Garmin Epix Pro vs Fenix 7 Pro // Which is the Best Garmin Watch for you?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2023
- In-depth comparison of the new Garmin Epix Pro vs Fenix 7 Pro covering the display differences, battery life, and more between Garmin's best sportswatches yet.
You can get the Epix Pro here: geni.us/GarminEpixPro
You can get the Fenix 7 Pro here: geni.us/GarminFenix7-Pro
(Amazon affiliate links that help support the channel - thanks!)
Related videos:
Garmin Epix Pro In-Depth Review: • Garmin EPIX PRO In-Dep...
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro In-Depth Review: • Garmin Fenix 7 PRO In-...
Thanks for watching!
/// Gear I Use (Amazon links) ///
Wearable: geni.us/Q6LJv2y
Bike GPS: geni.us/4cKAVA
Chest Heart Rate Strap: geni.us/hrm-pro
Arm Heart Rate Strap: geni.us/ESAv
Headphones: geni.us/tarahpro
/// Connect & Updates ///
Twitter: / getdesfit
Instagram: / getdesfit
Strava: / strava
Facebook: / getdesfit
Videos may contain affiliate links which can help support and grow this channel with no extra cost to you. Thanks for your continued support. - กีฬา
![[TH] 2024 PMSL SEA W2D5 | Summer | วันอาทิตย์ จะขิตหรือจะรอด!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-4JLNwQRK-Y/mqdefault.jpg)
Make sure to check out my full in-depth reviews of both these watches!
Garmin Epix Pro Review: th-cam.com/video/1AD8XCHc9I8/w-d-xo.html
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Review: th-cam.com/video/f0lB_4Kii6o/w-d-xo.html
Epix sapphire 47mm - went on a 10hr 35 min hike. Had multi band on entire time, used maps, gesture mode. Ended activity with 58% battery remaining. That is the longest activity I’ll ever do and epix did great
Been using the Epix for a year. It's a great watch but I've now switched back to MIP with the Fenix 7 pro now and very happy with it. Amoled is awesome when you're looking at your stats sitting on your couch :) but the wrist gesture was a real pain to me when running (and riding !). I find the improved, always on display on the F7 pro fills the gap and is more flexible in all use cases - even if less contrasty and saturated. So I guess I'm not an amoled guy after all :D
If they only did a 7x pro with plain gorilla glass and the new improved MIP... (I'll post this up to when Garmin gets sick of it and makes happy to have me shut up 😁)
I had the same reason annoying me with an Apple Watch Ultra 1st gen. Not to mention the poor battery of that one. So I decided to sell it and buy a used Fenix 6 but I fought priced 7pro and decided to get it for the touchscreen and upgraded things it offers. Used to have a touch Garmin a couple of years back and although I love the buttons, sometimes it’s really nice to actually have the touch for me.
@@frankysour Isn’t that what the Fenix 7x pro solar is?? Do you mean titanium body with gorilla glass?
Had an Epix Gen 2 for a year and I've now switched for a Fenix 7 Pro. I loved the Epix, but the gesture mode was sometimes a pain in the a*ss while running or cycling.
Went for the fenix 7 pro sapphire solar. Value the outdoor visibility & battery life more. Actually like the MIP screen that it doesn’t look like a phone screen and feels more like a watch. Being a paramedic I hope the ECG feature comes! Upgrading from the 6
Agree
That’s it. I don’t want a TV on my wrist. I think the ideal Garmin would be a Fénix with added ECG and make/take calls. Garmin do that and you have my money
@@dnice362⁹⁹and
Epix pro seems much better quality display and functions
How'd you like, or how are you liking? ECG cool?
Before I would’ve gone with the MIP display on the regular fénix due to the extender battery life, but with these new advancements in battery life…I think I’m swaying more to the light side.
I am the Epix Pro 47mm type of guy. Excited about the flashlight 🔦 and the improved hart measurements.
I have been a Fenix faithful since the 3. The reason that I watching your video is because amoled has caught my eye. I love the vivid colors and how it just pops. My7X solar is still relatively new so struggling with spending that kind of money but tempting.
Just got the Epix Pro 51mm. Coming from Galaxy watch 5 pro. Absolutely love it
This video, along with your in depth reviews really helped me make my decision to go with the Fenix 7 pro. For me (migrating from older Apple Watch) battery life was key as I was sick of losing charge by end of day, earlier if a heavy workload day. The advantage of better screen was in my opinion limited based on the fact I have a phone with me most the time which is always better vs small screen on a watch. Thanks so much for your videos - really helped me navigate the options.
Des- As always great review. Very informative. The best part of the newest Fenix 7 Pro is the improved MIP display, 30% brighter backlight. Too bad the Enduro 2 didn't have this improved display. I prefer the MIP display to the amoled. The battery from Enduro 2 with the improved MIP display of the Fenix 7 Pro would make the best Fenix yet. I guess i'll have to wait until Enduro 3 comes out.
So I have the Fenix-6 Pro & also had the Epix-2 for several months. The Epix-2 got returned & I have 51mm Epix-pro on the way. The bigger, screen, battery & flashlight tipped the scales for me.
To me the MIP display is just better, I can just glance at my watch to see the time without any gesture (plus I like the way it looks without back-light). With an Amoled I'd have to turn on AOD and walk around with a flashlight on my wrist (and consume more battery).
beside the fact that there are many very useful information in this video i really appreciate how clearly you speak and how you manage to transport all the content to the viewer. great work
Glad to help and appreciate the kind words!
Super helpful review. The shading and higher resolution maps look amazing on the Epix. Does the battery drain noticeably faster on the Epix when on the map screen than the Fenix? I wonder if the higher resolution maps and slower drawing could really hurt the battery life on the Epix.
I had a Fenix 7 Pro for a week and traded it in for the Epix. Loved the vibrant screen on the Epic. Turned "always on" off and I use my HRM 5x a week for about 60-90 min a day and record workouts to the watch and it still lasts three weeks! The "red shift" is an awesome feature for darker settings.
Once again, you make by far the best videos about these watches on the internet! Thank you!
You’re welcome and thanks!
Thanks for the great video. Seems like for me I'll just wait and see which gets the better deals in the coming holiday season, they seem pretty balanced with pro's and cons.
Thanks for objectively comparing the differences here. I'm also liking the looks of the AMOLED display on the Epix Gen 2. I'm worried about the battery life for general use, though. Charging more than once a week with several runs might get annoying. But it looks like that might be manageable through the Epix display settings, though.
Few thought about Epix 2 Pro 51mm vs Fenix 7x Pro
Quick introduction: main activities are climbing, mountaineering, and ski-touring. Secondly, I am also running and cycling.
What do I love in Epix?
- AMOLED screen - colors and deep blacks and also contrast. I was looking for something like that! I thought that this is it!
Then I started using it... and I noticed that some particular things are irritating me:
-gestures - not performing perfectly, sometimes the screen was turned on when I didn't need it, and when I disabled them I had to punch the screen or press a button which was not so convincing in
-particular situations during an activity or not during the activity (e.g. boring meeting and you would like to discreetly check the time :P)
-gestures - lack of possibility to add them as a shortcut in the keyboard or to the action menu
-when I performed an exercise indoors I did not need any backlight so the dimmed screen would be sufficient
-when I was biking and put the watch on the handlebar the screen was dimmed and the visibility was much worst, so I thought - nice I have a beautiful screen for maps, but damn I am not able to check that :) The situation is much better when I was doing training in the evening.
-I am not going to complain that AMOLED has bad visibility on a sunny day, because I was able to get any data that I needed, but worth to notice that MIP gives you better readability
To summarize:
-if you are going to use the watch as the only device to navigate/get training data during cycling - pls consider if Epix is a good solution for you
-if you are a climber, alpinist, or skier in some cases gestures are also really not comfortable. I have a lot of situations when I just glance at the screen, so gestures are not an option. In the MIP screen in most cases I see everything which I need, only by minimally adjusting the angle of the wrist, in AMOLED in most cases I have to use gestures.
It is not a problem but pls notice that if you would really like to perfectly fit the AMOLED to your daily routine you have to manually turn on/off gestures, always on display, etc. There is no scheduler to do that - gestures. There is also no option to make a shortcut for that.
I can imagine using Epix as a second watch for my needs, but still, technology and current solution have some limitations, which I would like to highlight here.
THIS! I am trying to make this decision right now. I currently have the Fenix 7 pro AND the Epix pro on my other wrist. I’ve been wearing them all day. I was actually surprised that I preferred the fenix 7 pro! The amoled screen is FAR superior with map details, HOWEVER I really don’t NEED all the details. I just need navigation. The fenix is just better when you’re hiking. It’s easier to see, I don’t have to exaggerate my wrist gestures. When I’m doing a class 4 I can just look over at the fenix. I imagine having the Epix and having to do gestures to get the screen visible lol. AND the fenix is always on. So you know, a month of battery always on. It’s a tough decision but definitely think about how you’ll be using your watch! I think I’m gonna sell both and get a Fenix 7x pro and be done with it.
Appreciate the input!
@@Mdogbrownwhat did you end up doing
@@evilphuk I sold the Fenix about a month ago and regret it. I kept seeing reviews where overall, the amoled was better in most scenarios. In my month of wearing the Epix pro 51mm, I’ve found I prefer the fenix. I’d say, yes, the amoled screen is better indoors, shade and night. But in all those scenarios the fenix was just fine. The deciding factor for me was the gestures become quite annoying especially in direct sun. I can read the amoled screen in direct sun, but I had to flick the wrist hard for gesture then really focus on the information. With the Fenix I NEVER remember thinking twice about seeing the info on my watch outside. So, what I’m saying is, when I need the information the most (hiking and being outside) the fenix has been better for me. I will end up selling the Epix and picking up a fenix 7x solar (non sapphire) because of less glare, less expensive and I put a screen protector on it anyway. Hope this helps.
Great video, super helpful. One thing I was wondering about was if the solar charging capability on the 7X Pro dims or in anyvway degrades the clarity of the screen? I currently have a 6X Pro, which has been an awesome watch for me, and the screen clarity is decent/ok but I wouldn't want it to be any less readable due to the extra solar panel layer.
Is this an issue at all with these solar watches? Thanks.
Finally someone, who mentions that the displays difference is not just about MIP bad but good battery, Oled good but bad battery. There is a lot more too it and MIP actually offers allot of advantages in many other ways other than longer battery life. This is really the best review I've seen thus far. Some people really don't seem to understand what their reviewing and basically just go for oled because it looks so shiny. But in the end of the day what use does a very nice looking screen has for use on a watch?
Thanks!
I totally agree!
Best Possible comment to the best Possible video on the topic, this time I am here not only to compliment Des but also Mr. Ro8inmorgan :)
I personally absolutely do not need a crazy long battery life (though of course is a great bonus, admittedly) for my normal use, I would have no issues charging the watch even a couple of times per week, however I never went back to an AMOLED after trying my first MIP watch, just because I like it better, and definitely hate an active (meaning, light emitting) display for a watch, it just does not look right to me.
But Garmin is actually killing the transflective ones by starting to only propose them with solar layer on top... I get that this is very cool and very useful for many people, but to me it's only making the screen appear duller and less attractive.
So what's the difference between the 2 screens?
@@toneabet6252 it’s probably a good idea for you to rewatch the video, he’s mentioning several things.
I found your reviews as the best ones I read on the web, thank you!
Glad they were helpful!
Exactly the kinda comparison I wanted. Great ! Many thanks. Fully detailed review, good job.
Happy to help!
Great video as usual. I like the benefits of MIP but on the fenix 5 it's so grainy I find it off putting. Does the screen on the fenix 7 pro look similar to the fenix 5?
One of the best videos i've come across comparing the two watches and focussing on just what causes all the confusion. Thanks a bunch
Glad it helped!
I just wondered why Garmin can't improve the resolution of MIP. I have a epix 2, previously had a Fenix 6 and really liked that specially outdoor. Im sure they could improve the MIP technology. I like the new watch faces on epix pro I hope mine will get some update soon. I was jealous to seeing the flashlight on new epix pro but still happy with my epix 2 . Thanks for good review as usual, regards .
Epix pro for me! Been wanting the epix but was a but disappointed it missed out on the flashlight feature. Now it's got that feature it's an absolute no brainer! As soon as I've saved up enough I'll be going to get it 🔥
Your videos are better than DC Rainmaker. He talks too fast! Gets annoying after 10 mins. You need to show more map usage though. That's the bread and butter of the watch. In my opinion.
This is by far one of the smartest and complete comparaison between epix and fenix, thx!
Happy to help. Thanks!
Nice review once again, and a good idea to focus on this specific topic separately.
I much prefer MIP in the sunlight, and in darker environments when night vision is important. I also appreciate a watch display that isn’t distracting.
Thanks Daniel and appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
I love the efficiency concept of the fenix’s display, even if I don’t come close to ultramarathons, sky running etc
so awesome that they released these. I've always been a fenix owner and have closely gravitated towards the Epix due to the AMOLED screen. With the size update, it's really closed the gap for me to move to the Epix.
Thank you Des. So much time invested in creating your videos and with this one addressing thoughts of so many of your fans. How much less complicated was life back in the days when I purchased my Fenix 6 Sapphire. The Garmin range was far less diverse and there was no buyer’s remorse. I still don’t know if I will buy the Epix over the latest Fenix as an upgrade, but your video(s) and all of the comments are greatly appreciated. Born in the late fifties I remember monochrome TV sets and how content we were, compared to today to use an analogy. LED vs OLED, what size, etc. and showrooms full of side by side display models, leading to more uncertainty than decisiveness. I grew up in West-Berlin and remember talking to relatives on the other side of the wall. With them always carrying an empty bag, they joined each and every queue outside of any shop, being thrilled with whatever they would be able to buy. Not wanting to go back in time and rambling on a bit. Now, Epix or Fenix. Damn …
Great comment, 60 beats. It's astonishing the technology we currently have and how far we've come. We should feel fortunate that we have these first-world problems! :) Also appreciate the kind words - thanks!
I decided for the Fenix, I go to the grocery store once in a while and I have peace of mind having a watch that will stay powered during the long wait line at the cashier.
😂👍
ROFL
Thanks for the review Des, you are my go to guy in this Space, ready to upgrade from Fenix 5XS,and was leaning towards Epix2Pro and this video helped to confirm my decision.
You're welcome!
Great information on these. You really break down the differences to make a proper purchase
Glad to help and thanks!
After seeing your review, Des, I'm going to go return my 7x pro and get epix pro 2...I got the 7x pro in thinking about the solar option...but the battery life between the two is almost identical...so why not get a much cleaner, brighter AMOLED screen like Apple and Samsung watches, but with all the bells and whistles for all the work out options garmin provides. I do want to say that if anyone reading this, i do believe in the sapphire version, so I plan to get that version of the epix watch...thanks Des for clearing it up for me..
thank you for the video comparison, great content and very professional
Thanks so much!
Awesome review. It's the Epix 2 Pro 47mm for me. I just got mine in the mail today. Coming from the Descent MK2s I was kinda worried it would be too large. Happy to say it fits just right.
Thanks and enjoy!
Thanks for this video! Gonna pull the trigger on the epix pro 51mm sapphire coming from a 6x sapphire🤘🏼
I had the fenix 7x and got sent a 7x pro because of a warranty issue. A friend from work bought it so I could buy the epix pro 51mm and for some reason I’m having a hard time and am wishing I kept the MIP display. The amoled display is beautiful but still love the MIP in full sunlight more
Great comparison. Also thanks for showing the different watchfaces, haven't seen anyone else do that. I'm now leaning towards the Fenix 7 Pro after seeing the stock watchfaces on the Epix
Thanks and glad to help 👍
Thank you for this comparison of these two watches
Very welcome!
Thank you very much for this great overview. Your videos are very helpful to me the last years. I am using the Epix 2 for almost a year now and I like it very much. On the other hand I like the new Fenix Pro as well so I decided to order it and use if for the summer months and outside and I will keep the Epix for winter and inside. 🙃
Great idea.
DUDE!! Great job and finally someone shares their personal opinion!!
Thanks!
Great review, and I appreciate hearing about your personal preference.
Thanks and glad to help!
Hi Des! Thank you for the awesome content! Question for you: I have a Venu 2 and love it. But I'm looking to upgrade. Do any of the more serious sports watches have the ability to make phone calls and send text messages from the watch when paired with the phone? Would Garmin add LTE calling and texting in the next 2 to 3 years? (Venu 3?!). My top choice now is the Epix Pro 2, 51mm with AMOLED and 31 day battery! 😮😮😮👏👏👏 can that watch call and text? (I don't think it has speakers... But which ones do?!) Thank you! 👏👍👏
Great videos, full of useful details and very nuanced and balanced perspectives. The best comparison videos I've seen! I notice in some map views, the Fenix shows gradient details which is missing on the Epix. More often though, the Epix does show tracks and paths which are missing on the Fenix. Is this due to the resolution difference?
If they have the same settings configured, since maps have low, medium and high detail settings.
Great video as always. Just one question. I still have 1st Gen Garmin Venue and comparing to Apple watch 6 currently on my wrist it looks awful. I mean the display. Do new garmin OLED watches have better display, more advanced or whatever, or it's still more less the same as Venue? I want to switch back to garmin due to battery life but I got so used to beautiful display that I won't replace AW unless it's no longer an issue.
Great review! Thank you for helping me decide. I appreciate that you also give your honest conclusion at the end of the video. Because I like the ability to use maps the Epix is a better choice for me. I also don’t feel the selling point of solar makes a huge battery life difference.
Thanks and appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
I ended up choosing an fenix over the epix one factor was battery life for ultras. But given the improvements in amoled screens and battery life give it 3 years and they will be incredible
Many thanks DesFit for this great review and for your other watches video reviews. I'm new to sports watches and Garmin. Decided on getting a Fenix 7 Pro! So far I really like it! Very impressed. I prefer the MIP over AMOLED at moment for a sports watch and a watch in general.
Thanks again. :)
Thanks a lot for the video. This was super helpful.
Happy to help!
Watched like 15 videos for the decision between the two. Yours was the best, most informative and professional although English is not my first language. Thank you!
Opted for the Fenix 7 pro sapphire solar because I couldn't stand using my Apple watch without AOD. And the Epix with AOD has horrible battery life for a Garmin watch.
Happy to help. Enjoy your watch!
Thanks for all the info, ive been on 2 month long camping excursions and really am looking for possibly one of these but im having such a hard time to decide which one. Even after the video, i still cant tell.
Still using Fenix 5. Fenix 7 was the 1st generation I seriously considered upgrading to. Now it’s even more tempting.
I upgraded from Fenix 5 to now the Fenix 7 pro. 🤯
Just snatched a "used" Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire for ~500USD. Great upgrade from my Fenix 5 plus. Would definitely not be worth getting the new 7 pro instead - but I will miss the flashlight...
I just bought the Fenix 7 Pro. I was sort of halfway thinking about getting the Epix Pro but at the end of the day I prefer the extended battery life as well as the less bright watch face of the Fenix 7 Pro. I previously had the Fenix 7 and I have never found myself in a situation where I could not see the screen when I wanted to. I set it up to turn on the wrist gesture automatically after dusk and the backlight to either 10% or 20% and that works perfectly fine. Most of the time I tend to use the watch outdoors for running in the daytime, and even on a grey and gloomy day it is crystal clear. I never regretted getting the Fenix 7 instead of the Epix 2 and I am sure I will not regret getting the Fenix 7 Pro instead of the Epix Pro. At the end of the day it is, however, really just about preferences regarding screen brightness and battery life as the watches are otherwise nearly exactly the same.
And I went for... Marq Athlete Performance Edition. the perfect Garmin watch for me personally. Yes, the old MIP non touch screen display. I went to see the Epix and Fenix 7. Hands down the Marq is in a class of its own by build quality. The MIP is amazing in my view.
It has all the sensors I need and more. For the rest I have my phone and the Garmin Connect app. Oh, and the huge discount I got (brand new) brought the price down to that of Epix 2 Pro. Honestly, the Marq wasn't even on my radar, but I did put it on my wrist in one shop and I couldn't stop thinking of it until I bought it last month. So thats that.
Thanks for the video. Lots of info, clear, concise and easy to digest -- For me I will go for the Fenix 7p -- I like the MIP screen and better battery life. Plus it is $100.00 cheaper compared to the Epix 2p.
Happy to help. Enjoy your watch!
Great review - thank you 👍🏼👍🏼 Do you think the Enduro 2 will get the weather and maps upgrade in the future?
Yup, sometime later this summer. Thanks!
Nice Work, keep going ! I'm from Brazil, I have some issues about the sensor PPG , because my tattoos. Do you know when the garmin goingo to come with a new sensor technology, thats work with no issues with tattoo?
Thinking of upgrading from the 955 solar to the Fenix 7 pro. Wanting a more premium feel on my wrist.
This is my first smart / fitness / health watch....why does hardly anyone mention the awesome golf stats on this watch ? EPIX PRO I just ordered this watch in sapphire cause i am an avid golfer.....its was a huge selling point for me,, plus i wanted an everyday smart / health / sports watch all in one...lookin forward to getting it.....great video....cheers from Canada
Thank you so much for your review and comparison videos. Being a hiker and trail runner, I was definitely curious as to how topographic, relief, and weather maps would appear in both the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro. Needless to say the Epix Pro is the winner in my book and the customisability of settings between all or specific activities vs general usage aids in being able to tweak battery usage.
Glad to help 👍
Another trail runner and hiker and the maps are a big plus. Was also on the fence and love my Fenix 6X but think the Epix is a great upgrade. Red shift for night hikes/runs is another big plus. Thanks!!
Very insightful, thank you. I went for the Fenix 7 Pro.
Happy to help. Thanks!
Really hard to decide which one I’d go for, I currently have a Suunto 7 (rubbish battery life) with Amoled display. I like the bright colourful display but it is difficult to see in direct sunlight.
I’d not considered that my polarised sunglasses would effect this (need to do some comparisons), my Suunto peak 3 mip didplay is really easy to see in the same conditions but to me because of the software side is old and tired.
Oh Man. I was saying over the past year after having both a Fenix 7X and now Enduro 2 and trying the Epix 2, that if Garmin made the Epix in 7X size, I will 100% take it and not return it. I love the screen but the medium sized 7 screen is too small for me. That .1" makes a big difference, the screen and now the battery in the larger Epix size is much easier to live with! PERFECT WATCH!
I am so confused still . Currently have a fenix 6 but it’s been dying quite often now so need an upgrade. Epix pro is definitely tempting but I’m concerned that wow factor of the display will soon fade away and fenix 7 pro reliable battery life would be more usable long term. Also concerned about too much distraction from the amoled display !!
I’m an average user (set on 47mm for sure) some time outdoors some in the gym a lot of time indoors ! HELP !
Is the glare on the Sapphire editions identical to that of the Enduro 2.
I’ve used the Fenix/Tactix series for years and currently have the 7X Sapphire Solar. The 51mm Epix Pro is arriving today and I am looking forward to comparing the screens indoor and outdoor, just as you discussed. For me, the inclusion of the 51mm size option and the serious jump in battery life, as well as the flashlight, make a huge difference from the Epix/Epix 2 options previously available.
What did you find out?
I’ve found that, in almost all lighting situations, the Epix display far exceeds that of the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar. If you try specifically to arrange for sunlight shining directly on the displays, the Epix is slightly subdued but still fully readable and actually about the same brightness as the Fenix. Also, the estimated battery life of 11 days with always-on display and around 1 1/2-2 hours of GPS activity daily is right on the mark. In fact, it seems to be slightly better than estimated. Bottom line: the Fenix still has the crazy battery life (usually 20-some days for me), but the new Epix Pro (51mm) has battery life that is easily sufficient for almost all circumstances. Hope that helps!
@@bsmukler THX!! That made up my mind, I think... First reading people not seeing the Epix display at all, or having big "problems" with it "on the run" made me lean over to Fenix, but I suppose they have used the timeout function and do sports where they need to see the screen really fast... If I´m a hobby runner, hiker, workout and "every day life" - user, I should be satisfied with the Epix right?
I have the Fenix 5XS today :)
Yes, and in fact that’s what I have found in using the new Epix. It is perfectly usable in direct sunlight and it is rich and easily readable in most light. It’s a simple matter of which way your wrist is facing when you glance at the watch. Another pleasant surprise is that the battery life is excellent (at least 11 days with always-on and multiple GPS enabled workouts per week).
Are you still happy with your Epix and visibility? What about night sleeping? I also have a 7x and looking to order epix pro. Thank you
My argument. If you are getting the 42mm size. It's gotta be a Fenix. If you are going 47 or 51, then it's gotta be an epix
Thanks so much these reviews. I find your videos to be especially well thought out and helpful. I'm torn between the the Forerunner 965 and the Epix Pro 51. My main concern is comfort when running and wearing the watch 24/7 for data collection. What are your thoughts about the weight difference - if one could live with the other differences. Bob in Austin.
To me 965 seems the next gen Garmin with thinner case, much lighter and much smaller bezels. On top of that lot cheaper. Only potential downside is that it's less rugged and no flashlight. There are some other smaller diffs (no tides, no sleep schedule etc, checkout dcr comp...).
I think this is an inbetween model line until next year redesign. At least I hope they incorporate same 965 improvements which is more comfortable to wear.
6 days with AOD it's good enough for battery, is what I get with my typical usage with my current watch, and that is a MIPS display 🤷♂ my only concern is display burning after several years of always on AMOLED and the viewing angles for some sports. I do mountain biking, 5 to 8 hour rides every weekend and to be honest, I am not entirely sure a low AOD AMOLED serves as well as a MIPS display in such scenarios when you just glance for a spit of a second your watch on an angle, what are your thoughts on that?
Damn that Oled screen is beautiful!! Thank you for the comparison!
In performance kayak community (eg surfski, icf kayak racing, etc) mips screen watch is the only option. You’d place your watch in front of you on the hull + hr strap on you. While on the water epix screen becomes unreadable bc of direct sunlight + black background + dimmed backlight + drops of water. I’ve got both watches and only take Fenix on water.
Thanks for your video, after doing research I purchased Fenix 7X pro Sapphire Solar.
If you compare both, Fenix 7X pro have better specs and features and most importantly battery life.
If I am on camping or on trail or visiting somewhere else for more than 10-12 days, I no need to carry a charging cable , as we already carry mobile, laptop, camera etc. chargers.
So I feel Fenix 7X Pro is convenient.
With regard to display, Fenix have great display too, and it does better job when using maps, in my perspective.
Hello very good information on the Garmin watches. Just curious what is the difference with the watch when it says no WiFi vs the pro solar ? Tia
I left my fleet of Samsung watches for the fenix 7x Pro Solar Sapphire due to the increased battery life. I don't consider myself to be very active but the amount of notifications I get yields only 5-7 days worth of battery life on a default configuration of the fenix watch. Overall, it's way better than having to charge my watch on a daily basis and miss out on important notifications.
Oh I really like some of the new watch faces - any idea if those will trickle down to the non-Pro Epix like some of the other features?
Epix Pro 51mm as 11 days always on and proper torch make it a no brainer IMO!! (along with the far superior display)
I binged your videos last couple days trying to decide my first smartwatch, I ordered the 42mm Epix Pro. Smaller watch is just noticeably more comfortable everyday for me and decided the battery life doesn't bother me because my phone is always going to need charging first, and during my backpacking trips it can sip on a battery bank at camp. I do a lot during the night where the AMOLED is preferred, as well as I suspect I will use the Maps/Navigation features more than any of the sports features, which I'm still skeptical of. It shows up today, thanks to you and DC Rainmaker for doing these videos.
You're very welcome. Enjoy your new watch!
I’m still on Fenix 6, will probably consider upgrading to epix pro if I reach my workout goals of 2023
Great video Des!
Im curious what size wrist ( in mm ) you have an does the Fenix 7x / fenix 7 pro 51mm sit comfortable on your wrist?
185mm. Thanks!
Fenix hands down, need good battery life for my long journey from my room to the restroom and back.
Great review! I just ran a race in BRIGHT sunshine and the Amoled on the Epix Pro was perfect for me. Having been a HUGE Fenix fan for many years, I can't see that model even lasting now. The Epix is now the flagship Garmin IMO. The market for the Fenix is going to be so limited going forward - the vast majority never got close to using it's full functionality and bought it because it was "top model" - now it's not.
Thanks! I think there's definitely a need for MIP for certain use cases as well as just ones preference (especially based on comments on this video) and glad they still offer both options, but I'm on the same page as you with the Epix Pro. Hope the race went well, Mark!
@@DesFit 40:10 Secs for 10k at 102kg - nice PB thanks! With regards MIP - I wonder how many people (with MIP displays) see AMOLED and just assume it won't match their rufty tuffty outdoor lifestyle - it's almost "too pretty" .....which I thought last year. I think a lot of people, if they use them side by side, will end up AMOLED - especially on a 51mm watch. It's simply very clear in 99% of conditions. Be interesting to know Garmins sales figures on these new units!
@@MarkLewisfitness just ordered the Epix 2 Pro 51mm and I'm excited to compare it to my Enduro 2! I have a feeling I'm going to be selling my Enduro 2 😅
Great video. I think I've watched it 50 times as I've been torn between the Fenix 7 pro and Epix pro. I've had the Fenix 5 living on my wrist since it first came out in 2017. It has been through a lot and its a beast and I love it. Could probably get another year or so out of the battery but with Tokyo, London, and NYC on the calendar for 2024, decided to take the Garmin black Friday sale and get the Epix Pro. Just arrived today. Not 100% sure I made the right choice as the battery life might bug me too much. I'm very shocked on how light and comfortable the Epix is though.
You get epix pro,right?
How much did the sale save?
great comparison, thanks pal
Is the solar only version slightly better to see than the sapphire?
Dude, what awesome hoodie are you wearing?
Thank you for the great in-detail video.
It's a capilene hoody from Patagonia 👍 Quite literally one of my favorite pieces of clothing. Thanks!
Very nice review 👍🏼
Hello from France ✌🏻
Thanks!
Awesome review.
Subbed !
Thanks!
@@DesFit Also, when it comes to the personal choice as you mentioned towards the end of your video: when choosing between AMOLED and MIP displays (without any experience with any of them before) it's kinda hard to determine which I would like more. However, with all being said I would lean more to battery life than any other factor. Fenix 7 pro seems like a no-brainer in this scenario.
I'm at a crossroad. I had the 7X SS and bought the 7X Pro but decided to switch after a week of using it. Now I'm having second thoughts because the Epix Pro 51mm is having a gesture issue. When I'm not doing anything and just sitting down it works fine. When I start walking, it doesn't work that well, alot of times I have to hit the button for the face to turn back on. Is this normal for the Epix Pro? It's really annoying me to a point I'm thinking of going back to the 7X Pro because when I want to see my watch face, I want to see it and not fight with the watch.
Thanks for the review ! All I wanted as an upgrade for my Fenix 7 was a brighter MIP display and a better HR sensor for weight training, it looks like Garmin could have easily called this the Fenix 8 since those are some of the most important components in a smartwatch. As for the MIP vs AMOLED, I tried both options over time and after the initial wow factor is gone, the MIP is simply much more usable, just glancing at the watch without a gesture is simply natural and a screen continuously emitting light becomes distracting for me and those around me especially indoors where I do spend most of the time.
Except the MIP display is a lot more jarring if the backlight does kick on (its not very readable unless its getting direct light) since it lights up the entire screen in an ugly casio way. The oled black levels really make it seem like the information just pops out. Just a thought
Will the Epix only work outside if we " gesture"? lol
I am looking at the best choice for the ECG reading any recommendations .
I jumped in today and purchased the Epix 51mm sapphire. Can’t wait to get this watch. I currently have the AW ultra so I will be interested to see how much better this is for fitness as I love AW as smart watch. Great video 👍🏻
Will you keep/use both?
@@andreaspape8987 probably keep both for a while but I can’t be dealing with two watches so I will decide which one to keep in time.
@@richardsweeney6317 very curious of your experience. I switched from Garmin to Apple when AW6 released, because of the integrations and because AW gave a more predictable battery performance (garmin would hold for a week, but would drain 50% with one workout, so I would avoid tracking unless I just charged the watch), AW I just charge daily.
Now I switched my bike computer to Garmin and took out my garmin watch for the HR broadcast as the AW broadcast functionality is clumsy. This brought me back to Connect and the recovery timers, steps etc. As apple and garmin share data only one way this feels like missing out on part of the garmin functionality.
But I’m not a super athlete, I don’t go into too much data on my computer. So I’d probably benefit more from the apple watch as a smart watch with some fitness tracking. Would just love native HR broadcast and daily activity/workout import into Garmin connect.
okey hear me out, i do not recommend an oled dispaly for this type of watches at all....why? because is a daily use, and for exercise you DONT want to be flipping your arm every time you want to see your watch in an intense trail run or marathon, you just want to see your info and not to do those kind of movements EVERY time you want to see your watch info, oled are great ( i have an oled tv, cellphone, switch,) i use everything oled but for an EXERCISE watch i will never ever use an oled, i preffer to see my info 24/7 and have more battery all the way. and add that OLEDS ARE NOT FOREVER, yes they burn (not like in the past) but they do and for a watch that you will be using 24/7 that is a very good point to consider, and they are not good for long use at all, ESPECIALLY in direct sun light!! worst enemy for oleds, so if you are going to use your watch especially for exercise i recommend you the fenix. the epix is more like....ok i look good but not an option for a real sport watch.
Very good, thank you.
Outside of indoor/outdoor how are the buttons on Epix?? I have always had Fenix and tried Epix 2 last year and button were like FR and no real click. Did the make the like Fenix or still like FR style??
I decided to take the Epix Pro, think that amoled display is better than the solar function.
Same.
Did you get from AMOLED what you waited?
@@TheKandiman1 it's fantastic