Garmin Fenix 7X Pro // The best GPS watch? Really?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.พ. 2024
- I guess my expectations were too high?
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This is a first impressions video. I decided to keep the watch for more in-depth and long term use, although I switched to the sapphire version which is a much better display. I have sorted out a workflow for importing my maps etc that is pretty simple (based on feedback from comments and friends), but still relies on a third party app (Gaia GPS). I will be following up with field experience & use case from the mountains.
So far my opinion stands that there is room for improvement to the software ecosystem and on-watch map performance (lagging etc). Battery life is impressive. Is this the best GPS watch on the market? It might just be - in terms of what is available.
For a quick comparison, I tried the Suunto Vertical for two days and it was definitely comparable to the Garmin. It had an even more convoluted navigation system because of the limited number of buttons (3 vs 5) and limited customizations. The design of the Suunto also seems to be for people with very small wrists since there is a sharp/pointy part where the strap attaches to the watch that bruised my wrist bone after a few hours. Not something that I wanted to experiment with long term.
Rule number 1, never tell your wife how much it costs.
Wrong!
Rule #1, don't get a wife.
Facts they will never understand
Rule #2, at least get a good price. Helps if you fail rule #1.
😄
@@hansschotterradler3772😅
1. There is a limitation on how much cpu power you can install into the device without burning battery power or introducing other issues. You wanted an iPhone type processes shrunk into a small device. It’s 2024, the technology is not there yet.
2. The cpu and storage space dictates the amount of map resolution.
3. You can import gpx files into desktop Garmin Connect; you don’t have to use Explore.
4. You can double tap to zoom the map. This is the first implementation of a touchscreen, it will take time to evolve the software to work within the constraints of the watch.
The Garmin insufficiency of the software ecosystem has been discussed / critique for years. That’s one area most users are in agreement.
Wait a few years and maybe your ideal watch will become a reality. The watch, in its present incarnation, is more of a supplement to a gps device rather than a standalone device.
Maybe not quite there yet, but the garmin interface is definitely dated.
GPX file versions aren't all compatible - Gaia GPS exports won't import into Connect. It will import garmin GPX files, whatever that means.
I’ve used the Garmin Fenix watches a many times on night navigations since the first Fenix in the military. This is the worst review I’ve ever seen. Also who uses their iPhone as their sole navigation device.
Every single person I know uses their phone. It’s a pocket computer with gps and navigation software. Why would anyone use a clunky gps device? It doesn’t make sense anymore.
Been using the fenix for a few months now, and it’s good a tracking. But when I’m in the field and need to make a real decision the maps on gaia are superior.
Thank you for the review. It is helpful. I had a similar experience with the Garmin software. I found it completely unintuitive and confusing, and so I haven’t dug into it more than enough to make it do the few limited things I needed. I’m glad it’s not just me.
It's definitely not just you!
One thing you need to realize about Garmin is that the user experience does NOT change as you go up their higher priced models. If you buy the MARQ Carbon for $3000, it will behave the EXACT same way as their $250 Forerunner. And if you dare say anything negative on their user forum, be prepared to get bashed by "Top 1%" forum members who make violent love every night to their Garmin watches before going to sleep.
This is one of the most hilarious comments I’ve read in a while. And yes the experience between my 3-4 year old instinct is nearly identical to the 7X in terms of menu navigation etc.
I’m not one to “love” gear. Does it do what I want/need? Good enough?
The question for this watch is if there is a better model on the market - I’m not so sure anymore having done a deep dive into the watch space based on some of my friends experience, comments on this video, and everything else I could find. At this point the garmin line does seem like the best option, but not perfect.
Agreed, easiest to have a shoulder mounted pocket easily accessible for the phone.
Thanks for the review. I was thinking of buying one of these types of watches but could not get past the fact of how small the screen is, and on most of my trips I'm taking my phone with me for photography purposes. I'm guessing most people are the same unless they are complete weight weenies and forgo the phone.
You can export routes directly from GAIA or any other software, it's only a two step process, export the track then import it as an activity in garmin connect Web. It will accept .tcx, .fit or .gpx format files. Then you do whatever you want with it, after I import I usually save it as favorite to have it handy for quick access.
Garmin connect wouldn’t take the files I exported from gaia. I’ve been exporting and importing from gaia, google earth and garmin explore for years.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors odd. I have been importing files since fenix 5, using the method described. I event import files from wikiloc, take a look the raw file maybe there is something wrong there.
Hi sir, can you do video tutorial in your youtube channel?
Thanks so much for doing this. I've been considering getting a smart watch for navigation and you seem to have talked me out of it. 😂
hi, you are the 1st person who's honest about this watch,thanks for that 👍👍👍
I use CalTopo, Gaia, Footpath, never had an issue importing into Garmin.
BTW why didn't you figure this out for the instinct on your wrist? Same software used to import routes as the Fenix 7 series.
I hadn’t imported a route into the instinct since i got it a few years ago. No point imo since there’s no map. Battery life is so short that I just use it to track runs in the city.
I would have expected that by now Garmin would have put some work into their apps. Yes there are workflows to move from one software to another. Yes after some digging it’s pretty easy to export from gaia to the connect app then to the watch via your phone. Crazy that after buying a $1000+ dollar watch from a mapping & navigation company you need to use a 3rd party mapping & navigation software, whether you prefer desktop or mobile.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors The instinct actually can show a spatial relationship of you in real-time on a trail and pre-defined waypoints. This alone provides ETA to a waypoint based upon terrain, elevation profiles and your associated rate of speed all computed instantly on the watch.
In your "rant" (your words) the example you outline, demonstrates to me a lack of understanding. You have a general idea but implementation is where you have issues.
Which leads me to sharing, both instinct and fenix can also navigate by bearing or reference pt. Both methods are similar except reference pt adds a straight distance component. In this form you have essentially a compass that maintains your reference regardless of how much deviation occurs say following a trail and having go around an impassable object.
Short battery life on instinct? You need to learn the power management features.
At this point, your arguments reinforce my point - "your understanding of how to
utilize the tool is the issue".
My backpacking / hiking experience extends before GNSS technology which was a paper map, compass & knowledge. I find the watch or smartphone apps to be a time saving complement that I know use primarily, but I always have a compass and a paper map for backup. Either using an instinct, fenix, or just a map/compass I can pinpoint my location. The fenix delivers ok tooo maps but you can pre download birdseye satellite imagery to the fenix. Watch navigation is a complement. App navigation provides greater view and resolution; so a better map. A paper map & compass requires practice & knowledge, but can deliver the best detail (depending on the map you brought). Combining the above tools in any fashion provides redundancy and convenience. Though I recommend always having a paper map and compass; no batteries and the only failure component is with the human & their level preparedness to implement.
Not saying this to be argumentative.
I think you’re missing the point. I hunted with dogs using a garmin alpha for over ten years, have used all the features you’re talking about using various devices, backpacked and tramped around the woods and mountain for over 20 years without a gps. The rant is when from picking up a piece of tech that everyone raves about and find the interface (and likely internals) dated.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors Vice versa, so we can agree that we disagree.
Take care
👍
I'm very happy about my Fenix 7X Pro. I think that the gps watch you wanted only exists in your dream. There are thousands of reviews, videos and opinions online about the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro and therefore it is impossible that you are disappointed by things that have always been known to everyone.
It's pretty naive to think that the reviews by the big TH-cam reviews aren't marketing that are budgeted by Garmin et al. Anytime a video is put up at the release date, the person was provided a unit at no cost in advance to produce said video, and may or may not have been financially compensated. I receive several proposals for this kind of video every week, even though my channel is very small. Imagine a channel with 100K+ subscribers? I'm not criticizing those channels, since it's their job at that scale. But as the consumer you should be wise enough to know they won't have any major criticisms since it's bad for their business (eg affiliate sales, future brand collaborations etc). They will always find a few minor criticisms for the product to keep it "honest" but will stay away from anything major. Do you think a brand will send products to a person if they think it might turn out to be a negative review? Yes, there are smaller channels and some big channels that purchase products out of their own pockets, but they will stay away from the negative just because of the impact on channel perception.
Look at this video, which was in itself an experiment. I intentionally focussed on the negative to see what the feedback would be like, since I hadn't seen anyone go into those details. A lot of people had the same impressions. The feedback from Garmin fans was terrible. People get mad if you don't like their favourite toy. It's just a watch.
Thank god you made this video just in time. I placed an order for the Fenix 7 Pro yesterday because there was a small online promotion for the watch. I was so happy that the seller had already packed the watch today and it is ready to be shipped. I have already done a ton of research about the watch for the past few months and everything I found online was either super positive or highly recommended. However, after researching more about the watch today, I started to feel uneasy about the purchase, it started from the size of the watch not being suitable for my small wrist to the GPS doesn't seem like how I thought it would work. The main reason I wanted to buy the watch is the GPS and Maps, kinda like to replace having to use my phone when navigating in the city and for other outdoor activities.
My heart sank when I saw your video. You've basically confirmed that this watch is of no use to me. I thought I had wasted thousands of dollars placing an order for the watch but thankfully the seller is willing to cancel the order because they haven't shipped the watch out yet (Happy Sunday!).
It's more of an emergency/survival/back-up/last resort GPS b/c it has a very long lasting battery that is solar powered and low energy MIP display. Give it 5 more years of RnD and the tech should be there.
Sounds like user error to me. I have a forerunner 965 so maybe it's different but I have never used, nor have I ever had a reason to use Garmin explore. I create a route in Gaia then download it as a .gpx file. Upload it to Garmin connect as a course and then send it to my device. It takes a few minuets max.
That’s not user “error”. Talked to a friend who uses the workflow you just described and I tried it. It works. It all speaks to the software ecosystem issues that have a bunch of different ways to achieve the same thing, some of which are pretty convoluted. Why don’t they have software that’s as good as gaia?? Garmin is a map & gps company, right?🤣
@@KaneDoesOutdoors Gaia is great but not the only one, look at at locusmap
Yeah, I agree. In fact I'd never heard of Explore. Everything can usually be done with just Connect.
This is true. From an outsider looking in, Garmin hasn’t kept up with modern graphical user interface and application development in general. This cost them to lose the vehicle routing GPS market they had a leg up in the 00’s. Tom-Tom was their closest competitor, but Apple and Google were “stealthily” planning to takeover that market with use of the smartphone platform.
Hardware can be included into this as well as they led the consumer watch and handheld markets too.
Google and Apple could takeover the mountaineering, marine, submarine, and skiing gps markets too, if they thought it might be worth the investment.
I agree. I’ve had my fenix 7x for 1.5 years. At this time I basically use it to monitor my movements through the day for hiking, trail running, skiing, etc. For mapping and orienteering I use OnX on my phone. I trust the onx considerably, it has gotten me through situations that would have taken hours longer doing it with a paper map. I’m not confident I could do the same with my Garmin watch.
The goal for me is to have a watch that supplements my phone. The option to quickly glance at the map & make decisions on the fly would reduce how often I need to take my phone out. A nice screen and good map are a must for that, along with a simple UI. I don’t want to have to go through several menu options to get to a map. Seems like Garmin isn’t there yet.
I definitely agree that paper maps are becoming outdated. I haven’t used one in years. I like them, but don’t have time to source on for each trip.
Agreed. Use my phone for primary navigation. Alpinequest is my most common navigation. Sometimes use explore to pick a destination and navigate to that. Rarely use a course for navigation.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors "The goal for me is to have a watch that supplements my phone. The option to quickly glance at the map & make decisions on the fly would reduce how often I need to take my phone out." This is the best setup. Have the route on the phone so you can follow it easily without getting the phone out but have the phone and get it out when you need to make route decisions.
Use garmin baseCamp for your map and if you use a iphone you only have about 80% of the feature of the watch
That’s what I use. Once in a while, I might use a computer but the app makes it way easier. I love this watch and find it very useful.
Thank you for the save, I’m bad with tech to begin with I would lose my mind with multiple apps not communicating and that horrible zoom struggle.
I’ve had this watch since it came out. The sapphire screen is a must. I can’t wait for the next version.
All depends on your intended use. But like I said in the video, a lot of people love it.
I have an T-rex pro but have been thinking about one of these. My only question is if I'm dropped into the wood, lets say, will the maps that come with the watch save my life? That's all I want to know.
If youre know what youre doing,youll love this watch. Review from this guy is hilarious.
this is the best watch for outdoor,period,i dont even want to waste my time to explain why lol.
Yes this watch can certainly get you out of trouble and to a safer place. However you should also have a little survival experience under your belt.
Thanks for the video
Is your phone durable enough? Battery life? Those are the reasons I'll never rely solely on a phone.
I’m sure everyone would love to know what watch you use that actually meet your superior needs
It's been over 20 years since I last had a Garmin product and it sounds like nothing has changed. I fell for the hype then, thanks for this video so I don't have to fall for it again!
Yup, social media hype.
20 years ago? That would have been the Forerunner 301!? Doesn't seem accurate that nothing has happened...
@@JakobThusgaardopen your eyes the software is so out dated it’s not even funny
@@davidbraswell1481 It IS 20 years ago that Forerunner 301 was marketed. The software as it stands today is well beyond that of 20 years ago...
Thanks for the review. I considered the Felix 7x Pro for hiking/backpacking/walking/camping. Currently, I am an iPhone & Apple Watch Ultra user. I'm not unhappy; I'm just exploring options. My workflow centers around the WorkOutDoors app. LOVE THIS IT!! The AppleWatch mapping and customization is insane) I use Footpath and Gaia for route planning. (love/hate with the Gaia interface) I have some experience with Garmin Explorer with my InReach mini. The #1 feature I like about the Garmin watches is the battery. However, I think the quality of the iPhone and AppleWatch apps/ecosystem with battery limitations is superior.
It's baffling to me how many damn garmin apps you have to use to do anything with their products. I genuinely have no idea why they do that! Useful video, thanks. Saved me from spending ~$800 US just to scream at my wrist.
I found the same thing with the Garmin motorcycle GPS. Like you, I've started using Gaia as my main app for exploring and my handheld and motorcycle GPS from Garmin as a backup. The software is ages old, doesn't have any level of intuitiveness, and has interfaces that look twenty years old. I gave up on Garmin.
I'm going to go out on a limb and assume someone at garmin developed an in house operating system or the likes and now they are stuck with that ecosystem. I've been in situations where a person developed something, then climbed the corporate ladder to the top. Now nobody can touch their baby...
Agreed and the faces and complications are very basic they didn’t even try like Apple Watch Ultra which has its own issues but still is light years ahead of garmin I rock a AWU gen 1 and and a Garmin 965
Hi Kane, Garmin is clunky to use, always has been. I use Garmins professionally. Most of the foundational software was developed in the 90's and early 2000's and they've built on top of that since. Garmin connect was an attempt for Garmin to get with the times and add a social aspect to their units. It failed miserably and Garmin went to a unit-to-explore interface about 2021 or so. I don't have experience with the watch, but their units can be firmware updated to a newer operating system that cuts connect out of the workflow. Courses sounds like route, but I'm not totally sure. I'd suggest contacting Garmin with the issues, I've found over the years that they are very responsive to user issues. Perhaps try that to get some progress on the issues.
I'd also add that the software looks like it might be the same version minus some features that were on the later Etrex series. I would suggest that you get much more if you step up to a 66i or the newer 67i and just accept the weight penalty. It's a professional unit for you.
An iPhone is hard to beat. I'm carrying it regardless..
Nothing better, but Honest 100%, Really Honest Opinion, No Matter what! Thank you, Kane!
p.s. Thank God, that Ordinary People shoot videos and share their opinion about tech products and not only tech TH-camrs and influencers!
Thank you for confirming that digital map devices still suck. I have owned three different hand held gps devices and found them all hard to use, expensive and unreliable. In the end hand held maps is what I still rely on with a bit on phone gps to cheat. Can’t wait to see how you feel after using this for a while, I have been considering this as my next smart watch as well.
It’s back in the box to ship. I really don’t like returning items, but if something isn’t good the first day they rarely improve. Heard good things about Coros watches…
does garmin explore use html frames? haha dude can you not use the gaia app on the watch?
Probably, seems like something that was coded 20 years ago. Gaia came out with an app for apple watch recently... curious how it well it works. I'm sure the interface is 100X better than garmin. The issue is battery life, but I don't track my routes. Pretty sure it would be good for two days with occasional map checking.
I had a 6s pro and holy shit does it suck trying to navigate with buttons on a tiny screen
🤣
I got the Epix when it first came out and I feel your pain when adding courses. Caveman era…
Seems like they aren't doing any software development.
Go and sens the wat h back then. Should do your reaserch first to buy the watch you need for what you need
I honestly think the GPS watch tech you so desire still needs another 5 years or so of RND to come to fruition.
I have the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro and the ONLY reason I keep it is for its superb battery life. Otherwise, a combination of my Apple Watch and iPhone are more than I need for any excursion for days navigating in the backcountry. Great video Kane, I appreciate your honesty and opinion. So many TH-camrs are pushing product for various reasons but you get straight to the point! 👍
I"m really curious how well Gaia GPS works on the Apple watch. Seems like a good solution.
I own the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar, fantastic watch. However, it has a steep learning curve and the solar charging stopped working last weekend. The watch is only 4 years old! 😢
Just pulled the trigger on the Suunto Vertical Titanium Solar. Seems to be easier to use and better GPS accuracy and connectivity.
I only use the watch for navigation, don't care about heart rate etc. I want to go from A to B, that's it, and that's where the Suunto delivers.
I sold my watch ultra for a fenix 7 and I love it
Do you think they will release the Fenix 8 soon?
Apparently this fall.
I have the apple watch ultra and the garmin gen 2 Epix , and while I love the battery power, the design, and mapping more for outdoor adventures, then the apple watch, the Apple watch has much better software when it comes to apps. I only use my Epix for backpacking and bicycling. I do agree though, the Garmin software isn't that great. I was running into a problem where the downloads where que'd, and wouldn't download anything. The apps ive downloaded, like bikelightcontrol, are pretty janky, and only work if you have the action screen open. Were on my apple watch stuff always runs in the background. I don't have to have it restart the program everytime I want to change something. For a backpacking novice like me the topo maps are just fine.
Interesting perspective!
For maps a use talky toaster maps on my garmin epix and fenix. Much more detailed. For route planning I use ridewithgps. Fantastic combo right there. I can route plan out on the trail using my phone then navigate using the watch. Works really well.
I've never heard of any of this. More details, please. What are talky toaster maps ? So you route plan in real time as you travel on your phone and somehow that uploads to the watch ?
@SomeTechGuy666 just google talky toaster maps, that will take you to the website. You select your device and mapping region. The maps even have gates, styles and major trees on. It's a bit like a vectorised 1:25,000 map. RideWithGps is a phone or web based route planning and tracking app. Great for walking and cycling. If you link your RideWithGps account to your garmin connect account, any routes you plan can be auro uploaded to garmin connect (via pinning). Once in garmin connect it will upload to your watch. This might sound complicated but it really isn't. TT maps have samples you can download to try out on your device. I would say that the maps are too detailed for road cycling but great for off road and hiking. Lots of youtube clips for rwgps and tt maps.
@SomeTechGuy666 just google talky toaster maps and ridewithgps. I wrote a much longer answer before but it was deleted for some reason.
Love my 6x and 7x pss
This video just confirms what I always assumed, but none of the reviews mention…
Great video! Yes totally correct! And if the next Apple watch ultra comes out with good mapping, navigation and possibly even a limited but useful satellite SOS beacon, it will kill Garmin.
yea the apps are much better on the apple watch ultra and the software is vastly superior. I do love my Epix though. I wear my apple watch ultra more though.
Yea, sure, apple watch with 2-day battery life will kill Fenix line...
@@mpdevineyFalse, first of all the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is tough and ready for the elements. Secondly, nowadays we have a bunch of electronics to charge, so people take on a battery bank anyway. And guess what, you and me and everyone else on earth have to sleep at some point - which means that you can charge your watch while you sleep. It’s nice anyway to take off the watch at night and let your skin breathe a little. The watch barely costs battery life on your battery bank, so it’s a win. Apple Watch has a smooth operating system, a 3000 nits brightness screen, and I was saying that if they improve the mapping and navigation you will no longer need Garmin.
@@mpdeviney its definitely rugged enough, Ive been banging it up against metal stuff for the past year as a mechanic and it still scratch free, but the battery life is terrible and the mapping feature sucks when you lose cell service. I live the AWU as my daily watch at work, but for everything else its my epix, and if i HAD to pick one watch it would be the epix.
Just try coros, I also had a phenix 6, but...... now I have coros, and for me it's much better. See if coros work for you.
thanks a lot for this review that conforts me in my opinion that these types of watch are useless. i use my phone and a protrek with 4 sensors and solar charge. The app I use is just great. dont even need a computer. and direction with phone plus compass on watch is just perfect. thanks for all your videos by the way👌
I switched from Apple Watch to Fenix 7X pro and day one found the UI/UX outdated, unintuitive, and crashed twice with 24 hrs. I don’t get the hype.
Epix Pro has been a dream to navigate when you're using in real outdoor situations. tbh I also found Connect Explore to be simple to use. It is a bit old school, but it is logical. You just share GPX files with it and you're good to go. So many people have mapped routes already that GPX are easy to find these days.
FYI it seems in the video that the watch has the shaded relief switched on, which will slow down the maps? Recommend switching it off for really responsive refresh. Shading doesn't really add much to the navigation.
Also, it's great to limit the touchscreen when you're actually out hiking, so I appreciate the buttons for zoom in and out, and the GPS has been super accurate. I can see the issue with the Fenix screen though. I much prefer the amoled of the 51inch Epix to the transflective of the Fenix . It was on 30% discount so I snapped it up
Appreciate feedback with some real insight. I'm doing a deep dive now and refreshing my brain about connect and explore. There will be a follow up video(s)
Apple have set a very high bar with their intuitive design language, so I agree that Garmin does take time to get used to by comparison. Look forward to hear how you get on
Best watch combo. Apple or galaxy watch paired with instinct 2x
i was bored of vidéos not showing this kind of using. Thnak you !
i still consider le amazfit ULTRA T REX, but, smartwatches seem to improve about those complains .
PS: APple watch has a smal battery, but it charges very fast.......finally i may consider this one.
Couldn't agree more with their 2010 feature set, display & software.
kind of given up on understanding the functions- use the tracking function and app on phone...
75% of the data seems to be noise. I do a little workout and it tells me to rest for two days!
In the UK I use OS maps and export it to my finix 7 pro. Works really well
I've sorted a workflow that is good enough. For some reason the gpx file from Gaia wouldn't import into garmin connect the first few times I tried it on the desktop, but it does now. It might havebe file naming issues (too long etc).
Regardless, I would expect garmin to have the best mapping software available and work seamlessly with it's watches. My current workflow is planning routes in Gaia GPS desktop, refreshing on the Gaia mobile app, exporting to the mobile garmin connect app and pushing to the watch. It works...
Interesting, I have the 6 and its absolutely awesome. Never heard of the map download thing, must be a thing on the new one as I never had to do that. Also with Alltrails its insanely easy to download trails, takes like 30 seconds to get highquality maps uploaded to my watch. That sucks the 7 isnt very good 😕
I could be missing something but the whole system seems convoluted to me.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors I did get mine for $400 too when it went on sale with the new fenix 7, I guess I hold it lower standards too because of that. $1000 is a lot.
@@Nic_Chy 100% the price has a lot to do with it. 300-500$ is pretty standard for a nice watch. Throw in some gps and tracking and I’ve got no issues. I paid 1200$ CAD, I guess around 900$ US. It is a good looking watch IMO. But I’d almost rather spend that money on a classic watch than one which will be obsolete in a few years…
The watch comes preloaded with maps, but you can downloaded even better topo maps too. I have the Epix pro gen 2 and that what my came with.
It totally agree that Garmin's interactivity with other software is terrible and Garmin's software is terrible. You nailed it.
I’ve had my Garmin Fēnix 7X Pro Solar for over a year now and love it. I use .gpx files all the time the time for my ultra races. It works well with Strava saved routes too.
Adding my North American topo map took a couple minutes. Not sure why it took your watch 4 hours.
I don’t use GAIA
Maybe your watch is a lemon.
I don’t know… I really dislike the interface in general. Nearly identical to my instinct. Seems pretty much 50/50 people love it or are perplexed.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors kind of like Apple Watch. I had one, loved it until I got into trail running. I can’t stand Apple, largely because of the battery and mapping backcountry & ultra races. I’ll never go back despite Garmin’s lack of compatibility with Apple devices.
Try suunto vertical or race
I heard Strava is good?
Strava is a fitness sharing app. It lets your friends know how far you ran or whatever.
I absolutely love this watch. I have used it in the field and it has become very useful. I also use the fortrex 801 and the gpsmap 65. Each of my land navigation tools are used for different things. For me this is not my go to for navigation. For me it’s more of a back up tool. I have also use on x back country app. It honestly depends on my situation. I have owned just about every garmin smart watch. I will agree that this watch is very overpriced. It sounds like the type of navigation that you are doing, this watch is really not for you. Aslo if you’re not using this watch for the other capabilities, it’s just not worth it. I always pointed people to the instinct. Just cuz it’s basic and can still get the job done. But I have always been a garmin geek if you wanna call it that. lol. So this watch was an add on to my collection. I actually wear this watch more than my other. Especially because the price lol. But great to see what people think about this product. 👍🏾
Hi there, main advise to people. Always buy what you need, the product is exact and your need is yours so always do your due diligence and get what you need. The watch is okay but not compatible to your specific needs. simples .
I'm laughing out loud but crying inside, I bought this watch for the same reasons, and like you, I found this is best for tracking of all sorts. I'm not sure why garmin can't come out with a small pad much like a phone with an amazing interface and screen that holds up well in all weather. I think this is probably great for a ton of outdoor sports and workouts. in the end, it was a bad purchase on my end. I'm not sure garmin ever even marketed this as backcountry navigation device....the things the internet and social media make us buy lol
Right?!
I really appreciate your honesty and the ability to talk from experience. I feel half of the backpacking information channels just regurgitate bad info that will be learned to be incorrect quickly by just getting out once or twice lol (especially winter).
You're right if all you care about is numbers, the Instinct does all of that just fine. For me I just love the design of the garmin Epix. I wear my apple watch ultra more, as its just a better smart watch. But you're right its not really worth 1k bucks.
expecting apple watch performance from a device that lats a month on a battery charge is not entirely fair imho. the new ultra2 watches are fantastic in display, speed, media etc. but you need to charge them every day, even in light use every 2 days. i think both have their target audience that they reach well. i'm no hiker or sporter, so would lean more towards apple, but never really got into the ecosystem, so it would be no use for me as an android user.
I get what you're saying - The apple watches are designed for day to day use. Where they excel is the UI and continuous improvements with each generation. Is it the perfect adventure watch? I doubt it. Is the Garmin the perfect watch? No way. Is it the best on the market right now? Kinda seems like it. I'm still surprised about how much the maps lag.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors using the maps to do pathfinding on the go is not really the intended use, unless you are really in a pinch, imho. More for tracking and maybe tracing a set route. If you are continually manipulating the watch scrolling and zooming it does get cumbersome real quick indeed. If you don't have juice left in the phone, I'd opt to use the compass and a paper map, and GPS just to see my location
@dr_melski I’ll see how it goes this summer. Unfortunately I can’t get out on any ski tours in the next few weeks due to family obligations. If I can reduce checking the map on my phone by 50% or more that would already be helpful. I typically get 5 days out of my phone, so being able to stretch that out or have more power in reserve towards the end of a trip would be nice.
I haven’t seen anyone using paper maps in years… but that’s a different story altogether.
Honestly I think the Fenix series watches are overpriced. The Forerunner series (165 and up) are great for trail running/hiking/etc. for tracking distance and elevation, but as far as navigation goes, I just use my phone. If you're looking for something bomb proof for navigation, I'd definitely use a GPS handheld unit. You could probably get a really good one for under $500 that you can have clipped to your shoulder strap that would last for a long time. See if you can return the watch, and if not, you could probably sell it easily for a slight hit.
100% - so many good options for tracking available. As for navigation, it seems an iphone is hard to beat.
I like your honesty and not joining the band wagon because as amazing as Garmin is, it is still not user friendly for the mass. For the price you pay for the fenix lines, it is quite frustrating to use. I have the 7 pro solar, I mainly use for running and when I do use GPS. I just save my parking location and use it track back. Yes, we are in 2024 and all the added was touch screen and more detail map and it is still laggy and takes second to load and refresh.
You probably want an Epix but Garmin UI is 🗑️ until you get it.
It also seems like Garmin has internal divisions for each product line and they don’t talk.
That’s definitely my impression about the internal divisions…
I use(ed) most brands for running, hiking, cycling, fitness. With one brand you can track your HRV, with the other one the GPS is more accurate and with another one the HR sensor is more useful. In the end I never did anything with that data. HRV sounds nice, but what do I do with it. Now I just go watch-less and that is freeing. I enjoy the surroundings more, take a brake on a tree, for me it doesn’t make any difference in the joy I have. If I need maps or routes, I use Gaia.
That's interesting insight. I tend to agree - not sure how much HR and other data really impacts/helps most people. Seems to be clutter and ultimately might help some people get motivated. I don't need motivation.
My interest is 100% for the GPS and navigation, granted I didn't give the watch much of a chance when I put this video up. It's really a first impression, not a full review (obvisously, right?). There's plenty of those out there where the review wears two watches and graves the gps data etc... I'm sure it's accurate enough. My frustration is from the garmin ecosystem which is cumbersome and has overlaps and gaps in functionality. The menu system is classic garmin and just takes some time to learn. I'd rather something more intuitive. Those are opinions - some will agree and some will disagree as seen in the comments.
When it comes to navigation, gaia, caltopo, onX etc will all have their pros and cons, subtle differences in features. They work very well on a phone and I've been using different apps for years. I'd like to rely a bit less on my phone and use a watch for a quick glance at the map, and hoped it had some really navigation features. This is especially true for winter trips. If you're following a trail and load the route it's not really navigation. I prefer a bigger picture approach especially when I'm off trail.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors Another device you should look at is the Garmin 67i, assuming you hike a lot. Navigation, (inReach) messenger, tracking, maps, flashlight, and good battery, rugged (so no one needs to mention the flash light on a Garmin watch anymore😀) basically a stand-alone backup device if the phone dies. And 400$ less compared to the Epix/Fenix. But, there is such a thing with watched and men :)
@@KaneDoesOutdoors Good point on: "Following a GPX file is not navigation". Going to the grocery stores is "adventure" these days...I still carry a compass and hone my skills on a regular base so I don't forget.
I’ve never had an issue with sending routes to my Garmin 🤔. However I COMPLETELY agree with the process being dated. Garmins software is clunky/slow. They really need to fix their software! I love my Garmin and think there’s no better hiking/navigating watch on the market. I have an Apple Watch Ultra 2 and I NEVER take it on hikes, camping, backpacking etc. I have the Garmin uploading data to Apple Health so I still have the data all in one place.
Workoutdoors + apple watch ultra = way to go if battery is not your main concern.
I’m thinking the ultra 2 is the way to go…
@@KaneDoesOutdoors can confirm, ultra 2 or even the standard AW with the app workoudtoors is amazing. Battery is kinda bad tho so for simplicity I switched back to just the phone because I didn't like bringing the AW charger all the time.
For me the Ultra 2 lasted two days of tracking and using the maps but in airplane mode and battery saver on. The standard AW 9 41mm lasted like 12hrs in the same conditions so I would definitely go for the AW Ultra 2 because even in the longest days, it would still last more than a whole day.
Lack of turn by turn on WOD was a dealbreaker for me with the Apple Watch Ultra 2. I find this feature very handy on my Epix.
Interesting video it’s the true dude
Are you feeling better now ? 😂
Je pense que je t'ai jamais vu aussi déçu d'un produit , surtout considérant le prix . I still prefer to use my phone even if there is more manipulation involve .
You should have seen me last night. That was after sleeping on it at taking a breath 🤣🤣🤣 It’s really hard to beat the phone and apps…
I would say the Garmin watch in large are more catered to military application. In a military aspect it’s very practical and being in the military myself I mainly use the MGRS feature navigation as well as most of the people I work with. I have an Instinct 2x solar and it gives me the bang for my buck at $450 because it takes 3 watches and puts it into one platform. That being said I think the line up at the high end price points are over rated eye candy that are gimmicks for those who can afford them. Any who I wouldnt buy the fenix line up but, I’m happy with the Garmin 2x and I think in most of their products they are made well and to be dam near indestructible. Plus I’m active and I like tracking activity without charging the bastard every day😂.
use a map with compas
You are doing some serious trailblazing. I don’t think a watch could ever fulfill all those needs. The iPhone is great, but it will run out of battery when you’re stuck in a canyon. There must be another device in the horizon that can do the Gaia maps thing…a gps iPad mini?
I tent to agree, but my phone does a great job. On airplane mode I get 5 days of battery. I’d like something to supplement my phone for a quick glance at the map. If I could do that I’d probably use my phone at least 50% less.
I can vouch for the Coros system. For context I have a Pace 2 so not one of the fancy ones but I can say that the Coros watch OS interacts well with the app on my phone. It works with any mapping app which exports gpx files which is great. Also Coros are constantly bringing out updates with new features.
That was tense
My experience is the opposite. I have an Epix gen 2 with amoled and topographic maps etc. It is fundamental for me both in running and mountaineering. Navigating the Garmin system can be difficult but there are several tutorials on TH-cam etc. Afterwards it is always the same in the different models
Does the map lag a lot?
@@KaneDoesOutdoors of course, no. You have various maps with different resolution.Higher resolution may have some delay but nothing special. You have more than 20hrs with dual frequency
Finally, thank you! I also find it very underwhelming for the price point that it is at. I think in a few years apple watch will be smart enough to connect to gaia and the interface will be much better than garmin ever care to make
There’s a gaia app on the apple watch already! I haven’t tried it though… but 100% the interface can only be better. The battery life is the challenge on apple though.
I think Garmin is so invested on their 20 year old software that they don’t want to “go back to the drawing board”. I’ve been using Garmin GPS devices for a very long time, and I thought it was a less than optimal software solution already ten years ago. Generally speaking, I do like the GPS units that I’ve been using, but I don’t own a GPS tracking watch.
u must be in your own world on this one. good-luck . Garmin does it the best. no other watch is gonna do it
I have the same experience, Gamin is fine but nowhere near as good as apple watch ultra. The reason I use it, is for hiking multiple days.
You should create your own fitness watch company and design you own watch. I have a Garmin Fenix 7X. It's not perfect, but comparing it to past AWs and Samsung watches, I'll go with the Garmin watch any day. I felt that AW and Samsung watches need too many other apps to complete the watch. I still don't understand why you'd want satilite maps on a watch.
I do a fair amount off trail navigation in the mountains - this is an example th-cam.com/video/86E0RCBti0g/w-d-xo.htmlsi=FJIXXWy1zHv74jSX
You can draw a nice line at home but ultimately satellite images in the field can help a lot with real time decisions.
I understand your frustration as I still use my Fenix 3 for backpacking but I feel like you had a totally different expectation in thinking that you could solely use the watch for navigation. The phone is so much better with software with UI and bigger screens and is the all in one device and there really is no way in getting around that. And with navigating the backcountry, you have to zoom out quite a bit sometimes and a little tiny watch is just not enough screen to do that.
If the touchscreen was more responsive/advanced it would be fine. Zoom and rotate with touch gestures, get rid of the map lag, and you're almost good to go. The screen is actually pretty big.
The software universe is awful.
To the guys who dont know if this watch is worth buying,ask yourself a simple question,what do you really want?
Some fancy cool watch with bright colorful screen,with nfc feature,or, J.a.r.v.i.s. from iron man movie on your wrist? if you want the second one go grab this watch.
im just stuck in a boot loop since the last update 10 days ago. im not a beta tester. i got the tactix 7 pro, for 1300 bugs. i planed a trip to japan on the watch and like a noob, i saw an update and thought it would be good to get it. i dont have to explain what happend next. im still looking at the garmin support chat every day for any solution. nothing so far. i know the hardware is the fraction of the price and we pay software and licenses. but if that is not fail save bomb proof quality, i dont know what i really paid for. you are really better of with a cheap and not bad 200 bug watches which do the same and if they have such issues i dont even mind. the decline in quality is mind blowing.
i have the feeling that we just feed the marketing budget.
They really should focus on usability and user experience. Be great to have a apple like experience with the functionality of a Garmin
That's 100% my opinion. Obviously the Apple Ultra 2 can't compare with the Garmin lineup in terms of battery life, but it's doing way more things in the background including full mobile phone functionality. Likewise it's hard to compare the Garmin to an Apple product UI. Granted there was a comment about the advantage of Garmin's interface when wearing gloves etc. I hadn't thought about that but it's correct. One of the issues in the winter or wet weather is dealing with a touch screen. Buttons are always reliable.
Kane might benefit from exploring the outdoors to realize that the Apple Watch isn't specifically designed for outdoor GPS use.
No need to use explore. All course creation can be created in garmin connect.
The map layers are pretty minimal in garmin connect. I've figured out a workflow from gaia deskptop to gaia mobile to gamin connect. The planning tools in gaia are better than anything garmin offers.
Painful...the InRearch UI is horrible too
I actually don't mind it that much, but don't use it except for sporadic messages. And with the Earthmate App. Three apps...
I got the fenix 6x pro solar last year. It was my first ever watch, and got when they had them on sale for like 500... i was happily surprised how much i like it!!! Wore it everyone, even to my construction job! However i do want to upgrade, was already was planning to switch away the fenix line. Thinking to a nicer touch screen model.... i havent even tryed getting maps loaded onto my current watch 😂 its way too old... but eitherway they need to make it easier to get maps transferred over!!
Excellent review & I have the same issues with their watches. For me no reason to spend any money on them. It’s a glorified & underpowered fitness tracker with mediocre mapping. If I want the fitness tracking aspect there are much cheaper options out there.
100% agree.
The watch works excellent for what is made. You are expecting to have a processor power of a smartphone, map detailing and responsibility of a smartphone, obvious preference for Gaia, and expect all of that to be crammed in a watch, keep the 2-week battery life, etc. Get real. I use it for cycling and giking and it performs excellent. I create a route in RWGPS, "pin" it and it just syncs to my watch and works. Usable satellite images on a wach? Pinch-zoom on a watch??
All in all, crap clickbait video for the iPhone groupies.
Yup I would expect all the above. The tech is completely there, but apparently focus is on features that appeal to the masses. The Garmin menu system is outdated. I just disagree with you, no harm done.
@@KaneDoesOutdoors The point here, in my opinion, is that Fenix is not comparable to something like Apple watch or similar (or maybe a smartphone). Apple watch is a gadget, Fenix is a tool. If you buy a hammer, you can ask for it to have a nice ergo-handle, have chrome plating, engravings, etc, but at the end, it's function it to get that nail into the wood. That's it. I agree that the website and clunky side apps are a PITA and outdated, but the watch itself is more than good for what it really is, and what it should be.
@@ivanperak285 I agree with all that - my point is that if you stripped down the fitness tracking, music playing and other extras the tech is there for a very responsive mapping tool with a long battery life that I could wear on my arm. The comparison to apple watch was from an innovation standpoint, but they focus on things that I don’t need in the backcountry. I don’t own one.
Dro it's you 😂
Based on the feedback in the comments and talking to a few friends I’m going to admit, yes at least in part me 🤣 maybe 50/50.
I had much higher expectations for the mapping which may be beyond what is currently possible with the technology. I guess the interface takes some time to learn. Anyways I just can’t afford to have that much $ in a product that I’m unsure about, and can’t keep it “just to test” 🤷♂️
Disbelieve? You should have watched Chase the Summit, or any of the many great channels, the watch works perfectly fine, unlike the AWU2 that dies after half day on a trail...
Yes disbelief, because I watched reviews prior which were all glowing, calling the 7X the best.
Did you see how the map lags?? The menu system is just as bad as my original Instinct, although the touch screen helps a bit. I would have thought it was good in 2010, maybe 2015 - but not now.
Don’t forget it’s called social media marketing. Do you think Garmin will send me free watches now? Or any company?
@@KaneDoesOutdoors I recently replaced the AWU2 and the fancy 3000 nits display and S9 SIP with a Garmin Tacticx Delta without touch screen. The processor in these Garmin watches can't compete with the Apple Chips that's for sure, and I've seen many reviews demonstrate that. However. Most of those I talked to disable the touchscreen anyway so not to fall into the same trap as with the SUPREME Apple Watch. So yes, I'm totally blown away with the Garmin watches and I've used Apple Watches since the AW7 came out. But that's just me.
2024 and still waiting for a simple QWERTY board for simple text replies. I don't even want a speaker for calls, just give me a keyboard. Something so simple taking so long. I had a Venu 3 which does the text and calls but that watch is so plain and girly that I had to return it.
I wouldn't expect them to answer any special requests 🤣
12:48 “there’s no way that it is anywhere close to the performance of an Apple Watch”
😂😂 it’s like comparing Lamborghini to a Tesla
Yes look I’m fancy quick never slow down
☝️that’s cool but not everyone owns a iPhone or Apple Watch
As a enduro 2 user love the battery life I love you don’t need a iPhone to use it
Whilst apple forces you to buy the latest iPhone
What’s it called the AWU 2 the double tap gestures only work if have a iPhone 15
Back to the topic is this big of a issue to stop buying or avoiding garmin 🤷♂️ermmm no for my needs it does the job. I go weeks without plugging it in have the health data I need finally 🔦 daily too I use regular for my day to day life
The apple watch is an example of what is possible & forward thinking. The ultra 2 has mobile connectivity etc, all things that you don't really need in the backcountry. The UI, display etc will blow the garmin away. Obviously those additional features which appeal to the masses come at the expense of battery life, and yes the apple ecosystem is pretty much all or nothing.
I'd like to see a product that is geared towards true navigation, not fitness tracking. Quick access to maps without needing to go through several menus, multiple map layers, better software ecosystem etc etc.
I think the only thing it works okay with is all trails
That's a path I'm not going down 🤣
@@KaneDoesOutdoors ya I was very disappointed when I learned that as an onX user
Mmmh… i kind of totally disagree with your opinion on the watch. It almost looks like you bought this watch without knowing anything about it. (Im not trolling, you just look very distressed by the watch)
Yes the way of entering courses could be a little bit better, but you are totally missing the point of the watch, the screen is “dim” so it allows the great battery time of it; you mention you like to use gaia like apps in a watch! The watch is for entering a course and guiding you on your hike to be on the course you plotted, to reach your waypoints, get an idea like that of where you are, your expectation of being navigating like you explained by scrolling on maps and stuff is definitely not the best in the watch.
What you should be looking for is perhaps a dedicated garmin gps device?
I dont even use the touchscreen functionality on the watch and i think it is great!
Also, it seems to me that you are friends with Justin outdoors and he has been using the fenix watch for a long time and he likes it, couldnt you get an opinion or introduction to the watch from him before buying it and being so disappointed?
I think your expectations from the watch are just not right.
It is a great device for keeping you from getting lost. I think you either need time to understand the purpose and how the watch works, or just returning it like you say because you totally look like the watch is not what you are looking for.
Just take in mind that there is no other watch that does even close to what the garmin fenix offers.
I like your videos, and this is not a trolling comment, i just think you are seriously underestimating a great watch.
Cheers and good luck!
Ok - but you do agree that the maps lag, touch interface isn't very good, and the software universe is dated?
@@KaneDoesOutdoors yes, i do agree the interface could be better. I think it is a very good thing there is the garmin explore app for the phone to help you creating courses. But i do agree sometimes it is a bit frustrating to use it. The garmin base camp for pc’s seems to be a bit better in terms of better way to creating routes, but then you have to plug your watch to the pc to download the routes , which i find tedious. In short yes your are right the software could be a bit better. I just learned to live with it and find the good in the watch. I still use a map when im outthere, but it is a big relief when if i need to see where is the course im supposed to be following is, just to know im going the right way. Or to see how much farther my next way point is and have an eta of when im going to get there, if im running out of daylight , etc.
hope you keep the watch 😊.
Lol, blub this is merely a last resort backup GPS. Use primary portable GPS device then phone then this watch. Redundancies are important.
There Fenix and Epix don't have multi-touch. Get over it. Multi-touch is great when your sitting down, but try multi-touch on the move. I prefer real buttons for almost everything except for the map. Buttons are so much nicer for most of what I do. Especially when I'm wearing gloves or it's raining. I like how Garmin gives you the option to use the touch screen and yet I can still do everything with buttons. As for the paneling you see while refreshing the map, this is one of the ways Garmin consume less power.
Good insights
Yeah its not like it's 2024, and you have a watch with the BEST gps hardware available, but it's using a dim 1.4 inch screen, but wait it's 2024 and you also have a phone with so-so gps hardware, BUT the phone has an AMAZING BIG SCREEN, and better yet the phone and the watch can talk to one another, BUT oh no we can't use the phone as an BIG EXTERNAL DISPLAY for the watch!!!!