D2 Echo Release Date?

Just like you said, Garmin just announced D2 Air X10 based on Venu 2 Plus. I am not sure if I want one either.

It would seem that I was both right and wrong. It is indeed the end of the line for the D2 series based on the Fenix watch so there will be no "Echo". Instead, we are going to see a new series name (inline with the name change with the D2 Air) for a D2 based on the Epix (Gen 2). This is good news for those who want a better display and who, like me who missed the maps, but bad news for your wallet since the equivalent Epix with sapphire glass is 10% more than the Fenix line.

I'm curious to see if any new aviation-specific features are introduced because, if not, then I'm still fine with my long-lasting support Fenix watch (currently F6 Pro) running my METAR/TAF widget and my soon to be released aviation watch face and flying activity.

The D2 Delta is based on the Fenix 5 Plus, but while the F5+ which is still being updated (including an update to CIQ System 5), the D2 Delta is stuck three releases behind and last updated nine months ago. And although I haven't seen the D2 Air X10 in action, I'm guessing the functionality is the same as the D2 Air. And the D2 Air was basically the same as the D2 Delta (minus the maps, NEXRAD and VIRB support) and the D2D was basically just a D2 Charlie with new hardware.

Is it by any chance called the "Mach 1"? Sorry, they just announced..

www.garmin.com/.../010-02582-54

Yeah, I was late posting about this as I am currently travelling in locations with spotty Internet access.

The price point is inline with past products but I think people new to the D2 line will think Garmin has lost their mind with a $1200 USD price point.

That said, it looks like they have spent some time adding and improving on the feature set. But I do worry, as usual, that the testing had been limited to a few locations and things like the TAF visualization will not work well in places like CYYC that tend to have forecasts of 10 or more periods.

The last time I spoke to them, they indicated that they hardly do real-world testing; most of their testing is done using emulators.

Hi, are you 100% sure the Fenix-based D2 line is dead? Have you spoken to people at Garmin? That would be disappointing.

I would think of an alternative solution:

Garmin releases an Epix-based D2 (with a name to differentiate it: Mach, and a version number, 1).

Also, a few weeks or months later, Garmin releases a Fenix based D2 line-up with 3 sizes, the D2 Echo.

It would make sense, because the Fenix lineup was NOT killed by the Epix. Some people prefer the better screen of the Epix, others the battery life and solar capability of the Fenix.

I would be very surprised that Garmin keeps pilots away from a Fenix-based device. The Fenix seems to be the best selling Garmin product. 

I am not sure if Garmin would bring back the fenix-based D2s anytime soon. Garmin now offers D2 Air X10, D2 Mach 1, & Marq Aviator. Do you think there is a market for a Fenix-based D2?

You raise a fair point. There is definitely a plethora of watches now available for pilots.

• D2 Air & D2 Air X10: Venu base. Entry price point. No moving map (which is a deal breaker for many pilots).
• D2 Mach 1: Epix base (Fenix 7 generation). Mid-range price point. No Fenix-grade battery life or solar option.
• Marq Aviator: Fenix 6 base (software-wise). Luxury price point. No Fenix 7 software or solar.

This lineup may seem pretty full, but if we consider the sport/outdoor lineup of Garmin watches (i.e. the basic models), we have the Fenix representing most of the models currently in use. Below is a breakdown of users of a certain app by watch model for 2022. It's not representative of overall Garmin sales, but it gives an idea. The Epix is too recent to show up.

This is not predictive of future trends. I rounded values to avoid revealing any sensitive data.

The Fenix is the most used model. I believe people buy Garmins instead of Apple watches because they are really good at what they do (most people are into fitness/outdoors it seems), AND there is a long battery life. The Epix is great at bridging the display/UX gap while retaining some battery life, but I bet there is still a large number of people more interested in battery life than a beautiful screen (especially the people who come to Garmin).

This is why Garmin not only keeps the Fenix model in its lineup and doesn't just replace it with the Epix, but continues to improve it where it matters (the battery life of the Fenix 7X has improved significantly).

So if I was working for Garmin, I would argue that pilots are like normal people. Some want a nicer display and UX, others want the best functionality. I would follow the same order of priority as the non-pilot lineup sales value:

1. Fenix-based: D2 Echo (in 3 sizes)
2. Epix-based: D2 Mach 1
3. Venu-based: D2 Air / X10
4. I would consider ditching the Marq if it doesn't account for large enough sales, but it might be a matter of prestige and brand value more than anything.

This is why I don't understand why the D2 Echo hasn't been prioritized. Therefore, you must be right in your analysis: Epix-base replaced the Fenix-base. If that is the case, I would be truly sad!

I just looked back at my D2 Bravo purchase and it was $799 CAD! And now the rough equivalent is twice the price at $1650 CAD. That is so much craziness.