First some context. 2019 I decided to "get in shape" and I took off my luxury Omega and got a Garmin 245 Music. LOVED IT! It was what I needed and my entrance into the "Garmin Eco system" and to this day still think is the best out their bar none. Six months later I decided to sell it and go for a Fenix 6s. Got it and loved it (for a bit), then 6 months later decided to try a Marq Aviator. This was a big purchase, and I did like it, but before the 30-day window went away I did decide to return it (too much for something that I knew I would want to replace in 5 - 6 years time). At this point, I actually just did not buy anything else and told myself "I don't need a fitness tracker anymore, I am doing well now. I am shredded, 6 pack and have my routine. Let me go back to wearing real watches again etc."
So I did. For about 2 years.
Recently, I have noticed I am just not as motivated anymore about my fitness and clearly am not making any progress forward. Granted, I mainly do strength training (I am 42) but know I should also do some cardio etc. Regardless, for whatever reason I was always more motivated to workout when I had the Garmin (of any mind) on the wrist all the time. This is more mental than anything else, but I learned I am "wired" that way. So, two weeks ago decided to check back in with Garmin and see what was new now.
I bought the new Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire.
First few hours after driving back from the Garmin store here in Miami, FL I was in love with it! Buttons felt nice, no weird issues, new sensor (so I am future proof for as long as possible LOL) BUT, by the third day I could not stand the super dark MIP indoors. I LOVE the MIP in general, but the solar and sapphire combo really makes it too dark inside (unlike the normal gorilla glass). So, I went back and returned it. I knew it was not for me. At the same time, I decided to look at the 955 Solar. WOW. I loved it, looks a bit more "retro", lol lighter, and the faces it has I kinda liked more (more traditional etc). Also, the visibility was insane nice inside or out.
The 955 Solar:
This watch made it a full week on the wrist before I returned it. :-( - First of all, I realized that in the future (upgrade time in say 5 or 6 years) MIP may not be an option on this line of watch. Which saddens me for sure. Initially I was dead set on NOT getting anything AMOLED (for all the same reasons people talk about). But, I also force myself to try and be more open in general and take time to reflect on my reasons etc and try and embrace change. (good for life in general too, lol). and so, in the back of my mind this keep eating at me as the 965 (which I gave no thought too at all was *exactly* the same price). I started to think "man, I wish I had of looked at it more in the store" anyway, a few days went by and I noticed that one of the buttons on the 955, started to feel "soft" (oh, I know all too well about this from my old 245). Then, I also was not overally impressed with the battery drain on the watch in general. I also can see that I wont get much boost from the solar aspect of it (in my use case).
Then, I start watching more and more videos on the 965 and also the Epix (as people compare them) and decided to head back to the Garmin store to take another look. I might as well before my 30-day return window goes away and then I am stuck.
I first looked at the 965. From the second I put it on, I could tell this is not for me. (Which I thought was strange considering how much I loved the 955 on my wrist). I think it had to do with the larger screen (yes nice, but.....) But, it did not look proportionally correct. It just looked too wide and large (not on my wrist but based on its own dimensions). Also, I had a REALLY hard time finding ANY of the stock watch faces that I liked. They all looked so... "Cartoon like?" I just could not accept it. I know, I know Garmin IQ store etc download more, but I don't like doing this. I really like using the stock faces on the Garmin watches.
So.. I tried the Epix 47mm..
It felt great and somehow it just "clicked" with me (at least when comparing everything else in the store). I also really like that it was just released and I'm buying at the start (great for a longer life span before upgrade etc). 965, should have been delayed a bit so that it can have the new HR sensor etc. Not a big deal to some, but it all adds up in my opinion.
Now, I have had this less than 24hrs,, so I am going to come back in a few days an update my thoughts. For now, I am impressed AND the battery already seems better vs the 955 Solar! For example, I do the same, exact. run near my house. The same settings on both watches etc.. 4% battery burn after 35min on the 955 and today only 2.5% on the Epix?? also, you know I kept pulling my wrist up to look at the screen all the time because its new and I am anxious to see if I like it or not. So, I was fully expecting 4 - 6% battery burn. I then came home, and did a strength workout for about 43min and it burned about 2% more. Lastly, I used the built in timer (25sec intervals) for post stretching and this was a full body stretch session which last several min. I am sitting here now looking down at 76% from 81% out of bed this morning. I am also using the AOD display with Gesture. So far, at this rate its comparable (if not a little better) than the 955 Solar. Granted that may change with the burn rate of the AOD.. so I will update to see.
In short, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the MIP screens... outdoors. I love to glance down at it when driving in the day and I love how it looks. So cool. To me, this is magic. But, for the other 80% of the day when I am not inside, or driving, or running etc.. the Epix I can tell already is a lot more.. fun? The AOD is really cool and I like it. Last night driving home from the Garmin store, the AOD in the car at night was amazing. So, its a bit of a trade off on the MIP outdoors I guess. Practically speaking, the AOD at night gives more use over more time vs. the MIP outdoors on most days. I am in Miami, FL. SUN SUN SUN, and today I was really happy that I can see the screen 100% okay in direct sun while working out.
So, other than possible screen burn in and more frequent charges, I can see now why everyone loves the AMOLED. Let's see how I feel in 3 days, LOL. I will write back..
Travis
