The Epix vs Fenix debate is rather comical

Prefer the X size.

I completley understand the size difference. I have both watches right now testing them both. Without a doubt the larger display is nice but what really seems to make up for that gap is the resolution of the Epix. 

The "latency" of looking down at the watch and grasping the metrics on the watch seems to really be a smoother experience with the Epix. The size of the Fenix is gimped by the lack of resolution and display technology in general. 

Maps are also a night and day difference on the Epix.

Of course this is a very subjective thread and argument but I am curious on others take on this. There is no denying the fact both user groups have a very extreme view where they for some reason psychologically convince themselves one will not work and they must have the other. When in reality that is just not the case and they it is simply a function of them already having their mind made up and are justifying it to extreme measures.

I've learned long ago it's impossible to try and apply logic and reason when looking at the factors that impact a purchase decision. Just isn't possible.
For example - I've seen some FB posts of Epix users who were former Fenix users and who are returning their Epix simply because the SCREEN IS TOO BRIGHT. Nothing wrong with that opinion at all, that's their thought and that's fine. Point being - even something as crazy as that is valid, for the person who has that thought. Everyone has their own intentions and opinions and user scenarios, and many times what matters to one person will make ZERO sense to the next person, and that's just basic humanity. It's how it is.

And also - I find the typical Fenix 6X user group (I had a 6 Pro Solar - still have it actually) - to be VERY dismissive of anyone who also doesn't think a 6X is THE BEST AND ONLY watch anyone should use. That group always wants to dismiss the following aspects: Solar, Screen Protector, anyone NOT using Sapphire, anyone NOT wanting the big huge clunky 6X, anyone who wants a bezel cover (the stiuck on kind), anyone who wants one of those large protective watch cover things. That's a group that only sees things their way hahahah

Very true, and I want to make it clear that I understand the "sexy" side to having the 7X. It is not that I don't see both sides. 

For context I would compare all of this to someone getting started back in the gym working out. Some people absolutely need to go from 0->100% as far as "ok i will begin sleeping 8 hours a night, tracking calories in/out etc etc....however with this group of people if even just one of those metrics can't be followed it throws them all off. They need it all, or they don't want any of if...and they will have the attitude of "well I can't start training now because I can't start sleeping 8 hours yet"......instead of being able to balance decision making with logic.

Same thing with these purchase decisions. They have to have it all and there is no balance even if in reality, the other watch is a better fit for them.

Like most things I don’t think that the majority of users of either watch are as zealous as you make it sound. It’s just that those who are, are very vocal.

My personal observation is that there’s a certain vocal subset of Fenix users (especially F7X users) who seem to be making the “No true Scotsman” argument, as in nobody who is doing “real” outdoor activities could possibly be happy with an Epix because it is an inferior outdoor watch because the battery doesn’t last as long and the screen is too pretty.

I’ve actually seen people who bought both say they’re returning the Epix because it seems too delicate. Some people just can’t get past their selection bias.

I have both watches right now testing them both.

I’m curious, is this your first experience with Garmin watches?  I ask that because I think a lot of it comes from what you get used to.

TL;DR - I mostly love my Epix but I still am on the fence about whether to stick with it due to battery life.

The longer response, since the history of what I am used to affects my feelings -

I bought a Forerunner 935 to replace my Apple Watch and Forerunner 910XT back in 2017 so that I had a single watch that I could use for training and everyday wear that did not have to be charged every day.  I loved that watch and upgraded to the 945, then Fenix 6 Sapphire (for the slightly larger screen and the nicer look since I wear dress clothes to work).  I loved the features of the Fenix 6 but hated the reflectivity and darkness of the Sapphire screen.  When the Fenix 6 Solar models came out, I “upgraded” in order to get the titanium (lighter) watch and to have the Power Glass or whatever they called it but was easier to see.  I absolutely loved the Fenix 6 Solar, but love the “latest and greatest” and planned to get the Fenix 7 once it came out.

Fenix 7 and Epix are released, I read the reviews, watched three different reviewers’ YouTube videos.  I run, cycle, and race triathlon, so even if I did an ultra or full Ironman distance I only NEED 17-20 hours of GPS time on a freshly charged watch before a race.  Totally doable with either watch.  The Epix screen looks amazing.  Plus, in order to get the higher memory and the best GPS options (whether I need it or not doesn’t matter — I want it), I would need to buy the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar, and I already know I don’t really care for the sapphire screen on the Fenix 7.  So, I bite on the Epix.  My feelings - the screen as great as it should.  The higher resolution maps are wonderful when I am hiking.  My only complaint - after nearly five years of having a true always on display, I don’t like when the Epix screen is off when I look at it.  I know it turns back on quickly when I rotate my wrist (usually), but I prefer the AOD, even during activities.  Of course, this cuts down the battery life quite a bit.  It still lasts close to a week, but I have been spoiled that in the past I haven’t had to think about charging it except for my ritual Sunday afternoon charge.  With the Epix, I have to think about it.  If I were coming to the Epix directly from my Apple Watch, it would be a complete no contest.  But even though I don’t need the Fenix 7 battery life, the Epix battery does not last as long as my old Fenix 6 (and other Garmin’s before it) based on the way I am using it, and this makes me unsure.  In fact, the biggest thing keeping me from changing to the Fenix 7 is that I would have to get the Sapphire Solar, and I know I’ll be unhappy with it.

Sorry for the long response, but I bet there are others who have a similar issue — it’s the feeling of the “downgraded” battery life from what I’m used to that makes me not 100% happy.

You just summed it all up for me.

Bought the Epix, coming from a string of Fenix's previously, and its great and feels like more of an upgrade to my 6X with that hi-res easily readable screen, but I keep thinking about swapping it for the 7X, purely for the "I dont have to think about  the battery running low".

For Fenix users they seem to be the "if the apocalypse hit which would last the longest?" group.

LOL

The only thing I didnt like about my 6X (sold it) is when the sun is in the foreground, eg, like when driving, light coming in from the windscreen, plus with sunglasses on, the 6X screen is unreadable, too dark, even with the back light set to 50%, dont like it any higher as it caused a battery hit.

With the Epix, its no issue, can read it any situation, sun, shade, sunglssses on, whatever.

How is it with the Fenix 7 you have?