Fenix 6X vs Forerunner 945 from triathlete's perspective

Hi,

I am former owner of a Forerunner 935. It was the perfect watch for my needs as I run and swim a lot. I really liked its form and functions, but I always wanted the topographic mapping features. When the Forerunner 945 came out, it was no question for me to sell my 935 and pick up the 945. I really like the relatively small case (compared to the Fenix line) because I do not even notice the watch on my wrist during swimming or other sports. However, I also often go for hiking, and sometimes I wish the 945 had a bigger display. I have seen that the new Fenix line has bigger display.

I am considering changing to the Fenix 6X Pro Solar Titanium for the bigger display, but I am not sure if it is a good decision. I am afraid that the bigger size and weight makes the watch also less comfortable for sport purposes (swimming, running, strength training, etc.) than the 945. However, I like the Fenix style and the smaller inner bezel size. The price is no factor because I catched a very good discount. I am especially interested in the opinion of former 935 and/or 945 users. Does the watch feel ok during activities or do you sometimes think that the 9x5 was much better in this regard? I think the best watch for my needs would be a 945 with 6X display. Probably, the 955 will implement it, but I am not a patient person.

Sorry for the personal question, but it may be helpful for other triathletes as well.

Thank you!

Top Replies

Geri over 5 years ago +1

Today I went into the local store and picked up the Fenix 6X Pro Solar. However, it felt huge and heavy on my wrist, so I brought it back after some hours. Actually, it is too big for my needs. I would…

All Replies

0 Crispin_Ellisdon over 5 years ago

I'm not a triathlete, but I have used my 6X Pro Solar (picked up at release) for cycling (indoor Wattbike and outdoor MTB), swimming (pool and OWS), running, strength training, hiking and indoor rowing. The larger screen is amazing when compared to that of my Fenix 5+ Sapphire and MARQ Athlete and the 6X PS weighs less than my 5+/MARQ and is more secure due to the 26mm band vs the 22mm band of the 5+/MARQ. There's not much not to like about the 6X PS IMHO.

0 Dr Phil over 5 years ago

If you are doing predominantly triathlon then stick with the 945. That said, I don't particular notice the heft of the F6 now. The other factor, for me anyway, is the QR bike mount for the 945 that is not available for the F6.

0 Crispin_Ellisdon over 5 years ago in reply to Dr Phil

Dr Phil said:
the QR bike mount for the 945 that is not available for the F6

Good point; I'd forgotten that important feature/accessory difference for triathletes. If a QR mount is important, then definitely stick with the 945. If a QR mount isn't so important and your eyesight is getting a bit iffy, then the extra screen diameter of the lighter titanium X variants is worth considering. Probably best going to a shop where 945, F6 and F6X Solar are stocked, to compare and make an informed decision as to what's right for the particular personal needs.

0 Geri over 5 years ago

Thank you for your help. It is really a difficult question. Actually, I am not a big triathlete, I occasionally bike, but my major activities are running and swimming. However, I am a rather skinny person with about 60kg 178cm, so I suppose the weight difference (even with the titanium version) is quite noticeable. Fortunately, my eyes are good, so I think I should stick with the Forerunner 945, even if I could change to the Fenix for a really reasonable price.

0 Geri over 5 years ago

Today I went into the local store and picked up the Fenix 6X Pro Solar. However, it felt huge and heavy on my wrist, so I brought it back after some hours. Actually, it is too big for my needs. I would like a watch that I can wear 24/7 comfortably and that I can bring with me to any kind of activity without having to fear of damaging it. I think the Fenix 6X is a fantastic device with really premium quality, but it is not the optimal choice for highly active lifestyle. In my opinion, it is more the gadget of mainly hiker and outdoor persons. I myself swim and run a lot, and go for hiking rarely, and for that use case the 945 is a much better choice. However, it is just my personal opinion, and it highly depends on the individual sport habits and body parameters.

Thank you very much for the help.