Garmin no longer fixing 67/67i issues

Ha, ha - yeah, I deserved that remark.  I wondered if perhaps I was just overlooking something, but as best I can tell, other than Garmin, there aren’t any integrated sat communicators with advanced navigation features.  Hence the mass migration to phone systems.

I agree, Garmin has a real battle with cell phones. Android Auto and Carplay are perceived as free. iPhone 14 or newer has satellite SOS, it's just a matter of time for Android to follow.

We purchased the 67i for a hunting trip in Alberta and a RV trip from Michigan to Alaska and back.  We will be in areas without cell phone coverage.

The main features of the 67i work fine, but it still has bugs that probably won’t be fixed. But yes I believe phones will be soon leading the way, new features are always coming out on phones, Apple and Samsung but Garmin handhelds are basically the same every time. There’s no competition to make them pull up their socks performance wise. Garmin would be best to just stick with marine products. It’s just becoming to frustrating with their attitude towards issues and suggestions for improvements never being implemented.

I'm really looking into getting an Apple Watch Ultra 2. There are quite a few apps that provide mapping features and data comparable to what I use my GPSMAP 67 for (following a course, viewing the map, recording activities and data during  my hikes). And I'm already in the Apple ecosystem. 

I considered getting a Fenix 8 but the price is insanely high, especially for the buggy mess it is (although it has improved judging by the beta release notes and some actual good reviews on YouTube, not videos just rehasing the specs and features like the well know fitness/sports gear youtubers do).

Also interested in the new Wahoo Elemnt Ace cycling computer that is being released next week. I mostly stayed with my Edge 1040 because of the large screen, no other cycling computers offer this atm. And it works quite well, haven't run into any major issues. But to be honest the Edge 1040 just provides so many features that I don't use, I just need a cycling computer that has a large screen, can do good navigation for following planned rides, and records relevant statistics of my ride. And without being neutered in functionality like the Edge Explore 2.

Only thing I would stay with Garmin for at this time is Garmin inReach. Having a backup for communication when no cell coverage is available is enough reason for me. And the Iridium satellite network is proven and reliable, and has world wide coverage.

I would say, every Garmin device has a lot of features/functionalities that most of the users don’t use (or even know)/ but I think that is also the same for the AW2. I personally absolutely don’t like the new UI of the F8 series. Yeah, Apple Watch Ultra 2 is cheaper as a Fenix 8x, but you have much less battery life and the good navigation/hiking apps for the AW costs additional money- but from a nerd point of view, I would really like to test/compare an AW2 with an F8x on my own. But I would definitely miss the great Garmin flashlight. I really have to say that the flashlight is the best feature that was added for year (for me). The main feature/strength of the Fenix/Epix series was the mapping/navigation part for years, but that has unfortunately changed with the F8 series release (from my point of view)- I really don’t know/understand Garmins intentions for he F8 series yet. 

My main outdoor combination for hiking is an Epix 2 Pro 51mm in combination with an iR mini 2 ( and as a backup my iPhone 14 (with navigation /mapping/satellite SOS)). I really prefer this over my 66i, which is laying in my Garmin drawer. 

Agree about the battery life of the AWU2. But on the other hand I'm not out for days without being able to charge devices so it's more of an inconvenience than a real deal breaker.

The flashlight on the Fenix/Epix sounds like a great useful feature. But not enough for me to shell out 1000 euros...

And I think it's both a strength and a weakness of the AWU2 that you need 3rd party apps for some features. It allows others to do better than what Apple offers. With Garmin you're completely dependent on Garmin (Connect IQ doesn't really count for providing functionality comparable to what the watch provides).

I think what I like most about the Garmin world is the many (free) mapping options that are available. On Apple and 3rd party apps that is much more limited. Although there are some good options available.