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Disappointed with Enduro 3 (coming from Enduro 1)

Robert the Grey
7 months ago

Unfortunately the device is not returnable, but this is not Garmin's fault as I purchased through Expert Voice and did not read the fine print that there are no returns.

Preface aside, I also have a Fenix 7X Pro Solar that I ordered right before I found the Enduro and have arranged for a return, but I'm wondering if it might be best to keep the Fenix 7X PS and sell the Enduro. The Fenix still has a good following despite being a generation older, yet having the same functionality I am looking for: V5 sensor, very decent battery, not built like a lego, and with a more handsome bezel that doesn't have a massive black void of a solar ring around the display.

I am wondering if anyone has experience with both or similar enough to comment on the issue.

My Enduro 1 has been a horse, but I'd like the newer sensor. I am a cyclist who logs a lot of miles and uses the device to monitor key healthy metrics after a couple of heart attacks several years ago. For history, I started withe the OG Instinct, then Instinct 2 Solar, Fenix 6X PS, then Enduro 1. I have tried the Instinct 3 AMOLED (returned), and the Epix 2 Pro (returned).

I just want to avoid returning anything else. If neither of these watches works out, I'm just going to stick with the Enduro 1.

Any insight is appreciated.

  • 0 7 months ago

    Well the Enduro 1 does not really have mapping so both the Fenix 7X PS or Enduro 3 would be a huge upgrade from that standpoint.  If the main complaint is the aesthetics of the watch, only you can answer if that is relevant.  From a practical standpoint, the Enduro 3 is one generation more recent than the Fenix 7 while also being USD 100 cheaper (at least on the Garmin site) compared to the Fenix 7X PS.  As for the materials, yes the titanium backplate is missing but that doesn't really protect anything and saves weight.  If the back of my watch got damaged while wearing it then likely I have killed and have bigger things to worry about than my watch.  Per my understanding, the polymer used to make the watch is the same or similar to that used to make glocks so it is very strong. 

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to Marc Krawitz

    All good points, thanks. Value doesn't really concern me at this point. Older but the same is fine with me (F7 vs E3) and the things you mentioned are not high on my list. Watches are too small to make maps useful for me, but what is important are that the sensors are the latest and I don't clunk the watch on every doorway I pass through (hyperbole, but you see what I mean).

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to Robert the Grey

    So if you are interested in cardiac health, you might be interested in the ECG capability.  Both the Fenix 7 Pro and Enduro 3 have the Elevate 5 heart rate sensor and both will provide ECG capability in the US.  However if you are in the EU, only more recent watches like the Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 will legitimately allow the ECG to be used.  DCRainmaker discusses this in more detail here

    https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2025/01/garmin-ecg-now-available-in-eu-australia.html

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to Marc Krawitz

    Yes, U.S. based. The ECG will be more of a novelty but it's one more thing I can use as long as it is consistent. Decided to keep the E3 and will get used to it. It's only 3mm of real estate I'm missing on the display, but that's a lot on something so small.

  • 0 7 months ago

    What is it that you are disappointed with?

    For bike navigation you should really get yourself an Edge. I use Edge 1030 which is great for bike navigation with the big screen and really good bike mount.

    Navigation while running works good with E3 since it tells me all the twists and turns I've planned. I rarely have to look at the watch to know where to go.

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to e7andy

    Navigation/maps are incidental for me, no need for them on such a small device. I always have my phone with. I have a Bryton head unit to pair with my radar/tail light. All of the navigation stuff just comes with any watch with the newer sensor.

    Disappointed with losing display space to the black solar ring; only 3mm, but for such a small viewing area, that's about 10%. It's also built like a lego - boxy and tall; I appreciate the E1 so much more. The display is noticeably nicer though, I'll give it that.

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to Robert the Grey

    You don't have to use the navigation and maps on the device so that doesn't matter. Remove the map screen and don't start any course.

    When I measure the viewing area of the screen I get 35.4 mm. It is really smaller than Enduro? The bezel of the Enduro is larger than for Enduro 3. So, I believe the viewable area of the screens are the same.

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to e7andy
    e7andy said:
    I believe the viewable area of the screens are the same.

    Indeed, it looks like the dimensions are identical:

  • 0 6 months ago in reply to trux

    I have measured viewable display with my calipers - E1=38mm, E3=35mm.

    It's only 3mm, but on a device this small, it's a noticeable difference. Perhaps the giant black solar collector on the 3 changes perception as well. Regardless, I've kept the E3, but have other issues (namely sleep tracking) I'm working through with Support. I expected more from two generations of advancement.

  • 0 6 months ago in reply to Robert the Grey

    What's the difference if the data storage space is the same size?