Garmin - Epix Series

Garmin Epix is good at lap counting (except for kick sets). I think its pretty good at stroke detection too bud I don't check the strokes often.

If you're looking at the Fenix 8 with MIP screen and voice control is NOT on your Pros list, you absolutely should look at the Enduro 3 instead. Essentially the same watch, lighter weight, same software updates, no microphone/voice assistant, but larger battery. Honestly, I keep getting tempted to offload my Epix Gen 2 Pro 51 to get the Enduro 3.

Correct that the Enduro 2 is an excellent value but as a fellow owner of a Fenix 7 variant, we are not being very well supported by Garmin these days with updates. I know that updates are a hot button issue these days but honestly, phones get years of OS updates, my Pixel gets new features all the time, and Garmin isn't giving strength training plans to 1 year old flagships, meanwhile Forerunners that are older and 1/3 the price are getting new features. As great as the Enduro 2 and even my Epix Gen 2 Pro is, they feel pretty end of life despite the excellent hardware that is clearly very much current as proven by the Fenix E and even a recent teardown showing nearly identical internal components between the Fenix 7 and 8 series. If I had the money and interest in even one of the latest software features, like strength training plans or sport specific suggested workouts and race predictors, etc, I would go for the new model. The old ones sadly are probably not gonna get it despite being totally capable of running them.

YES. I want to wear ‘nice’ watches. I’d love to wear an ankle thingy with no screen that keeps track of things forever… and when I need a screen, I’d use the epix I have.

I am also using an AMOLED (epix pro gen 2), which replaced a fr245.  I had a tough time in some scenarios with the MIPS display, such as on shaded trails and around subset (both common in my users). In these cases I am happier with the AMOLED. 

A few months ago I made the transition from the FR245 to the Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire and have been enjoying the change, I especially like the larger and brighter screen. I hope you have a great time with the new watch!

I initially bought the Epix Pro as my first Garmin watch, but I was disappointed with its performance. It felt like a device from a decade ago. I then returned and replaced it with the Fenix 8. If I had bought the Epix a year ago, I wouldn’t have upgrade it. However, as my first device, I think it’s fair to invest a little more in it. F8 47mm is more responsive 0.1 inch bigger screen with remarkably better resolution than same size epix pro gen2

I’m not saying i dont look at the map during a run, I’m saying i dont “pan the map” while i am actually running. I usually stop for a moment if i need to pan and look around at the surroundings if i need to. The default map tracking (and tbt) is fast enough for me when i am coming up on an jntersection. Im also using an epix2. I havent noticed the frustrations you mention, maybe i’m not as sensitive or am used to it.

I have the Epix, and am very happy with it. Flashlight gets used every day. It’s just so bloody useful. Battery life is around 2 weeks, and I’m running 5 times a week. Can’t speak for the other device, but slimness would be nice! It’s a thick watch and my wrists aren’t huge, but it can make getting shirts on and off a little annoying. That would be my only real gripe to be honest. It is otherwise comfortable. My only other Garmin comparison is the forerunner 235. That was slim, but had a VERY annoying protrusion where the sensor was. This is not a problem on the Epix. Another pro is the sturdy construction/rugged look; I’ve had it for a good year at least. Watch is near spotless, and I don’t baby it. https://preview.redd.it/fp2lahkizeuf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0c40704bee6cc9825605051bf4495f57e728d78 Given it’s Amoled it isn’t always on to save batteries. I thought this would get annoying, but the tilt sensor if anything errs on the side of over sensitive, so 99% of the time it comes on when I need it to. The only time it struggles is when I’m on the bike, but then just resort to button pressing.

I use an Epix pro gen 2 for the activities you list.

The 42mm Epix pro works for my female wrists. ;)

I've got both, and honestly my Epix Pro Gen2 is equal in day-to-day use. If anything, it's a tad snappier and less buggy. It doesn't get the latest updates, but it also hasn't gotten the latest bugs.

Hey there. Using my Epix Gen 2 for day hikes - built-in map is quite nice. But for "more advanced research" and to keep a bit more autonomy from the phone, the old Garmin GPSMap 64s with Topo Map is still here. It gives over 24 hours non-stop with a pair of AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and a set of other 4 pre-charged AA accus give me solid 3 days non-stop - but if we count the sleep time in, I am more in the direction of 5-6 days autonomy. Yes, the device does not look sexy, and the screen is nothing to compare with modern phones (however, quite a bit better in the sunlight!), but it survived blizzard many times, falling onto the rocks, into the river, being in snow, etc. >10 years old as of now. For maximum autonomy, I'd rather look into direction of solar versions of modern Garmin handhelds. Watch is nice, but as soon as you have to answer a question "man, I am standing here and the road is closed - can I cut it through the valley nearby" the screen size starts to play the role.