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Returning Epix 2 for Fenix 7X Sapphire; Will wait for Epix 3X

dannyldavis
over 2 years ago

I'll be the first in line for the next generation Epix 3X with better battery life, usable Always On dim screen, improved build quality and consistently good buttons.

Meanwhile, I'm returning the Epix 2 as a compromised first attempt at Fenix AMOLED (similar to what Fenix 3 was in the Fenix series) for the following reasons in priority:

1.  The Menu Button Failed - Within 48 hours the menu button started to become non-responsive.  Seeing this issue in forums by other users complaining of mushy and failing buttons, I called Garmin and they said give it some time referencing lubricant getting better flow with use.  At this point moments ago, 25 depressions will not bring up the menu screen!

2:  Always-On Isn't - It might as well be turned off as so dim of no useful purpose unless your wrist activities bright screen unlike my Wife's iWatch that is always on.  (Yes, I understand the tradeoffs in battery life with Apple at a day and Garmin at 6.

3.  Battery Life - If they had made a larger Epix 2X the battery life would have proportionally been 9 days comparing to the difference between the Fenix 7 and 7X which I could live with.

4.  If feels cheap - Wrist band, buttons and feel.  Sadly a $1000 Watch with 99 cent buttons and band compared to my Fenix 6X or even former Fenix 5X.

I waited patiently as we all did for the Fenix 6X replacement but was non-plused the Fenix 7X did not have better screen resolution while the Epix 2 had as great screen but was deficient in other areas.  Disappointed on both fronts and hoping for a later introduced larger Epix 2X, I finally gave in a week ago and bought the Epix 2.  Looks like I should have waited longer.

Still have my 6X sapphire and I'll probably buy the Fenix 7X sapphire solar plus may try the aviation D2 Mach 1 for it's flying features and dressier appearance but sad to see the quality of buttons on the new watches and I may have the same quality with the 7X.  Having a 5X and 6X here at my desk I just tried their buttons and after years of use they are still crisp and functional.  I do like the new real-time stamina feature.

Touch screen for maps is nice but otherwise I like buttons.  Huge battery life of 7X solar is great but my 21 days on 6X is not problem.

With 5X and 6X, the only problems I ever had were with charge connector and battery.  5X charge connector failed after warranty but Garmin replace for free; 6X battery failed after warranty but Garmin also replaced for free.  So, I have no beef with Garmin service, its great.  However, you see my concern with a watch the has reduced battery life as always having to plug in which cycles both the charge connector and battery life which have been my only problems with Fenix.

Regarding build quality, I don't get it.  Why would Garmin cheapen the buttons on the watch?  Do they think now that there is a touch screen buttons aren't important to traditional Fenix users?

On a positive note, things I do like about the Epix are, of course a beautiful vibrant screen, higher resolution and better viewing behind a crystal minimizing reflections.

As a runner, cyclist, swimmer, golfer and pilot, I'm devoted to Garmin and have a lot of their toys but they had a lot of time to make the Fenix/Epix upgrade wonderful and I'm disappointed they missed the mark especially on quality.  What if their airplane glass panels had lousy buttons that wouldn't work.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    Sorry to hear you're not happy with your Epix2 that has a separate section in this forum. The "similar to what Fenix 3 was in the Fenix series" caught my attention as I have a Fenix3 in perfect working condition (as a backup device) in the drawer. We had uncountable adventures together during 7 years ;)

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to ArionK

    I actually never had a Fenix 3 so probably should not have referenced.  My nephew had so I was going on his experience, but it was not related to quality but rather features.

    So, one thing you're saying that I'm also saying is Garmin quality and robustness of Fenix have always been great.  Epix 2 is my only disappointment in this area.

    I'm looking forward to trying the Fenix 7X and have already promise my 6X to son, so I'll have to be satisfied with the 7 Series and I'm sure Garmin will warrant its quality.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    I got an Epix 2 and Tactix 7 Pro 3 weeks ago and returned the epix based on the size mostly (still have my F6X). The battery was great for what it offers but as you said I found the buttons on the epix to be very lackluster. Surprisingly I use the touch screen a lot now and appreciate you can lock if needed  

    When / if they come out with an Epix 3X it might finally retire my Fenix line for me. I have used the torch so much on the T7 pro though and love it along with the tactical nylon band. 

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to ericbfit

    Thanks. That’s very helpful and validates my decision/experience. 

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    I have Fenix 7X and that has those differentiating button sounds too. :) 

    Garmin switched to a different button structure. Now, internal button switch is on a tiny board and mounted on the watch casing instead of the motherboard. This way Garmin probably trying to reduce repair costs or making it easier etc.

    So I'm sure they'll resolve (if they haven't) those button issues in next revisions.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    I battled with the decision to upgrade from the fenix 6X to Epix 2 or fenix 7X.

    I used the Epix 2 for 2 weeks and got just on 8 days of battery with AOD off and multiple activities in and outdoor per day, and smart functions on, which is acceptable given the nice screen.

    But in the end I returned it for the fenix 7X SS and get around 14 days of battery under the same use case, which I am much happier with.

    I find the 7X screen just fine and has better contrast and crisper than my 6X, and the torch is very convenient.

    The buttons kind of feel a little different to the 6X but I havent has any issues with them.

    fenix 3 -> 3HR -> 5X -> 6X -> Epix 2 (2 weeks) -> fenix 7X SS.

    If an Epix 3X is released I will definitely consider it.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    Well, it's done.  I took the Epix 2 back and exchanged for the Fenix 7X Sapphire.

    Epix had to go back due to menu button failure, so was no longer functional.  However, low battery life, inconsistent buttons, etc. on Epix made the switch back to Fenix more desirable.

    Still would love to have the Fenix 7X Sapphire I now have with the AMOLED screen (Epix 3).

    All is functional on the Fenix 7X and the buttons all have the same feel as opposed to the Epix 2 that have one failed menu button and the other four all varieties of click/mushiness.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    Buttons are still and issue.  Took the Epix 2 back to store as the menu button ceased working and other buttons had an inconsistent feel.  

    Still like the Fenix 7X better than the Epix 2 for the not ready for prime-time reasons stated above but the menu and power buttons on the 7X   also have an inconsistent and undesirable feel.  While not failing yet, I expect one or both may ultimately fail like the Epix 2.

    Interestingly, I was at AirVenture in Oshkosh where Garmin has a huge tent with aviation plus watches such as D2 Mach 1, Epix 2 and Fenix 7X all on display.  I tried all buttons on all three watches and they were crisp and consistent which leads me to believe that Garmin is shipping defective or at least less than acceptable quality on the new watches. 

    I'm a big Garmin fan but I've never run into such quality issues has I've had with the Epix 2 and Fenix 7x.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    Back when the F7 and Epix 2 were released, it was an easy decision for me to pick the 7X. Really, Garmin made the decision for me, when they didn't make a solar, 51mm case / 1.4 inch display version of the Epix with a flashlight. So that really only left me with the 7X to pick from.

    I do sometimes still wish I had amoled, though. 95% of the time I am glad to have transflective, but then 5% of the time I really wish I had bright, brilliantly-colored high-resolution maps.

    If they made an Amoled 7X Solar with a 1.4" screen, I'd consider buying it. I'm not sure if I'd definitely buy it or not, but I'd certainly consider it.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    I bought an epix 2 and Tactix 7 pro to compare and I originally thought if there was a Epix 3X I would have sent back the Tactix but after using the Tactix for over a month now I still think I would have decided to keep Tactix even if there was an Epix 3X. Mostly because I got tired of the amoled even though it is beautiful and for me having 40% brightness and activating via tap the screen is still really readable and easy to use inside.

    The flashlight has been amazing though and use it all the time. If/when they come out with a bigger Epix I might change my mind. Never say never.