Garmin - fēnix® 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Edition

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 wear a Garmin Fenix 7x sapphire solar while bouldering but only because it's made from titanium and has sapphire glass so if I bump the wall, the wall has a dent. Most watches I'd say just leave them off.

I think it’s more about pushing buttons while completely submerged. I’d avoid that.

It probably has something to do with seals under pressure. 1-2feet isn’t much. The fenix 7x is rated to 100m. Anyhow, not my watch, not my problem.

Wife loves her Forerunner 255 not too big or small for her liking. Lasts about a week and half and her exercise is close to what you describe. Definitely worth the look; if you did more rugged and outdoors I'd suggest fenix 7xss (have it and absolutely love it for my 1-2 week back country hiking/camping) or instinct 2 but since you're primarily in gym and paved areas the forerunner line or the venue line will be great. I personally haven't met anyone with a vivo but garmin generally does well across all lines. Like others have suggested watch several videos for each that interests you and then make an educated decision.

I have the Fenix 7X. But there are many cheaper options in the Garmin lineup depending on your needs! Some watches are more specialized too, but the Fenix serves me great and has everything I need and then some, including massive battery life, and it’s just extremely usable. The flashlight is a godsend as well and I use it daily. Especially when you’re outdoors at night Just figure out what you’ll actually use the watch for and it will make your choice easier.

This might make sense. I have a Fenix 7X, for me the 8 was a no-buy due to the microphone. Can't say why ;-) If I were to change for a current watch, I'd be looking at the Enduro.

Not to argue about quality but I have a fenix 7x solar sapphire and can say when I fell and ate shit off a mountain bike it survived. Now prior to all that tho after about both even a year with it started getting mushy buttons and it happened on both warranties.  Agree with UI for sure. I like the garmin for the battery life if out for a couple days in the mountains or when I use to be. Now I’m bouncing between trying whoop or getting an awu. It would be neat to see awu3 with blood pressure. Other than that I have yet to open this awu2 from Costco I picked up for $699.99 before tax. 

Garmin Fenix 7X had been great for me on multi day activities

This is the reason i gave up on Garmin. I had a 7X Pro SS and when i saw that they abandoned my model, gatekeeping features for the sake of segregation, i called it quits.  The AWU2 has been perfect and besides the battery life, i get everything i need. I’m not an endurance athlete or anything of the sorts so 2 days of battery life is more than enough for me (2 days in full usage).  Garmin are crazy and assholes, at the same time, with their prices and practices. 

I've used Garmin watches for years but don't think series 8 is value for money. I've just upgraded my Fenix 6 Pro to a 7X Pro. Search for DCRainmaker online - he does amazing reviews on these watches.