Fenix 6 Sapphire, 945 or Fenix 5 plus Sapphire

Big difference. . .

I am a possible first time Garmin buyer looking for some advice. I am looking into buying either the Fenix 6 Sapphire, FR 945 or Fenix 5 plus Sapphire.

I know they are all different price points but do similar things and have similar components (FR 945 and Fenix 6 Sapphire)

I can get the 6 Sapphire for $700 new, the FR945 is on "sale" (even though everyone has dropped their price so I am assuming it is going to be the new price) for $500 and the 5 Plus Sapphire for $500.

I do trail running, swim, hike (a lot), golf, surf, cycle, and gym. I don't really need it for its smartwatch functions, but can work with it.

So the main question is, which one do I go for?

The battery life of the 5 plus just isn't as great as the 945 and the Fenix 6 Sapphire, well, who does not want the Fenix 6 Sapphire right?

Any advice from you would be greatly appreciated.

Note: What are some ideas on black Friday/ cyber Monday sales?

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0 fjelsten over 4 years ago

I owned an F5+: To me the biggest (that may seem smaller to some) wins are:

Battery life (just so, so, so much better)
Larger screen (fits more data/map)
Changed the lugs so the watch better fits smaller wrists

0 Gr4z over 4 years ago

Had a 5+, 945 and now a 6 Pro.
5+ was flawed in my opinion. Battery sucked.
945 was ok but I didn’t like its looks. Just a plastic watch.
6 Pro is much better. Battery is great. Looks fantastic. Still some minor bugs though.

0 7630590 over 4 years ago in reply to Gr4z

This is great news! So if I can get the 6 Sapphire for the price of the 6 Pro is should take is?

0 7630590 over 4 years ago in reply to fjelsten

Hi there,

Thank you for your reply. So you are suggesting the 6 pro? Or the 5 plus?

0 fjelsten over 4 years ago in reply to 7630590

Clearly the 6 sapphire/pro - no doubt in my mind

0 morey000 over 4 years ago in reply to 7630590

The Fenix 3, 5, 5+ were all fine evolutions- but the 6 is where it's at. It just has too many new features that you didn't know you wanted until you have them. Never thought I needed maps, as I could always follow the breadcrumb nav. But- today I was doing a trail run with a lot of criss crossing trails- how handy it was to have maps. and Body battery. And PacePro! And battery life. And the power manager. and music in the watch, etc etc. You're going to be wearing and using the device every day- might as well spend the extra $100 (that's the cost of one date... if you don't drink too much)

Something to consider. The Sapphire- is certainly indestructible. it's dang near impossible to scratch that stuff. However- the gorilla glass on the regular 6Pro is also pretty tough... and... it doesn't reflect stray light like the sapphire does. I guess the difference in the index of refraction is the problem- it's just physics.

there's a whole thread on it here

https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-6-series/171845/sapphire-vs-gorilla-glass---contrast-brightness-reflections

here's a comparison with my old Fenix 3HR which is sapphire.

As for the 945- also a fine watch. The advantage is that it's lighter- so, perhaps the OHR might work better when running. Your call if you prefer the looks of the plastic/resin case or are willing to pay $100 more for the heft and looks of the 6.

0 R_Tellis over 4 years ago

If cost is a minor consideration for you then go for the F6.

I’ve had the F5+ and 945 and have a F6 Ti on the way. I have a 170mm wrist and the F5+ was a bit too big. The 945 looks big on me but is more comfortable mainly due to the lighter weight. I tried on the F6 at a Best Buy awhile back and it felt perfect.

F6 has all of the features, and then some, of the 945 with the looks and ruggedness of the Fenix line.