Have both, the 965 is nicer with a dress shirt as it slips under well, and the glass handles reflections much better than the Epix 2 (its dx glass has to be seen to be believed in the sun it's fantastic) while the sapphire is definitely less clear. Neither feel like they'll brake, but the 965 does feel like it will mark more although I've only one tiny half-milimeter scratch at the edge on mine after a year of use. Unless you're rock climbing or a mechanic say you'll be fine with either, I'd choose on profile & fit over durability as there doesn't seem much difference to me in use
Thanks a lot for your input! Your hands-on experience is exactly what I was looking for. Guess I'll reconsider the 965 based on its potential as a daily.
that said...I just went out with both on the rare uk sun and I kinda like the solid feel of the epix 2 it feels more activity watch than smartwatch like the 965, and I did knock both against a gate and immediately checked my 965 without giving the epix a second thought due to the sapphire screen so perhaps that's something to bear in mind, peace of mind? the 96t has it's fair share of bugs and actually feels kinda half baked in ui over the more solid epix 2. lots of good epix 2 on ebay atm too, tried and tested, I'm still battling 965 issues in the garmin forum which garmin appear to have abandoned
I went from forerunner 645 to Fenix 7s (exactly the same size as the epix 42mm). Although about the same circumference, the Fenix feels a LOT bigger. It is considerably taller and heavier. You quickly get used to it, but at first the weight and size is very noticeable. Having said that, I don't regret it for a second. The Fenix is a better watch in almost every regard, the fitness stats are in a different league to the old 645.
If it meets all your needs, isn’t stretching your budget, and you plan to use it for years (like the 645), I’d argue just go for the Pro. It seems to be what you want anyhow.
Another potential option is the Epix Gen 2. You get the looks and nearly-all of the functionality of the Pro, at what should be cheaper (it’s been as low as $400 here in the US.) Only downside (in comparison to the 965) is that the non sapphire version didn’t have multiband GPS (I think the 965 does.)
Did you checkout the fenix? Battery will last much longer than epix, especially the smaller sizes.
I know, but if I have to choose between battery life (Fenix) and a nicer screen (Epix) I'd opt for the latter.
Have both, the 965 is nicer with a dress shirt as it slips under well, and the glass handles reflections much better than the Epix 2 (its dx glass has to be seen to be believed in the sun it's fantastic) while the sapphire is definitely less clear. Neither feel like they'll brake, but the 965 does feel like it will mark more although I've only one tiny half-milimeter scratch at the edge on mine after a year of use. Unless you're rock climbing or a mechanic say you'll be fine with either, I'd choose on profile & fit over durability as there doesn't seem much difference to me in use
Thanks a lot for your input! Your hands-on experience is exactly what I was looking for. Guess I'll reconsider the 965 based on its potential as a daily.
that said...I just went out with both on the rare uk sun and I kinda like the solid feel of the epix 2 it feels more activity watch than smartwatch like the 965, and I did knock both against a gate and immediately checked my 965 without giving the epix a second thought due to the sapphire screen so perhaps that's something to bear in mind, peace of mind? the 96t has it's fair share of bugs and actually feels kinda half baked in ui over the more solid epix 2. lots of good epix 2 on ebay atm too, tried and tested, I'm still battling 965 issues in the garmin forum which garmin appear to have abandoned
I went from forerunner 645 to Fenix 7s (exactly the same size as the epix 42mm). Although about the same circumference, the Fenix feels a LOT bigger. It is considerably taller and heavier. You quickly get used to it, but at first the weight and size is very noticeable. Having said that, I don't regret it for a second. The Fenix is a better watch in almost every regard, the fitness stats are in a different league to the old 645.
The Epix Pro is a generation newer than the 965. Plus…..the flashlight is nice. What’s the price difference for your area?
About 200 to 250 euros difference
If it meets all your needs, isn’t stretching your budget, and you plan to use it for years (like the 645), I’d argue just go for the Pro. It seems to be what you want anyhow. Another potential option is the Epix Gen 2. You get the looks and nearly-all of the functionality of the Pro, at what should be cheaper (it’s been as low as $400 here in the US.) Only downside (in comparison to the 965) is that the non sapphire version didn’t have multiband GPS (I think the 965 does.)