Last week I bought the F7 Pro Sapphire. Great watch, nothing wrong with it. But for some reason I was just not happy with it. I decided to sit and reflect on my feelings and came to the conclusion that it was a mix of looks, weight, and the not-so-great contrast from having the sapphire glass (especially indoors). I did some research and found that the 955 line is very close to the Fenix and for me it came down to this:
What I liked about the F7 Pro:
1. The built in LED (AKA, middle of the night bathroom light).
2. Never worry sapphire screen (but also a dislike at the same time)
3. Had the newest HR sensor and will likely have an update soon for ECG.
Did not like:
1. The overall size, weight and yes, look. (Subjective of course). But, something about it just looked too much for me. Too over the top with the bezel and screws etc. Too thick looking and was not a vibe I cared for on my smaller wrist. I know there is the smaller F7S, but somehow, I was put off in general. The Fenix 6 was better in this regard, because the metal was only on the round bezel and not the lugs too. Now, it's like a whole top "jacket" that comes and covers the lugs, and this gives it a much thicker appearance that I just did not end up caring for. The weight was another factor, having to have it even tighter than a lighter watch for accurate readings.
2. (also a big one) was the horrible indoor visibility with sapphire.
3. Many features I won't actually use.
4. Added cost ($300 more than 955 Solar)
Went back to Garmin store and tried on the 955 and WOW, instantly loved:
1. Very light weight! Felt like a small Casio G-shock! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this. Especially for something meant for 24/7 wear.
2. The looks. More refined, less bulky in person, looks and just feels smaller, yet has the same size screen. It just really like the looks of it better, simpler and more traditional in design.
3. The visibility was night and day different. Even in the store side by side. Unreal. Yes, it will scratch.. but, I also have many luxury watches and am extremely self-aware not just a dummy that bangs up everything. So, I am going to roll the dice on that one.
4. All the features I want / need and more.
5. I also much prefer the more basic OEM watch faces on this. vs. the more "modern" looking ones on the F7, which I had a hard time choosing one that I liked. (subjective too, but still). I stay away from the Garmin IQ store, as they all seem to eat battery life.
Anyway, super happy with it and the price seems really fair to me based on what I get. I can deal with $500 - $600 every 5 or 6 years for something like this. I absolutely love the translative display and hope they continue that along with the new AMOLED screens (which I have no interest in at all).
