecosystem is the fact that I have over 15 yrs of data on Garmin Connect. I am not sure how to simply import data from non Garmin devices.

[@DrErnieWard]

Run Share app has worked for me.

[@keneticchannel]

I recently made the switch from Garmin to Coros and I've been pretty floored. Not as fancy, but just a simplified, robust experience. Worth a look!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

They have offered me one a couple of times - I just wasn’t keen on the learning curve of a new watch. How did you find it?

[@keneticchannel]

​@@MarkLewisfitness There's not too much of a learning curve to their eco-system. Then again, I have the Pace 2, their $200 entry-level model-even though I don't know how entry-level it is if Eliud Kipchoge's pro model is also a Pace 2. Pros: - Snappy GPS tracking - Probably the best battery life of any running watch - No-frills functionality - Every sensor bell and whistle I could ever need (compass, barometer, thermometer, and can even gauge my running watts by itself?) Cons: - Not the most customizable (activity display, sure, but not much else) though it doesn't need to be - On the Pace 2, anyway, no nav. Just tracking. The more expensive models do nav, I believe, though. I wouldn't think Killian Jornet would have a pro model with them if they didn't have a nav-ready model. I don't think it's controversial to say that the Coros Pace 2 is the best sub $200 running watch on the market.

[@glendownton]

@@MarkLewisfitness I've had the Coros Pace 2 for the last 6 months or so. I'd give it an 8/10. It's cheap, pretty small (so suits my, uh, aerodynamic wrists), amazing battery life, tracks the few things I want tracked, and is simple to operate, mostly. Looks pretty good too as a day-to-day watch. The only caveat I have is stopping an activity is a complicated multi-step process, where it should be just press a button as you step over the finish line.

[@MedievalTrebuchet]

It would be very informative to get Mark's opinion on a Coros watch

[@mikem4215]

@@MarkLewisfitness I had same worry but coros software/functionality and app is easy to learn quickly I was surprised and had Apex pro and liked it so much got Apex 2 pro.

[@DossFarm]

This is epic. I’ve got both. Wear the U2 daily. Yet the garmin actually looks cooler.

[@spdrwlf]

As a Garmin Enduro 2 user and loving it, if it had cellular capability I'd be trading in immediately for the update. One month battery, flashlight, built in maps, AND proper ability to have emergency calls and leave my phone in the car for my dad bod short jogs? I'd be in heaven.

[@brannmacfinnchad9056]

Yeah...they used to have a Forerunner with LTE for emergency signals, but haven't put it in any others lately. Missing a trick there, Garmin is.

[@darrylyk]

I think it will take some time for Garmin to figure out how they want LTE to be incorporated into their watches. So far only 945 has LTE and this feature doesn't work in many countries including the place I lived in; the LTE feature is different from Ultra watch as well. Thereafter 955 & 965 don't have LTE feature as well.

[@kimsosson4739]

I'm using a Garmin (Fenix 3 HR…yep, that old). Did wear it nonstop for +/- 5 years, with only occasionally wearing my mechanical watches (Omegas here too 😊). But as of late, I wear my mechanical watches day in, day out and the Garmin just for my activities. 2 reasons: I'm a sucker for mechanical watches. I'm a hobby athlete with no particular ambitions other to stay in shape. I don't need to track myself 24/7 as it's of no particular help other than making me bother more than I need to.

[@istvanfodor8704]

100% resonating with me

[@markusforrer1881]

Just like the battery life of the garmin devices. Now waiting for the Forerunner 965🎉 And I like all the data and have all the planned workouts synced to either my garmin watch or garmin edge on the bike.

[@MustafaElCamino]

Best, no BS review ever! 100% on point. The AW is an urban/suburban watch, the Garmin is better in the woods.

[@chrisstrider]

It’s great to have a rotation of watches for different uses I have reached the same conclusion as you 😊

[@PacemakerandButtons]

Have a Garmin fenix 5X and am now buying a Apple ultra 2. Always good to hear other people’s opinions

[@andreweast743]

Having decided that both devices have their benefits… I think the more important question is how do you use the data to support your fitness journey and goals. What are you actually measuring? How do the measurements taken direct or improve the training regime you’re following? Having analysed the output from the device have you ever worked out that you need to more of this or less of that to meet your goals?

[@matthiassventoest6800]

I love that bit.. "did you wake up ? yes.. do you feel good....", I am also of a similar age.., and I basically do the same thing. as long as the little ppl aren't rustling about.., I am out the door to run, or to the gym, before they are off to school. great video.

[@akulabourne]

"A rough pub, a G-Shock." I died.

[@imi1741]

What a sensible person he is not like other youtubers who fantasise over Apple Watch or garmin he talked much sense then all youtube watch reviewers put together ❤ keep it up mate Peace

[@superfast30]

The Fenix is a fantastic watch however, the Ultra offers more metrics than I personally need, is built like a tank, is extremely useful even when not running thanks to being the most powerful smart watch on the market and the fact that it has full cellular capability, is what sealed the deal for me. Having the peace of mind knowing that the watch can contact emergency services on my behalf even if im incapacitated due to a fall/medical episode etc while im out for run cannot be overlooked.

[@Justgambleit]

More metrics?! Haaaah not even! Fenix offers way more activity metric’s then apple.

[@Justgambleit]

@@superfast30 understood! Nice man.

[@GrimYak]

@@superfast30you did though because you said however which could be interpreted as Garmin is good but the ultra offers more metrics

[@superfast30]

@@GrimYak Please re-read what I said. I did not say it offers more metrics than a Garmin. I said the Ultra offers more THAN I PERSONALLY NEED.

[@oastorga]

I sometimes ware a watch for which battery is completely dead, but it looks cool on my wrist! It’s stuck at 6pm and I’m ok with that. 😊

[@ericpeysar2593]

Well presented. Great conclusion with the dogs strategy … worry less about the tech and more about enjoying being outside or working out. I had been obsessing and optimizing which watch to get and you made me realize it doesnt really matter. Both good tools for slightly different jobs. Thanks for the great review.

[@latteentry351]

I like your “ it’s only my opinion attitude”. I feel the same way. Do what works for you and be happy.

[@richardwhalley725]

Enjoyed that review Mark. I have a Fenix 6 titanium and an Ultra. I run and cycle but only shortish runs of 4-6 mile normally and spend most of the time on the bike. I need to get rid of one and am torn but airing towards keeping the Apple. It seems to track more accurately and gives me a better average pace/splits (which obviously makes me feel better) and I like that it voices the split times so you spend less time looking at the watch. I also prefer not having to have a heavy phone in my back pocket on the bike. Having turned on the Garmin for the first time in a while the screen seemed very washed out in comparison but I think it is a better looking watch and the straps are easier to switch between. First world problems.

[@Justyburger]

The Apple 13 Mini would solve the heavy phone issues.

[@Itstwistedroots]

I don’t remember how KZbin brought me here but I am not disappointed. Great video!

[@Johnboysmudge]

Garmin always has and (probably) always will, smash Apple for fitness features and build quality. The fenix 6 Pro is still the best tech purchase I've ever made

[@SoftTofu123]

precisely the reason why im sticking with my apple watch. I'm not some professional athlete that Id need all of the fancy features of garmin. however, I do use a lot of smart watch features of apple watch to track daily things (calendar, tasks, etc) and control smart home stuff. it's basically an extension of my phone, which I use frequently anyway. The battery has never been an issue for me, as i charge my watch whenver I charge my phone.

[@AndyfromSurrey]

It’s very liberating to sometimes just run & not look at the data on the watch. Interestingly, when I do this I tend to run faster than I think & certainly enjoy it more. I also agree about the Apple Watch in that it does so much so well and the Work outdoors app is a great addition.

[@zeniktorres4320]

I don't look at the watch either. I just have a vibration alert every 1km.

[@robhubbard9772]

Another great video, Mark. Me at 50 was having the same conversation. I have a Garmin Fenix 7X and had it since they came out, but as a 50th birthday present to myself, I got a Tag Connected watch. It does pretty much what your Apple watch does, but I'm on Android. I can now do Android pay and other stuff without being a slave to the Garmin. If I need to go out for a protracted run/walk/explore which is longer than the battery life of the Tag, the Garmin goes on. Break the mould and wear what suits the occasion. Don't be a slave to the watch!

[@asplmn]

Agreed. I have the Garmin Tactix 7 for activities and daily use. I use an Omega Speedmaster for more formal attire, or when I want to just go analog. 👍

[@KC-UT4rmAZ]

Love the video. I’ve had a lot of the same opinions as far as all the tracking features on my watch. I feel like we’re at a point where people rely so much on what their watch says on how they should feel that we’ve gotten so out of to tune/touch with our own bodies.

[@consciencia.matrix]

Great review, I stick to Garmin Instinct 2 it is a budget watch with everything I need and it has definitely changed my life having that level of monitoring and control over my running and workouts.

[@JoelLong]

Thank you for the brutal honesty here. It is nice to see someone speaking the truth regarding sports watches, and how it relates to what we love to do.

[@kroolis77]

Beautifully put. I bought the ultra because I like it. Its a gadget, I am a climber since 1996. I do try to keep in shape being 45 yo. I don’t own any other watches or jewellery. Its also nice to not have to have my phone in my pocket. Although 5 days later o2 still haven’t managed to get my watch fitted with a data plan😂. I had my series 2 for 7 years and it still works perfectly now serving my daughter. This one will last at least that.

[@CaptainBrash]

I really like the rep counting on the Garmin. Though it's the sets and rest periods that is most useful, I was pleasantly surprised by that. Though I do write it all down in a notebook too, so don't bother updating it with the exercises

[@user-lp3pb1me6d]

What do you write in the notebook?

[@CaptainBrash]

@@user-lp3pb1me6d exercises, sets, reps, weights. Sometimes notes about how I felt, how I've recovered, etc etc.

[@RichardInger]

Fenix 7 on right, Apple Watch on left! Best of both worlds. I’m a data freak! I’ve been wearing 2 watches since I was 15…….in 1985! Casio calculator watch on left, Timex analogue on right. Love the vids!

[@mlegrand]

Who is this guy? His dog doesn't even have a $2k GPS tracker. What does it wear around it's wrists when it runs? 🐶

[@Icantbuttons]

I came for the info, I stayed for the community

[@norbertpellkofer3882]

Just went through the same struggle and you are spot on. Love the way you simply distilled the truth out of both of those

[@Setrany]

This is a very interesting direction for me. I absolutely see why someone might feel overwhelmed in todays data centric sports world. And I can see how a serious hobbyist might abandon these devices. But for beginners, let me just put a simple disclaimer here: This person is an above average athlete with more than a decade of experience and self-experimentation. A beginner or an amateur will benefit immensely from incorporating data in their training to get an objective feedback about their effort and state of recovery. Now I dont mean you HAVE to use these things. But if you can afford it, and are willing to use it as a self-learning tool, you can benefit from it immensely, as it teaches you a lot about effort in the moment and the change of recommended effort in a week-to-week basis. After it can not give you much info (as you see in the video), you can put these devices on the self regularly.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

This is a very good point - and probably one I should have included! As an example, Jenna, who is only one year into her training never takes her Garmin off for anything!!!

[@Kevin-yk2rw]

@@MarkLewisfitness even Naked running ??

[@eddiesal7524]

Favorite part: “buckle up, no watch” had me ☠️😂 I was just looking for a watch that’ll survive working in the oilfield.

[@madmike987655]

If I go to the pub -> Seiko If it's a rough pub -> G Shock 🤣

[@hdmedia7404]

Body battery is a must for me. Even my 149€ Forerunner 245 does it, and does it well. My Apple Watch is just an expensive wrist phone and reminder ...

[@akinoshoko4258]

I am sure phone compatability is on the way for Garmin... I had a Venu 2s that could make calls, but swapped for a Fenix 6 Pro Solar..... Having said that, in the US the Venu2s is becoming ECG capable..... Face it - we are all techspoilt - and loving it! Great content as always.

[@gutts077]

I’ve dropped my fenix 6, 3 times from the shelf in my shower and it landed HARD each time on our tiles and it’s completely fine. Not a scratch. I’m pretty happy with the Garmin’s durability

[@Andy-co6pn]

Never had an Apple Watch but I've found with Garmin that the stress function is a great early indicator of impending illness before you start to feel it.

[@infinityfitnesssoham5314]

i notice that but to be fair you cant do all thing about it as im finding up now :p

[@TheZanshen]

The same here mate. I had a bad cold and my body battery was at 5 and stress raised.

[@Enoch-Root]

Yeah, currently going through that. Stress levels up, HRV down also.

[@idahoman325]

Interesting , getting my first one this weekend so I'm guessing it's a standard option to click on ?

[@Andy-co6pn]

@@infinityfitnesssoham5314 You can tell work " I won't be in tomorrow, my watch says I'm going to be sick " 🤣

[@ghostz61987]

Just upgraded my Fossil Hybrid and bought a Garmin Extinct 2 solar tactical for my first "adventure GPS sports". Stumbled across your video. Very informative. You are a funny dude too lol.

[@scottwalburn6193]

I liked the Ultra but I just hated that they didn't have software to compare to Garmin Connect. I ended up with an Epix 2 and have been happy. Apple is getting closer and closer but I'm sticking with Garmin for now.

[@SuperPlastered]

“…Did you wake up feeling good, do you have an extra hour?…” Exactly!! I’m nearing 50 and used to do ultracycling. I got so bogged down in the minutia of the thing I stopped enjoying it. Moral of the story: Just go enjoy yourself!

[@mustakoira1]

I am so with you! I’ve had a Garmin since the Fenix 3, and have tried Apple Watches before but always returned and went back to Garmin, until the Ultra. However, just recently stopped wearing it 24/7, and only use it for my daily runs. (For phone connectivity in case if emergency and hate running with a cell in pocket). I’m 55 and don’t care anymore about all the metrics the Garmin gives. I have rediscovered my traditional watches and enjoying wearing them when not running. PS. What watch are you wearing in this video?

[@xapas]

Perfect video and you are way more honest than most reviewers. I totally agree, all of those 'extra features' and 'exclusive features', I don't care because they are not game changing for me. I think that 90% of the average users won't notice a obvious difference and a view hardcore users will. Overall, it's just a matter of taste. You explained that perfectly

[@renevh2832]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. I am currently training for my first marathon and find the daily suggested workouts function on my Garmin Epix 2 brilliant. It is like having a personal trainer. There is no apple watch app(s) to match it as it needs full integration of all metrics and data. I also like the livetrack so my family knows where I am. So, different perspectives and purposes.

[@fun2rideadventure]

regardin the live trackl option ... even in the whatsapp app you can send the live location to any person from your list .... so its nothing special about this option ....

[@alphaperez]

I have a drawer full of Rolexes collecting dust as I have moved full-time to wearing the Apple Watch. I have the wifi only AW; it's great for running. I track my sleep, calendar, the weather, my calories...also I cannot overstate this face: Apple Watch + AirPods Pro is INCREDIBLE.

[@applerunner1184]

I have been trying to use the native Apple Watch workout app for running and it has been death my a thousand cuts. Random double taps from my jacket, accidentally stopping a workout, accidentally starting the wrong workout etc etc. Frustrating when the workout stops mid race or you find out you logged your half marathon as a walk. You don’t want to be debugging your watch during a race - it just needs to work!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Use Workoutdoors - it is light years ahead of the standard workout app

[@joshhulett1053]

Yeah the workoutdoors app has a locking feature so that you can't accidently press anything on it

[@JB-hq9yj]

The native app has a lock function as well. It takes two seconds to put on and solves the problem. Also takes about 2 seconds to google how to do this 🤷‍♂️

[@robertm1552]

8:30 Bonus new pain cave reveal footage slid in there. Well done Mark!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep. Proper video at some point.

[@GavinCatoPhotography]

Even though I know the Garmin has the edge sports and battery wise / the fact I can use my Apple ultra without my phone to open my garage door, act as a key for my car, send / receive messages from my wife etc - means I’m on the Apple. To be able to go for a run without the phone but still have the smart stuff when I need it is worth every bit for me.

[@KidDynamite22]

I’ve just switched over from a fenix 7 to an Apple Watch Ultea 2 and one thing I never really see discussed is how comfortable it is. I have the alpine strap and it’s genuinely the most comfortable watch I’ve ever put on, I forget it’s there half the time. It’s out the way in the gym and is actually a pleasure to sleep with. Very very pleasantly surprised.

[@joelporter3047]

The ultra is comfortable you’re saying?

[@CoreyMarlin]

I believe that Apple is getting ready to release all of the features we’ve all been asking for with Watch OS 10 this June - to truly make the Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra. One thing to note about Apple recently - they’ve been listening! There are several examples of this throughout their product line up, and I think this next update will satiate my need for recovery metrics and everything I love about Garmin Connect. Add their new software update to the already Satellite capable iPhone 14 lineup. I might be ditching my Fenix 7X come this June - fingers crossed that Watch OS 10 and IOS 17 will deliver everything we need!

[@CoreyMarlin]

Plus, I believe Apple undercut the market price by making the AWU $800 for a reason. What better way to get the feedback they need than to release it to us Garmin Heads for what we consider to be a bargain?

[@ronaldchannel]

Want do u think of Watch os 10 now? It’s what you were expecting ?

[@CoreyMarlin]

@@ronaldchannel I think it’s most of what I was expecting. Not ready to jump ship from my Fenix yet though - No recovery metrics or anything to do with training scores, which were definitely some things I was hoping for. I do wonder how the mapping will work, will you be able to access it from the hike/outdoor walk activity like you can on Garmin? Or will you have to reference the compass app every time you want to see the map? Also I’d REALLY like to see a button only operation mode on the Apple Watch ultra - the touchscreen can be a real nuisance sometimes. But what’s clear now is that Apple IS listening and is coming for our Fenixs and Epixs. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 should be on par with those watches from a hardware and software perspective, or I’d be pretty shocked.

[@CoreyMarlin]

@@ronaldchannel Also I’m alittle disappointed that there’s not more software differentiating between the normal Apple Watch and the Ultra.

[@ronaldchannel]

@@CoreyMarlin i was thinking to buy an ultra , but with your explanation I will wait for now . Hopefully with AWU2 we can see those changes.

[@mmhensien]

Tried the Ultra and returned it. Got tired of finding which app to download and use. Been a long time Garmin guy. That said, had the itch for something “new and better.” Your video saved my $1K and a lot of headaches! Staying with my Garmin fenix 6x pro solar. ‘

[@Thekidisalright]

Those dummies that ridicule Apple Watch for not having week long battery never once ask why Garmin watches can’t make phone calls and receive messages without a phone. Garmin watches are sports watch with smart functions, while Apple Watches are smart watches with sports utilities, if you dumb enough to take an Apple Watch for a month long hike, thats on you. That’s like wearing your Garmin to the starbucks and whine about why you can’t make phone call with it.

[@joshjohnson1639]

If you are going to be using this kind of language. At least know how to use the English language properly with a thing called grammar and punctuation.

[@JusSleepTV]

Finally an unbiased review on watches.

[@PhilippDitfurth]

I'm from a completely different camp - exclusively using a Polar Vantage V2. I was contemplating both the Ultra and the Fenix when I needed to upgrade from my older Vantage M but ultimately stayed with the Brand/Line that gives me all I need: Loooooong Battery life (4 Days Minimum, even with workouts), connection to my powermeter on the bike and a somewhat effortless yet comprehensive idea of my activity over the week. If needed, there's also many other things like weather, compass, sunrise/sunset and whatnot. And it doesn't even look half bad, which isn't to say that the Fenix/Ultra aren't sufficiently good looking, too. However, changing my watch five times per week or more would confuse me to no end.

[@curtiskupferschmid6102]

Came for the review, stayed for the wit. Loved it!

[@aaronerickson2182]

I had the Epix 2 for two months and sent it back when the Ultra came out. I hate the Garmins lack of integration, I hate how big it is. It gets caught on long sleeve shirts, backpacks, and gloves. I bang it against every doorway I walked through and definitely sucks to swim with because of its size. Sure apples battery still sucks compared to Garmin and it could be more sporty in looks, but for my triathlons, 100-200 mile bike rides and 32 mile trail runs my Ultra works for me much better then Garmin.

[@stromqvistarn]

You don't like the size of Garmin but ultra is fine?

[@aaronerickson2182]

@@stromqvistarn they are very different. With the rounded shape of the Ultra it slides much easier over thing. I am a big dude at 255 (116 kg). I barely notice my Ultra compared to the Epix 2. I wanted to take it off unless I was actually using as a sorts tracker. I am a dentist and I put on and take off gloves all day long. Ultra no problem Epix 2 felt like I was wearing a wall clock.

[@aaronerickson2182]

Also the Epix 2 is horrible at tracking swimming in a swim pool. After 3000 yards it would be off by 250-300 yards. The ultra is always spot on.

[@stromqvistarn]

@Aaron Erickson okay. Thanks for the info 👍🏼.

[@benpalacios9231]

What do you mean by sent it back ? How can you send back a watch that you’ve been using for two months?

[@luxsasha]

This is a spectacular review of both and the pragmatism of using them

[@jean-pierrebouchard4330]

Man, I’m an instant fan. Keep up doing what you’re doing.

[@scuden]

Thank you Mark Lewis. Great review. Sharing some useful insights rather than just reading the info from the back of the box. I wish KZbin videos was like this one.

[@perpuska]

Such a real guy. Like, a no bullshit guy. Thanks man. Great info. Great vid.

[@jakclarke3101]

not a watch guru or fan really, just started looking at it all. however it was nice to see a real non bias review of a product. enjoyed listening to somebody who isnt here to chat shit basically

[@highlanderes]

In my mid 50ties, getting fit without experience, I need training readiness, load, recovery. Otherwise I would go with AW I love. As a bonus, the Garmin stress feature has helped me notice and improve that. If Apple could get HRV sorted, I have learned enough from Garmin to track readiness and recovery with HRV and resting heart rate with an AW.

[@pauliddon]

Nice bit of comedy call back with the close up texting on the Apple Watch

[@chrisgg]

I agree and I hardly try to get my setup in a way that I don't even need a phone with me but I still want the connectivity for safety reasons and listenin gto podcasats and getting emergecny calls when I'm out in the wild for 1-2 hours. So the Apple Watch with Cellular is the only option for me. but not necessarily the Ultra. I use my 5 year old one :)

[@PeterW961]

Yeah! I stopped wearing my Apple Watch when the first thing I did in morning was to check how I have slept. Now I’m back to old school, I feel my body and trust it. 😊

[@raedslacklines]

Best video about all that sports watch crazyness. Thanks for being a voice of reason. An entertaining, funny voice of reason.

[@hammytime1636]

Preach it! My wife wears Apple Watch, Ive been on Fenix since v5.