@@stijnhof08 I use the gesture feature as well as sleep mode. This yeilds great battery life… I also use screen on lowest brightness and it’s still almost too bright :)
Don't ever show up to my channel and try to accost me or insult my intelligence again. You deleted your comment like a coward. You should have apologized and admitted your error, but, such is the internet. I hope you learned something today.
I’m trying to remind myself that, until today, I was 100% happy with my Fenix 6 Pro. The smart thing to do would be to just keep rolling with the 6 but that display on the Epix sure is sexy.
I saw a fenix 6 used for $130. I was thinking of buying it to replace my fenix 3hr . I made a big mistake by looking it up on youtube . Now I am confused .
Just ordered the Epix, I need that display. I was just never happy with my fenix 6 because when going from looking at my bright crisp phone display to the Fenix 6 display it just looked terrible. Very excited for the Epix to arrive!
a 51mm epix would have been awesome. I wonder if they're testing the waters with the 47mm version to see how well it sells before committing to more sizes?
Agree ! I’m getting crazy hesitating between the fenix 51 without Amoled & Epix 47 with Amoled, I feel i may be frustrated coming from the 6X pro 51 :(
I had the Fenix 7 on hold at a local Fleet Feet but seeing many reviews on the Epix I had a change of heart. The lynchpin was the display. Only thing that would sway me back to Fenix would be if it had the ECG. Other than that solar and battery life are the only difference, that I have seen so far, oh and the 7x has a flashlight. Having had the Fenix 5 since 2015 I am really excited for this upgrade!
@@ChaseTheSummit I wonder how long will it last. Spending 900 euro on a watch only to have a damaged burnt in screen after two years wouldn't be nice :/
In my experience, they will last in your wrist until you hate them. I had fenix 2 2013, fenix 5 in 2018( bought it as I hate wearing fenix 2 for 5 years). Now, both are still working pefectly. I am thinking to buy fenix 7x solar as I am so boring with old indestructible watches.
The EPIX 2 is definitely what I’ve been waiting for since I’ve been enjoying my 5x for awhile. The AMOLED always on display for my 58 year old eyes is a game changer. Wish is did have the LTE but I use a small smartphone for that while out on the road so no problems there.
@@MikeGonzalez777 i bought a garmin instinct solar in december really wanted a fenix 6 but was low on cash previously using samsung active 2 which fell apart in a year and few months i will saving to buy this fenix 7x most definitely .
I tried the Fenix 7X sapphire solar for 20 days and it was very bulky and it took me a week to get used to the weight of the watch, now I have the Epix gen2 and the difference is significant and positive, very happy with this model Epix gen 2
Great review! As a newbie to Garmin watches I’m leaning towards the Epix2 as a first time purchase simply due to the display advantage. I’m a bit of a watch collector in general and interestingly enough I was originally drawn to the idea of Garmin using sapphire, DLC, and titanium in their wearable devices for me to even check them out to begin with. Add in the new beautiful display option with a battery life that suits my needs = I’m sold on Epix.
It was a hard choice but I had to go with the Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire for the ability to turn it off and charge it in the insane Thailand sun. Just in case of the zombie apocalypse of course. But yea, that screen, really jealous. To be honest, coming from Apple I wanted to return or sell the Fenix immediately as it was really cumbersome to use and felt like ancient tech....at first. But they have no return policy in Thailand which made me take the time to learn it. Now I love it.
Thanks for the awesome review. Epix 2 for me. My longest distance is the marathon so in terms of battery life, I see no problems. Charging my watch every 4-6 days is not an issue for me. I am delighted to take advantage of that fantastic display though (coming from a Fenix 5+).
Nice review thanks. I currently have a Forerunner 935 which has lasted me well. Nearly bought a Fenix 6 for something smarter looking, but it felt like a marginal upgrade in functionality for a lot of cost to change. The Epix looks a lot better, the display is lovely and I don't need it to last a fortnight between charges so will probably get one.
Thanks so much for all your videos - it really helped me make a decision. I went from a Polar grit x pro to the fenix 6x pro to the 7x to finally grabbing the Epix gen2! Awesome content and amazing reviews - thank you!
Thanks for the awesome review! I still have my fenix 3 and have been waiting for the right next purchase to come along and this looks to be the 1. I almost went with Fenix 7 as never even knew this Epix existed. I don't do multi-day long events so battery issue won't be a problem.. the better display and touch ability for top maps especially for LOTS of day hiking will be super. Thanks again for great review. I'm glad I held this long on fenix 3 upgrade to wait till "ah, that's the 1!". :-)
Great review! Regarding the size of the display, the Epix is 1.3" and the Fenix 7X Solar is 1.4". However, is the visible area (usable display area for the apps) on the Epix bigger than the Fenix 7X Solar since the solar ring takes out one part of the usable display area?
Great review. Lots of info here need to watch this twice. Question. What kind of battery life are we talking about using this watch with always on display with say 60 mins a day GPS and music? I feel a lot of people (myself included) aren't running 3 hours a day, 👀 many of us love the Fenix line and enjoy music with out workouts. Think it would last a week?
Thanks to u and your reviews I ordered from playbetter I ended up exchanging 2. watches for the fenix 7 sapphire solar and I couldn’t be happier playbetter is awesome they will do anything to make a customer happy
Great review! The AMOLED display looks great. So comparing the base models, Fenix 7 (non-solar, non-sapphire) vs the Epix 2 (non-sapphire), you're paying +$200 for the AMOLED display (and slightly less battery life). Based on this, I'll probably go the Fenix 7 route.
The long awaited new @Garmin wrist real estate and it appears that they have been listening to their audience. Some really great additions and I think the price tag is aimed at athletes and a few “fashionista’s”. Being a weekend MTB warrior I think I’m going to stick to my 6x until the touch screen devices have proven their durability.
Vivoactive series has used transflective touch displays for years. They don’t get sapphire lenses, but they still have really good longevity. The place that breaks for me is the hinge, otherwise my VAHR from 2015 would still be wearable.
I ran my first ultra trail with Epic Gen 1, I kinda regretted letting it go despite its quirks. I'm really liking this new Epic Gen 2...I might buy it when the discounts hit. As a training watch, I don't mind the less spectacular battery life so much...for races I'd still go with my Enduro.
@@eriktred the F7X is an all out no holds barred watch, whereas the Enduro kinda lean towards ultra runners specifically. If I was upgrading from low/mid tier watch and budget is not an issue, I'd go for the F7X.
@@KomengDeBatiste but what does the Enduro even have going for it now? It beat Fenix 6X because it had better battery life, specific Ultra runnin apps (this is now included on the Fenix 7 series and probably also Fenix 6), and VO2Max calculation were adjusted for trail/elevation running (also adpoted on Fenix watches now). But does the Enduro still have superior battery over a Fenix 7X if you have the same amount of sun light, if you use the same amount of GPS connections and exclude mapping and music features on the Fenix watch?
Great review, thanks. I would welcome your view on which watch epix gen 2 or Garmin Fenix 7x would give best screen clarity when running. My eyesight is not great and I struggle to see data fields at times. Do you think the smaller but brighter epix screen would be better than the larger 7x screen?
Thanks! I think the Epix is easier to read in just about any light condition. Even in bright sunlight its very easy to see. The 7x can be challenging in some situations but it's good in direct sun.
Very nice video as always. I have a few questions regarding the new Epix. How does answering a phone call work on the Epix? Do you speak through your phone like with the Fenix 6 or can you make/answer a call via the watch? And regarding WhatsApp messages can you reply with the watch or only preview ?
I think you answerd it all at the end of the video. Im kinda disappointed a little bit. Was hoping for it to have the smartwatch capabilities of the Venu 2Plus and the map benefits of the Fenix. Eh :/ Maybe Garmin comes to the same conclusion in a few years.
There's no mic/speaker on Epix so you need to speak into your phone. It can answer/decline phone calls from the wrist though so if you're wearing headphones or something you can answer the call and speak. When paired to an android phone you can respond to text messages from the watch but not with iPhone. This is an apple limitation and not the fault of garmin.
Great quality review as usual, and super fast too! I wasn't expecting such a detailed review considering these watches just launched today. Now I'm even more torn between the Fenix 7 and Epix, but that why I watch reviews before buying.
For my aging eyes my Fenix 5X is becoming less and less legible. That AMOLED display should make a big difference, so I'm glad to see this come out. The price is very steep though.
Hugely excited by the Epix 2 ... It's the watch I was hoping would come out from Garmin. But I'll wait a while as I've only recently got myself a Venu 2...
Thanks for the review! After tons of RUclips videos I decided to go with epix. I am Apple watch user, but battery life just sucks! I was doing multiple days hike a lot in past month and couldn’t track them at all, thats a shame! I was choosing between coros vertix 2, fenix 7s and epix 2. Garmin won in general just because of more sports profiles and more health features like body battery, better sleep tracking. Even battery is really important in hikes, I am not hiking like every day, so decided go with epix and more vivid screen, because after apple watch it might hard to go back to not bright one 🫣 I just hope that 47mm won’t be too big on my wrist! 🤞
Great two videos about the new Garmins! Thanks for explain every single detail and make it so easy and fun to watch. I cannot wait to see them on the shop. And, for what I’ve seeing in your videos I think I’ll pick up the Epix, let’s see… You have a new subscriber here in Spain!
This thing looks awesome. I'm wondering if the venu watches are a better choice for most people though? They give you the same screen size and resolution(I think?), speaker, mic and a much lower price. After reviewing both are the two watches pretty similar? Fantastic review too!
Quick screen diameter size question vs Fenix 7 solar: Is the screen diameter on the Fenix 7 solar versions measured from inside the solar strip or does the diameter measurement include the solar strip? In other words is the actual viewable screen size of the 7X less than 1.4″, in practical terms making it more like the 1.3" on the Epix or regular 7? (Trying to decide between the Epix and 7X, want the Epix but value screen size above all - although it seems like they might be the same depending on how they’re measured?)
Looking for an all-around fitness watch. Was looking not to spend big bucks. Would you consider the Epix gen 2 outdated in 2024? Probably will hold onto it for a little while, but would eventually upgrade. Thanks again! Always appreciate your help.
Informative video- thank you. Just now 😂 letting go of my Garmin Forerunner for a Garmin Epix 2 - and found one new for $440. Beats $900 and like my last Garmin I’ll use it 10+ years 👍
Thanks for the reviews. Very helpful to assist me to purchase my first smart watch. The Garmin range was the clear standout from my research. My main sport is surfing and underwater hockey so was tossing up the Epix G2 or the Instinct Solar Surf models and as this will be my first smart watch I am going to go with a little lower functionality and cost with the Instinct Solar after watching your reviews. Again - many thanks
Great review. I’ve now decided on the Epix. Is the black titanium bezel scratch proof? I’ve got Fenix 5 & scratched the bezel first time out mountain biking!
Great & clear review. thx. What about the time life (durability) of the AMOLED over years? also, can we expect to get the same firmware upgrades (algo) than the fenix 7 serie? Thanks for your comments
The life of these is still to be determined since they're brand new. That said, the technology isn't new and even Apple is using some version of an OLED display. Garmin also has the Venu/Venu 2 series to leverage and those devices have held up well so far with only a few complaints of burn in on the older Venu. I'd expect the Epix to get the same firmware updates as the Fenix 7 likely on the same timeline. Thanks for watching!
So I want an epix but is it worth the upgrade for me. Listening to this review I picked up on the tip to turn on gesture on my Garmin 935. I bumped up the backlight. I now have a brighter Garmin that will do for now.
Great video - as always. Quick question. Hypothetically if you have both Fenix 7 for a long exercises and Epix 2 as a daily driver and for short runs would they synchronise in any meaningful way, or would each of them have different Performance Status?
Thanks for the review, love my Garmin 6X Pro. I was looking on the Garmin site and see the EPIX is only offered in 47mm. Is there any chance that a larger 51mm may come out? I do like the bigger size. Thanks
Did anyone else experience this? I signed into my Garmin account and added the Epix to the cart for $999 and a $200 discount was automatically applied bringing it down to $799. No idea where the discount came from and had not ordered anything directly from Garmin in several years.
Are you a blue cross blue shield subscriber? There are discounts for BCBS that you may have applied in the past that "stuck" to your account. In either case... grab it!
@@ChaseTheSummit I figured it out. My employer partners with a third party to earn award points that can be cashed towards a variety of different vendors….one of them Garmin for 2021. Looks like I cashed them in 2021 when thinking about a Fenix 6 but never used. It was still on my Garmin account. Funny thing is for 2022 Garmin is no longer an option for awards and previous discount had an expiration of 1/31/2022. Just lucky timing.
This one looks like a winner. I’m curious how the final distances measured by Epix/Fenix 7 compare with the Fenix 6, given they use a new GPS chipset now. I know the tracks look way cleaner but the overall distances could very much be in the same ballpark or not :)
Looking at my runs I ran a 5K with three watches - Epix (multi-band), Fenix 7 (gps only), and Fenix 6 (gps+glonass) . Epix recorded 3.29 miles, Fenix 7: 3.31, and Fenix 6: 3.35 miles. They're all in the same ballpark but analyzing them side by side you can see clear areas where the epix was just a TOUCH more accurate and even the fenix 7 looks a bit better in standard GPs mode compared to the 6. I'll have a deep dive on GPS accuracy comparing the 7, Epix, and 6 coming on the channel soon. Stay tuned!
Thank you for this video! Oh my god, I can't decide between the 7/7X and the Epix! this is just too hard! I'm still using the Fenix 5 Plus, so any upgrade will be a huge one for me. I originally wanted to go with the 7/7X, but after seeing the Epix's screen (only in videos, for now)... how can I not take it? navigating with it looks amazing. I'm an ultra-runner, doing max 10-12 hours races, so I think I can manage with the battery life, but I don't want to charge it even other day, and I also know that these batteries decrease in capacity as time goes by. My Fenix 5 Plus battery is definitely not what it used to be (it's 4 years old). This is so hard to decide. Why did they have to release this Epix?! :)
Great review, can you confirm that 1)we can display 8 data fields in all kind of Sport activities including graphical fields; 2)Navigation: at a given identical zoom level, do we see the same 'surface details' as on a 6X or 7X display (1.4 inch), thanks to the higher resolution ; 3) what is the autonomy with All GPS(without multiband) + Music ? THANKS
Yes 8 data fields are supported due to the higher resolution display. The resolution on the epix is higher so there are more fine details in the map when using navigation. All GPS basically selects the "best option" without any user input. It works seamlessly.
@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks; For question 2) can we say that we see more details at same zoom level on Epix as on a 7X ? For Q3) do you know the autonomy with Music On and All GPS selected?
Based on your usage, do you feel like the new Epix would last for a 3 day overnight camping trip if you turn off gps and tracking at campsites and overnight?
Really torn between the Epix and Venu 2 plus. I surf a lot. I'm in the water a lot. I also want a masculine watch. You think the Venu 2 plus could cover those bases? 600 bucks cheaper too with voice/mic.
Great video! I’ve been using an Instinct Solar Tactical for almost a year now. Probably going to get the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar. Also looking forward to a future version of the Tactix for military use.
Agree with you on the final take. Only reason I’m upgrading from my Fenix 6 is for LTE capabilities. If I can’t call an Uber when I pull my calf 5 miles from home, what’s the point ? 😂
I recently got the Fenix 6 because its so cheap as the Fenix 7 was approaching, and I am glad I did because I simply wouldn't be willing to shell out the "new release" price of the new models. With that being said, the Epix Gen 2 is exactly what I would describe as the "perfect" watch for me. A hardcore sport watch with a nice looking amoled, which also has good battery life is just perfect.
I just got the 6x pro solar for a crazy deal and I'm in the same boat as you are. Heck maybe I'll go super cheap on other needless things and have an Epix and a Fenix and rotate between the two. Seems a little ridiculous but cool at the same time lol
@@Seahawks1976 In that case I'd probably just try to flip the 6 solar and exclusively use the Epix 2. Based on what I've seen thus far, the Epix 2 is simply an upgrade in all regards, seeing as there is little to no trade off in battery life, more features, a way better screen, touch screen, and all the buttons are still there on the Epix 2. With that being said, the reasonable thing to do is probably to just hold on to the 6 solar and be happy with what you've got - an amazing watch catering to your every need. A pretty amoled probably gets old after a few weeks :D
I got the 935 as an upgrade from the 235 and I am mojo impressed with it. It meets every need for me. I think a lot of these watches are incremental feature improvements but at the end of the day do you "need" them. I can't justify the expense for gadgets even though some of them are nice. Boasting features that are "nice" does not warrant an upgrade in my book.
Is the GPS significantly better when comparing the Epix standard GPS only mode to the Felix 6 GPS only mode? Just curious for performance in longer races. Love the channel!
It's a tough call. Most days I've been wearing the Epix because the screen is a joy to use. But the 7x is also a nice watch and I'd probably reach for that for an ultramarathon or event.
@@ChaseTheSummit I’m sending my Epix Titan back, i’ll go with the 7 Titan Solar. If i want a really good screen i go the AW7, for Sport i prefer a functional Watch. The Epix is great but always on display really hurts the battery. With pulse Ox at night i only got 4 days of battery life with AOD.
I was set for the solar 7x but then amoled seems efficient for screen clarity [which I need in "pool swimming" 50,000 km plus/wk (full time) - I'm not into cycling and running] - the latter got me hooked 🐬
hello, greetings from patagonia argentina. I really like your channel and it helped me a lot last year when I bought my fenix 6. My question is how do you reflect the GPS route on Google Earth or what app do you use? Cheers!
Great review as always! I'm honestly excited about this watch because it will make the Fenix 6 cheaper lol. Still rocking my Fenix 5spro and its still very good but battery life has degraded over time
@@gepardtilly yes, but even then the 5Spro doesn't have great battery life. If you go on a long run (10k+) and listen to music at the same time you'll decimate the battery.
Thanks for another fantastic review. I changed from the Fenix 6 to the Fenix 6s when you suggested that the heart rate readings could improve because my wrist was too small; that was the best advice I have ever received !! The smaller 6s is spot on with the HR and I dumped the chest strap. Being there the Epix2 is the same size as my old Fenix 6 That's the only thing keeping me from buying it, because everything else is perfect for me. Do you think the new HR sensor would not be impacted by the size of the watch/wrist? Thanks in advance.
The new sensor is a big upgrade but it's still susceptible to the size and fit of the watch. I don't think it's as big of an issue on the Fenix 7 and Epix though.
Great piece of review. Thanks to your work I decided to switch to Garmin ecosystem and now again thanks to you considering buying Epix 2. After hard negotiations with my wife I guess ;) keep on doing great work brah! 👊
@@ChaseTheSummit I am still wondering how to start conversation as I bought Venu 3 months ago 🤣🤣🤣 all hints highly appreciated. I still have time as from what I see shipments in EU will start in 2-3 weeks. UPDATE: wife said “Yeaaaah ok fine… but sell Venu first, ok?” Wondering how much I need to lower the price on marketplace to have it sold ASAP 🤔
Hello from Germany. Great video like always. I’ll buy a Epix, it seems really good. But i saw the data fieds for sport are black. Is it possible to switch to white like on the other Garmins?
Due to the AMOLED display the Epix must have a black background and white text to preserve battery life. On AMOLED Black = Off and White = Full power. Think of each pixel as a lightbulb. An all white screen takes way more power than an all black screen. This is why you'll notice even on OLED phones that their user interface is primarily black. Garmin has left the "background color" option out of the settings of activities and watchfaces for this very reason.
I’m digging this watch and I’d definitely consider this watch over the fenix because I don’t need the solar and I think it’s fairly gimmicky. Since you can’t get the fenix in just sapphire I’d say the epix is the better choice. Was hoping for a speaker like the venu 2 plus because it would be nice to use Siri from the watch to respond to a text.
Epic is my choice because of the AMOLED display. Great review. I love the details you add, like how many songs you can fit on the Epic. Haven't heard that in any other reviews of this watch. David in Munich.
Amoled screen is wow, but battery life is a serious drawback. Even for a daily runner like me, I got a coros watch, what I like most is to losing and searching the charging cable everytime I need it (once every 15-20 days). Another drawback is the gps accuracy, from your brief reference I realize looking closely to your route that the epix zigzagged a lot. So, yes I do like the amoled screen, that's why I got a smartwatch to satisfy my likings (huawei gt2e, until I buy a newer version), but for my training sessions, I stay loyal to the long battery and gps accurate traditional sport watches.
Thanks for the review! Now i also come with some questions: My wife gifted me the Fenix 7x Pro Solar with the titanium strap and for me it's a huge update on my 6 year old Fenix 3 Sapphire HR. But i have some fears that the 1200 EUR price tag is a bit too much. I am still a sport person with regular ski, bike, surf and hike activities. But my knees are feeling the workload of my previous sports and i can't keep it up. For example, my yearly number of km dropped from 3500km in 2016 to around 800 in 2020 and 500 in 2021.. Should i keep the watch? Or change it fo a EPIX or an Apple watch? thanks
That's really up to you. There's a lot of folks out there who wear Fenix/Epix and barely train or exercise just because they like the look. Given that you're still active the Epix might be good motivation for you. This is entirely up to you unfortunately. I don't know your situation. All I can say is that both the Apple Watch and Epix are pretty great. Good luck!
I’ve been dallying the Epix for the most part but they’re all so good it’s really hard to choose. The Fenix still has a great classic look with long battery life. The epix has that fancy OLED display.
great review. thanks, it has been hard to choose. I've logged close to 200 activities a year starting with the Fenix 5, now with Fenix 6x pro. always disliked the display on both. However, both have been flawless in terms of glitches. as I'm getting older I do not expect to participate in extreme endurance activities. yet, I have been back and forth, actually ordered both watches, the 7sapphire 51 mm. and the epix gen 2. after hard deliberation, I have cancelled the 7. it came down to me admitting what I will be using this epix 2 for. that is 200-250 actives a. year from cycling to MTB and CrossFit/gym stuff. and I have been using the apple watch 7 as well. battery is pain in the A#$ to maintain. thanks for helping me choose which is right for me. J ,
I think a lot of people are in your situation and have opted for the Epix. I gotta be honest. I have both and I've had a hard time taking the Epix off my wrist. The display is wonderful.
How did you deal with the lack off LTE switching from Apple Watch to the EPIX? I am considering to do the same switch as the battery life of the Apple Watch is driving me nuts, but the lack of LTE on the EPIX feels like I am taking two steps back...
@@OJ-xu8ik I only miss the Apple Watch when I forget my phone. actually I keep the Apple Watch in my car, just in case. I find I didn’t use the Apple to have conversations , and the garmin still gives me notifications as long as the phone is connected. I don’t miss the apple, but keep it handy. Also, I didn’t like using the Apple Watch for my activities. It’s a little limited. The metrics are okay. My only complaint with the garmin and the inly reason I got the Apple Watch was because of the display. Long winded, I know. The apple is also small. The 47 mm garmin fits me perfectly, the 51 looks big on me. I’ll keep my 6xpro, and apple as back ups
In regular gps mode how is the 7 & Epix when compared to the FR945 LTE? I take it's using newer gps hardware than the LTE or is it the same(at least in the models without the dual band gps)? Epix 2 is almost what I want out of a Garmin watch but that price is up there. Plus, I prefer the size of my 945 LTE & the Fenix 6S/7S.
Very similar, they're all quite accurate even in the regular GPS mode. I'll have follow up videos diving deeper on the mutli-band GPS settings and accuracy.
I think the Fenix 7 is more comparable to the Vertix 2 and Polar Grit X Pro. That said, if money wasn't an issue I don't see any reason not to get an Epix or Fenix 7 unless you want absolutely the longest standby battery life with the Vertix 2.
Great tech review as usual. You make it very helpful if you are in the market for a watch. I have the Fenix 6 solar and love it. I do wish the solar was better, but I live in MN, so... Battery life and no touch screen are most important for me. Touch screens always seem to have accidental touches when working and sweating.
The touch function is actually really good on these new garmins. They have great rejection of unintentional swipes from water drops or other things. You can also disable the touch screen entirely with a few taps. Thanks for watching!
Amazing watch and great review! Time to ditch my Suunto 9 Baro and get a real watch; regretted changing my Fenix 3 sooooooo much and have to go back to iconic Garmin.
Nice! Battery replacement isn't something typically offers anymore. Instead they'll likely offer a heavy discount on a new device or trade in. That said, you can expect at least 5 years of battery life from a new Garmin.
They're essentially the same watch. The only difference right now is the display. I like that they didn't put OLED on everything because the transflective displays still have their benefits including battery life and readability in direct sunlight.
Looks like a solid upgrade on the Fenix 6. Better display, touch screen, GPS and HR sensor. When you say reduced battery life, are you comparing it to the Fenix 6 or 7? If you don't have the screen always on, it looks to be very similar to the 6 on paper. Great review! Thanks!
It's similar to the Fenix 6 in "gesture mode". The battery life is a lot more variable than the older transflective watches though because it depends entirely on how often you "wake up" the watch where as the older watches have a very static display and consistent battery life numbers. I think the Epix is a great watch but 16 days on a charge is going to be a stretch for most people.
I’m still rolling with my Fenix 3 Titanium w/Sapphire screen. What it doesn’t have is a built in HRM. This watch or Fenix 7? Amazing I didn’t know that this watch existed until your review. It was just a few days ago that I decided that I was going to get the Fenix 7 . The world was such a calmer place. 😎
Did Fenix 3 come in titanium? I recall that it had Sapphire as the only option. Very cool! Great watch for its time. The Fenix 7 would clearly be an upgrade but it's up to you if it's worth the money or if your Fenix 3 is still suiting your needs!
It's either battery longevity or screen brightness thanks for your reviews I'm still undecided epix or fenix 7x?? Never had garmin before this will be my first experience
Same boat... Leaning towards the epix. Better everyday watch.. Not a ultra maraton runner. If im in the woods for longer period i just get a small powerbank... But still not sure
The Epix Gen 2 looks like the best watch that Garmin has made, and envy anyone that gets it. However I just can’t justify the price of getting one. The Venu 2 Plus that I got since January 8th has been doing excellent. I feel like I’ve been getting more bang for my buck getting all the original features of the Venu 2, along with the call and voice recognition feature that the Plus now has. If Garmin plans to update the Epix Gen 2 or Epix Gen 3 and it gets the best parts of both the Fenix 7 such as the flashlight, the call and voice assistant of the Venu 2 Plus, and possibly have LTE available, Garmin would have the most definitive sports watch!
![Lil Uzi Vert - We Good [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DrSfBULAsek/mqdefault.jpg)
i only need to charge my epix once every 2 weeks and i use it heavily for running and hiking... the screen in bright sun is amazing...EPIX wins easily
Glad you’re enjoying the epix!
do you use the always on display or no?
@@stijnhof08 I use the gesture feature as well as sleep mode. This yeilds great battery life… I also use screen on lowest brightness and it’s still almost too bright :)
Don't ever show up to my channel and try to accost me or insult my intelligence again. You deleted your comment like a coward. You should have apologized and admitted your error, but, such is the internet. I hope you learned something today.
@@thepatternforms859 good to know you can get two weeks! I do heavy activity running and swimming mostly. Whats gesture future?
I’m trying to remind myself that, until today, I was 100% happy with my Fenix 6 Pro. The smart thing to do would be to just keep rolling with the 6 but that display on the Epix sure is sexy.
They sure make it hard to ignore!
You may have a nephew or niece or a good employee to give your watch to. There's always the electrician.
I saw a fenix 6 used for $130.
I was thinking of buying it to replace my fenix 3hr . I made a big mistake by looking it up on youtube .
Now I am confused .
LOVING how Garmin has dropped some new pieces, AND all the reviews coming out. Great video bro.
🙌🙌🙌
Just ordered the Epix, I need that display. I was just never happy with my fenix 6 because when going from looking at my bright crisp phone display to the Fenix 6 display it just looked terrible. Very excited for the Epix to arrive!
This is the one we've been waiting on. AMOLED mapping! Already placed my order.
🙌🙌🙌
With ya!!
That could be nice.
Upgrades are nicely done with plenty of options. I do wish the AMOLED screen was available in 51mm size though. Thanx again for great reviews.
a 51mm epix would have been awesome. I wonder if they're testing the waters with the 47mm version to see how well it sells before committing to more sizes?
Agree ! I’m getting crazy hesitating between the fenix 51 without Amoled & Epix 47 with Amoled, I feel i may be frustrated coming from the 6X pro 51 :(
Excatly what I'm thinking too.. Coming from 6X Pro Solar.. I don't wanna go for a smaller watch, but the epix screen looks beautiful! :(
Coming from a Fenix 3HR...sapphire screen is the way to go. 6 rough years, zero scratches!
I agree. sapphire is super tough!
6 years. Nice. You're a hero for not giving in and buying the latest and the greatest.🤪
I had the Fenix 7 on hold at a local Fleet Feet but seeing many reviews on the Epix I had a change of heart. The lynchpin was the display. Only thing that would sway me back to Fenix would be if it had the ECG. Other than that solar and battery life are the only difference, that I have seen so far, oh and the 7x has a flashlight. Having had the Fenix 5 since 2015 I am really excited for this upgrade!
Awesome! I think I'm feeling the same way. Epix may end up on my wrist most of the time.
@@ChaseTheSummit I wonder how long will it last. Spending 900 euro on a watch only to have a damaged burnt in screen after two years wouldn't be nice :/
@@ted363636 Go for a sapphire display and you have the most robust beast you could with for.
@@nickjanssen Sapphire won't help with AMOLED burn-in :/
In my experience, they will last in your wrist until you hate them. I had fenix 2 2013, fenix 5 in 2018( bought it as I hate wearing fenix 2 for 5 years). Now, both are still working pefectly. I am thinking to buy fenix 7x solar as I am so boring with old indestructible watches.
The EPIX 2 is definitely what I’ve been waiting for since I’ve been enjoying my 5x for awhile. The AMOLED always on display for my 58 year old eyes is a game changer. Wish is did have the LTE but I use a small smartphone for that while out on the road so no problems there.
Thanks for sharing. It would have been cool to see LTE on this one!
I didnt sleep well last night couldn't wait to hear about these devices
Same. Lol
@@MikeGonzalez777 i bought a garmin instinct solar in december really wanted a fenix 6 but was low on cash previously using samsung active 2 which fell apart in a year and few months i will saving to buy this fenix 7x most definitely .
I tried the Fenix 7X sapphire solar for 20 days and it was very bulky and it took me a week to get used to the weight of the watch, now I have the Epix gen2 and the difference is significant and positive, very happy with this model Epix gen 2
Nice! Enjoy the Epix!
Always a reliable source for information. Great reviews man, keep it up!
Thank you! 🙌
Great review! As a newbie to Garmin watches I’m leaning towards the Epix2 as a first time purchase simply due to the display advantage. I’m a bit of a watch collector in general and interestingly enough I was originally drawn to the idea of Garmin using sapphire, DLC, and titanium in their wearable devices for me to even check them out to begin with. Add in the new beautiful display option with a battery life that suits my needs = I’m sold on Epix.
For sure, it's kind of the best of both worlds!
It was a hard choice but I had to go with the Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire for the ability to turn it off and charge it in the insane Thailand sun. Just in case of the zombie apocalypse of course. But yea, that screen, really jealous. To be honest, coming from Apple I wanted to return or sell the Fenix immediately as it was really cumbersome to use and felt like ancient tech....at first. But they have no return policy in Thailand which made me take the time to learn it. Now I love it.
Thanks for the awesome review. Epix 2 for me. My longest distance is the marathon so in terms of battery life, I see no problems. Charging my watch every 4-6 days is not an issue for me. I am delighted to take advantage of that fantastic display though (coming from a Fenix 5+).
Awesome! You're gonna love it!
Great Video as always, Epix 2 is ordered. Can’t wait. Just the Garmin I’ve wanted for ages.
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it!
Nice review thanks. I currently have a Forerunner 935 which has lasted me well. Nearly bought a Fenix 6 for something smarter looking, but it felt like a marginal upgrade in functionality for a lot of cost to change. The Epix looks a lot better, the display is lovely and I don't need it to last a fortnight between charges so will probably get one.
Nice! Sounds like a good fit!
The legendary double upload!
It’s not great for the algorithm but I did what I did lol!
Thanks so much for all your videos - it really helped me make a decision. I went from a Polar grit x pro to the fenix 6x pro to the 7x to finally grabbing the Epix gen2! Awesome content and amazing reviews - thank you!
Great review! I’ve just bought an Epix. Big upgrade over my Fenix 5 Plus.
Thanks for the awesome review! I still have my fenix 3 and have been waiting for the right next purchase to come along and this looks to be the 1. I almost went with Fenix 7 as never even knew this Epix existed. I don't do multi-day long events so battery issue won't be a problem.. the better display and touch ability for top maps especially for LOTS of day hiking will be super. Thanks again for great review. I'm glad I held this long on fenix 3 upgrade to wait till "ah, that's the 1!". :-)
Great review! Regarding the size of the display, the Epix is 1.3" and the Fenix 7X Solar is 1.4". However, is the visible area (usable display area for the apps) on the Epix bigger than the Fenix 7X Solar since the solar ring takes out one part of the usable display area?
The 7x display is 1.4” and then the Solar ring is around that 1.4” inches of screen.
The visible area of the display is 1.4" on the 7x. The solar ring has no impact on display size.
Great review. Lots of info here need to watch this twice. Question. What kind of battery life are we talking about using this watch with always on display with say 60 mins a day GPS and music? I feel a lot of people (myself included) aren't running 3 hours a day, 👀 many of us love the Fenix line and enjoy music with out workouts. Think it would last a week?
Thanks! With always on display and occasional GPS use you can expect 4-5 days depending on activity duration and backlight brightness.
I am thinking about going back to Garmin from coros! I really miss their app and having all your runs and data organized so nicely!!
The ecosystem is certainly very nice! So many good options these days!
You should trt polar
They are the best in ecosystem
Thanks to u and your reviews I ordered from playbetter I ended up exchanging 2. watches for the fenix 7 sapphire solar and I couldn’t be happier playbetter is awesome they will do anything to make a customer happy
Great review! The AMOLED display looks great. So comparing the base models, Fenix 7 (non-solar, non-sapphire) vs the Epix 2 (non-sapphire), you're paying +$200 for the AMOLED display (and slightly less battery life). Based on this, I'll probably go the Fenix 7 route.
Yup, it's all about the display on this one. Thanks for watching!
Epix will be my next Garmin.
The long awaited new @Garmin wrist real estate and it appears that they have been listening to their audience. Some really great additions and I think the price tag is aimed at athletes and a few “fashionista’s”. Being a weekend MTB warrior I think I’m going to stick to my 6x until the touch screen devices have proven their durability.
Thanks for sharing!
Vivoactive series has used transflective touch displays for years. They don’t get sapphire lenses, but they still have really good longevity. The place that breaks for me is the hinge, otherwise my VAHR from 2015 would still be wearable.
I ran my first ultra trail with Epic Gen 1, I kinda regretted letting it go despite its quirks. I'm really liking this new Epic Gen 2...I might buy it when the discounts hit. As a training watch, I don't mind the less spectacular battery life so much...for races I'd still go with my Enduro.
I was VERY close to getting the Epix gen 1 but ended up with the Fenix 3 I think. Very cool watch for its time.
This begs the question enduro vs fenix 7x?
@@eriktred the F7X is an all out no holds barred watch, whereas the Enduro kinda lean towards ultra runners specifically. If I was upgrading from low/mid tier watch and budget is not an issue, I'd go for the F7X.
@@KomengDeBatiste but what does the Enduro even have going for it now? It beat Fenix 6X because it had better battery life, specific Ultra runnin apps (this is now included on the Fenix 7 series and probably also Fenix 6), and VO2Max calculation were adjusted for trail/elevation running (also adpoted on Fenix watches now).
But does the Enduro still have superior battery over a Fenix 7X if you have the same amount of sun light, if you use the same amount of GPS connections and exclude mapping and music features on the Fenix watch?
@@Maxwaehrens I think I'll keep the Enduro for races and get the Epix for training once it's more affordable
Great Video, exactly what we needed to know. Especially knowing that the gesture works well, is huge!
Glad you found it helpful!
Great review, thanks. I would welcome your view on which watch epix gen 2 or Garmin Fenix 7x would give best screen clarity when running. My eyesight is not great and I struggle to see data fields at times. Do you think the smaller but brighter epix screen would be better than the larger 7x screen?
Thanks! I think the Epix is easier to read in just about any light condition. Even in bright sunlight its very easy to see. The 7x can be challenging in some situations but it's good in direct sun.
@@ChaseTheSummit thanks for taking the time to reply. Very much appreciated.
Very nice video as always. I have a few questions regarding the new Epix. How does answering a phone call work on the Epix? Do you speak through your phone like with the Fenix 6 or can you make/answer a call via the watch? And regarding WhatsApp messages can you reply with the watch or only preview ?
I think you answerd it all at the end of the video. Im kinda disappointed a little bit. Was hoping for it to have the smartwatch capabilities of the Venu 2Plus and the map benefits of the Fenix. Eh :/ Maybe Garmin comes to the same conclusion in a few years.
There's no mic/speaker on Epix so you need to speak into your phone. It can answer/decline phone calls from the wrist though so if you're wearing headphones or something you can answer the call and speak. When paired to an android phone you can respond to text messages from the watch but not with iPhone. This is an apple limitation and not the fault of garmin.
@@ChaseTheSummit tnx for tze reply
Great quality review as usual, and super fast too! I wasn't expecting such a detailed review considering these watches just launched today. Now I'm even more torn between the Fenix 7 and Epix, but that why I watch reviews before buying.
Thanks! They're both great devices!
For my aging eyes my Fenix 5X is becoming less and less legible. That AMOLED display should make a big difference, so I'm glad to see this come out. The price is very steep though.
Have same aging eye issue - Garmin add configurable font size please!
For sure, I'm hopeful we'll see more AMOLED devices down the road on more affordable options.
Same here but I'm hoping Garmin brings out a 51mm then I'm pulling the trigger.
I'll probably get the Epix if it goes on sale around Father's Day in June. If not I'll just wait it out. Thanks for the awesome review!
Time will tell! thanks for watching!
Hugely excited by the Epix 2 ... It's the watch I was hoping would come out from Garmin. But I'll wait a while as I've only recently got myself a Venu 2...
It's a good one! But so is the Venu 2!
Thank for a great review. How long will it take to fully charge Epix 2 from empty to full?
I'm going to run a series of tests on charge time but it's pretty quick. Ballpark I'd say around an hour to an hour and 20 minutes.
Thanks for the review!
After tons of RUclips videos I decided to go with epix. I am Apple watch user, but battery life just sucks! I was doing multiple days hike a lot in past month and couldn’t track them at all, thats a shame! I was choosing between coros vertix 2, fenix 7s and epix 2. Garmin won in general just because of more sports profiles and more health features like body battery, better sleep tracking. Even battery is really important in hikes, I am not hiking like every day, so decided go with epix and more vivid screen, because after apple watch it might hard to go back to not bright one 🫣
I just hope that 47mm won’t be too big on my wrist! 🤞
Awesome! Hope you enjoy the Epix!
Great two videos about the new Garmins!
Thanks for explain every single detail and make it so easy and fun to watch.
I cannot wait to see them on the shop.
And, for what I’ve seeing in your videos I think I’ll pick up the Epix, let’s see…
You have a new subscriber here in Spain!
Awesome! Enjoy the Epix!
Just got this one yesterday. Garmin hit it out of the park with this one.
This thing looks awesome. I'm wondering if the venu watches are a better choice for most people though? They give you the same screen size and resolution(I think?), speaker, mic and a much lower price. After reviewing both are the two watches pretty similar? Fantastic review too!
For most people the Venu 2 or 2 Plus are certainly a better option. For trail/ultra runners, hikers, outdoorsy people the Epix is a big upgrade.
Quick screen diameter size question vs Fenix 7 solar:
Is the screen diameter on the Fenix 7 solar versions measured from inside the solar strip or does the diameter measurement include the solar strip? In other words is the actual viewable screen size of the 7X less than 1.4″, in practical terms making it more like the 1.3" on the Epix or regular 7? (Trying to decide between the Epix and 7X, want the Epix but value screen size above all - although it seems like they might be the same depending on how they’re measured?)
The 1.4" means 1.4" of viewable screen real estate. The solar ring is outside of the screen.
Looking for an all-around fitness watch. Was looking not to spend big bucks. Would you consider the Epix gen 2 outdated in 2024? Probably will hold onto it for a little while, but would eventually upgrade. Thanks again! Always appreciate your help.
Informative video- thank you. Just now 😂 letting go of my Garmin Forerunner for a Garmin Epix 2 - and found one new for $440. Beats $900 and like my last Garmin I’ll use it 10+ years 👍
Ordered the Epix titanium already, can't wait!
Nice! Hope you like it!
Thanks for the reviews. Very helpful to assist me to purchase my first smart watch. The Garmin range was the clear standout from my research. My main sport is surfing and underwater hockey so was tossing up the Epix G2 or the Instinct Solar Surf models and as this will be my first smart watch I am going to go with a little lower functionality and cost with the Instinct Solar after watching your reviews. Again - many thanks
Underwater Hockey? That's a new one to me! Cool! Glad the reviews were helpful!
Great review. I’ve now decided on the Epix. Is the black titanium bezel scratch proof? I’ve got Fenix 5 & scratched the bezel first time out mountain biking!
Nothing is scratch proof unfortunately. The DLC coating is scratch resistant but if you whack it on something hard enough it will chip.
Great & clear review. thx. What about the time life (durability) of the AMOLED over years? also, can we expect to get the same firmware upgrades (algo) than the fenix 7 serie? Thanks for your comments
The life of these is still to be determined since they're brand new. That said, the technology isn't new and even Apple is using some version of an OLED display. Garmin also has the Venu/Venu 2 series to leverage and those devices have held up well so far with only a few complaints of burn in on the older Venu. I'd expect the Epix to get the same firmware updates as the Fenix 7 likely on the same timeline.
Thanks for watching!
Is it a good watch for golfing too ? the new s70 looks awesome but i want an everyday watch too...which would you suggest ? thx cheers from Canada
Great review on both watches I need help!! If I'm looking to upgrade my instinct solar, do I got fenix 6,7 or epix?
If you prioritize battery life Fenix 6/7. If you would prefer a nicer display Epix. If your wallet doesn't agree with the 7... go 6.
@@ChaseTheSummit perfect thanks
@@ChaseTheSummit would the epix be ok with no charge for a weekend of walking, camping and using the maps?
So I want an epix but is it worth the upgrade for me. Listening to this review I picked up on the tip to turn on gesture on my Garmin 935. I bumped up the backlight. I now have a brighter Garmin that will do for now.
Nice!
Garmin 955 for me (whenever that is)! Cheaper and Ligher with most of the running features I will need
The wait begins!
@@ChaseTheSummit Any idea of a release date for the garmin 955 ?
Great video - as always. Quick question. Hypothetically if you have both Fenix 7 for a long exercises and Epix 2 as a daily driver and for short runs would they synchronise in any meaningful way, or would each of them have different Performance Status?
Yes, Garmin uses something called "True-up" that syncs all of your devices. You'll even see your most recent activities across multiple devices.
Thanks for the review, love my Garmin 6X Pro. I was looking on the Garmin site and see the EPIX is only offered in 47mm. Is there any chance that a larger 51mm may come out? I do like the bigger size. Thanks
I don't think there's any plans for that yet but you never know what could come in the future.
Did anyone else experience this? I signed into my Garmin account and added the Epix to the cart for $999 and a $200 discount was automatically applied bringing it down to $799. No idea where the discount came from and had not ordered anything directly from Garmin in several years.
Maybe the 20% discount if you're a student....
@@jenscromheecke5196 I am not a student.
@@kentvw6940 that's weird. Would love a random €200 discount from garmin. Enjoy your epix 2!
Are you a blue cross blue shield subscriber? There are discounts for BCBS that you may have applied in the past that "stuck" to your account. In either case... grab it!
@@ChaseTheSummit I figured it out. My employer partners with a third party to earn award points that can be cashed towards a variety of different vendors….one of them Garmin for 2021. Looks like I cashed them in 2021 when thinking about a Fenix 6 but never used. It was still on my Garmin account. Funny thing is for 2022 Garmin is no longer an option for awards and previous discount had an expiration of 1/31/2022. Just lucky timing.
I'm going for the Fenix 7 and the torch is the deciding factor for me. Most practical addition for a watch I have ever seen.
It's super useful! I've been using mine multiple times a day for various things.
This one looks like a winner. I’m curious how the final distances measured by Epix/Fenix 7 compare with the Fenix 6, given they use a new GPS chipset now. I know the tracks look way cleaner but the overall distances could very much be in the same ballpark or not :)
Looking at my runs I ran a 5K with three watches - Epix (multi-band), Fenix 7 (gps only), and Fenix 6 (gps+glonass) . Epix recorded 3.29 miles, Fenix 7: 3.31, and Fenix 6: 3.35 miles. They're all in the same ballpark but analyzing them side by side you can see clear areas where the epix was just a TOUCH more accurate and even the fenix 7 looks a bit better in standard GPs mode compared to the 6. I'll have a deep dive on GPS accuracy comparing the 7, Epix, and 6 coming on the channel soon. Stay tuned!
@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks a lot for your reply. Can’t wait to see it.
Awesome review and comparison man. Great job
Thanks Hunter!
Would you wear epix 24/7 or the S model still takes the crown due to the size and weight?
That's kind of a personal choice. I will say that once you see the display on the epix in person it kind of ruins the display on the Fenix 7 lol.
Thank you for this video! Oh my god, I can't decide between the 7/7X and the Epix! this is just too hard! I'm still using the Fenix 5 Plus, so any upgrade will be a huge one for me. I originally wanted to go with the 7/7X, but after seeing the Epix's screen (only in videos, for now)... how can I not take it? navigating with it looks amazing. I'm an ultra-runner, doing max 10-12 hours races, so I think I can manage with the battery life, but I don't want to charge it even other day, and I also know that these batteries decrease in capacity as time goes by. My Fenix 5 Plus battery is definitely not what it used to be (it's 4 years old). This is so hard to decide. Why did they have to release this Epix?! :)
It’s certainly not an easy decision. All I’ll say is that once you see the display of the Epix… It’s hard to look at the Fenix lol.
Great video, thanks. What is the tickness in mm vs the Venu 2 Plus? And how do they compare for weight?
Epix is about 2mm thicker and 20 grams heavier in the titanium version.
Great review, can you confirm that 1)we can display 8 data fields in all kind of Sport activities including graphical fields; 2)Navigation: at a given identical zoom level, do we see the same 'surface details' as on a 6X or 7X display (1.4 inch), thanks to the higher resolution ; 3) what is the autonomy with All GPS(without multiband) + Music ? THANKS
Yes 8 data fields are supported due to the higher resolution display. The resolution on the epix is higher so there are more fine details in the map when using navigation. All GPS basically selects the "best option" without any user input. It works seamlessly.
@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks; For question 2) can we say that we see more details at same zoom level on Epix as on a 7X ? For Q3) do you know the autonomy with Music On and All GPS selected?
Based on your usage, do you feel like the new Epix would last for a 3 day overnight camping trip if you turn off gps and tracking at campsites and overnight?
If you're not using GPS you should get at least 6+ days with the watch even with always on display enabled.
@@ChaseTheSummit sorry to be more specific, if I'm tracking GPS during the day with hiking and then have gps off at night
@@TheAbedtraboulsi Yes
Really torn between the Epix and Venu 2 plus. I surf a lot. I'm in the water a lot. I also want a masculine watch. You think the Venu 2 plus could cover those bases? 600 bucks cheaper too with voice/mic.
They'd both do the trick I think. The Venu 2 Plus is a fantastic watch for the price.
I upgraded to the Fenix 6 Sapphire .I'm good for a few years. I just see with the touch screen after a few scratches. It may not be responsive..
6 Sapphire is still an awesome watch!
Great video! I’ve been using an Instinct Solar Tactical for almost a year now. Probably going to get the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar. Also looking forward to a future version of the Tactix for military use.
Nice! I think you'll enjoy it!
Agree with you on the final take. Only reason I’m upgrading from my Fenix 6 is for LTE capabilities. If I can’t call an Uber when I pull my calf 5 miles from home, what’s the point ? 😂
lol that's a great use case. It would be cool to see a connect IQ uber app some day that works over LTE! How cool would that be?
@@ChaseTheSummit that and Audible and I'm a happy camper.
I recently got the Fenix 6 because its so cheap as the Fenix 7 was approaching, and I am glad I did because I simply wouldn't be willing to shell out the "new release" price of the new models. With that being said, the Epix Gen 2 is exactly what I would describe as the "perfect" watch for me. A hardcore sport watch with a nice looking amoled, which also has good battery life is just perfect.
New prices are certainly hard to swallow! The 6 is still awesome.
I just got the 6x pro solar for a crazy deal and I'm in the same boat as you are. Heck maybe I'll go super cheap on other needless things and have an Epix and a Fenix and rotate between the two. Seems a little ridiculous but cool at the same time lol
@@Seahawks1976 In that case I'd probably just try to flip the 6 solar and exclusively use the Epix 2. Based on what I've seen thus far, the Epix 2 is simply an upgrade in all regards, seeing as there is little to no trade off in battery life, more features, a way better screen, touch screen, and all the buttons are still there on the Epix 2.
With that being said, the reasonable thing to do is probably to just hold on to the 6 solar and be happy with what you've got - an amazing watch catering to your every need. A pretty amoled probably gets old after a few weeks :D
Oh and I should add that the Epix 2 I guess would be a downgrade in one aspect - no solar.
I got the 935 as an upgrade from the 235 and I am mojo impressed with it. It meets every need for me. I think a lot of these watches are incremental feature improvements but at the end of the day do you "need" them. I can't justify the expense for gadgets even though some of them are nice. Boasting features that are "nice" does not warrant an upgrade in my book.
Is the GPS significantly better when comparing the Epix standard GPS only mode to the Felix 6 GPS only mode? Just curious for performance in longer races. Love the channel!
Yes, it's a huge upgrade. I'll have a deep dive on this soon.,
Are these a remarkable improvement on the S6 Pro in terms of HRM accuracy, customisable HR zones and warnings, and sleep tracking?
HRM accuracy seems better but I'll continue testing and follow up with a deep dive on it.
Hello Dave, hope you’re doing fine ❤️. After three weeks with the watches, what would you personally choose: The Epix or the Fenix 7?
It's a tough call. Most days I've been wearing the Epix because the screen is a joy to use. But the 7x is also a nice watch and I'd probably reach for that for an ultramarathon or event.
@@ChaseTheSummit I’m sending my Epix Titan back, i’ll go with the 7 Titan Solar. If i want a really good screen i go the AW7, for Sport i prefer a functional Watch. The Epix is great but always on display really hurts the battery. With pulse Ox at night i only got 4 days of battery life with AOD.
I had a Fenix 6 and now I am going with the Epix 2.
Awesome!
I was set for the solar 7x but then amoled seems efficient for screen clarity [which I need in "pool swimming" 50,000 km plus/wk (full time) - I'm not into cycling and running] - the latter got me hooked 🐬
The display is VERY nice.
hello, greetings from patagonia argentina. I really like your channel and it helped me a lot last year when I bought my fenix 6. My question is how do you reflect the GPS route on Google Earth or what app do you use? Cheers!
Thanks! I use software called Quantified but DC Rainmaker also has a great tool available on his website.
Great review as always! I'm honestly excited about this watch because it will make the Fenix 6 cheaper lol. Still rocking my Fenix 5spro and its still very good but battery life has degraded over time
The Fenix 6 is a great value right now!
You can just buy a new battery and change it .
@@gepardtilly yes, but even then the 5Spro doesn't have great battery life. If you go on a long run (10k+) and listen to music at the same time you'll decimate the battery.
Thanks for another fantastic review. I changed from the Fenix 6 to the Fenix 6s when you suggested that the heart rate readings could improve because my wrist was too small; that was the best advice I have ever received !! The smaller 6s is spot on with the HR and I dumped the chest strap. Being there the Epix2 is the same size as my old Fenix 6 That's the only thing keeping me from buying it, because everything else is perfect for me.
Do you think the new HR sensor would not be impacted by the size of the watch/wrist?
Thanks in advance.
The new sensor is a big upgrade but it's still susceptible to the size and fit of the watch. I don't think it's as big of an issue on the Fenix 7 and Epix though.
Great piece of review. Thanks to your work I decided to switch to Garmin ecosystem and now again thanks to you considering buying Epix 2. After hard negotiations with my wife I guess ;) keep on doing great work brah! 👊
lol, the negotiations are tough! I like to remind my wife that I buy them "for my health" what better investment could someone make?
@@ChaseTheSummit I am still wondering how to start conversation as I bought Venu 3 months ago 🤣🤣🤣 all hints highly appreciated. I still have time as from what I see shipments in EU will start in 2-3 weeks.
UPDATE: wife said “Yeaaaah ok fine… but sell Venu first, ok?” Wondering how much I need to lower the price on marketplace to have it sold ASAP 🤔
Hello from Germany. Great video like always. I’ll buy a Epix, it seems really good. But i saw the data fieds for sport are black. Is it possible to switch to white like on the other Garmins?
Due to the AMOLED display the Epix must have a black background and white text to preserve battery life. On AMOLED Black = Off and White = Full power. Think of each pixel as a lightbulb. An all white screen takes way more power than an all black screen. This is why you'll notice even on OLED phones that their user interface is primarily black. Garmin has left the "background color" option out of the settings of activities and watchfaces for this very reason.
@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks. Makes sense. I’ll stick with the Epix.
I’m digging this watch and I’d definitely consider this watch over the fenix because I don’t need the solar and I think it’s fairly gimmicky. Since you can’t get the fenix in just sapphire I’d say the epix is the better choice. Was hoping for a speaker like the venu 2 plus because it would be nice to use Siri from the watch to respond to a text.
I felt the same way. It would have been cool to see the speaker/mic on board.
Hello, great Review! No Mic and speaker?
We'll just have to wait for Epix 2 Plus :)
Not in this version.
Epic is my choice because of the AMOLED display. Great review. I love the details you add, like how many songs you can fit on the Epic. Haven't heard that in any other reviews of this watch. David in Munich.
Nice! Thanks!
Amoled screen is wow, but battery life is a serious drawback. Even for a daily runner like me, I got a coros watch, what I like most is to losing and searching the charging cable everytime I need it (once every 15-20 days). Another drawback is the gps accuracy, from your brief reference I realize looking closely to your route that the epix zigzagged a lot. So, yes I do like the amoled screen, that's why I got a smartwatch to satisfy my likings (huawei gt2e, until I buy a newer version), but for my training sessions, I stay loyal to the long battery and gps accurate traditional sport watches.
For an AMOLED the battery life is quite impressive but it's certainly a big shift if you're used to something like a COROS Vertix 2./
Thanks for the review! Now i also come with some questions:
My wife gifted me the Fenix 7x Pro Solar with the titanium strap and for me it's a huge update on my 6 year old Fenix 3 Sapphire HR. But i have some fears that the 1200 EUR price tag is a bit too much. I am still a sport person with regular ski, bike, surf and hike activities. But my knees are feeling the workload of my previous sports and i can't keep it up. For example, my yearly number of km dropped from 3500km in 2016 to around 800 in 2020 and 500 in 2021.. Should i keep the watch? Or change it fo a EPIX or an Apple watch? thanks
That's really up to you. There's a lot of folks out there who wear Fenix/Epix and barely train or exercise just because they like the look. Given that you're still active the Epix might be good motivation for you. This is entirely up to you unfortunately. I don't know your situation. All I can say is that both the Apple Watch and Epix are pretty great. Good luck!
Which are you wearing most frequently now? TY. I'm in the edge of buying the Epix 2 or Fenix 7.
I’ve been dallying the Epix for the most part but they’re all so good it’s really hard to choose. The Fenix still has a great classic look with long battery life. The epix has that fancy OLED display.
Thank you... I'm torn. My longest hike are 2-3 days, so the Epix battery should cover me. 6-8 hours of GPS use per day... love your videos, TY
great review. thanks, it has been hard to choose. I've logged close to 200 activities a year starting with the Fenix 5, now with Fenix 6x pro. always disliked the display on both. However, both have been flawless in terms of glitches. as I'm getting older I do not expect to participate in extreme endurance activities. yet, I have been back and forth, actually ordered both watches, the 7sapphire 51 mm. and the epix gen 2. after hard deliberation, I have cancelled the 7. it came down to me admitting what I will be using this epix 2 for. that is 200-250 actives a. year from cycling to MTB and CrossFit/gym stuff. and I have been using the apple watch 7 as well. battery is pain in the A#$ to maintain. thanks for helping me choose which is right for me. J
,
I think a lot of people are in your situation and have opted for the Epix. I gotta be honest. I have both and I've had a hard time taking the Epix off my wrist. The display is wonderful.
How did you deal with the lack off LTE switching from Apple Watch to the EPIX? I am considering to do the same switch as the battery life of the Apple Watch is driving me nuts, but the lack of LTE on the EPIX feels like I am taking two steps back...
@@OJ-xu8ik I only miss the Apple Watch when I forget my phone. actually I keep the Apple Watch in my car, just in case. I find I didn’t use the Apple to have conversations , and the garmin still gives me notifications as long as the phone is connected. I don’t miss the apple, but keep it handy. Also, I didn’t like using the Apple Watch for my activities. It’s a little limited. The metrics are okay. My only complaint with the garmin and the inly reason I got the Apple Watch was because of the display. Long winded, I know. The apple is also small. The 47 mm garmin fits me perfectly, the 51 looks big on me. I’ll keep my 6xpro, and apple as back ups
@ChasetheSummit do you have any intuition if there might be any Fenix7 Pro solar version?
The Fenix 7 Solar is a pro solar. It has mapping and music. They just dropped "pro" from the title.
@@ChaseTheSummit Thank you for the information
In regular gps mode how is the 7 & Epix when compared to the FR945 LTE? I take it's using newer gps hardware than the LTE or is it the same(at least in the models without the dual band gps)? Epix 2 is almost what I want out of a Garmin watch but that price is up there. Plus, I prefer the size of my 945 LTE & the Fenix 6S/7S.
Very similar, they're all quite accurate even in the regular GPS mode. I'll have follow up videos diving deeper on the mutli-band GPS settings and accuracy.
Garmin epix 2 vs coros vertix 2 vs the polar grit x pro. Which would you recommend if money isn’t an issue?
I think the Fenix 7 is more comparable to the Vertix 2 and Polar Grit X Pro. That said, if money wasn't an issue I don't see any reason not to get an Epix or Fenix 7 unless you want absolutely the longest standby battery life with the Vertix 2.
I’ve been a fenix owner for years, from the 2,3,5,6x but I’m so going with the new Epix2! I just put in my order :-)
Awesome! Hope you like it!
Great tech review as usual. You make it very helpful if you are in the market for a watch. I have the Fenix 6 solar and love it. I do wish the solar was better, but I live in MN, so... Battery life and no touch screen are most important for me. Touch screens always seem to have accidental touches when working and sweating.
The touch function is actually really good on these new garmins. They have great rejection of unintentional swipes from water drops or other things. You can also disable the touch screen entirely with a few taps. Thanks for watching!
Amazing watch and great review! Time to ditch my Suunto 9 Baro and get a real watch; regretted changing my Fenix 3 sooooooo much and have to go back to iconic Garmin.
Thanks! The Epix is awesome!
Thanks for the review, order placed. My only concern is how easy it will be to replace the battery in a few years...
Nice! Battery replacement isn't something typically offers anymore. Instead they'll likely offer a heavy discount on a new device or trade in. That said, you can expect at least 5 years of battery life from a new Garmin.
I like your reviews, very informative, thanks :)
Garmin should have put all the features on the EPIX on the Fenix 7, such a shame !! Great vid as always.
They're essentially the same watch. The only difference right now is the display. I like that they didn't put OLED on everything because the transflective displays still have their benefits including battery life and readability in direct sunlight.
@@ChaseTheSummit We don't have sun here in the UK mate ha !!
Looks like a solid upgrade on the Fenix 6. Better display, touch screen, GPS and HR sensor. When you say reduced battery life, are you comparing it to the Fenix 6 or 7? If you don't have the screen always on, it looks to be very similar to the 6 on paper. Great review! Thanks!
It's similar to the Fenix 6 in "gesture mode". The battery life is a lot more variable than the older transflective watches though because it depends entirely on how often you "wake up" the watch where as the older watches have a very static display and consistent battery life numbers. I think the Epix is a great watch but 16 days on a charge is going to be a stretch for most people.
I’m still rolling with my Fenix 3 Titanium w/Sapphire screen. What it doesn’t have is a built in HRM. This watch or Fenix 7? Amazing I didn’t know that this watch existed until your review. It was just a few days ago that I decided that I was going to get the Fenix 7 . The world was such a calmer place. 😎
Did Fenix 3 come in titanium? I recall that it had Sapphire as the only option. Very cool! Great watch for its time. The Fenix 7 would clearly be an upgrade but it's up to you if it's worth the money or if your Fenix 3 is still suiting your needs!
It's either battery longevity or screen brightness thanks for your reviews I'm still undecided epix or fenix 7x?? Never had garmin before this will be my first experience
Yep! tough call!
Same boat... Leaning towards the epix. Better everyday watch.. Not a ultra maraton runner. If im in the woods for longer period i just get a small powerbank...
But still not sure
Thanks for the great review. Personally prefer the Fenix 6X or 7X for battery life and better size (for me).
Thanks for sharing!
@@ChaseTheSummit For the algorithm. ;-)
The Epix Gen 2 looks like the best watch that Garmin has made, and envy anyone that gets it. However I just can’t justify the price of getting one. The Venu 2 Plus that I got since January 8th has been doing excellent. I feel like I’ve been getting more bang for my buck getting all the original features of the Venu 2, along with the call and voice recognition feature that the Plus now has. If Garmin plans to update the Epix Gen 2 or Epix Gen 3 and it gets the best parts of both the Fenix 7 such as the flashlight, the call and voice assistant of the Venu 2 Plus, and possibly have LTE available, Garmin would have the most definitive sports watch!
The price is certainly a tough pill to swallow but it's easily the the most feature rich device from Garmin currently!
Very helpful. Thank you for making this video.