@@esgee3829 None that I've heard of (to any companies devices). All Garmin devices in the last 4-5 years also support Galileo too (as an alternative if needed).
Wow you are a life safer. I just bought my 900$ fenix 7 and notice the bug or older firmware issues that u have mentioned.. will be upgrading my firmware soon via garmin express once i finished watchin this video...thanks a lot for the wonderful tips
Perfect timing on this video release! My 7x Saph Solar/w Heathered nylon strap is showing up to tomorrow! Puuuumped, though my wallet weeps, but it will give me more motivation and incentive to do the things I love which I have been doing less and less.
Wallet weeps is so true! I have an epix coming. I'm just lost with Garmins marketing. I just wish they had a fenix and an epix and you could have them all in size variations. Without having to trawl through. Pro. Solar. X. DLC. I love their tech but by god it needs simplifying. I went with standard edition. Mainly due to cost and I just want to be more detached from my phone and more active. Great video. Thank you.
@basengelblik5199 Fenix 8, packed full of extra features no adventure seekers care about. Except for the dive features, that in itself is worth the extra cost.
I would like to upgrade from my beloved Venu SQ to the Fenix 7s but I'm afraid...because of the signs...of the S sized Elevate 4 sensor's inaccuracy. Seen on the Venu 2s first hand and on Ray's Fenix 7(s) review, so I'm still hesitant. Actually, I would like a Forerunner 745 with the new sensor, because I don't need maps and prefer polymer case over metal (because of the weight). Oh well...
Thank you Ray. Another great video which will help set expectations. Coming from a F5 plus, my epix is really amazing. One key feature which is not mentioned yet is the improved roundtrip calculation time. It calculates for example 3 options for a 10k run (any direction) in less than a minute! And I was still inside doing this. Another example: It calculates 3 options for a 21k run in less than 3 minutes, while the first option is already available after a single minute. That 21k could take forever on a F5 plus.
I got my watch a week ago and i was watching this video and guess what happen in the middle of this video? And update is ready to install. Make me drop my coffee lol
Best bang for the buck is the Garmin D2 Mach 1 shipped in 3 days and epic 2 ships in 5 to 8 weeks and the watch looks better with all the same software and a better looking appearance
I like the watch home screen at 0:04. Don't recall seeing it on my Garmin scroll through list. Do I need to download it from somewhere? Thanks for the video.
Or you can download the current (beta) zip from the forums and follow the instructions. For me the quickest way, because that also works on my chromebook, otherwise I have to power up the laptop and the virtual windows to start garmin Express. ;-)
Have a Fenix 7 coming, cant wait. Your comparison and run through clips helpt me alot choosing Fenix version, thanks ! Tbh Garmin should just force the update first time turning on/Connecting the watch Anyway thanks for the tip👍
One thing to note is that Garmin fails to let you know that it's background transferring via your phone. You can randomly lose 20 - 30% of a brand new iphone or android phones battery when it's happening (over hours).
Yup, it just feels like this would be easily solved by simply being upfront that the device needs a firmware update immediately, and WiFi is the fastest way.
Rumors are a big slate of units is set to arrive this week. That seems backed up by numerous retail sites I follow showing expected availability from the 10-12th.
@@Dcrainmaker i hope that is the case , I ordered from the Garmin site since all retailers I checked where sold out but I got hit with that 3-5 weeks waiting time , I know retailers get their shipments first so hopefully I can get it by the end of the month if rumors are to be true , thank you for giving me a peace of mind hehe
@@Dcrainmaker Please do! I love my garmin Fenix but I’ve started taking it off in the middle of the night as it bothers my wrist. Now that I’ve switched employers and I don’t get Fitness credits for syncing my Garmin data with the company website, I wear it when I am training, only. For the rest the day, it would be nice to have something small just to track heart rate and steps - nothing more.
Funny enough I got the Fenix7 on launch day and I basically randomly decided to charge it through my PC and connect garmin express before playing with it doing the update in the process. My back button turned out to be faulty and stick once in a while, I started the exchange process but only got the new one yesterday (though I got to keep the bad one in the meantinme).I put the new on my wrist straight out of the box and was so confused when the features I had gotten used to like editing the data fields had dissapered.
Super straight forward and excellent explanation of how to do it via computer - so many people don't know this. Great idea. And what watch are you wearing? Is that the I2S?
Thanks! In this case it's just the regular Instinct 2. I have one last thing I'm finishing up testing for a different video, as well as wanting to see how it stabilized after outlining the numerous issues in my review (thus far, it's stabilized well).
@@Dcrainmaker that's great - really appreciate your continually thorough approach. I should get mine today or tomorrow hopefully - can't wait - so glad it's stabilized before I do! And still wearing the Whoop! you can't get enough of what you don't find total value in haha :) kidding of course
I just need a walkthrough on how to download a map/navigation to the watch. For example; hiking a mountain in the Rockies. Some mountains have trails that aren’t easily visible and having a navigator would be extremely helpful. Let’s say I want to hike Capital Peak in Colorado, how would I get the trail map on my watch?
Could not find an answer to my question and your videos have been the most helpful so far with the Garmin watches. My previous phone after opening the connect app and it connects to my instincts 2 tactical, I can then close the app and lock my phone and put it in my pocket etc and it would alwasy stay connected (unless I walked away too far) but this new phone I got when I lock the screen and leave the app it disconnects from the watch. Any ideas?
I just gotta know.... is it possible to use my watch for my strava hrm sensor? I can get everything else syncing amazingly myfitnesspall and all my strava data but I'm not getting him availability inside of strava
I was wondering why my new Fenix 7X Pro didn't have the motorcycle or other sports mode I saw online, when I connected it to the Garmin software on my PC it said updates would take 12 hours but like you said as soon as I disconnected the watch it told me the update was ready to install and I now have all the features I had seen online and more.
Have you tried loading a KMZ Custom Map on the Fenix 7 ? I bought a 6X Pro, was told that it worked on the 5, but I can't get it to work on my 6X Pro :(
Perhaps why my Epix gen 2 sapphire bricked itself the day after I got it. Waiting on its replacement arriving tomorrow next day air. I connected to wifi, then Garmin Connect, and never through Garmin Express - battery died during the night and wouldn't charge no matter what cable, charger, or combination of "hold light for 60 sec, 10 sec, 60 sec" etc I tried. So disappointing.
Just got the Fenix 7 x and hate how you can't do manual heart rate, you only get to set it to auto and the sensor is almost always on and it hurts my wrist when it's always scanning.
I have a Fenix 7x Pro coming today... anything you'd say to do 1st with that one? I'm coming from a 5x plus... TIA for any insight - even a link to another video would be awesome -- I've watched your review - and know the ecosystem pretty well - excited for the upgrade!
Hi,i just got the fenix 7x and is very happy with it. I have watched many videos from you about it and learned alot. thanks for making this videos:)) I have a question: On work i have to takeoff my watch because i dont want anything to happen with my clock. Before i had fitbit and it would sync my steps from the mobile phone to my fitbit clock. Is this possible with the 7x and garmin connect? I use a Samsung 8 and there it has something called Samsung health. Is it possible to connect this with garmin connect?
I bought an Epix Sapphire in Southeast Asia and received it a week ago. It didn't have all the maps installed, and only had the maps of Southeast Asia. Moreover, the battery life is lower, up to 4 days instead of 6 days. I am not sure why there is such a discrepancy, considering that they are all made in Taiwan with the same hardware. But I suspect it has to do with a different firmware. I'm not sure how many languages your Epix comes with, but mine has 36 languages. Although it doesn't make sense to me that merely having more languages available cuts 2 days of battery life, this might possibly be a reason. It would seem that not all Epix's out there are the same.
Gramin had initially said all map regions, but in reality that won't fit. So they do pairing for your base region, and then sometimes a secondary region in-box. Of course, downloading others is easy enough. For battery life, any chance you've got PulseOx enabled (either at sleep or 24x7)? That'll easily do it. Otherwise, all the hardware is the same. The only other notable difference is whether or not you have a so-called APAC variant, which is mostly sold in China/Japan/Taiwan and a handful other Asian countries, with a different language set. Those have always historically had funky firmware from a timing standpoint.
Excellent reviews. Great work. I’ve seen some faces for the Epix 2 that have a blue background, I can’t find them unless they’re custom faces or it’s just a reflection from the video? The stand looks like the CAVN stand on Amazon? The links take us to a charging cable. Can you show the UK link please.
If you can, place it literally atop your WiFi access point. Else, the best bet is really doing the update via computer with the Garmin Express app - it's just much faster (using USB cable).
Im confused whether to but the All GPS System or Multi Band GPS. have u tried that? In you opinion, is it only useful for accuracy? Or also useful to catch a signal if we are under objects? Because i used to own Gschok GPR B1000, it is really terribble, i even cant catch any signal under a tree
Multiband is better, namely in tricky situations. But it's also useful for more stable pacing, as well as faster acquisition in tougher spots. As for the G-Shock units, yeah, in general, they have bad GPS. GPS is sorta like cheeseburgers, at a high level, they all seem the same. But if you go visit enough burger shops, you'll find some are horrific, some are 'just fine', and some are really good.
@@Dcrainmaker thanks for reaching me out. I waiting my Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Black to be arrived tommorow. Hope it wont dissapoint me. Its 1050 USD in Indonesia . And i dont see any Downloadable maps for my country in their website. But im sold 😂😂
@@ganbatte1260 Fear not, there's downloadable maps. Here's a handy decoder chart for the map names shown on your watch (so you want THID): • MENA (Algeria, Bahrain, Ceuta, Egypt, Gaza, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Melilla, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Westbank, Western Sahara and Yemen) • SGMYVNPH (Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines) • THID (Thailand, Indonesia)
Got my Epix in February and had to go through this exact process back then. Wi-Fi wouldn't connect and I thought I was inputting my password wrong but I quadruple checked that I wasn't. Made the assumption that it must be a bug in the firmware. Had to do the update through USB with Garmin Express and everything was fixed and smooth 15 minutes later.
Yup, I was surprised the WiFi connection option wouldn't work initially. I guess something must have changed there in between those two points. Hopefully some minor lessons learned Garmin can take going forward on this.
2:22 hurts on multiple levels 😀 Excellent video regardless 🙂Edit: wow, 8.01 on the Instinct 2? Looking forward to it, I have 6.16, and that's the latest published one on the website as well.
@@Dcrainmaker I wonder if anyone else (besides Des) stress-tests Express in such a way. (I was actually having a bit of similar thought yesterday while running with my Intinct 2 connected to a Tempe, RDP, HRM Dual, navigating, and following a structured workout, livetracking the whole thing, and of course... with the BeersEarned CIQ field.)
@@MateHegyhati I actually finally found the limit of Express back at the end of my Instinct 2 review days, as I was trying to add in a few final units and it up and gave up. I had to clear out a pile of older things before it would start talking to me. Who knew! 🤣😂 (Obviously, I kept the FR305 in there).
@@Dcrainmaker Haha, 16 bit integers were not enough for the auto-increment ids? 😀 I never had a FR305, do have a FR201, but I couldn't make it connect to Express unfortunately, only to Trainingcenter. Maybe I'll give it another shot someday. Anyhow, thanks for all the fun responses this late (I presume we are in the same time zone ). "With that have a great one".
Hey maybe someone can help me. I somehow saved a waypoint on my fenix 7 map and I cant figure out how to delet it. Its not under favorites this section is empty. Does anybody know what to do?
So, if you go into any GPS sport mode (doesn't matter), and then once t's opened, hold middle-left to get to Navigation > Waypoints > Select a waypoint, and you should be able to scroll down and delete it.
@@Dcrainmaker Thanks 😊. I dont kwow if it was a bug but I had to start the navigation to the point and then stop navigation. After i stoped the navigation it went away. When i make a waypoint now i can delet it normaly like you said.
That is a Fenix 7 base model!!! Ok understand this video is not about this but... Request! Could you take a Fenix 7 Solar, a 7 sapphire solar, and this one, wrap them all around a pipe (mind that they are exact same angle and with same watchface) and film them in different light conditions, moving around to get different angled light, with no backlight on! Possibly... Pipe in a Fenix 6 base model as well! I know I know, not the most exciting thing to do and to make a story about, but I am sure you can manage it, after all... You were able to go on for 6+ minutes to tell people "when you get a new sofisticated electronic watch it's a good idea to update it's software at the soonest occasion", so you have the talent (sincere admiration, here) Cheers!!
@@Dcrainmaker well first of all thanks for answering to me! Second... Ok I'd take it anyway :) I did see in real life only one Fenix 7ss, but I am convinced my screen (Fenix 6 plain gorilla glass) looked much better... Not saying more functional, but nicer looking in daylight. Just a curiosity I'd like to satisfy :) maybe I will have the real excuse to save myself 800€ on a new toy :D
@@frankysour Oh, I can easily confirm that for you. I've been saying for a while now the Sapphire on the Fenix 7, in particular, is just not good. And this non-Sapphire unit is so much clearer. On the bright side (literally), Epix makes up for it and looks stunning.
@@Dcrainmaker oky have to thank you again... And yeah I can imagine the epix screen looks gorgeous... However I wasn't yet capable to convince myself to go back to an amoled watch after my forerunner and the beloved Fenix 6...... love the look of "traditional watch" that comes with a screen which doesn't shine at me but it's rather illuminated by the external light... But times change, will have to make my peace with this and with my eyes getting older. Have a nice rest of the day, again thanks for all the chit chatting, see you at the next video
Anyone confused by "missing software" and not realizing... "Hey, maybe I should update the watch", I'm sorry but those people are really out of touch with reality.
Followed your recommendation on getting the Fenix 6 instead (based on my needs), is there a video with quick tips for first time users (including those as me new to Garmin)?
@@Dcrainmaker Thanks a lot, One of your previous videos helped a lot to make an informed decision based on my needs, budget and objectives, I can’t justify the price for the Fenix 7, but I’m so glad that you provided insights to make a better decision for someone like me, thanks!
@@Dcrainmaker i did a zwift race tonight and for the last third my stamina was zero! My potential got down to 14, but my actual was 0! Is that normal? I'm in bed now and my body battery is 5...
@@chrisvanbuggenum871 So Stamina has most of its dependencies on the Recovery time metric, but that in turn also has dependencies on Body Battery. Thus, in theory you can get yourself into a weird pickle. Two things I'd be looking at: A) Was your HR values correct (at least roughly correct)? B) Is your FTP set correctly in there, and the power values also roughly correct? No doubt a Zwift race can be hard, but I'd think it'd be reasonably challenging to hit 0 in most of them (especially 2/3rds the way through).
@@Dcrainmaker thanks Ray! I haven't done a recent ftp test as i shattered my clavicle mid January and am just starting to try and get my fitness back. So i didn't set a ftp. It did however give me a ftp which i thought it might have been smart enough to calculate with my HR or my blood oxygen levels or something. I guess it doesn't measure lactate 🤦♂️ so i guess it is a bit wrong till i do an ftp test and set it in the watch/garmin connect.
@@Dcrainmaker also, my HR wasn't working, probably dead battery, but previously the watch had been tracking fairly consistent with the strap, and the power is connected to the kickr and seemed to be the same as what i saw on the computer screen in zwift.
Love your videos DC Rainmaker, you are undefeated when it comes to Garmin reviews! What would be your guess regarding the release date of a new Tactix model? Thanks!
Thanks Tino! I haven't heard, but I think typically it's been like 4-6 months after the release of a Fenix series, before the Tactix variant comes out.
It doesn’t have the dual frequency, so by definition it won’t be as good. However, I’ve got a video coming up showing it’s surprisingly better than other units.
Strange. I see units available for immediate shipment today/tomorrow on various retailers sites. Now, getting a Sapphire unit is far trickier! A couple weeks at most though.
@@Dcrainmaker yes, I've meant the sapphire black one. It's very disappointing as I just added March run to my road cycling 😅 and wanted the epix 2. I know there are many other, less expensive watches, but I really like the fenix with an amoled display
@@Dcrainmaker can you tell me in which country in Europe have you seen that sapphire unit is available in few weeks and not in may? maybe I could order it that way...
@@sercheese Here in the Netherlands. This Epix Sapphire (white) edition is available for delivery tomorrow: www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/garmin-smartwatch-unisex-epix-2-010-02582-21/9300000075954519/?bltgh=uMt8OJzTNF07B3a5kolJIw.2_10.11.ProductTitle
Also available from a local running chain, All4Running here (awesome crew that have supported the DC Rainmaker Open House events in the past), in white as well for immediate delivery tomorrow (I don't know if they ship outside the Netherlands): all4running.nl/garmin-epix-2nd-gen-010-02582-21
Not sure. There was actually a Sapphire-edition of the Fenix 6 that didn't have Solar, but that was in an era when the unit was otherwise the same. In this case the differences also include aspects of the GPS chipset and storage.
@@Dcrainmaker Yes, I know that. I’m saving for Fenix 7 so I researched everything about it. 7 has priority over 6 due to the sleek design and touchscreen and it would be good to have sapphire, titanium, dlc without paying, useless solar for me. By the way, your review also helped me a lot. It is very good and detailed, like everything else from the canal. You do a good job and just keep it up.
The whole Garmin Express thing makes no sense. Why not have it on the Garmin Connect smartphone app? Its confusing and really unnecessary if Garmin would have thought it through. I have the new Quadix 7 which is very similar to the Fenix 7 but with boating apps. I upgraded from my 6 year old Quadix 5 and its quite an upgrade. Everything works great and the new touch screen is fantastic. The setup and use is exactly the same as the Fenix 7. Battery life is phenomenal at 2+ weeks. I also have the Samsung Galaxy 6 Classic. Great smartwatch but I get tired of charging it every day and its not as durable as the Quadix 7. The Quadix 7 I wear fishing and swimming in the ocean. Its virtually bullet proof.
was happy hour approaching ?lol :). talking way too fast .....I can keep up...but some may not. just fyi. ..... bummer my firmware is up to date. was hoping to fix the notification feature...I keep getting notification...and everything is checked off. last I herd from garmin support was that they are looking into. it. (sent them all sorts of diagnostic files from the fenix)
Random but if you have the golf app check your notifications there. I had the same issue and it's because notifications were on for the golf app but not for connect. Switched them off on the golf app and it fixed my problem.
This content serves as an insightful mentor. Reading a book with related messages had a significant impact on my growth. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze
It is, and especially was, a tip. Because it was a constant barrage of people for months having pre-production firmware and wondering where the features are. Thus, the tip to get your unit updated is a tip.
Hi, could someone with the watch tell if you can track the weight you lift, say for squats, over time? So would it produce a graph on the app with volume / sets / reps etc?
No , but you can set up workouts on the Garmin connect app and start it on the watch. Example 5x5 squats rest 2min etc.. Then on the app it will keep record of all your workouts. Or you can use "Free mode" option on the watch and then later edit the exercises (reps/sets) on the app. One of the things I find cool is that the app tracks your PRs for the 5 compound movements (Barbell deadlifts, squats, bench press, overhead press and rows) and can give benchmark suggestions on 1 Rep max. Wish it was customizable I would have like add push up/ pull ups if I could However there is no graph and doesn't go in depth detail showcasing all yours sets/reps. (That would have cool and maybe in the future updates 🤞) It just shows overview of your completed workout Hope this helps 😊 I use fenix 6s by far my favorite feature on the Garmin watch is the strength tracking feature And still use my note book as well 😅 The watch metrics are more catered to cardiovascular actives - on the watch and on the app its more easy and organized to track run/ cycle history. Gym workouts can be seen but it's not as organized
Windows or Mac, I use both. I can use Linux in a pinch, but Garmin doesn't support that, so you'd have to download the files manually and copy them to the drive as a USB mass storage device (trivial though).
Great tip and your complere guide th-cam.com/video/LLJ01lWu89c/w-d-xo.html was excellent but very unimpressed with the start up experience from Garmin. It is almost though we have flogged you the watch and we don't care after that. I compare that to what it was like transfering from my iPad 2 Air to my iPad Pro last week. A whole different experience. I have subscribed!
You guys are goofy, he presents a ton of information quickly and clearly and has almost half a million subs. What does success look like and how slow is your mental download speed that this format bugs you enough to comment? Not trolling or calling anyone slow, I'm seriously wondering. If he did as you suggested, I wouldn't watch him, it would drive me nuts.
Yeah, but just finishing up some testing on a few things before moving on. I was mainly interested to see if the recent firmware updates would fix the issues I saw (they have).
What is that watch stand/charger that you used in the video?
Ask and you shall receive! Here ya go - one of my favs for years: amzn.to/3hOWJCa
@@Dcrainmaker link takes me to just a USB cable not a stand.
@@andybrown4763 Ahh, sounds like Amazon's auto-geo-locate-redirect thingy failed (it sometimes does). Which country? I can get the correct link.
@@Dcrainmaker any impact of russia's invasion on glonass operation on garmin devices? other devices? thanks.
@@esgee3829 None that I've heard of (to any companies devices). All Garmin devices in the last 4-5 years also support Galileo too (as an alternative if needed).
This tutorial was invaluable. Just upgraded from a Fenix 5S to a 7S. Needed a free afternoon to set up and get used to how it works.
Just bought EPIX and this is something very important I came across.....Thank you......always watch you super reviews
Thanks!!!
Wow you are a life safer. I just bought my 900$ fenix 7 and notice the bug or older firmware issues that u have mentioned.. will be upgrading my firmware soon via garmin express once i finished watchin this video...thanks a lot for the wonderful tips
Perfect timing on this video release! My 7x Saph Solar/w Heathered nylon strap is showing up to tomorrow! Puuuumped, though my wallet weeps, but it will give me more motivation and incentive to do the things I love which I have been doing less and less.
Apparently the nylon straps are extremely stiff and rigid. May want to keep the regular silicone instead
@@thepatternforms859 I can confirm that! I'm riding it out, I was wanting the velcro nylon that comes on the Garmin Enduro...whoops!
Wallet weeps is so true! I have an epix coming. I'm just lost with Garmins marketing. I just wish they had a fenix and an epix and you could have them all in size variations. Without having to trawl through. Pro. Solar. X. DLC. I love their tech but by god it needs simplifying. I went with standard edition. Mainly due to cost and I just want to be more detached from my phone and more active. Great video. Thank you.
Imagine looking at the 8 today ... wallet killer
@basengelblik5199 Fenix 8, packed full of extra features no adventure seekers care about. Except for the dive features, that in itself is worth the extra cost.
I can't wait to get my fenix 7s. Thank you for the information.
Enjoy!!!
I would like to upgrade from my beloved Venu SQ to the Fenix 7s but I'm afraid...because of the signs...of the S sized Elevate 4 sensor's inaccuracy. Seen on the Venu 2s first hand and on Ray's Fenix 7(s) review, so I'm still hesitant. Actually, I would like a Forerunner 745 with the new sensor, because I don't need maps and prefer polymer case over metal (because of the weight). Oh well...
Loving my Fenix 7 Saphire. Can‘t Imaging what I need more.
This is something I've always done with Garmin watches and with most any new device that I get. It's been a habit I've had for years.
A good habit for sure!
Same here, my Fenix 7x sapphire solar arrives tomorrow and thankfully work is a light day so I'll be able to get started soon lol
Thank you Ray. Another great video which will help set expectations. Coming from a F5 plus, my epix is really amazing. One key feature which is not mentioned yet is the improved roundtrip calculation time. It calculates for example 3 options for a 10k run (any direction) in less than a minute! And I was still inside doing this. Another example: It calculates 3 options for a 21k run in less than 3 minutes, while the first option is already available after a single minute. That 21k could take forever on a F5 plus.
Just got my epix, had fenix 5 what a change.
This watch is sooo good and 10% off right now!
Just received my watch, updates are being installed, thats really useful Thanks man. I like the stand too it really makes some difference
I got my watch a week ago and i was watching this video and guess what happen in the middle of this video? And update is ready to install. Make me drop my coffee lol
Best bang for the buck is the Garmin D2 Mach 1 shipped in 3 days and epic 2 ships in 5 to 8 weeks and the watch looks better with all the same software and a better looking appearance
I like the watch home screen at 0:04. Don't recall seeing it on my Garmin scroll through list. Do I need to download it from somewhere? Thanks for the video.
Or you can download the current (beta) zip from the forums and follow the instructions. For me the quickest way, because that also works on my chromebook, otherwise I have to power up the laptop and the virtual windows to start garmin Express. ;-)
Yeah, the beta was just posted an hour or two after my video/post went live. :)
Hello Ray,
Were you wearing the smaller version of the instinct 2 here ? Looks sooo small on your wrist ))
Afternoon. How do I get the round trip to work. On my Fénix 7X. I keep getting this message when I try. Maps do not have rutable roads in this area
Thank you for info for sharing your video it's very enteresting ✌️✌️✌️
Thanks!!
Thank You for this ! If I may ask… what is this watch that you purchased ? Epix or fenix 7?
Yes. 🤣😂
@@Dcrainmaker I nearly choked on my pizza 😀I'll save a screenshot of this.
Oh man! You’re my go to tech man. Now I can’t decide which to get . I’ll have to wait for the 955
Get a screen protector on that thing !
Update over wireless didn’t take long for me on my recently purchased Fenix 7x sapphire
Have a Fenix 7 coming, cant wait. Your comparison and run through clips helpt me alot choosing Fenix version, thanks !
Tbh Garmin should just force the update first time turning on/Connecting the watch
Anyway thanks for the tip👍
One thing to note is that Garmin fails to let you know that it's background transferring via your phone. You can randomly lose 20 - 30% of a brand new iphone or android phones battery when it's happening (over hours).
Yup, it just feels like this would be easily solved by simply being upfront that the device needs a firmware update immediately, and WiFi is the fastest way.
@@Dcrainmaker Yes! So easy. Just a big red banner saying "updating" when you go into GC on mobile.
Does anyone knows when Garmin is restocking? Specifically the fenix 7 sapphire can’t find it anywhere
Rumors are a big slate of units is set to arrive this week. That seems backed up by numerous retail sites I follow showing expected availability from the 10-12th.
@@Dcrainmaker i hope that is the case , I ordered from the Garmin site since all retailers I checked where sold out but I got hit with that 3-5 weeks waiting time , I know retailers get their shipments first so hopefully I can get it by the end of the month if rumors are to be true , thank you for giving me a peace of mind hehe
Can you review one of the oura alternatives? Circular? Or movano?
I probably should first make a video review of the Oura that’s been on my finger for 5 months…
@@Dcrainmaker Please do! I love my garmin Fenix but I’ve started taking it off in the middle of the night as it bothers my wrist. Now that I’ve switched employers and I don’t get Fitness credits for syncing my Garmin data with the company website, I wear it when I am training, only. For the rest the day, it would be nice to have something small just to track heart rate and steps - nothing more.
Funny enough I got the Fenix7 on launch day and I basically randomly decided to charge it through my PC and connect garmin express before playing with it doing the update in the process. My back button turned out to be faulty and stick once in a while, I started the exchange process but only got the new one yesterday (though I got to keep the bad one in the meantinme).I put the new on my wrist straight out of the box and was so confused when the features I had gotten used to like editing the data fields had dissapered.
Super straight forward and excellent explanation of how to do it via computer - so many people don't know this. Great idea. And what watch are you wearing? Is that the I2S?
Thanks! In this case it's just the regular Instinct 2. I have one last thing I'm finishing up testing for a different video, as well as wanting to see how it stabilized after outlining the numerous issues in my review (thus far, it's stabilized well).
@@Dcrainmaker that's great - really appreciate your continually thorough approach. I should get mine today or tomorrow hopefully - can't wait - so glad it's stabilized before I do! And still wearing the Whoop! you can't get enough of what you don't find total value in haha :) kidding of course
I just need a walkthrough on how to download a map/navigation to the watch. For example; hiking a mountain in the Rockies. Some mountains have trails that aren’t easily visible and having a navigator would be extremely helpful. Let’s say I want to hike Capital Peak in Colorado, how would I get the trail map on my watch?
Could not find an answer to my question and your videos have been the most helpful so far with the Garmin watches. My previous phone after opening the connect app and it connects to my instincts 2 tactical, I can then close the app and lock my phone and put it in my pocket etc and it would alwasy stay connected (unless I walked away too far) but this new phone I got when I lock the screen and leave the app it disconnects from the watch. Any ideas?
Nice info! Hopefully my fenix7 needed the map to be downloaded so… got the firmware 7.24 at the same time 😂
Twofer for the win!
I just gotta know.... is it possible to use my watch for my strava hrm sensor? I can get everything else syncing amazingly myfitnesspall and all my strava data but I'm not getting him availability inside of strava
I was wondering why my new Fenix 7X Pro didn't have the motorcycle or other sports mode I saw online, when I connected it to the Garmin software on my PC it said updates would take 12 hours but like you said as soon as I disconnected the watch it told me the update was ready to install and I now have all the features I had seen online and more.
Cool...i got mine about 10 days ago and it already has 7.24...i guess its fresh out of the oven 😄
Very nice! First report I’ve heard of that!
Ace video, like always. I have just started up my Epix and it seems to connect to wifi ok. It came out the box on 6.57...
question, does the fenix watch support the aUDIBLE APP OR WHICH GARMIN WATCH SUPPORTS THE AUDIBLE App
Have you tried loading a KMZ Custom Map on the Fenix 7 ?
I bought a 6X Pro, was told that it worked on the 5, but I can't get it to work on my 6X Pro :(
Fast and efficient as always!
I didn't see the garmin express app in the apple store. Has it been renamed or has everything been updated?
Why hasn't Garmin fixed the 7X Sapphire Solar swim lap problem yet?
Hi, DC…. Do you something about 945 lossing conection with Edge on Extended Display function?
Why so long delivery problems with the Epix 2 Black Saphire?
I got the Fenix 7 in india 🇮🇳 although it is expensive than in other countries. I am loving it. Glad I didn’t buy the Apple Watch.
did u buy the standard version bro
also, i know standard version is 6 grams heavier than sapphire, is that noticable while sleep tracking
Perhaps why my Epix gen 2 sapphire bricked itself the day after I got it. Waiting on its replacement arriving tomorrow next day air. I connected to wifi, then Garmin Connect, and never through Garmin Express - battery died during the night and wouldn't charge no matter what cable, charger, or combination of "hold light for 60 sec, 10 sec, 60 sec" etc I tried. So disappointing.
Just got the Fenix 7 x and hate how you can't do manual heart rate, you only get to set it to auto and the sensor is almost always on and it hurts my wrist when it's always scanning.
What is that watch face and how can I get it on my Epix?Looks very nice.
It's actually just the default watch-face, straight out of the box on a Fenix 7 base edition unit.
I have a Fenix 7x Pro coming today... anything you'd say to do 1st with that one? I'm coming from a 5x plus... TIA for any insight - even a link to another video would be awesome -- I've watched your review - and know the ecosystem pretty well - excited for the upgrade!
Hi,i just got the fenix 7x and is very happy with it. I have watched many videos from you about it and learned alot. thanks for making this videos:)) I have a question: On work i have to takeoff my watch because i dont want anything to happen with my clock. Before i had fitbit and it would sync my steps from the mobile phone to my fitbit clock. Is this possible with the 7x and garmin connect? I use a Samsung 8 and there it has something called Samsung health. Is it possible to connect this with garmin connect?
I bought an Epix Sapphire in Southeast Asia and received it a week ago. It didn't have all the maps installed, and only had the maps of Southeast Asia. Moreover, the battery life is lower, up to 4 days instead of 6 days. I am not sure why there is such a discrepancy, considering that they are all made in Taiwan with the same hardware. But I suspect it has to do with a different firmware.
I'm not sure how many languages your Epix comes with, but mine has 36 languages. Although it doesn't make sense to me that merely having more languages available cuts 2 days of battery life, this might possibly be a reason.
It would seem that not all Epix's out there are the same.
Gramin had initially said all map regions, but in reality that won't fit. So they do pairing for your base region, and then sometimes a secondary region in-box. Of course, downloading others is easy enough. For battery life, any chance you've got PulseOx enabled (either at sleep or 24x7)? That'll easily do it. Otherwise, all the hardware is the same. The only other notable difference is whether or not you have a so-called APAC variant, which is mostly sold in China/Japan/Taiwan and a handful other Asian countries, with a different language set. Those have always historically had funky firmware from a timing standpoint.
@@Dcrainmaker thanks! Yes, you are right, it was the PulseOx.
Excellent reviews. Great work. I’ve seen some faces for the Epix 2 that have a blue background, I can’t find them unless they’re custom faces or it’s just a reflection from the video? The stand looks like the CAVN stand on Amazon? The links take us to a charging cable. Can you show the UK link please.
I for some odd reason do not have music controls like controlling my phones music streaming with the watch.
Hey DC can you do a specific vid saying why I should choose a Phoenix 7 over an Apple Watch say series 6 or seven
My Epix Gen 2 have 11 GB Map update. Never compete even if it is night long connected with Net. Help please.
If you can, place it literally atop your WiFi access point. Else, the best bet is really doing the update via computer with the Garmin Express app - it's just much faster (using USB cable).
@@Dcrainmaker Not helping as even Garmin express not sensing the device when connected to Laptop. And it hangs often while charging also.
Im confused whether to but the All GPS System or Multi Band GPS. have u tried that? In you opinion, is it only useful for accuracy? Or also useful to catch a signal if we are under objects?
Because i used to own Gschok GPR B1000, it is really terribble, i even cant catch any signal under a tree
Multiband is better, namely in tricky situations. But it's also useful for more stable pacing, as well as faster acquisition in tougher spots. As for the G-Shock units, yeah, in general, they have bad GPS. GPS is sorta like cheeseburgers, at a high level, they all seem the same. But if you go visit enough burger shops, you'll find some are horrific, some are 'just fine', and some are really good.
@@Dcrainmaker thanks for reaching me out. I waiting my Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar Black to be arrived tommorow. Hope it wont dissapoint me. Its 1050 USD in Indonesia . And i dont see any Downloadable maps for my country in their website. But im sold 😂😂
@@ganbatte1260 Fear not, there's downloadable maps. Here's a handy decoder chart for the map names shown on your watch (so you want THID):
• MENA (Algeria, Bahrain, Ceuta, Egypt, Gaza, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Melilla, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Westbank, Western Sahara and Yemen)
• SGMYVNPH (Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines)
• THID (Thailand, Indonesia)
Worked perfectly 👍👍
Do you know when the forerunner 955 will release? Or should I just get the forerunner 945 instead of waiting?
You know if the Garmin forerunner video is just for the new Instagram page or is a watch release following?
Best I can tell it’s just a simple commercial for the existing watches.
Got my Epix in February and had to go through this exact process back then. Wi-Fi wouldn't connect and I thought I was inputting my password wrong but I quadruple checked that I wasn't.
Made the assumption that it must be a bug in the firmware. Had to do the update through USB with Garmin Express and everything was fixed and smooth 15 minutes later.
Yup, I was surprised the WiFi connection option wouldn't work initially. I guess something must have changed there in between those two points. Hopefully some minor lessons learned Garmin can take going forward on this.
I am curious about that watch stand...
Here ya go: amzn.to/3hOWJCa
@@Dcrainmaker ordered, thanks
2:22 hurts on multiple levels 😀 Excellent video regardless 🙂Edit: wow, 8.01 on the Instinct 2? Looking forward to it, I have 6.16, and that's the latest published one on the website as well.
We’ll set aside the time gap between 2:20 and 2:22 was like 40 minutes of troubleshooting hell.
@@Dcrainmaker I wonder if anyone else (besides Des) stress-tests Express in such a way. (I was actually having a bit of similar thought yesterday while running with my Intinct 2 connected to a Tempe, RDP, HRM Dual, navigating, and following a structured workout, livetracking the whole thing, and of course... with the BeersEarned CIQ field.)
@@MateHegyhati I actually finally found the limit of Express back at the end of my Instinct 2 review days, as I was trying to add in a few final units and it up and gave up. I had to clear out a pile of older things before it would start talking to me. Who knew! 🤣😂 (Obviously, I kept the FR305 in there).
@@Dcrainmaker Haha, 16 bit integers were not enough for the auto-increment ids? 😀 I never had a FR305, do have a FR201, but I couldn't make it connect to Express unfortunately, only to Trainingcenter. Maybe I'll give it another shot someday. Anyhow, thanks for all the fun responses this late (I presume we are in the same time zone ). "With that have a great one".
Finally got my Epix 2 and had to deal with an endless ‘Saving’ loop but I think this was because of the outdated firmware. Thanks for the tip
Just received my Tactix 7 pro. I can't get it to receive SMS notifications. Anyone have the same problem or a solution?
Hey maybe someone can help me. I somehow saved a waypoint on my fenix 7 map and I cant figure out how to delet it. Its not under favorites this section is empty. Does anybody know what to do?
So, if you go into any GPS sport mode (doesn't matter), and then once t's opened, hold middle-left to get to Navigation > Waypoints > Select a waypoint, and you should be able to scroll down and delete it.
@@Dcrainmaker Thanks 😊. I dont kwow if it was a bug but I had to start the navigation to the point and then stop navigation. After i stoped the navigation it went away. When i make a waypoint now i can delet it normaly like you said.
I ordered mine in mid February. I won’t get it to mid-April 😑
That is a Fenix 7 base model!!! Ok understand this video is not about this but... Request! Could you take a Fenix 7 Solar, a 7 sapphire solar, and this one, wrap them all around a pipe (mind that they are exact same angle and with same watchface) and film them in different light conditions, moving around to get different angled light, with no backlight on! Possibly... Pipe in a Fenix 6 base model as well!
I know I know, not the most exciting thing to do and to make a story about, but I am sure you can manage it, after all... You were able to go on for 6+ minutes to tell people "when you get a new sofisticated electronic watch it's a good idea to update it's software at the soonest occasion", so you have the talent (sincere admiration, here)
Cheers!!
I have a Fenix 7 base now, and a slew of Sapphire units, but no non-Sapphire Solar units. :-/
@@Dcrainmaker well first of all thanks for answering to me! Second... Ok I'd take it anyway :) I did see in real life only one Fenix 7ss, but I am convinced my screen (Fenix 6 plain gorilla glass) looked much better... Not saying more functional, but nicer looking in daylight. Just a curiosity I'd like to satisfy :) maybe I will have the real excuse to save myself 800€ on a new toy :D
@@frankysour Oh, I can easily confirm that for you. I've been saying for a while now the Sapphire on the Fenix 7, in particular, is just not good. And this non-Sapphire unit is so much clearer. On the bright side (literally), Epix makes up for it and looks stunning.
@@Dcrainmaker oky have to thank you again... And yeah I can imagine the epix screen looks gorgeous... However I wasn't yet capable to convince myself to go back to an amoled watch after my forerunner and the beloved Fenix 6...... love the look of "traditional watch" that comes with a screen which doesn't shine at me but it's rather illuminated by the external light... But times change, will have to make my peace with this and with my eyes getting older. Have a nice rest of the day, again thanks for all the chit chatting, see you at the next video
Anyone confused by "missing software" and not realizing... "Hey, maybe I should update the watch", I'm sorry but those people are really out of touch with reality.
Followed your recommendation on getting the Fenix 6 instead (based on my needs), is there a video with quick tips for first time users (including those as me new to Garmin)?
Hmm…no video there. That said, this very much applies to that unit too, since it’ll undoubtedly have very old firmware missing tons of features.
@@Dcrainmaker Thanks a lot, One of your previous videos helped a lot to make an informed decision based on my needs, budget and objectives, I can’t justify the price for the Fenix 7, but I’m so glad that you provided insights to make a better decision for someone like me, thanks!
Yes! That was me saying that!
So many comments….every day! Appreciate it!
@@Dcrainmaker i did a zwift race tonight and for the last third my stamina was zero! My potential got down to 14, but my actual was 0! Is that normal? I'm in bed now and my body battery is 5...
@@chrisvanbuggenum871 So Stamina has most of its dependencies on the Recovery time metric, but that in turn also has dependencies on Body Battery. Thus, in theory you can get yourself into a weird pickle. Two things I'd be looking at: A) Was your HR values correct (at least roughly correct)? B) Is your FTP set correctly in there, and the power values also roughly correct? No doubt a Zwift race can be hard, but I'd think it'd be reasonably challenging to hit 0 in most of them (especially 2/3rds the way through).
@@Dcrainmaker thanks Ray! I haven't done a recent ftp test as i shattered my clavicle mid January and am just starting to try and get my fitness back. So i didn't set a ftp. It did however give me a ftp which i thought it might have been smart enough to calculate with my HR or my blood oxygen levels or something. I guess it doesn't measure lactate 🤦♂️ so i guess it is a bit wrong till i do an ftp test and set it in the watch/garmin connect.
@@Dcrainmaker also, my HR wasn't working, probably dead battery, but previously the watch had been tracking fairly consistent with the strap, and the power is connected to the kickr and seemed to be the same as what i saw on the computer screen in zwift.
Well Ray, you are actually doing Garmin a big service, a very BIG service. You should bill them. Seriously 😆
🤣😂🤣
Love your videos DC Rainmaker, you are undefeated when it comes to Garmin reviews! What would be your guess regarding the release date of a new Tactix model? Thanks!
Thanks Tino! I haven't heard, but I think typically it's been like 4-6 months after the release of a Fenix series, before the Tactix variant comes out.
Hey Garmin, bring back the HR zones by entering HR not percentages for the Fenix 7.
Where did you get that nice looking charging dock? Selfmade? Thanks for the video, very helpful :)
Here ya go, been using it for a few years now - love it! amzn.to/3hOWJCa
I wish I knew they were making a Tactix 7 pro, before buying the 7XSS
It generally follows every Fenix edition by 2-6 months.
just got a 7x and my update was 14.36 up from 6.55, yeah they should really tell their uses to update their watches. lol
That's a huge jump up! Plus, you just got the massive slate of new features released last week!
What if you don’t have a laptop. I only have 2 work laptops which are locked for 3rd parties and and an IPad…anyone knows any workarounds ?
are the rumours about Fenix 7 Standard edition GPS being worse than the other Fenix 7 editions true?
It doesn’t have the dual frequency, so by definition it won’t be as good. However, I’ve got a video coming up showing it’s surprisingly better than other units.
@@Dcrainmaker thanks a lot for replying
Sadly the epix 2 is not available in Europe till May...
Strange. I see units available for immediate shipment today/tomorrow on various retailers sites. Now, getting a Sapphire unit is far trickier! A couple weeks at most though.
@@Dcrainmaker yes, I've meant the sapphire black one. It's very disappointing as I just added March run to my road cycling 😅 and wanted the epix 2. I know there are many other, less expensive watches, but I really like the fenix with an amoled display
@@Dcrainmaker can you tell me in which country in Europe have you seen that sapphire unit is available in few weeks and not in may? maybe I could order it that way...
@@sercheese Here in the Netherlands. This Epix Sapphire (white) edition is available for delivery tomorrow: www.bol.com/nl/nl/p/garmin-smartwatch-unisex-epix-2-010-02582-21/9300000075954519/?bltgh=uMt8OJzTNF07B3a5kolJIw.2_10.11.ProductTitle
Also available from a local running chain, All4Running here (awesome crew that have supported the DC Rainmaker Open House events in the past), in white as well for immediate delivery tomorrow (I don't know if they ship outside the Netherlands): all4running.nl/garmin-epix-2nd-gen-010-02582-21
I remember when I had my first beer
Will there ever be a Fenix 7 Sapphire without Solar?
Not sure. There was actually a Sapphire-edition of the Fenix 6 that didn't have Solar, but that was in an era when the unit was otherwise the same. In this case the differences also include aspects of the GPS chipset and storage.
@@Dcrainmaker Yes, I know that. I’m saving for Fenix 7 so I researched everything about it. 7 has priority over 6 due to the sleek design and touchscreen and it would be good to have sapphire, titanium, dlc without paying, useless solar for me. By the way, your review also helped me a lot. It is very good and detailed, like everything else from the canal. You do a good job and just keep it up.
these tips are stil valid, but for me the wifi download worked, while watching this
I found annoying don’t know how to call up the animation workouts in my Epix2
Software stops downloading at 99% wevers time in my epix pro gen 2
My fenix 7x crushessssss
i was really disappointed to see that trailforks is not compatible with the fenix 7x solar
The whole Garmin Express thing makes no sense. Why not have it on the Garmin Connect smartphone app? Its confusing and really unnecessary if Garmin would have thought it through. I have the new Quadix 7 which is very similar to the Fenix 7 but with boating apps. I upgraded from my 6 year old Quadix 5 and its quite an upgrade. Everything works great and the new touch screen is fantastic. The setup and use is exactly the same as the Fenix 7. Battery life is phenomenal at 2+ weeks. I also have the Samsung Galaxy 6 Classic. Great smartwatch but I get tired of charging it every day and its not as durable as the Quadix 7. The Quadix 7 I wear fishing and swimming in the ocean. Its virtually bullet proof.
was happy hour approaching ?lol :). talking way too fast .....I can keep up...but some may not. just fyi. ..... bummer my firmware is up to date. was hoping to fix the notification feature...I keep getting notification...and everything is checked off. last I herd from garmin support was that they are looking into. it. (sent them all sorts of diagnostic files from the fenix)
Random but if you have the golf app check your notifications there. I had the same issue and it's because notifications were on for the golf app but not for connect. Switched them off on the golf app and it fixed my problem.
Thank you
That this video still needs to be made is saddening.
It’s the epic for me
This content serves as an insightful mentor. Reading a book with related messages had a significant impact on my growth. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze
this isn't tips. It's more about updating your firmware to get the latest features
It is, and especially was, a tip. Because it was a constant barrage of people for months having pre-production firmware and wondering where the features are. Thus, the tip to get your unit updated is a tip.
@@Dcrainmaker I have opened my Fenix 7 2 weeks ago and didn't had this issue. That's why the title was confusing for me
Hi, could someone with the watch tell if you can track the weight you lift, say for squats, over time? So would it produce a graph on the app with volume / sets / reps etc?
No , but you can set up workouts on the Garmin connect app and start it on the watch. Example 5x5 squats rest 2min etc.. Then on the app it will keep record of all your workouts. Or you can use "Free mode" option on the watch and then later edit the exercises (reps/sets) on the app.
One of the things I find cool is that the app tracks your PRs for the 5 compound movements (Barbell deadlifts, squats, bench press, overhead press and rows) and can give benchmark suggestions on 1 Rep max.
Wish it was customizable I would have like add push up/ pull ups if I could
However there is no graph and doesn't go in depth detail showcasing all yours sets/reps. (That would have cool and maybe in the future updates 🤞) It just shows overview of your completed workout
Hope this helps 😊
I use fenix 6s by far my favorite feature on the Garmin watch is the strength tracking feature
And still use my note book as well 😅
The watch metrics are more catered to cardiovascular actives - on the watch and on the app its more easy and organized to track run/ cycle history. Gym workouts can be seen but it's not as organized
Open my computer. Does that mean Windows? Mac? Linux?
Windows or Mac, I use both. I can use Linux in a pinch, but Garmin doesn't support that, so you'd have to download the files manually and copy them to the drive as a USB mass storage device (trivial though).
@@Dcrainmaker Thanks DC Rainmaker
I'm not running Windows or Apple OS -- I'm running Linux
Great tip and your complere guide th-cam.com/video/LLJ01lWu89c/w-d-xo.html was excellent but very unimpressed with the start up experience from Garmin. It is almost though we have flogged you the watch and we don't care after that. I compare that to what it was like transfering from my iPad 2 Air to my iPad Pro last week. A whole different experience. I have subscribed!
It would be helpful is you would take a breath once in a while and slow down your presentation just a little.
That’s why he trains so hard! 😂
Totally agree. It is really annoying and he would be much more successful if he would improve.
You guys are goofy, he presents a ton of information quickly and clearly and has almost half a million subs. What does success look like and how slow is your mental download speed that this format bugs you enough to comment? Not trolling or calling anyone slow, I'm seriously wondering. If he did as you suggested, I wouldn't watch him, it would drive me nuts.
For me the speed is fine. Often I have to up the speed to 1.5x or even 2.0x on other channels to make it bearable 😂
I am sure you can slow it down 😊
😂😂😂😂😂🎉
To save waisting 6mins of your life , the crux of the vid is to update your watch
I see you have an instinct on your arm.....is that what you have been grabbing these days?
Yeah, but just finishing up some testing on a few things before moving on. I was mainly interested to see if the recent firmware updates would fix the issues I saw (they have).
🙋🏽♂️
6min video for clicking on update😂
Everything is so complicated and unintuitive on the Epix 2