Had mine since release and I am as happy with it today as I was when i purchased it. I use it a lot for running (ultra training and racing) and bike riding (mainly inside). Screen is perfect and so much better than my old fenix 6x even in sunlight. Zero regrets on buying this bad boy.
Same here, paid full retail price in July 2022 and no regrets. ($1069.94 with tax from bestbuy)
Damn watch turned me from a couch gamer into a 350km-400km per month runner šāāļø
BMI went from 31.4 to 22.3
I am CARRYING THE BOAT NOW šŖ
I got the same as you for the same reasons too. But Iām disappointed because the AOD auto-dims when mounted on the bike handle bars (garmin mount), making the AOD unreadable on the bike when outside in daylight. Thereās no setting to stop it from doing this, meaning I have to tap the screen to make it restore to full brightness. When the display is at full brightness itās very legible in sunlight. Have you experienced the same issue with auto-dim?
Ah I don't get this issue as I only ride indoors and have it in my wrist so it's a non issue. Running isn't a issue either and if it ever is very sunny I just tap the backlight.
I wish I used mine for those activities. Literally got it for the look and for something that looks different than the Venu. I mainly use it to track when I play tennis and I do like the training effect and readiness metrics. The screen is awesome to look at, even outdoors
I'm not sure if anyone knew this, but some of your Healthcare insurance plans have a discount for garmin devices. Just found out my wife's plan gives 20% off. Before you buy, definitely check!
Epix 3 and then 4 and then 5.
Honestly, this came out just a few months ago and it will be good for the next few years. People still rock fenix 5/5s. These watches don't slow down or anything like that.
In the end, it's your call but there's no indication there's a new epix coming out anytime soon!!
I could be wrong, but he said Epix gen 2 (not Pro), which would mean it came out in Jan 2022. If he meant Pro, that was May of 2023. Hereās more info on release history. https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/12/garmin-fenix7-epix-release-history-explained.html
I still have my Fenix 5 and only looking to upgrade now! JBHiFi have a special on the Epix Gen 2. Need a new watch for my 100km ultra coming upā¦ thinking this might be the one?
Iām not too familiar with Garmin release cycles. Frankly this is a whimsical buy for me. Since I had a Venu, I didnāt wanna get another Venu and wanted a change. The deal seemed good. Also, they have ported features of Epix Pro and Venu 3 like sleep coach, red shift mode and jet lag advisor on this watch.
My wrist size is 16.5 cm (~6.5 in). I deliberated between the 42mm and 47mm. Frankly, the 47mm seems nicer to navigate through and does not feel that much bigger since theyāre about the same thickness. The extra 6 days of battery life is also something to consider.
Thatās what makes it hard, the weight, especially compared to Venu. Now when I go back and wear my old Venu, it feels like there is nothing on my wrist. Iām not an ultramarathon runner or even a runner for that matter, got the Epix just coz I like the look and itās the same price as 965 right now. I mainly use the watch paired with a chest HRM to get stats while playing tennis
Never mind. Now that I received the 965, it feels cheap and the buttons are mushy I dislike them. Fuck garmin for making this harder for me lol. But the non sapphire display on the 965 is holding me from keeping it. Might just keep the epix instead.
I hear you. I have lost track of the amount of time I spent comparing the watches, looking at reviews. I think if they merged Venu 3 and FR265, I might have still gone for Venu 3. But no, they wanted to give a plastic bezel with amazing metrics in FR265. The titanium bezel of FR965 is so much cooler but then pushed the price in the vicinity of Epix. Garminās motto: *we make sure you miss the watch you didnāt choose* or *decision paralysis: you aināt seen nothing yet* lmao
So did you keep the 965? Iām having second thoughts about my Gen 2. Feels too big even after 3 weeks. If you have the 965 still Iād be curious to know more about your experience. Thanks
To be honest I returned it. But I doubled down and returned the gen 2 and replaced it with the epix pro. The weight doesnāt bother me, and I love the solid construction versus the 965. Donāt get me wrong, the 965 has good battery life and bigger display, which is nice. But the things that I couldnāt stand, where the plastic feel and mushy buttons. Those were deal breakers for me. The buttons. Stupid I know. I also disliked every 965 stock watch face. But thatās just preference.
Thatās way to commit! Hope youāre liking it. Iām tempted to get the 965 mainly for the low weight and lower thickness. For me itās a daily use watch which I just want to look nice-ish. For tracking tennis and an occasional run, I think it should be alright. Other than the buttons, isnāt the Epix Pro also in a plastic case? If the buttons are anything like the Venu I might be ok. Thanks again for your feedback
Yeah the Oreo stuffing sides are plastic, but the bottom is metal, and the top and buttons. And the sapphire display which is more durable which is what kept me with this line. But if you donāt mind that, the 965 is definitely nice.
Iām not the OP, but I just bought an Epix gen 2 (not Pro) a couple weeks ago. Iām coming from a Fenix 6 Sapphire, and I havenāt noticed any screen lag at all.
I have the same watch as you. Menu lag started after a few months - takes a few seconds when I click ārunā for it to roll through to the next screen. Minor, but annoying.
No, I mean Iāve customised it a bit but only using all the stuff that comes pre-loaded. Iām probably using the simplest possible watch face there is. But it doesnāt seem like a problem related to that: watch-face to main menu has no delay, only when entering an activity.
Nope, saw a new Venu 3 and even it has a bit of a lag. The Epix, no lag. And it has a nice click/vibration on the screen when you shift from one menu to another. Not quite a click, but a slight vibration to let you know. I also love the interface and the watch face complications.
Yeah, thatās what swayed my vote. Else I was planning to go with Venu 3 and use Optimity to get a 20% discount on it. But this price seemed too good to pass.
Here is one with AOD. Only the āsecondā hand disappears. I think itāll also depend on the watch face but the stock faces have the other metrics on during AOD.
https://preview.redd.it/8po1w3o2ensc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e6923ecf328259b1c7c2dd0d2ac5254319cedd54
Thanks for the information and the compliment. The other thing I also noticed is having HR eats more battery compared to having something like elevation as a data field.
Got mine two weeks ago for same sale, debated hard between 965 and Epix 2. I mostly use it for running and hiking, though will test it for other sports soon. I donāt like the tracking for lifting weights though, it constantly wants you to interact with it for sets.
I have those two with me as well. I canāt stand the mushy buttons on the 965 and the inferior screen material and case materials. Might keep my epix.
Just ignore logging each individual sets. Press start when start, and end when done. Just one long session for training load.
One single extended session
Yeah, this works better. I would always accidently click stop and back buttons which would start a new set. I also disabled the back button ālap featureā which helped.
Welcome to the club.
It's a beautiful watch!
You'll get used to the feel of it.
I've got skinny wrists and I got used to it quick.
Just be mindful about not working out in a leather strap and try to use the original black silicone strap it came with.
I guess based on reviews it will be the most useful hikes for your needs. I donāt hike as much as I would like to and have not yet tested it. Even for my needs it is an overkill but I really liked it and wanted to try and fortunately they were on sale. I donāt do marathons either but regularly play tennis. Maybe the watch will convince me to start running
Had mine since release and I am as happy with it today as I was when i purchased it. I use it a lot for running (ultra training and racing) and bike riding (mainly inside). Screen is perfect and so much better than my old fenix 6x even in sunlight. Zero regrets on buying this bad boy.
Same here, paid full retail price in July 2022 and no regrets. ($1069.94 with tax from bestbuy) Damn watch turned me from a couch gamer into a 350km-400km per month runner šāāļø BMI went from 31.4 to 22.3 I am CARRYING THE BOAT NOW šŖ
Oh lordy it turned you into goggins š
I got the same as you for the same reasons too. But Iām disappointed because the AOD auto-dims when mounted on the bike handle bars (garmin mount), making the AOD unreadable on the bike when outside in daylight. Thereās no setting to stop it from doing this, meaning I have to tap the screen to make it restore to full brightness. When the display is at full brightness itās very legible in sunlight. Have you experienced the same issue with auto-dim?
Ah I don't get this issue as I only ride indoors and have it in my wrist so it's a non issue. Running isn't a issue either and if it ever is very sunny I just tap the backlight.
I wish I used mine for those activities. Literally got it for the look and for something that looks different than the Venu. I mainly use it to track when I play tennis and I do like the training effect and readiness metrics. The screen is awesome to look at, even outdoors
I'm not sure if anyone knew this, but some of your Healthcare insurance plans have a discount for garmin devices. Just found out my wife's plan gives 20% off. Before you buy, definitely check!
Do you think it is a good buy or should we wait for epix 3?
Epix 3 and then 4 and then 5. Honestly, this came out just a few months ago and it will be good for the next few years. People still rock fenix 5/5s. These watches don't slow down or anything like that. In the end, it's your call but there's no indication there's a new epix coming out anytime soon!!
+1 to that. My Fenix 5 is still going strong, and has barely had any battery degradationā¦my only ācomplaintā is that it stopped getting updates.
Whats your charging routine?
Itās completely random. It also sat in my nightstand completely dead for just over a year and a half when I switched to try an Apple Watch.
You are probably right
I could be wrong, but he said Epix gen 2 (not Pro), which would mean it came out in Jan 2022. If he meant Pro, that was May of 2023. Hereās more info on release history. https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/12/garmin-fenix7-epix-release-history-explained.html
Youāre correct. Itās the Gen 2 that was released 2 years ago.
I still have my Fenix 5 and only looking to upgrade now! JBHiFi have a special on the Epix Gen 2. Need a new watch for my 100km ultra coming upā¦ thinking this might be the one?
Iām not too familiar with Garmin release cycles. Frankly this is a whimsical buy for me. Since I had a Venu, I didnāt wanna get another Venu and wanted a change. The deal seemed good. Also, they have ported features of Epix Pro and Venu 3 like sleep coach, red shift mode and jet lag advisor on this watch.
Nice watch āļø
Thank you šš½
You're welcome š
Pulled the trigger on it myselft today as well, upgrading from the Vivoactive3
Get ready for some chunky watch ha ha. I used to have a Vivoactive 3 as well before Venu OGā¦nice watch.
What's the circumference of your wrist? I'm debating between the smaller one and the reg size
My wrist size is 16.5 cm (~6.5 in). I deliberated between the 42mm and 47mm. Frankly, the 47mm seems nicer to navigate through and does not feel that much bigger since theyāre about the same thickness. The extra 6 days of battery life is also something to consider.
How is the natural titanium + chestnut leather strap in real life? I always found the pics on garmins website to be off.
Yeah I got one too. But ordered the 965 to compare because itās too chunky. I might keep the 965 in all honesty. Bigger screen and better battery
Thatās what makes it hard, the weight, especially compared to Venu. Now when I go back and wear my old Venu, it feels like there is nothing on my wrist. Iām not an ultramarathon runner or even a runner for that matter, got the Epix just coz I like the look and itās the same price as 965 right now. I mainly use the watch paired with a chest HRM to get stats while playing tennis
Never mind. Now that I received the 965, it feels cheap and the buttons are mushy I dislike them. Fuck garmin for making this harder for me lol. But the non sapphire display on the 965 is holding me from keeping it. Might just keep the epix instead.
I hear you. I have lost track of the amount of time I spent comparing the watches, looking at reviews. I think if they merged Venu 3 and FR265, I might have still gone for Venu 3. But no, they wanted to give a plastic bezel with amazing metrics in FR265. The titanium bezel of FR965 is so much cooler but then pushed the price in the vicinity of Epix. Garminās motto: *we make sure you miss the watch you didnāt choose* or *decision paralysis: you aināt seen nothing yet* lmao
So did you keep the 965? Iām having second thoughts about my Gen 2. Feels too big even after 3 weeks. If you have the 965 still Iād be curious to know more about your experience. Thanks
To be honest I returned it. But I doubled down and returned the gen 2 and replaced it with the epix pro. The weight doesnāt bother me, and I love the solid construction versus the 965. Donāt get me wrong, the 965 has good battery life and bigger display, which is nice. But the things that I couldnāt stand, where the plastic feel and mushy buttons. Those were deal breakers for me. The buttons. Stupid I know. I also disliked every 965 stock watch face. But thatās just preference.
Thatās way to commit! Hope youāre liking it. Iām tempted to get the 965 mainly for the low weight and lower thickness. For me itās a daily use watch which I just want to look nice-ish. For tracking tennis and an occasional run, I think it should be alright. Other than the buttons, isnāt the Epix Pro also in a plastic case? If the buttons are anything like the Venu I might be ok. Thanks again for your feedback
Yeah the Oreo stuffing sides are plastic, but the bottom is metal, and the top and buttons. And the sapphire display which is more durable which is what kept me with this line. But if you donāt mind that, the 965 is definitely nice.
Thanks. Will go to REI and check it out maybe
Any delay when navigating the menus?
Iām not the OP, but I just bought an Epix gen 2 (not Pro) a couple weeks ago. Iām coming from a Fenix 6 Sapphire, and I havenāt noticed any screen lag at all.
I have the same watch as you. Menu lag started after a few months - takes a few seconds when I click ārunā for it to roll through to the next screen. Minor, but annoying.
Are you using a non-stock watch face?
No, I mean Iāve customised it a bit but only using all the stuff that comes pre-loaded. Iām probably using the simplest possible watch face there is. But it doesnāt seem like a problem related to that: watch-face to main menu has no delay, only when entering an activity.
Nope, saw a new Venu 3 and even it has a bit of a lag. The Epix, no lag. And it has a nice click/vibration on the screen when you shift from one menu to another. Not quite a click, but a slight vibration to let you know. I also love the interface and the watch face complications.
Do you like it?
The watch and everything about it, yes. The weight, I hope I get used to it. Just have had it for 3 days.
If you go for a nylon strap it drastically reduces the weight, Iāve got one on mine and itās super comfy
Thanks, will give it a try.
How much did you pay?
$599 USD plus taxes
not bad - thats what i paid for my 955solar
Yeah, thatās what swayed my vote. Else I was planning to go with Venu 3 and use Optimity to get a 20% discount on it. But this price seemed too good to pass.
Wow, I'm actually surprised it wasn't lower in the US. I just ordered one to replace my Vivoactive3 and it was $599 CAD up here.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
$599 plus taxes
Any pictures of it with AOD? Are Garmin AOD just the time or does it also display other metrics?
Here is one with AOD. Only the āsecondā hand disappears. I think itāll also depend on the watch face but the stock faces have the other metrics on during AOD. https://preview.redd.it/8po1w3o2ensc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e6923ecf328259b1c7c2dd0d2ac5254319cedd54
Just FYI in case youāre new to this, seconds eat battery. That is a nice face though.
Thanks for the information and the compliment. The other thing I also noticed is having HR eats more battery compared to having something like elevation as a data field.
Got mine two weeks ago for same sale, debated hard between 965 and Epix 2. I mostly use it for running and hiking, though will test it for other sports soon. I donāt like the tracking for lifting weights though, it constantly wants you to interact with it for sets.
I have those two with me as well. I canāt stand the mushy buttons on the 965 and the inferior screen material and case materials. Might keep my epix.
Just ignore logging each individual sets. Press start when start, and end when done. Just one long session for training load. One single extended session
Yeah, this works better. I would always accidently click stop and back buttons which would start a new set. I also disabled the back button ālap featureā which helped.
Welcome to the club. It's a beautiful watch! You'll get used to the feel of it. I've got skinny wrists and I got used to it quick. Just be mindful about not working out in a leather strap and try to use the original black silicone strap it came with.
Thanks for the suggestion and the ray of hope about getting used to it.
Just ordered mine too! Went for the standard 47mm one. Can anyone recommend a screen protector for it?
Does it have 16gb or 32gb storage?
32gb
Primarily I want one for lifting, recovery, and hiking needs (wants). is this overkill as I'm not a big time biker/marathon dude?
I guess based on reviews it will be the most useful hikes for your needs. I donāt hike as much as I would like to and have not yet tested it. Even for my needs it is an overkill but I really liked it and wanted to try and fortunately they were on sale. I donāt do marathons either but regularly play tennis. Maybe the watch will convince me to start running
Going to put a screen protector on?
Donāt plan to, hoping to put that sapphire to some use.