Fenix 6s Pro Solar or 6s Pro or something else?

elección muy personal; yo prefiero tener mayor batería por lo que jamás me iría a un modelo "S"

la versión solar del Fenix ​​6 tengo entendido que no es gran cosa. Yo vengo de un Instnct 2 solar y ese si que tenía una buena fuente solar, se notaba y mucho, pero el Fenix ​​6 creo que al dedicar menos espacio de pantalla a la placa no carga tan rápido.

tampoco creas que las cargas solares son la panacea, tiene que haber sol y pasar horas expuesto, sino, como mucho recupera un 1%, por experiencia te lo digo

lexabogadothank you for your advice - really appreciate your recommendation - seems like solar on 6s pro does not really make sense.  I'm going with "s" because I prefer running with a lighter & smaller watch but definitely sacrificing battery life!  My vivosport lasts 3-4 days using GPS daily and if 6s Pro can last just as long (or longer), I'll be satisfied!  I always thought it was a joke that Apple watch lasts less than a day with real usage!

I have an Instinct 1 and a fenix 6 pro. One noticeable difference between the two is weight. The Instinct has a plastic body. It's quite durable but it's also substantially lighter on the wrist than the all-metal fenix. I don't find the fenix's weight objectionable now that I'm used to it. But I had to switch back to the Instinct yesterday due to issues with the fenix and the weight difference was the first thing I noticed. It might be worth comparing the two on your wrist at a store.

As for the mapping capabilties, I don't know what's new in the Instinct 2 compared to the 1 but I can tell you that the 1's mapping capability is "limited" to be tactful. You really need to use it with a smart phone and its GPS mapping capabilities. OTOH I find the fenix's mapping too hard to read. There's a big difference between a 2" round dial and a 6" rectangular screen.

Bylo Selhi - thanks for your insights, yes and agree - I was super interested in the Instinct watches for the weight/durability despite the gray-scale screens (+ better battery life).  I used to manually download maps to my original Fenix and even though they were hard to read (and in 2-bit grayscale), when I was in a different country and did not have international roaming on my cell phone, they were invaluable.  Was hoping Instinct had that ability but does not look like it.

I live in North America but hike overseas for a couple of months each year. I use a smartphone with an inexpensive local country or regional roaming SIM. This is useful not only for mapping but also for getting general information, using public transport, making bookings while travelling, etc. Also the recreational maps you can download in many countries, especially in Europe, are far better and cheaper than what's available for Garmin devices. Even though I now have a fenix 6 and it has built-in maps I intend to continue using it in conjunction with my smartphone. The combination of an Instinct 2 and a smartphone may be a viable compromise for you.

Bylo Selhi - great feedback!  My 6S Pro is arriving this week and I'll give it a try.  Fortunately, it's returnable to a brick & mortar store so if it doesn't meet my needs, think I'll consider the Instinct 2... although I'll have to wait a year for some good Garmin sales.  My vivosport can hopefully take me to year 5 in the interim!

For me, the additional expense for solar would be worth it, but you do you. I don't know what the sales are like where you are, but here in Australia, the 6S/6/6X Pro Sapphire models are running way cheaper than the 6S/6/6X Pro models in the lead up to Christmas 2022. That is, the Sapphire models are running at 40-50% off MSRP but the Pro models are only 10-20% off MSRP (and in some cases are still at MSRP!).

Having said that, I'm currently using a 6X Sapphire and I'm eyeing the Enduro 2 as an upgrade in the future once I hit my fitness end goals (the 6X Sapphire was my gateway to getting back in shape). The saving starts now!

bmfang - that's interesting regarding discounts - it's in reverse in US where 6S/6/6X Pro models are 40-50% off and not much price decline in Sapphire one's.  Good luck saving up for the Enduro 2 - that's a sweet watch!  Looking forward to my 6s pro when it arrives - Xmas is coming 2 wks early for me ;-)!

Have been using my new Fenix 6S Pro Solar for a week. After some tweaking (5% backlight & shortest display switch off time, SpOx off) - I can get 5 days of use (about 45min GPS daily & smartwatch notifications on) which is a day better than my Vivosport - so really happy with the battery life.  Solar intensity-wise, looks like regular sunlight nets me about 75-100% when I'm out.  F6 is heavier than Vivosport, of course, but not to make it uncomfortable while running.  Thumbs up from me!

Congratulations! Sounds like you're very happy with your choice. That's all that matters. Enjoy!