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Just downgraded from Fenix 7 Pro / Sapphire to 955 Solar!

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).

  • They have been swimming with me many times and no problems. Just make sure your screen is SUPER clean and dry using the provided wipes and towel and that you get the protector centered before you push down hard on it 

  • ... 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.

    I have been wearing my FR955 24/7 for nearly 5 months now. Since, day 1, I put a glass screen protector. It is literally invisible and has zero effect on visibility of the display. Till now, I haven't seen a single scratch on the screen protector. I use my watch in running, swimming, mountaineering and cycling. I consider a screen protector a sine qua non for any watch I have ever used.

  • I have doubts about screen protectors. People are saying it is great, because they already have a burst in it so it protected the watch! My guess, the protectors are made vulnerable to create that illusion, and people keep buying them. I might be wrong, but I never broke or scratched the glass (4 years of FR645M and 8 months FR955 now). But sure, it is everybody's free choice.

  • Another update..  I got the screen protector installed.  The glass one from Amazon.  Simple install looks fine tho I do think it effects *slightly* the readability indoors a little, especially at an off angle. glance.  Just makes the screen "glassier" and more reflective in general.  So, there is a little trade off.  But, will keep it on :-)

    The other thing I wanted to mention, is that I do notice a slower interface in general vs what I had on the F7 Pro.  Also, of course the buttons are not as "clicky" as they were on the F7.   Both I know are likely normal and both are less valuable to me vs. the same size screen / features in a MUCH lighter watch.   

    I have 30-days with the Garmin store to make any changes.  I may stop in, in another week or so just to compare the screen with the protector on it side by side with the display to see the difference (for fun) and more importantly compare the buttons to see if mine feels the same.

  • Also, of course the buttons are not as "clicky" as they were on the F7.

    This has been like this from 945 (or I was lucky with 935 and previous ones). It's rather weird that the watch that is so expensive the button feeling is so cheap and crap. If it's because they want to save some grams, I would rather have the grams and nice buttons.

  • Yes.  I used a 245 Music for about 5months in the mid part of 2019 when I was doing some specific training and testing the waters with Garmin.  I really did love that watch, but I also remember the buttons not feeling the best and had the itch to move on to the Fenix 6 (at the time).  But, I ended up selling it off and staying away for a few years until now, here I am again LOL. buying all over again.  But, this time I know more about the features I want etc.  I was hoping the 955 would be better in that regard, but feels the same.   I can deal with it, as long as it stays working fine.  They definitely have a "click" (for now), but the distance to push / spring back is almost nothing (on the back and up button), which makes me feel like they could change over time.   But, man I really do love the watch tho.. Like you said, just frustrating they cant seem to nail that one aspect.

  • Update to the screen protector..  After a few days with it on, I just kept feeling like the screen was not as easy to read indoors..  so, just now I was sitting here indoors and removed it.   The difference was night and day.  The tempered glass 100% effects the screen readability (indoors) and 100% is more reflective (which are the two main reasons I did not like the F7 Sapphire).    So, this is a no go for me.  I would be interested to maybe try one of the flexible ones they sell, but the glass one is not at all what I was hoping for.  

  • I come from 245, 255 and now 955. All those I kept all the time with screen protector and a case.

  • Yeah, I would too.. but for some reason with the lighting in my apartment it really takes away from the beautiful contrast of the MIP.  I just can't stand it.  Out in direct sun, its fine (but, more reflections on the temper glass).  So, it really does change the experience of the watch a lot.

    I know there is another non glass type of protector.  I will experiment and try that next.  Otherwise, I will just leave it as it is.  I used a 245M for 6 months back in 2019.  I never used a protector and when I sold it, it still looked like new.   I guess I am so used to being so self-aware after years of wearing automatic watches that cost thousands..  In fact, I have one automatic watch that I love, it of course has a sapphire screen but also has an outer AR coating.  I have to be careful with that one as the coating can scratch too.  So, this reminds me of that lol.

  • I still have the 255 and I noticed in 255 the contrast is more vivid and colorful when back light screen is off than in the 955.
    However, when back light screen is on 955 is more colorful and vivid than 255. Both have temper glass screen protector.