Garmin - Fenix 6X Sapphire

Thank you for your review. It was really a pleasant read. Before the release of the Fenix 8, I was strongly considering it, mainly due to its diving features. However, when it finally launched, I found the feature set underwhelming and decided it wasn’t worth the price for such a limited offering. Instead, I shifted my focus to the Enduro 3, but due to delivery issues with the local representative, I ended up purchasing the 7X Pro. To my surprise, around the time of purchase, Garmin rolled out firmware version 18.xx, which became notorious for its battery drain issues. Despite widespread reports, Garmin neither acknowledged nor resolved the problem. Instead, they seemed to prioritize releasing new features and updates, many of which introduced additional issues. Frustrated, I reverted to using my trusty 6X Sapphire as my primary watch. Although I occasionally give the 7X Pro another chance, my trust in it has eroded. I simply can’t rely on it for races or long adventures because I don’t know how it will perform or if it might fail unexpectedly.

I've only been swimming for last 7 months, but Fenix 6x has been doing great!!! Over 100 swim sessions.

It's fantastic. It also depends how much accuracy is a factor in your workouts. Nothing is going to beat a chest strap, but I'm okay being within 5 beats+/- with my Fenix.

Fenix 6X Sapphire! Works really well in open water. In the pool, it may lose a lap here and there but I've never lose more than 4 laps in a 3000 yard swim.

Garmin Fenix 6 and 7 are having some hot deals right now. Go Sapphire for the extra protection. But if you only need the bare minimum, Forerunner 2xx

why not both? if you get like a Fenix 6 used then you can also get a Garmin 130 Plus for the bike. I use my watch for the overall measurement, but the 130 allows me to have a screen in front of me (I don't sync the bike computer to my workouts).

I went from Fenix 6x sapphire (51mm) to forerunner 970. Got sick of how heavy and clunky it was and I’m a bigger guy.

Yep, AWU2 and Garmin Fenix 6X sapphire. My AWU2 is my daily driver, use it for most things up to and including short 10km hikes, short workouts, etc, however when I do a longer hike or I want to record more health metrics ( I prefer the Garmin fitness metrics) as opposed to just having the smartwatch functionality, I’ll wear both watches and use my Fenix to track my hike, map my route etc.

I was just about to make my own post asking about this! Currently running a Fenix 6x Sapphire, had it for about 4 years now. Mainly used for running, cycling, gym, and the occasional swim/hike. Connectivity to my Wahoo Smart trainer is a must. I almost always wear a chest strap (Polar H10) as the watch HR is unreliable as fuck. What would I lose moving to one of the newer Forerunners? And conversely, what are the benefits of upgrading to say a Fenix 8? Thanks

I went directly from the apple watch to the fenix 6 pro sapphire expecting a huge upgrade. In short, it isn’t, but after having it for a while (and later getting the epix) I don’t miss my AW. Fitness feature wise, there’s more, but not so much more that I feel there’s a major difference. Phone connectivity wise, the Garmin is actually extremely rudimentary. What sold it for me in the long run is the long lasting battery life and durability of the watch. I no longer have to worry about my watch when out rock climbing, backpacking, or mountain biking. My sapphire crystal display is flawless after multiple impacts with granite/quartzite in the cottonwood canyons of Utah. I took a gnarly MTB fall and the bezel scratched, but the display was fine. Also, if you have other garmin devices (I have an inreach and edge bike computer), it syncs well with them. Otherwise, if you’re comparing them as smart watches, keep the AW

I have Fenix 6x Sapphire and Vivoactive 3s for my wife, her display got cracked, decided to upgrade the watches also for touchscreen and newer sensors. Was reviewing Fenix 8, but got frustrated how easy scrambled the bazel is, didn't like lots of things in the Pro. Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro are dropped for support only maintenance. Was wondering for Enduro 3 but saw a review of Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro for less than half the price and decide try it. Received if two days ago and for now it is perfect, will see in future. Still considering Venu 4 for my wife.

Why did you changed from Epix Pro gen 2?

I currently have Garmin Fenix 6x Sapphire, wanted an update and took Huawei Watch GT6 Pro, but didn't like it and returned it. I'm currently wondering between few watches: \- Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro \- Garmin Fenix 7x Pro Sapphire Solar (used) \- Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 (used) \- Garmin Venu 4 I've read that Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix are out of feature updates, only maintenance and security updates. Garmin Venu 4 have no maps and have weak battery(not too big of an issue)

In my experience for now seems better than Garmin Fenix 6x Sapphire and Huawei Watch GT6 Pro, but uglier.

All I wanted to say is that being more expensive is not necessarily better. I owned 9 different watches over many years of trail running. I did extensive analysis of accuracy which included, for example, comparison of tracks and distances of multiple runners who finished the same race. I owned Fenix sapphire 6X, which was top of line at the time - it was quite mediocre as a trail running watch in PNW. Then I owned top of the line Fenix 7X, which was one of most accurate watches I ever owned. Then I owned a very inexpensive Suunto Race S which was easily on par with the experience Fenix 7X term of accuracy. A friend of mine owns Enduro 3, and I have compared tracks and distances between it and several other watches, so I know for sure it is less accurate. See this thread: https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/enduro-3/383891/gps-accuracy-issues-on-enduro-3 And towards the end of the thread there is a side-by-side comparison that shows that the one of the most expensive Garmin watches is easily worse than an old Fenix 7X or much less expensive Suunto Race: https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/enduro-3/383891/gps-accuracy-issues-on-enduro-3/1951075#1951075

Same. I can’t actually see me ever upgrading unless it dies. I’m not sure what else I need/want from a watch.

Do it. My old Fenix6X still works great. Big screen shows live GPS. Cant imagine how well the newer models must function