Garmin - fēnix 6 - Pro Solar Edition

Garmin Fenix 6 pro solar mainly because it tracks all my other metrics off the job and I use it for running, biking and swimming. It's pretty durable and has a wrist hr monitor in it It's fairly accurate too. The chest strap hrm is much more accurate though and what I wear when working out with activities off duty.

I’ve had the Garmin Tactix Delta, Fénix 5x, 6 pro solar, 6x, 7x, and 8. I still go back and use my AU2 for a week from time to time. lol

I had a Fenix 6 Pro Solar that recently bit the dust. I balked at the price of a similarly equipped Fenix 8 so bought an Epix 47 instead. Turns out I hated having an amoled screen. So I returned the Epix and bought an Instinct 3 with MIP. It’s a 45mm which I like so far.

For anyone coming to this thread later (looks like OP made decision already): I've found that the fenix 6 pro solar does an inferior job with gps accuracy while running on roads and has a track mode that is notably less precise than my forerunner 245. Very disappointing. Fenix has been good for navigating trail runs and not needing to rely on 3rd party apps for winter sports, OWS, and triathlon modes, but the difference in utility and performanc between the two is lacking in many respects.

Ironman who’s just right of center… still use both. I’ve heard it described this way: the AWU2 is a great watch with some health features while the Garmin (Fenix 6pro Solar) is an exercise watch that tells time. I’ve not used the AWU2 in IM training but the only concern is event battery life. I wasn’t a fast finisher, just under the time cut. I fear the AWU2 may not have gone the distance for me. Even now when I ride or run outside, I switch to the Fenix due to the metrics. AWU2 just isn’t as detailed. Also for some weird reason neither connect reliably to my Horizon treadmill for longer than 2 miles. The Garmin does connect well to my Wahoo Kickr. Just my 2 cents..

Still on the fence… I’ve had a Fénix 6 Solar for over a year, it works great for both my cycling and running. Just got and Apple Ultra 2 primarily for the heart monitoring and potential hearing assistance. I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation a year ago and the AW provides great monitoring. I actually prefer the Garmin HR data and graphs during/after exercise sessions. Sooo, I still have both.

It wasn't ideal, but on my last event run of ~50hrs I used a smaller battery brick to recharge it while I ran after ~36hrs in. I put it in one of my water bottle pockets on my vest for about an hour, so I lost HR but kept GPS and the event tracking during the recharge. I have a Fenix 6 Pro Solar and yeah, better and newer watches exist now for longevity, but this was cheaper and got the job done.

I have the 6pro solar, it’s nice. Next one, I’m going back to the instinct. Reason being the ability to wear more options for gloves while using the functions of the watch that I paid dearly for. The instinct owned prior to the fenix was significantly smaller in profile. Much easier to find gloves that fit over the instinct and still maintain the watches full functionality in regard to metrics that I value. If I did not live in a climate that requires covering bare skin to protect from cold temperatures, it would for sure be the fenix.

I’m actually going the other way: Fenix 6X Pro Solar to Apple Watch Ultra 3. I’ve always disliked the Garmin connect app interface, it’s just gross to navigate and use. There’s been a ton of bugs I’ve experienced with my 6X both on the watch itself and with the connection to the Garmin Connect app. In general the software experience with Garmin feels clunky and buggy. Most people don’t care I suppose since it (usually) works for just tracking workouts. The new Fenix line is way overpriced in my opinion, where the AWU is looking much more appealing. For the same price as a Fenix 8, I’m rocking an Oura Ring 4 for sleep tracking and AW Ultra 3 for everything else. It is far nicer to track your sleep with an unobtrusive ring rather than a bulky and uncomfortable sports watch (whether Garmin or Apple Watch). The AW also has satellite and cellular, which is even more expensive with the Fenix 8 Pro. It’s a goodbye to Garmin for me. I’ll keep my Fenix 6X if I ever need to do a super long gps recording, still works.

With all due respect, the MARQ and Fenix are both nuts to me. The subscription stuff seems to be happening in a few directions - Connect+, which sounds pretty awful, but it's not like you need to subscribe, and I think you need subscription service for the connectivity on the LTE watch. Also, anything satellite requires a subscription with terms that got worse a couple years ago but you can use a different service that has friendlier billing. I haven't run into a battery life bug personally but I've seen some chatter about it. Lately I think Garmin's current models are a bad deal. I follow the Forerunner series a little more closely but I think this applies across the board - everything got a price hike going to AMOLED and everything that's had an additional new model since then got another price hike. I actually had a Fenix 6X Pro Solar briefly myself before returning it in favor of an Edge 840 and a FR 165. I'm claiming I'm going to wait for the FR 970"s successor to come out and then maybe pick up a 970. I'm curious about maps on my wrist for hiking, I just hate to buy twice within the same generation and I'm feeling kinda done with current-model pricing.

Forerunner 970 and call it a day. It's specifically designed for a cost no object triathlete. You can get a Fenix or MARQ if you like but they're heavier. Might be better at golf, scuba and flying if any of those are relevant to you.

Sounds like a good plan. I can't remember which Fenix was the first to be a dive watch but the only other is the much more expensive Descent. If you don't need the additional features from the Descent and the Fenix replaces a dive computer, it seems like you end up getting a really good value. It's worth comparing to some of the Forerunners if the dive aspect doesn't look that strong to you. I think the 255, 265 and 570 do everything you need for actual training functions. The 955, 965 and 970 add maps and the 970 adds a running tolerance function that might be helpful for marathon training. How much do you run now? Do you have a training plan picked out? While Garmin has all of Daily Suggested Workouts, adaptive training plans, and fully pre-set training plans, they all have their issues for a marathon. I actually quite like DSW but more for filling in the gaps and helping maintain balance. https://lifehacker.com/health/what-its-like-to-train-for-a-race-with-garmins-training-plans

🤣🤣🤣 Apple Watch users tend to be disappointed by the graphics, animation, and smart features offered by Garmin. The Fenix and its variants aren't exactly the value kings in Garmin's line. Do you do any sports for which you want better training feedback? My GShock has kickass battery life.

Hands down Garmin Fenix series. Currently, the 8 is the latest version. You can pick up a 6x pro solar on Amazon for about 500 bucks or less. The standalone GPS function has bailed me out more than once, and the battery life is absolutely amazing!