The Fenix 7 Pro is available here: amzn.to/3OzfadV The Epix Gen 2 Pro is also available now: amzn.to/3OALNb5 These are links to to 51mm version of each watch on Amazon. The 51mm replaced the 'X' size of the Fenix 7. There was no 'X' of the Epix Gen 2 before the Pro version came out so this size is new for the Epix. These are affiliate links to Amazon at no additional cost to you.
Wow, is this your first video? You are like a pro already. I have watched a load of Fenix 7x videos and this was really one of if not the best I' ve seen. Keep going, you are a natural.
I bought the 7x Saphire Solar as soon as it was available, upgrading from a 5x. I echo everything you have said. I am in the Apple ecosystem as well, but I just can't fathom having to charge my watch every second day. I can go for 2 weeks and not have to think about it. If the Apple Watch went for a week, then maybe.... I am also in the Garmin ecosystem for bike computer, scale, watch - and have recently exited the Strava paid subscription, so will rely more on Garmin for route planning. One thing I would say is don't underestimate data driven behaviors. If you are trying to get better sleep, build an exercise plan, lose weight, or whatever, the amount of data that is generated and provided when you wear a Fenix 7x 24x7 is super useful. I look at Sleep and Body Battery every morning with the daily wake up screen, and then look to change things up if the night before (including too much exercise) has led to poor recovery.
Thanks for the feedback and the comments. I am currently paying for Strava and Training Peaks, in both cases for specific features that Garmin Connect does not provide, but I need to stay on top of the apps sharing my data with each other to avoid missing something and to avoid duplicated data, although that is much less frequent than 2-3 years ago. I need to drop one of the paying apps.... just not sure which one yet.
Thanks a lot. Really good video. Informative and covered a lot of ground. I upgraded from the Fenix 6 Sapphire to the 7X Sapphire Solar exactly a year ago. As you mentioned, not a quantum leap in term of new tech but a few things are improved. Certainly, the GPS connection is much better - almost instant with the 7X. Can even connect to GPS while still indoors near a window. Awesome. No more moving away from buildings or trees to gain a GPS connection before starting my run. That used to annoy me, especially when raining or cold - I live in Zürich, so that's about half the year! Agreed re the flashlight feature. Seems gimmicky but like you, I use it every single day without fail. I think the next tech upgrades will be an Amoled screen offering like the Epix 2 and maybe an LTE capability. Thanks again and greetings from Switzerland!
Thanks for the feedback! I did not mention it in the video but I completely agree, the GPS connection is very quick compared to any other device. With Garmin launching the Forerunner 965 in the last few days with an AMOLED screen it looks like they are transitioning to that technology and away from LCD, finally! I hope however that if/when they do the same with the Fenix that it continues to look and feel like a Fenix and not like an Epix Gen 2.
very interesting Garmin history, and advice about 7X. Partly because of your review I'm getting the exact same watch. Thank you, Sir! Keep up the great work.
Great video. I’ve had mine for a year now I love it. My biggest hangup is I don’t fully understand how to use it, lol! As far as the flashlight is concerned, I thought it was a total joke, but as you, I use it every day. I am not a runner, but I understand that when you have it in running mode, it flashes white light when your arm is in front of you and a red light to the rear if for running After Dusk. Also, just purchased my first replacement band, which was from Garmin. I struggled all year with needing just one more slot in the wristband to have it fit with a bit of breathing room. I purchased a Garman strap specifically for scuba diving because it’s designed to go over the top of your scuba suit, which means it’s a longer strap. What was awesome was that the shorter strap actually had either one more slot or just a bit longer than what came in the box at original purchase, so that was helpful!
Thanks for the feedback. I do not believe anyone uses most of the features of a Garmin Fenix, so you are not alone. I know I use a fraction of what it can do but what I do use, I get a lot of value from. Glad you liked the video!
Great video. I have a Fenix 7s sapphire solar and love it for my thinner wrists. I went from a Galaxy watch with the OLED display and strangely enough I really like the simpler low power display. There is something minimalistic about them that I have come to like. Although, I might have considered the Epix Gen 2 if they had a slightly smaller size but maybe that is down the road.
Thanks for the feedback. My wife took a look at the Fenix 7 and immediately had me buy her the Epix Gen II - I'll do a comparison video of them soon, she has also had that for almost a year now. Glad you liked the video!
Thanks for the review. I have the Garmin Enduro 2 and I love it. I only take it off to shower and use the flashlight often. Garmin is setting the standard by which I'll judge other watches. I'll not be with a sub 1 month battery again if I have the choice. I did opt for the sapphire screen as I work in the trades and made the compromise for a bit more protection. There is more reflection and blur but I don't feel it substantially inhibiting my use of the device. However I completely understand why you made your choice seeing such bright crisp display in your video compared to what I see on my wrist. ... thanks again.
Well informed video, I also have the 7x and you nailed all the gimmicks which become used on a daily basis. I also bought an AW ultra a few months ago for smaller adventures but just did not hit the mark, may be selling AW ultra as keep going back to 7x
Thanks for the feedback. That flashlight addition for the 7x was a killer idea by Garmin. I hope they keep it for future upgrades of the Fenix series, I would now be lost without it 😂
Great video Julian. Echo the same views. 3 weeks ago I upgraded to Fenix 7x from the 5x after 5 years. After my original 5x strap broke in the first year, exactly how yours did, I got a set of aftermarket straps, still have all 6 and they fit the 7x. Certainly don't need to buy em from Garmin. Can't tell the difference and I do think they are more durable than the original.
Good choice. A number of features that Garmin offer across their overly complex range of products are the same or very similar to each other. There is just enough differentiation to drive us as consumers towards one model or another either in features or the design. The Forerunner 245 is a great watch, if it has what you need then all good 👍👍
Getting a lot of questions about the rumored Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro (Gen 2). The specs seem to be settling down now as follows: Fenix 7 Pro - 3 sizes as before and two versions - Solar and Solar Sapphire. Improved HR sensor. Epix Pro (Gen 2) - maybe they drop the Gen 2 at this time. 3 sizes and improved HR sensor. The size options is new for the Epix. One of the reasons I chose the Fenix was the 'X' sized format. More news as it comes....these are rumors right now but looks like a release is imminent
Very well made video. Since you've put so much emphasis on the straps, I'd suggest trying some nylon ones like Yooside for example. I'm not going back to silicone, they are so light and stretchy, feel like a cuff of a nice shirt on your wrist, and there's no buckle (which actually makes a big difference when typing on a keyboard for example). The disadvantage are that they hold water and I wouldn't wear it while swimming (it's not as secure), but still I just love them. Also the heart rate is slightly more accurate I feel because you can fine tune the fit and the watch bounces less.
I purchased a Garmin Quickfit Nylon 26mm strap for my 7x Solar Saphire. Way better than the original silicone one it came with. I've had 3rd party bands in the past with a Fenix 5x, and whilst cost effective, wear out more quickly.
Thanks for your comment, that Nylon strap looks good. Question on the 3rd party bands - how did you find they wear out - was it color fastness or did the quick fit attachments give out, or something else?
@@ThisIsJulianC The 3rd party nylon bands look a year old after about two months. General robustness just doesn't seem to be there. Although, I only tried two from Amazon (less than $20 each delivered), so my sample size isn't that great. Both my original Garmin silicon bands also wore a bit, but over a longer timeframe. I've had friends note their "holes" in the band can break. Looking at the Garmin Nylon one I have, it is super robust. Unlikely to break anytime soon. It's a bit stiff when you first get it, but over time it loosens up.
I can't believe it wasn't that long ago that we were wearing premium activity watches that didn't have heart rate sensors. I love my Fenix 7x SS, especially since it pairs up with my new Edge 1040 Solar to track my heartrate during my rides. I can only imagine the tech we'll have in another 10 years.
Agree. It was only 6-7 years ago that my running watch stopped being the watch I wore and used only during a run, to an everyday wear smart watch. And the connectivity between the sensors and watches still amazes me. How do you like the 1040 Solar, did you get the new firmware update in the last week or so, if so what do you think?
I only bought my Edge 1040 Solar the other day and have only used it the past two days. It seems really responsive compared to my old 1030, and I really like the upcoming climb graphs that show me the suffering I'm about to endure during navigation. It's ability to find bike paths in an unknown city easily trumps my old unit making this a justified buy right away. The few things I don't like are all related to the new UI. I just haven't figured how to use everything just yet as efficiently as my old Edge, but I'm sure that'll come with experience. Personally though, I value my Fenix much more than the Edge though just because of the Fenix's 24hr usefulness. My 1040 firmware bumped up from 12.16 to 17.26 before my first ride, so I have no context of improvement.
I got a garmin enduro 2 & Apple Watch ultra. Fitness watch & smart watch anyway I like battery, runs, activities that my garmin does it’s built like a tank oh yea the auto activity tracking is really nice. Now why I got the AWU well I don’t like carrying my iPhone so it. Cones in handy while on the go plus finally Apple made a watch that can last 3 days lol compared to garmin 27 days haha better than nothing I guess haha Yh wearing 2 watches left hand garmin right hand Apple Watch 😅yea you get use to it P.s. if I don’t my watches I feel naked without them Anyway that’s my daily routine Great video really enjoying well informative 👍👏
You are probably the only guy who looks at Unproductive or Detraining as a motivator 😅 A lot of people hate that about Garmin products as it tells you what you need to hear (if you are training like an athlete, which is of course, not everyone), not what you want to hear like most products on the market.
😂 I missed a run today and my Fenix shows that I am now ‘Maintaining’ which is only one step away from “Unproductive’…… so I know I cannot miss tomorrows run….
Yep, sadly, many products on the market now do just that- tell people what they want to hear. (Which many times is NOT the truth.) :) I prefer getting honest feedback. I lost 20 pounds last year and I honestly feel it is partly due to my Fenix 7 being a good motivator.
Great video and a great insight. I'm also an avid Apple user and currently sporting an AW Series 6. Got my first marathon in October and looking to get either a Fenix 7 or a FR 955. Cheers!
Thanks for the feedback. Garmin just launched the FR 965 which is very similar to the FR 955 but with an AMOLED screen, it looks very similar to the technology of the screen on the Epix gen 2. If you are looking at the Forerunner series from Garmin I recommend you check out the 965 now. Wish you success with your marathon… marathon can become very addictive!
Hey just letting you know that if you turn the always on display off on the Apple Watch it will easily last 6- even 8 hours of GPS tracking for your marathon. No real need to get a different watch unless you want to or are running ultras
@@JB-hq9yj Had AOD turned off for a while now, since I use it for sleep tracking as well and got bored of charging it even twice a day sometimes. That’s the main reason why I’m currently looking at the Garmins - battery life and basically, not having to charge as often.
I am using Phoenix 7 with Garmin HRM Pro Plus as there are other features that don't work without chest strap and apparently Phoenix 7 is not the most accurate for heart rate. I think the strap provides much better data.
A recent firmware update to the Fenix and some other Garmin watches brought native running power to the Fenix 7 without the need for a chest strap or RD pod. I use running power so that was a good update for me. There are many other metrics that Garmin groups under Running Dynamics that still require one of their latest heart straps to work. I do not use those metrics so it is not so critical for me. You are correct that there is more data you can get from using a chest strap and for sure the heart rate accuracy will always be better with a chest strap. I am balancing that accuracy with convenience of not using a chest strap. If you use the Garmin run test on the Fenix 7 you do need a chest strap for that to work. I use a Wahoo TickrX on those days, probably once every 6-8 weeks. Hope this is useful
Very good video. I have a Fenix 6 pro en thinking to upgrade to a fenix 7 pro. Just dont know to gen the 47mm or the 51. I have 18cm wrists. Do you have an opinion on it?
No question that the screen of the Epix Gen 2 will visually look better than the Fenix 7, sapphire or non sapphire, I opted for the battery life and clarity of display in my case, which is why I ignored the Sapphire version. I have released another video (shameless plug here!) comparing the Epix Gen 2 with the Fenix 7x. Thanks for your feedback, glad you like the Epix!
Has the body battery or any other metric helped you improve some habits? And does the watch help with that at all? So are you able to figure out why a particular metric is low and avoid that in the future?
Body battery and sleep data have improved my awareness of my sleep patterns, so yes the watch has helped with that when it comes to better sleep habits. The status on my screen (back to productive today woohoo) is a motivator and ensures I do not miss a work out easily.
@@ThisIsJulianC apologies. I meant did you find out or manage to create battery modes that will make the watch last longer in specific sport modes or use cases?
I haven’t needed to do that. I use the workout modes for between 1-3 hours almost every day, and use the flashlight every night. I have the display backlight on 60%. I am charging the 7X every 10-14 days and usually it is still at 30% or so battery remaining. I have never seen any ‘low battery’ warning. So honestly, I haven’t put any attention towards battery saving settings. The battery life of the 7X is insane / ridiculously good so it hasn’t seemed to be necessary.
Do you mean dropping as in lower heart rate (normal at night when sleeping), or dropping out with no signal at all? I havent had that issue, I wear mine loose on my wrist except when working out, then I tighten it up. The HR sensor is much less accurate when I am wearing it loose but I am only really paying attention to it when working out, or when looking at average resting heart rate, which is an average over a period of days.
Hello Julian, Great video. Liked and subscribed. Why did not you consider EPIX Gen 2? Was that because it wasn’t available or was it because of the price/cost and value that cost would bring compared to Fenix? Thanks a ton :)
Thanks for your feedback. I did look at the Epix gen 2, so much so that I bought one for my wife. It is an excellent watch and the display is outstanding. The functionality of the two is very similar, for me the choice came down to how it looked on my wrist. The Fenix 7x looks like it means business… on my wrist the Epix gen 2 just didn’t cut it. On my wife’s wrist however it looks awesome with the white strap she has. If you get the chance try them both on your wrist at REI or somewhere else that stocks them both. Hope this helps 👍
I do not know if it is the same or different to other silicone straps such as the Garmin ones. I have worn aftermarket straps on Garmin watches for some time now, not experienced any issues with them so far
I've own Apple Watch for over 5 years, Series 2, 3 and now I am using the 5. I am thinking in getting a Garmin Fenix 7 sapphire solar (or Garmin Fenix 7s sapphire solar) or the Forerunner 955 solar. I am a scientist doing lab work, teaching attending meetings and I am aso a runner, cyclist and I want to go back to do High altitude mountain and rock climbing... the whole reason I am running and cycling is to have physical capacity to do it in the near future... but such date is always moving 2-3 months because of work. My question is: is the weight of the Fenix 7or 7s would be a problem for the accuracy of the Heart sensor? 2) is the mapping experience with the FR 955 that bad compared to Fenix 7? it is worth such difference between G Fexix 7 Saphire solar and FR 955?
Thanks for the feedback. The 7x solar is noticeably heavier than the Garmin Forerunner watches I have had previously. That might be the metal bezel and the metal backplate. It is also more bulky than the Forerunner 935 I upgraded from. Both of those factors mean that I do need to make sure the Fenix is tight on my wrist when working out, otherwise the HR sensor registers a heart rate that is too low. So long as I tighten it then it works well. Optical wrist based HR monitors are not as accurate as a chest strap, however as a keen and regular triathlon age grouper I believe the accuracy is good enough for me so long as it is consistent. Plus it is way more convenient that a chest strap. I have not used the mapping function. I use my phone for that, the screen of a watch for me is too small for serious map use. I got the Fenix 7x solar, I did not get the sapphire glass. It was $100 more and the sapphire glass means that the display is little less clear than the non sapphire version. Hope this helps and wish you success with the mountaineering
@@os2171 You might be interested in the newly released Forerunner 965! Lighter than the Fenix 7s and better maps, HR sensor, screen and other stuff versus the 955.
This is how I lost one 935. During the swim on a Half Ironman I have received repeated blows over my hand from other participants until the strap unlocked and the watch went between my fingers to the bottom of the mountain lake Vidraru. Be extra careful with those straps.
Ouch - sorry to hear that - does that mean you had to do the rest of the 70.3 without any HR or time/distance data? This is one of my fears and the reason why, even though I love the range and price of 3rd party straps, when it comes to an IM race I have always switched back to the original Garmin strap for the day ... just in case...
For the bike and run I used my bike computer 520. The run leg looks really awful. Anyway, I switched to Coros Pace 2 and couldn't be more happy. A very accurate watch that I don't even feel being on my wrist.
Gosh no - the lifespan is much longer than that. Lifespan is different than the time when someone might just want to upgrade it. A Garmin watch is not going to slow down and become obsolete over time and is well built so they will last. My Garmin FR920 still works just as well as when it was new and it is 8+ years old now. It doesn’t have optical HR which is why I replaced it. You would only upgrade them because either (a) you want the latest tech (battery life, display, features) or (b) you just used it hard and damaged it.
I have a tactix 7 pro ballistic edition. Your choice is good at fenix because I was confused between them except for the design that attracted me to tactix. Good luck
Thanks for the feedback. The Fenix design convinced me to move from the Forerunner range to the Fenix range, so I can see why you are also choosing the Tactix due to its design. I believe that the Garmin range is too busy today with way too many models available, however it appears to be a successful strategy.
Do you have a tip for altimeter on fenix7x. Somehow my watch is completely screwed and when ever i start a walk or a run it goes up to 80 meters in the first 100meters of activity and then just slowly goes back down to 0 all the way up to the end of my run or walk, i run and walk flat, no mountains what so ever. Tried resetting it or calibrating both alti as barometer but it just doesn’t work. Paid alot for the fenix 7x but now it is just not functioning anymore
How are you calibrating the altimeter? Setting auto calibration to On calibrates the sensor at the start of an activity. This will provide a consistent relative starting elevation if you do multiple activities at specific locations. Have you tried manually entering your altitude from a known source at the start of the activity Is there any debris in the sensor port. it can be rinsed free if so. The sensor is the thing between the buttons on the right side of the watch, mine looks like a microphone. These are suggestions, I have not encountered the issues you seem to be having. Hope this helps
@@ThisIsJulianC Thank you so much for the response. yes it seems that the watch is just broken because even if i manually put it at 1meter which is my current elevation it will just start spiking to 70-80meters in the first 100meters of walking or running and then slowly goes down to 0 again at the end of the walk/run.
@Metsio12 If you have tried everything I think you should contact Garmin. My experience is that when there is a genuine problem they are very helpful. Other people claim they have less positive outcomes but in my experience they do support their products and have replaced products for me in the past even when out of warranty. They have a support link on their website. Good luck
@@ThisIsJulianC thanks, would you say it might be worth it to factory reset it first to see if that works? Do i lose data if i do that? Cause i’m connected to the garmin connect app and my data is also on there so if i just reset the watch and reconnect after on the app will it sync back my data?
Yes for sure try a hard reset, I thought you had tried that already. If you sync it to Garmin Connect first that will keep all your data secure in the app.
