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Does the Epix feel more like a gadget and less like a tool?

disreb
over 3 years ago

This question is a bit philosophical but I feel like if there’s any community that may have similar thoughts it this one. This comes from the perspective of someone who has owned almost every iteration of Fenix.

A lot of the “should I get an Epix or Fenix” discussion has been covered in posts this week- here and on Reddit. Plus all the reviews. I’ve followed them in depth and I feel one doesn’t always get a sense of the product until you really live with it for a little while. I am asking a particular question of those that have taken delivery of the Epix and those that may have had similar sentiments. What I love about the Fenix line is not only that they are fully featured but that they ‘feel’ like a tool. In the pool, on a muddy trail, deadlifting. I never worry about durability. I never worry about battery life - though the most I’ve ever run is a 60k.

I am slightly concerned that the Epix will feel like a gadget and not a tool given the screen. That the bright AMOLED will feel like having an Apple Watch on my wrist (I’ve owned most series and always sell them again). That it’s something I’ll need to manage (AOD or not, sleep mode, etc).

Has anyone had these thoughts or concerns? Or do you feel you’ve just got the best kit for the job with an amazing display?

Scheduled to pick up my preordered Epix on Monday morning but could swap to a 7X SS which is in stock here in Aus.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    I have owned over a dozen different Fenix watches and in my experience there has never been that "perfect" Fenix-watch. Wearing the Sapphire versions I agree with what you say, you don't worry about durability at all. But the problem with Sapphire is that the screen is extremely hard to read in poor lightning, making it worse as a "tool". The Gorilla Glass versions were much better, but I was always afraid of scratching them.

    Reading in on people receiving their Fenix 7 watches and finding out that the touch-layer makes the series 7 Gorilla Glass as dark as the older Sapphire, and the Sapphire version still darker, makes every single Fenix 7 a worse tool at least for me than the Gorilla Glass versions of Fenix 6-series. Doesn't really matter how good the watch is if you have problem reading the display in poor lightning.

    The Sapphire version of EPIX solves everything. Screen is easy to read in all conditions, it has DLC coating and I don't have to worry about scratches. Makes it a better "tool" in all use cases for me. It's as close to a perfect Fenix-watch you can get I think. Wouldn't surprise me at all if Fenix 7-series is the last we see of the Fenix series, and Garmin goes all EPIX 3, EPIX 3s and EPIX 3X in 2023 + Enduro.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to jsanneblad

    Thank you for taking the time to reply. This is a really useful perspective - I think I’ll stick with picking up the Epix Ti and give it a go. 

    i think there will always be a Fenix option for those who really need the battery life- I’m thinking army, adventure racing, multi day events, etc, but for most of us I can’t imagine doing anything longer than 24 hours continuous… partially because I have young kids so it’ll be a few years before I get the space again! Cheers 

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    There is for sure some truth to all this  - I was Fenix sapphire user for years (5S & 6 Pro) and now have Epix. I wish Garmin will be able to improve readability of MIPS screen back to its original state on older devices or Forerunner line-up with preserving touch or sturdiness and also manage to increase number of its colors. (I think resolution is the smallest issue there.) Then I would return back to MIPS without hesitation and truly hope future is not amoled only. 

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    I am actually thinking of returning my Epix2 for exactly this reason. It feels like an Apple Watch, less tool. MIP screens are not great in the dark, when in a dark room the Epix2 lights up the entire room with its bright screen, I don't like it. Especially when it flicks on and off. I am not sure what to do really. 

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Fozzee1970

    Memory in Pixel screen. The Fenix 7, 6 and older devices have them. EPIX now has AMOLED.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Gr4z

    Oh right I’m sure they can tweak the amoled brightness in the dark as it does seem a little bright. But overall the display is so much better than the Fenix line. 

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    This is the first Garmin watch that has allowed my old eyes to actually read the screen.  Let alone the new heart rate sensor is spot on.  I haven't had much success with Garmins HR sensors in the past.

    The Epix 2 has taken over the spot where my AW7 sat.  It feels kind of good not to be so connected, but I do take my AW on runs with me, since it's cellular and have imessage.  In a jam, I can make a call.   

    No damn cell phone to carry around.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to jsanneblad

    For me the 5+ was in a pretty sweet spot.  Garmin Pay, music, mostly reliable, at least as I was using it.  The Marq and the 6X were steps backwards in some ways.  I struggle with the 7 especially because it doesn't add much and in some ways with the screen goes backwards.  

    I agree that the Epix is a slightly different story.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to DontGetTheSwiss

    Same for me, especially as the GPS-accuracy of the F5+ is better than the F6 - when running in deep woods (not for cycling on broad roads of course). So I assume, that the Multiband-improvement is less relevant for F5+ users.

    What I don't like on my F5+ is the broad ring between display and bezel, but when I look at the new F7or Epix there is only a slight difference. I am somehow disappointed that there is no improvement of the MIPS display and I am not sure if I like to spend 1000€ to get a display like any other smartwatch for 300€.