There has to be 50 reviews of this watch on TH-cam, yours is the best by far, thanks!!! I’ve got the Instinct Solar for every day use and Fēnix 7 for hiking. Love both!!!
The best epix presentation I've seen on TH-cam, definitely the watch is worth buying, the multitude of options and adjustments to your needs exceeds most users by light years of their needs and the possibility of using ;) Well done man👌🏻
Man this review earned my sub! The amount of detail and extent to which u go to visually explain everything is just bonkers. 👍💯💯 u deserve much more subs than u have.
Thanks so much for your video, and such a clear, well paced explanation of all the features. I upgraded to a Fenix 7 this week from a watch 3. I just couldnt see the information. I spent hours trying to set up the phone, but no joy, even after updates. I sent it back and even considered a Watch 6 so I could see the data, but for mountain biking/running/and crossfit, it's not up to scratch. I had given up, but your video was the only one to explain the Epix is like the Fenix but with a brighter display. Game changer for me training for a half marathon. Now I can just crack on, rather than faff about trying to disect crazy amounts of info.
Hands down this is easily the best outdoors sports watch Garmin makes. The screen is amazing in bright sunlight. And battery is still way more than you will ever need unless in a multi day survival situation.
Yes 99% of users don't need battery life that fenix 7 offers. Much better screen on epix 2 is a game changer at lest for someone who has older eyes and doesn't see as well as used to. I chose epix 2 over fenix bc of better screen and more detailed golf features. Yes it has more detailed golf features than fenix 7 has.
@@bensmith7857 the epix gen 2 has enough battery for 99.9% of user activities. For example 30hours is the time limit for the Leadville 100 mile ultra marathon few people do an activity longer than that. In a survival situation the best watch would be the Garmin enduro model. It has the largest battery.
I think it's more about in 3-4 years will this battery still be able to hold up, if I'm paying 1.3k for a watch (Australia) I'd want it to last at least 9-10 years
Great review. You can move and zoom on the map not using touch, just press and hold center left button and select pan/zoom. Start/stop button selects wether your zooming or moving the map. Kind of cumbersome. Definitely easier to do this with touch enabled.
Thanks. I knew there would be otherwise how would you do it on the non touchscreen watches! I looked through the manual but couldn’t find it and trial and error got me nowhere.
for android users it solves the biggest issue of smartwatches - battery life. as much as I love how smart my Wear OS 3 watch is, I cannot miss the fact the usable battery life is around 12h (leaving cinema/DND mode at 7.45AM. and entering power save mode around 1900)
You could always add them as a custom activity 🤣 I have a video TRACK ANY SPORT With Your Garmin Forerunner 245 | How to Create Custom Activities th-cam.com/video/Pkgmxc2mBOA/w-d-xo.html 🤣
Amazing review! Looking forward to seeing a long-term review if you end up getting one. If Garmin can add voice controls (Alexa, Siri etc) in future editions, it would be hard to beat!
Great review. A battery life of less than 2 weeks means an automatic no from me. I've been on hikes where battery life let me down and it ain't pretty. I went with the Fenix 7X instead. 5:59 Yup!
I currently own a Fenix3, this review has convinced me the EpixGen2 is my next watch. One thing, are the golf settings equal or better than the Approach R62. Thanks.
@@chrisguess only navigation screen, there isn't any option to turn just navigation touch screen on and everything else off. Everything in activity is either off or on.
Limited smart functions with replying to messages or taking a phone call is really a no-go if you have to pay so much money for such a watch. I also cannot add my bank to this smartwatch, no LTE, all options on and about 4 days of battery life... You have made me doubt myself. :D I subscribed to you because you explain it best.
Simply the best review for a sport watch. You have covered all the topics, clarifying all possible doubts. But I still have a question; I have apple watch 7 and one of the most interesting features is automatic activity recognition. If I start walking, after about 1 km apple watch asks me if I want to save the activity, continuing to record until my stop. Is there the same function on epix?
I usually strap any running watch down tight for HR accuracy and to avoid movement. Never had any issues with it due to weight, but it is a chunky boy.
Great review mate. I’m awaiting arrival of the black titanium. I am coming from a Apple Watch 7 . I returned the fenix 7x sapphire solar due to the screen resolution. So the epix should be on par with the Apple Watch on screen resolution.
Hi Chris. Watched this and your Epix 2 review. Very, very, well presented reviews and I DO get the title (ref to other good vid), just so confused as what to do. I'm essentially buying a Garmin to track sports. I often cycle to work, walk A LOT and want to really look at hiking now, hopefully more swimming. The hiking may defo use GPS and the cycling will to better track stats. I do want this mainly as a fitness watch though. The Epix is a gorgeous screen though but not sure if charging every 5/6 days will be tiresome. But I am not an ultra marathon runner or doing multi-day sport events. These watches are so expensive though and want it to last. One big worry with the Epix is if you use the GPS off and on during the week and already maybe charging every 5/6 days what will the battery be like in 2/3 years? The Fenix is so far ahead in battery it is likely to still be going strong. But at the price it is also nice to have a super nice screen. I know your happy with the battery of the Epix. Do you feel it's a clear winner and the screen is so good it makes up for the battery's shortcomings? I do appreciate good graphics too and the high resolution will make the screen easier to read and got to the point of needing reading glasses and also thing the Epix looks gorgeous (although liking the true always on of the Fenix and not having to worry about disabling half the features to keep the battery and not worrying about draining it by actually using it!). Defo giving both your videos the thumbs up. Would be good to have your advice on this. Also, very happy for anyone else comments. Going to post this in your other video as well if that's okay to try and get some quick feedback as ordered both with the sales but have to send one back but don't want to open them as can't afford them both so easier to return new. Thanks for your great reviews, you did some nice camera work on the Fenix, but making it even harder for me 😛.
Hi Pete, not sure if it’s too late to help. The ‘ordinary’ transflective displays on the Fenix are very clear and nice, so don’t be put off. If battery life is your highest priority then you might be best to opt for the Fenix. I have a 3 year old 245 (with transflective display) and I still get multiple days out of it. The OLED is nice but who knows how the will hold up. I must say I hate having to charge a watch full stop, one of the reasons I’ve never tried an Apple Watch. Charging every day no thanks. Best of luck with your decision, I think you will be happy with whatever you choose. Let me know how you get on. Oh and you must be one of the few who understood the title so thanks.
Interesting that the countdown timer isn’t touch screen but on my Fenix 7s it is. Has the software been updated and it’s been added since the review ? 🤔
@@chrisguessI returned the 7s for the Epix as it’s currently on offer in the UK and can confirm it has been fixed and there is additional touchscreen features on the home screen watch face. Dependant on your watch face metrics you can hard press to see your data instead on scrolling through glances. Very impressed.
And the best golf watch even though there are dedicated golf watches. Epix 2 lacks some features the dedicated golf watches have but they are only for golfing.
After 4 years with the basic Instinct, I've upgrade to this Epix 2 Sapphire 47mm, and it's 100 times better! Still working through scores of settings. In the Hotkeys there is "screenshot", does anybody know where to see the screenshots that were taken? Then there is "Dual Grid". not sure how to change the second grid.
Excellent review, just before you mentioned badminton I was pausing the video when you scrolled through the available activities looking for exactly the badminton mode 😅
This is not a good running watch. I mean, maybe in UK with dull light. But I live in sunshine. Wear sunglasses out running. You can't read the numbers unless you get the angle right. Returned this to get a fenix where I can get a white background/black numbers. hope it works out.
It’s just the way they operate I guess. Most of the running watch brands I have reviewed are the same just loan out review units for a few weeks and then I have to send them back.
Thank you very much for this extensive and highly informative review. One request from my side. Could you please consider keeping the same frame during your presentation. Zooming in an out is distracting, at least for me and does not add anything of value.
The problem with this Garmins is they are too complicated to use. They also missing most important functionality in my opinion… is being able to make a call without a phone in any emergency
I think it’s horses for courses. Those features are more smart watch than adventure watches, obviously those two things cross over far more than they did before. Personally I find them fairly intuitive to use but it may be what you’re used to.
@@chrisguess i just checked the spec for sunnto 9 peak. i could not see why 9 peak is better. If i read it correctly, it has lower resolution, smaller display, lower battery life and i don't like the design of the watch. The display is listed as Matrix. The only thing positive is its cheaper than the epix 2.
@@chrisguess Yeah, you might be right. I also just ordered an Epix 2 (white). I like the rugged look of a garmin fenix / epix. Sunnto just look more rounded and "feminine" to me. the 9 peak is even worse in this sense, since its lighter and even more rounded. The bezel is just too thin. I also like my watch heavier. i just keep 1 smart watch with me, coming from fenix 5x to galaxy watch to huawei watch 3 pro and now back to garmin. Sold off my 5x because i dont like the display. Galaxy watch feels cheap and more like a toy and watch 3 pro is good but i get irritated because the alarm has no sound.
My Epix arrives tomorrow, your review just reinforced my decision. Your delivery is simply awesome, thank you for what you do! 😊
Enjoy. Thanks for the review of my review and you’re welcome.
There has to be 50 reviews of this watch on TH-cam, yours is the best by far, thanks!!!
I’ve got the Instinct Solar for every day use and Fēnix 7 for hiking.
Love both!!!
I just got the Epix 2 after returning the Apple Ultra. Epix 2 is straight fire.
Interesting, that seems like exactly what the ultra was designed to compete with. Glad you like the Epix.
The best epix presentation I've seen on TH-cam, definitely the watch is worth buying, the multitude of options and adjustments to your needs exceeds most users by light years of their needs and the possibility of using ;) Well done man👌🏻
Thanks, glad you liked it. It for sure will exceed most users needs.
Man this review earned my sub! The amount of detail and extent to which u go to visually explain everything is just bonkers. 👍💯💯 u deserve much more subs than u have.
Thanks, I appreciate you.
I hardly ever comment on videos but damn. This is the way a review should be. To the point!
Subbed and waiting for more.
Thanks so much for the comment and the sub. There is definitely more on the way, although they can take time 😭.
Straight to the point and not silly voices or eye rolling narration. Thanks. Still torn between this and the 955
Thanks I try to not waste peoples time.
Silly faces?
@@michaelb9940 That as well
It's my first time 2 watch u today
First I purchased the watch immediately bcz of use review
Second ... u r the best reviewer for tech really
Thanks I really appreciate the feedback.
fantastic review - succinct, detailed, brilliant - and as somebody else said, no silly eye rolling or anything! Keep them coming
Thank you, I’ll do my best.
This is the absolute best Epix review I have seen.{and I've watched A Lot} Very Very Well Done.
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.
Thanks so much for your video, and such a clear, well paced explanation of all the features. I upgraded to a Fenix 7 this week from a watch 3. I just couldnt see the information. I spent hours trying to set up the phone, but no joy, even after updates. I sent it back and even considered a Watch 6 so I could see the data, but for mountain biking/running/and crossfit, it's not up to scratch. I had given up, but your video was the only one to explain the Epix is like the Fenix but with a brighter display. Game changer for me training for a half marathon. Now I can just crack on, rather than faff about trying to disect crazy amounts of info.
Excellent Segment with Honest General Knowledge functionalities of Garmin Epix Gen 2. Much Appreciate It so Viewers can Understand.
Thank you, I try to make well rounded reviews.
Hands down this is easily the best outdoors sports watch Garmin makes. The screen is amazing in bright sunlight. And battery is still way more than you will ever need unless in a multi day survival situation.
Yes 99% of users don't need battery life that fenix 7 offers. Much better screen on epix 2 is a game changer at lest for someone who has older eyes and doesn't see as well as used to. I chose epix 2 over fenix bc of better screen and more detailed golf features. Yes it has more detailed golf features than fenix 7 has.
You might need more than 30 hours of gps in a real "I got so lost" situation
@@bensmith7857 the epix gen 2 has enough battery for 99.9% of user activities. For example 30hours is the time limit for the Leadville 100 mile ultra marathon few people do an activity longer than that. In a survival situation the best watch would be the Garmin enduro model. It has the largest battery.
@@thepatternforms859 agreed
I think it's more about in 3-4 years will this battery still be able to hold up, if I'm paying 1.3k for a watch (Australia) I'd want it to last at least 9-10 years
You did a fine job talking about a watch that I ordered a few hours ago.
Thank you, hope you like it.
Great review. You can move and zoom on the map not using touch, just press and hold center left button and select pan/zoom. Start/stop button selects wether your zooming or moving the map. Kind of cumbersome. Definitely easier to do this with touch enabled.
Thanks. I knew there would be otherwise how would you do it on the non touchscreen watches! I looked through the manual but couldn’t find it and trial and error got me nowhere.
for android users it solves the biggest issue of smartwatches - battery life. as much as I love how smart my Wear OS 3 watch is, I cannot miss the fact the usable battery life is around 12h (leaving cinema/DND mode at 7.45AM. and entering power save mode around 1900)
Yeah that’s the biggest annoyance I have with them you have to charge every night.
Splendid review, by far one of the best way to present the monster of sports watch .
Thank you. You’re right it is a monster!
Great review. just the right pace and depth.
Thank you
It was an impulse buy for me. But the best I've ever buy. It's an amazing watch. Thanks for a good review.
Pretty hefty impulse!
shoveling and lawn mower pushing should be added to the list of activities
You could always add them as a custom activity 🤣 I have a video TRACK ANY SPORT With Your Garmin Forerunner 245 | How to Create Custom Activities
th-cam.com/video/Pkgmxc2mBOA/w-d-xo.html 🤣
@@chrisguess I made a "Yardworx" app, with distance, timer, avg speed, temp, steps, HR ga. So I'm all set to go! LOL
Amazing review! Looking forward to seeing a long-term review if you end up getting one. If Garmin can add voice controls (Alexa, Siri etc) in future editions, it would be hard to beat!
Thanks. No plans to get one just yet but the 245 is getting old. Voice assistant works on some Garmin’s so who knows.
Very good video! Actually informative unlike most reviews of this watch out there...
Thanks, I know mine take a bit longer to come out but I try to pack in the info.
Great review. A battery life of less than 2 weeks means an automatic no from me. I've been on hikes where battery life let me down and it ain't pretty. I went with the Fenix 7X instead. 5:59 Yup!
2+ weeks is a big ask even for OLED, might be a few years off yet.
Great review - won't use half of the features but will certainly upgrade from my VivoActiv4 to the Epix for my 6-0 this summer!
Yeah same here, there’s just so much!
Awesome review! I may have missed it, but do you by chance remember the name of that watch face you had installed?
No idea sorry, it is a default face though.
Incredible thorough review! thanks!
Thanks
I currently own a Fenix3, this review has convinced me the EpixGen2 is my next watch. One thing, are the golf settings equal or better than the Approach R62. Thanks.
I’m not sure to be honest, although I think you can download the relevant golfing apps to most of the regular watches.
I'd like to have option to turn touch screen on during the activities when using the navigation screen.
Yep you can.
@@chrisguess only navigation screen, there isn't any option to turn just navigation touch screen on and everything else off. Everything in activity is either off or on.
So am I correct in thinking that the only difference between this and the top end Fenix 7 is the display?
Essentially yes, but this video might help: Why You Shouldn’t Buy The Epix | Garmin Fenix 7 Review
th-cam.com/video/-5McVJyTx-A/w-d-xo.html
You can reply to texts if you have an Android FYI... Apple won't allow Garmin to integrate as usual
Ah ok, didn’t test that. Not a deal breaker for me.
Limited smart functions with replying to messages or taking a phone call is really a no-go if you have to pay so much money for such a watch. I also cannot add my bank to this smartwatch, no LTE, all options on and about 4 days of battery life... You have made me doubt myself. :D I subscribed to you because you explain it best.
Simply the best review for a sport watch. You have covered all the topics, clarifying all possible doubts. But I still have a question; I have apple watch 7 and one of the most interesting features is automatic activity recognition. If I start walking, after about 1 km apple watch asks me if I want to save the activity, continuing to record until my stop. Is there the same function on epix?
How is it for running, does the watch move much down your wrist due to the weight or do you really have to strap it tight
I usually strap any running watch down tight for HR accuracy and to avoid movement. Never had any issues with it due to weight, but it is a chunky boy.
@@chrisguess thanks , 👍🏼 fenix 7 and this review excellent work
Great review. Thanks
No sweat
Great review mate. I’m awaiting arrival of the black titanium.
I am coming from a Apple Watch 7 . I returned the fenix 7x sapphire solar due to the screen resolution.
So the epix should be on par with the Apple Watch on screen resolution.
I would imagine the Epix will equal and better the Apple Watch in several ways. Enjoy my friend.
@@chrisguess cheers mate
Hi Chris.
Watched this and your Epix 2 review. Very, very, well presented reviews and I DO get the title (ref to other good vid), just so confused as what to do.
I'm essentially buying a Garmin to track sports. I often cycle to work, walk A LOT and want to really look at hiking now, hopefully more swimming. The hiking may defo use GPS and the cycling will to better track stats. I do want this mainly as a fitness watch though.
The Epix is a gorgeous screen though but not sure if charging every 5/6 days will be tiresome. But I am not an ultra marathon runner or doing multi-day sport events. These watches are so expensive though and want it to last. One big worry with the Epix is if you use the GPS off and on during the week and already maybe charging every 5/6 days what will the battery be like in 2/3 years? The Fenix is so far ahead in battery it is likely to still be going strong. But at the price it is also nice to have a super nice screen.
I know your happy with the battery of the Epix. Do you feel it's a clear winner and the screen is so good it makes up for the battery's shortcomings? I do appreciate good graphics too and the high resolution will make the screen easier to read and got to the point of needing reading glasses and also thing the Epix looks gorgeous (although liking the true always on of the Fenix and not having to worry about disabling half the features to keep the battery and not worrying about draining it by actually using it!).
Defo giving both your videos the thumbs up. Would be good to have your advice on this. Also, very happy for anyone else comments. Going to post this in your other video as well if that's okay to try and get some quick feedback as ordered both with the sales but have to send one back but don't want to open them as can't afford them both so easier to return new.
Thanks for your great reviews, you did some nice camera work on the Fenix, but making it even harder for me
😛.
Hi Pete, not sure if it’s too late to help.
The ‘ordinary’ transflective displays on the Fenix are very clear and nice, so don’t be put off. If battery life is your highest priority then you might be best to opt for the Fenix. I have a 3 year old 245 (with transflective display) and I still get multiple days out of it. The OLED is nice but who knows how the will hold up. I must say I hate having to charge a watch full stop, one of the reasons I’ve never tried an Apple Watch. Charging every day no thanks.
Best of luck with your decision, I think you will be happy with whatever you choose. Let me know how you get on.
Oh and you must be one of the few who understood the title so thanks.
Interesting that the countdown timer isn’t touch screen but on my Fenix 7s it is. Has the software been updated and it’s been added since the review ? 🤔
That is a weird one. Not too sure about software updates post review. Unfortunately they make us give them back!
@@chrisguessI returned the 7s for the Epix as it’s currently on offer in the UK and can confirm it has been fixed and there is additional touchscreen features on the home screen watch face. Dependant on your watch face metrics you can hard press to see your data instead on scrolling through glances. Very impressed.
And the best golf watch even though there are dedicated golf watches. Epix 2 lacks some features the dedicated golf watches have but they are only for golfing.
It would be more than enough for my golfing skill 😭
It's actually a multisport watch. Using it just for running kinda makkes it seem like its been underutilized
After 4 years with the basic Instinct, I've upgrade to this Epix 2 Sapphire 47mm, and it's 100 times better! Still working through scores of settings. In the Hotkeys there is "screenshot", does anybody know where to see the screenshots that were taken? Then there is "Dual Grid". not sure how to change the second grid.
During a running session, is it possible to change terrain, i.e. road to trails
They are two separate activities.
I am getting it today 3/18/24 it’s on sale for $599.99
How’s it working out for you?
Pretty sure my Fenix 3 had the same QR strap.
I guess you found the badminton one! What info does it happen to show?
Great review style by the way
Actually It’s just for scoring it turns out, so back to my custom activity.
Excellent review, just before you mentioned badminton I was pausing the video when you scrolled through the available activities looking for exactly the badminton mode 😅
Thanks. Seems to be missing on everything I test.
Hi, is the Epix your daily watch?
Unfortunately not, I had to give it back. I daily drive a 245 music and/or whatever else I’m testing.
This is not a good running watch. I mean, maybe in UK with dull light. But I live in sunshine. Wear sunglasses out running. You can't read the numbers unless you get the angle right. Returned this to get a fenix where I can get a white background/black numbers. hope it works out.
why would they not let you keep that watch?
It’s just the way they operate I guess. Most of the running watch brands I have reviewed are the same just loan out review units for a few weeks and then I have to send them back.
Production on the Vid is Epix bro. And you still wear your watch on the wrong hand like at school. 🤣
Thanks dude. I know but I’m in way too deep to change it now 😭
@@chrisguess didn't want to say that's why thats why straps are a consumable item.....🤣. Never turn back my friend.
Thank you very much for this extensive and highly informative review. One request from my side. Could you please consider keeping the same frame during your presentation. Zooming in an out is distracting, at least for me and does not add anything of value.
The problem with this Garmins is they are too complicated to use. They also missing most important functionality in my opinion… is being able to make a call without a phone in any emergency
I think it’s horses for courses. Those features are more smart watch than adventure watches, obviously those two things cross over far more than they did before. Personally I find them fairly intuitive to use but it may be what you’re used to.
As of now im into the 7x but if they release a epix 2x im sold on that! 100
What’s the ‘X’ factor that makes the difference for you out of interest?
@@chrisguess speculating …..”x” for the extra large screen
@@chrisguess x for the bigger size and bigger battery
In Garmin Epix 2, Fenix, unfortunately, but the heart rate measurement is really poor.
I think if that is important to you, regardless of model or brand it’s best to get a chest strap.
Great looking watch, just can’t justify the price.
It is a lot, I’m the same. Sadly I had to give it back.
I love how we voluntarily pay big dollars for companies to track us lol
@@RelaxingWalks dude, you’re brutal. Old boy is probably crying in the fetal position right about now….lol
That's when you pay even more money to get the Tactix 7, so you can enable stealth mode which disables the radios.
Fight!
I buy for my seilf yesrday it wos 800 euro
Great
Almost as good as the Suunto 9 peak from Finland
Not tried one, why is it better?
@@chrisguess i just checked the spec for sunnto 9 peak. i could not see why 9 peak is better. If i read it correctly, it has lower resolution, smaller display, lower battery life and i don't like the design of the watch. The display is listed as Matrix. The only thing positive is its cheaper than the epix 2.
Oh well in that case It can only be a price thing.
@@chrisguess Yeah, you might be right. I also just ordered an Epix 2 (white). I like the rugged look of a garmin fenix / epix. Sunnto just look more rounded and "feminine" to me. the 9 peak is even worse in this sense, since its lighter and even more rounded. The bezel is just too thin. I also like my watch heavier.
i just keep 1 smart watch with me, coming from fenix 5x to galaxy watch to huawei watch 3 pro and now back to garmin. Sold off my 5x because i dont like the display. Galaxy watch feels cheap and more like a toy and watch 3 pro is good but i get irritated because the alarm has no sound.
Waarom?
If you have a skin allergy don't purchase a Garmin watch with a synthetic strap, you will end up with painful blisters.
I’m assuming you would need to be careful regardless of brand. Stainless steel watch backs often irritate my skin.
@@chrisguess💯
I changed to a leather strap for exactly this reason.
How about tell us what you don't like about the watch? Otherwise it's just another review...
That’s what it is a review. I’m happy with the content but thanks.
Yeah but 750£ hmmmmm
It’s expensive for sure. It’s also the reason I don’t own one!
All these paid review beep and vibrations are toooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo soft
Nobody paid me
Hi Chris,can you tell me please the name of the watch face 😊
Honestly I don’t know as I had to send the watch back, but it was one of the default ones. I may have changed the accent colour.
@@chrisguess thanks I discovered 👍