Garmin Fenix 7 vs Epix Pro
Discussion
I'm not a watch person normally but bought myself a Forerunner 45 during lockdown to track my runs and daily walks / steps (nothing major 5k kinda distance). Found it pretty handy and have ended up wearing it all day. The main thing that annoys me is the battery life - literally tracking 2 daily 5k walks and it needs a charge. So clearly I need something bigger for better battery life. I've ended up looking at the newer Epix Pro and Fenix 7 but I am getting lost with all the variations and sizes. I thought solar charging would be good to top up the battery which rules out the Epix - but how much battery life in the real world does the solar charging add?
The Epix has a much nice screen but presumably that eats into battery life the more you use it? I am not worried about gimmicks like flashlights.
I thought sapphire glass was a novelty but reading various reviews & forum posts a lot of people say its a must. I am not a power user and look after my gear but equally I like it to stay nice and tidy. The 45 I have is 2yrs old and lots of little scratches on the screen even though I've not (to my knowledge) knocked it on anything substantial).
Size wise I have seen a friends Fenix 6x and it was chunky so I would probably go for the standard size even if the X has a lot more battery life.
Whichever I buy will be something on a substantial discount over RRP so that may ultimately dictate my choice but I would at least like to know the must have options from myriad available.
Thanks in advance.
The Epix has a much nice screen but presumably that eats into battery life the more you use it? I am not worried about gimmicks like flashlights.
I thought sapphire glass was a novelty but reading various reviews & forum posts a lot of people say its a must. I am not a power user and look after my gear but equally I like it to stay nice and tidy. The 45 I have is 2yrs old and lots of little scratches on the screen even though I've not (to my knowledge) knocked it on anything substantial).
Size wise I have seen a friends Fenix 6x and it was chunky so I would probably go for the standard size even if the X has a lot more battery life.
Whichever I buy will be something on a substantial discount over RRP so that may ultimately dictate my choice but I would at least like to know the must have options from myriad available.
Thanks in advance.
Solar charging is a bit of a misnomer, it doesn't really charge it - more slows down the rate of discharge.
As ever the DC rainmaker blog / site / YouTube is the place to go for reviews more detailed than you will ever need.
I have an Epix pro 51 - the battery just lasts, like a week / 10 days, obviously depends on how much you use it. I had a non pro Epix before this one, the battery was still perfectly acceptable. (the smaller case sizes have smaller batteries - the 51mm for longest life)
Personally I'd always go Epix over Fenix as the oled screen is just so much nicer then the MIP.
As ever the DC rainmaker blog / site / YouTube is the place to go for reviews more detailed than you will ever need.
I have an Epix pro 51 - the battery just lasts, like a week / 10 days, obviously depends on how much you use it. I had a non pro Epix before this one, the battery was still perfectly acceptable. (the smaller case sizes have smaller batteries - the 51mm for longest life)
Personally I'd always go Epix over Fenix as the oled screen is just so much nicer then the MIP.
I have a Forerunner 245. I know its the older version and not what you're asking but referring to battery life, mine is outstanding.
I mention it as I know the 40 is a 'cheaper' version which may relate to the battery life. My 245 lasts maybe 4 days, including probably 2, 5 mile+ runs in that - worn daily.
I know the Fenix and Epix are quite a bit more expensive but the 275 (I think thats what we're up to now) may be a good shout?
HTH
I mention it as I know the 40 is a 'cheaper' version which may relate to the battery life. My 245 lasts maybe 4 days, including probably 2, 5 mile+ runs in that - worn daily.
I know the Fenix and Epix are quite a bit more expensive but the 275 (I think thats what we're up to now) may be a good shout?
HTH
esuuv said:
Solar charging is a bit of a misnomer, it doesn't really charge it - more slows down the rate of discharge.
As ever the DC rainmaker blog / site / YouTube is the place to go for reviews more detailed than you will ever need.
I have an Epix pro 51 - the battery just lasts, like a week / 10 days, obviously depends on how much you use it. I had a non pro Epix before this one, the battery was still perfectly acceptable. (the smaller case sizes have smaller batteries - the 51mm for longest life)
Personally I'd always go Epix over Fenix as the oled screen is just so much nicer then the MIP.
Whatever solar means I was interested in real world benefits. No doubt the garmin blurb of between 3-9 days extra life depending on F7 size is ideal conditions. Probably something that no one can quantify and anything will be a massive step up from my 45 so I think for my needs sapphire trumps solar. The battery life increase from regular size up to X is substantial but I think the X is too bulky for my wrist.As ever the DC rainmaker blog / site / YouTube is the place to go for reviews more detailed than you will ever need.
I have an Epix pro 51 - the battery just lasts, like a week / 10 days, obviously depends on how much you use it. I had a non pro Epix before this one, the battery was still perfectly acceptable. (the smaller case sizes have smaller batteries - the 51mm for longest life)
Personally I'd always go Epix over Fenix as the oled screen is just so much nicer then the MIP.
How do you find the epix screen in bright light / sunshine conditions as come across a few comments that say its not as good as F7? I mean as long as I can easily read it when out running in the sun.
I’m still not sure I grasp what the Pro models offer. On the epix you get a choice of sizes vs the Epix 2 one size. Flashlight and more memory for storing maps and music - neither of which I am to fussed about. Anything else that is different?
Abc321 said:
I have a Forerunner 245. I know its the older version and not what you're asking but referring to battery life, mine is outstanding.
I mention it as I know the 40 is a 'cheaper' version which may relate to the battery life. My 245 lasts maybe 4 days, including probably 2, 5 mile+ runs in that - worn daily.
I know the Fenix and Epix are quite a bit more expensive but the 275 (I think thats what we're up to now) may be a good shout?
HTH
Appreciate the reply. As battery life is my main issue I am wanting to go up to something that is going to last a week or so rather than just a couple of says extra over the 45 I have. But will take a look next time I am in a shop.I mention it as I know the 40 is a 'cheaper' version which may relate to the battery life. My 245 lasts maybe 4 days, including probably 2, 5 mile+ runs in that - worn daily.
I know the Fenix and Epix are quite a bit more expensive but the 275 (I think thats what we're up to now) may be a good shout?
HTH
If battery life is your main concern then get a Fenix with Sapphire.
I only ever charge my Tactix Delta because I remember to do it, not because I need to. I use it almost every day for gym/treadmill/running/cycling and it's never run out.
I used it for a 4 day cycling trip last year, over 36 hours GPS tracking time and then a whole day as a sat Nav and it still had 15% charge.
If you can accept the limitations as a smart watch (and it's still a very good one, with Garmin pay and Spotify) then I don't think there's a better option out there when you consider the price they are available at now.
I only ever charge my Tactix Delta because I remember to do it, not because I need to. I use it almost every day for gym/treadmill/running/cycling and it's never run out.
I used it for a 4 day cycling trip last year, over 36 hours GPS tracking time and then a whole day as a sat Nav and it still had 15% charge.
If you can accept the limitations as a smart watch (and it's still a very good one, with Garmin pay and Spotify) then I don't think there's a better option out there when you consider the price they are available at now.
P1Fanatic said:
Abc321 said:
I have a Forerunner 245. I know its the older version and not what you're asking but referring to battery life, mine is outstanding.
I mention it as I know the 40 is a 'cheaper' version which may relate to the battery life. My 245 lasts maybe 4 days, including probably 2, 5 mile+ runs in that - worn daily.
I know the Fenix and Epix are quite a bit more expensive but the 275 (I think thats what we're up to now) may be a good shout?
HTH
Appreciate the reply. As battery life is my main issue I am wanting to go up to something that is going to last a week or so rather than just a couple of says extra over the 45 I have. But will take a look next time I am in a shop.I mention it as I know the 40 is a 'cheaper' version which may relate to the battery life. My 245 lasts maybe 4 days, including probably 2, 5 mile+ runs in that - worn daily.
I know the Fenix and Epix are quite a bit more expensive but the 275 (I think thats what we're up to now) may be a good shout?
HTH
esuuv said:
All the pro models are dual band GPS - previously only on the sapphire models I believe. There really isn't a lot in it - if you want a 47 then an Epix 2 or a Fenix 7 is probably the way to go from a cost point of view.
Epix is fine in sunlight - and way better at night.
Thanks. Yep just read about the dualband gps on pro. Looks like on both epix and fenix pro means titanium bezel and rear cover vs stainless steel on no pro models. I also didnt realise that on fenix if you go sapphire (my pref so far) then its automatically solar whereas the non-pro you can get standard / solar / sapphire solar. The number of variants is mind boggling lol.Epix is fine in sunlight - and way better at night.
Fenix 7 should be compared with Epix 2 ; Fenix 7 Pro with Epix Pro.
Basically the functions are the same, but better screen = 6 days battery life; duller screen = ~ 18 days battery.
Sapphire is nice, but not +£100 nice.
You need to spend some time watching the DC Rainmaker reviews.
New Epix 2 for £375 here https://www.hsamuel.co.uk/garmin-epix-gen-2-black-...
Basically the functions are the same, but better screen = 6 days battery life; duller screen = ~ 18 days battery.
Sapphire is nice, but not +£100 nice.
You need to spend some time watching the DC Rainmaker reviews.
New Epix 2 for £375 here https://www.hsamuel.co.uk/garmin-epix-gen-2-black-...
Further to this thread, I didn't realise there was better battery life than 4-5 days! Obviously I'm used to the Apple way of thinking where 24-36 hours is plenty.
Thinking of upgrading my 245 to the Epix Pro above, I agree the number of variations is daunting.
ETA: Just had 5 minutes on the Garmin website looking at the capabilities, absolutely incredible. And thats for the 'standard' model!
https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/1285545/pn/010-0258...
Thinking of upgrading my 245 to the Epix Pro above, I agree the number of variations is daunting.
ETA: Just had 5 minutes on the Garmin website looking at the capabilities, absolutely incredible. And thats for the 'standard' model!
https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/p/1285545/pn/010-0258...
Edited by Abc321 on Wednesday 17th January 09:54
wong said:
Fenix 7 should be compared with Epix 2 ; Fenix 7 Pro with Epix Pro.
Basically the functions are the same, but better screen = 6 days battery life; duller screen = ~ 18 days battery.
Sapphire is nice, but not +£100 nice.
You need to spend some time watching the DC Rainmaker reviews.
New Epix 2 for £375 here https://www.hsamuel.co.uk/garmin-epix-gen-2-black-...
Yeah saw that and cracking price tbf but sold out by now.Basically the functions are the same, but better screen = 6 days battery life; duller screen = ~ 18 days battery.
Sapphire is nice, but not +£100 nice.
You need to spend some time watching the DC Rainmaker reviews.
New Epix 2 for £375 here https://www.hsamuel.co.uk/garmin-epix-gen-2-black-...
The 'Pro' versions have a LED light which I think will actually be very handy (again, probably +£50 handy, not +£100).
The improved HR monitor - will you actually notice? Reviewers still advise a chest strap if really accurate HR is required.
Improved GPS chip - Real world improvement is the fenix 7/Epix2 will pick up a signal within 2-3 seconds of stepping outside; whereas, the Fenix 6 would sometimes take ~ 10 seconds. I don't know how much better the Pro versions will be.
Titanium - look at second hand titanium versions. They seem to scratch more easily than stainless. But, they are lighter.
The improved HR monitor - will you actually notice? Reviewers still advise a chest strap if really accurate HR is required.
Improved GPS chip - Real world improvement is the fenix 7/Epix2 will pick up a signal within 2-3 seconds of stepping outside; whereas, the Fenix 6 would sometimes take ~ 10 seconds. I don't know how much better the Pro versions will be.
Titanium - look at second hand titanium versions. They seem to scratch more easily than stainless. But, they are lighter.
Edited by wong on Wednesday 17th January 14:27
I resisted the Epix, using 6x pro, which i’ve had a couple of years.
Still getting 7 days battery, with every sensor turned on!
Wear it all of the time, works well for running.
The Epix display does look better, especially the map. But personally I never use map. Only played around with it on the Fenix. But I always have my phone on me on occasion I need a map & the phone is 10x better for that!
Still getting 7 days battery, with every sensor turned on!
Wear it all of the time, works well for running.
The Epix display does look better, especially the map. But personally I never use map. Only played around with it on the Fenix. But I always have my phone on me on occasion I need a map & the phone is 10x better for that!
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