Fenix 6X users - would you switch to Forerunner if it existed in larger format?

Nope. If I was primarily (or only) a runner, then I would consider it for the lighter weight. But I'm primarily a hiker  / peak bagger, so the the metal body and sapphire lens suits me better. I also like the look of the metal bezel better. I can't speak to whether or not the features are any different or better on one versus the other - from my understanding, the Fenix has all the 945 features, but the 945 doesn't have all the Fenix features - what features it doesn't have, if any, I'm not sure.

edit: Just did a product comparison on the Garmin website, and found that the 945 is missing:

1. The 32GB of memory. (I think it has 16GB?)
2. 10ATM water rating (it only has 5ATM)
3. Customizable power modes / battery saver mode
4. Yoga and pilates activities, on-screen workout animations
5. A bunch of golf features
6. Preloaded ski resort maps
7. Expedition mode
8. SwimRun activity

Ignoring the fact that the Fenix is available with much larger screens and batteries than the 945, the power modes, 32gb memory, and rugged build are enough to make me stick with the Fenix line.

Thanks for the extra effort - clearly outlined differences.

BTW Forerunners were always launched in between 2 series of Fenix products - so it doesnt surprise that 945 doesnt have it all. 955 would probably have it + some extras on top.

I think the Forerunner is always going to be missing some features that the Fenix line has. So even if/when the next FR gets all the current Fenix features, the next Fenix will likely top that in some way or another. Fenix has always been intended to be the watch that has virtually everything all the other watches have, for the customers who don't want to make compromises.

And yes your hiking preferences are clear.

Needless to say that Garmin has enough user data on all of the devices that can help them conclude what sports are they dominantly used for.

This was just to spark the discussion if anyone felt the same or had similar decision path that led to X series size

Even without a bigger screen, I returned my F6 for a 945.  A bigger screen on the Forerunner would just be a bonus.  I found there wasn't anything the F6 gave me that justified the cost difference.  The polycarbonate bezel has never been an issue other than cosmetics for me.  I've beaten the hell out of many Forerunner's without causing a blemish.  I hear a lot about the "rugged build" of the Fenix line and those specs look great on paper.  In reality my Forerunner(s) have survived the most rugged of hikes (in a volcanic region where pumice rock has scratched my skin, but spared the watch), Battle Frog events, parachute jumps, bike crashes, diving in the sand playing beach volleyball, etc. without problems.  I've had to replace several wrist straps because of abuse, but I suspect that would be the case with a F6 wrist strap also.

1.  Nice to have, but 16 GB is more than enough.

2.  How many are going 50 meters plus; let alone 100 meters with either our F6's or 945's anyway?

3.  Nice to have, but charging my 945 every 12-14 days is OK with me.  

4.  If that's your thing, OK.

5.  I think they're the same, I may be wrong.

6.  Ski maps are convenient, but not worth the cost difference for my use.

7.  I honestly don't know what it is, so I don't know if I'd even use it.

8.  I have this feature on my 945.  The site isn't updated.

The polycarbonate bezel has never been an issue other than cosmetics for me.  I've beaten the hell out of many Forerunner's without causing a blemish.

This was exactly my experience with polycarbonate bezel.
Smashed my 935 on the pool wall (+ dragged 2-3 cm over a rough surface) - screen protector cracked, not a single thing on the bezel.

Many screen protectors here also.  Lol.  It's like I said, on paper the F6 is build to withstand much more, but in practicality the Forerunners withstand the abuse thrown at it.  The "rugged build" is  nothing more than a selling point.  I recently had a new roof installed on my house.  The roof I paid for withstands 250 mph winds.  I could have purchased a more expensive roof that would handle higher winds, but why?  I'm not concerned with paying for a roof that can withstand the wind force from a comet that strikes the earth.  Great on paper, but in practical use, a waist of money.

I have no doubt that the polycarbonate bezel is strong, it's probably the same material as the Instinct uses. My son's instinct still looks great after 3 or 4 months of daily wear, and he's 10 so I'm sure he's not very careful with it haha.

I also agree with the above that most of those software differences wouldn't matter to many people, myself included. The bigger screen and battery life is my primary reason for the Fenix, and the 32gb storage really is nice when you're the type who installs custom maps, which I do. But for the average user, I'd say the 945 still offers more than enough.

C.sco said:

The bigger screen and battery life is my primary reason for the Fenix, and the 32gb storage really is nice when you're the type who installs custom maps, which I do.

Exactly - this is what keeps me with 6X.

If there was a next forerunner (lets say 955) in the size option of 6X (51mm diammeter, so bigger screen, battery and memory) - my preference would be clear. This would not weigh more than ~65g would be sturdy and trully scratch proof...

Only downside of forerunners (935/945) is somewhat mushy buttons feel vs Fenix line - but I could live with that, to have sturdy polycarbonate case and smaller weight.

Switch from FR935 to Fenix6 X, very disappointed it, The FR935 OHR is much more reliable, Garmin seems to be ignore the Fenix6 OHR problem, I basically train almost every day with the Fenix6 X, weight and size doesn't much affect me, bigger screen shows better info while training, but some text even smaller then FR935, Garmin logic???

Fenix6 X still have OHR problem, 7/24 mode is not working well, but if you are a person don't move much, it might be OK! in activities always wear a HR strap, just don't count on the OHR!