Enduro 2

Just wanted to mention the Garmin Enduro models, seeing as you're after battery life. The Enduro 2 claims 110 hours of GPS, plus whatever solar adds (up to 150 max). I just grabbed a used one and am very happy with it so far. I believe it's basically a 7X Solar with a bigger battery. Not strictly the Pro model you mention researching but maybe close enough for consideration.

My Enduro 2 lasts around 60hrs (not tested exactly how long yet) but I had around 35% left after 37hrs. But yes, in my upcoming race where I expect to be out 80+hrs I'll be charging on the go. I have a small, light charger and an angled garmin to usbc adaptor and can charge while on my wrist

The answer for you is already buried in your question. Do you plan to spend “serious time outdoors” and want a ton of ready insights and data fields on your screen? Go for the Garmin. If you want “the most complete everyday watch out there,” that will fit into your Apple ecosystem seamlessly, has accurate and verified wrist-based HR tracking for sleep and recovery, has cellular and satellite, AND you don’t mind charging every other day, AND you’re not going on multi-day excursions or wanting to get granular with your data, choose AWU. There are a few other considerations. For instance, assuming you’re not getting the Fenix 8 Pro, do you feel you need satellite connectivity or LTE coverage? If you do, you’ll either want to upgrade to the Fenix 8 Pro, or also get an InReach device (which you can control directly from the Fenix 8). Also, if you’re wanting to carefully monitor your intervals on a run, for example, or switch between data fields, I can’t tell you how nice it is to be able to use physical buttons to start/stop/lap etc. Garmin also has features like ClimbPro and PacePro which *are* useful *if* you use them. I have an Enduro 2, and have been looking for reasons to switch to AWU, the most persuasive of which is the satellite. However, I also like the fact that I can charge my watch, and essentially just forget about it until it tells me to charge it again, at which point I still have a few days left, so it’s not like I have to drop everything and throw it on the charger immediately. On the other hand, I don’t have satellite connectivity, which means I have to bring an InReach device with me (but then again, an InReach is far more rugged than an iPhone or AWU and lasts for days on a single charge). Be realistic with yourself about your use case. I think most of us titrate our purchasing decisions in this arena against vanishingly small possibilities (eg, “What if I run Marathon des Sables someday? 🧐) In most situations, I’d say the AWU is more than enough.

I own a Fenix 6X Pro. I like the cheapness, battery life and no touchscreen. If I had to buy another watch today I would get an Enduro 2 most likely. Run 30 - 40 miles per week.

I hope you enjoy it and become a running monster!!!! Have a question. Would you please turn the metronome during a running session and let me know about it? Is it audible?? I have an Enduro 2 and an Epix Pro 2 51mm and both of them are quitet to the point I have to place attention and raise the wrist to be closer to the ear... I'm considering selling both...

That’s precisely what I’m referring to. In dimly lit environments, such as offices or indoor gyms, both MIP and AMOLED screens require a backlight. In these conditions MIP become invisible without the backlight, necessitating a wrist gesture > same as AMOLED. I transitioned from using MIP screens (Enduro 2 and Fenix 7 PRO) to AMOLED screens (Tactix 7 AMOLED), and I’m thoroughly satisfied with the change. I spend a significant amount of time indoors, primarily in an office or gym, and the sunny days outside are limited, especially in Lithuania. During the summer holidays, I carry a solar power bank that can be charged within a day. Additionally, I can charge my Tactix in just an 2 hours, which allows me to go for approximately 20 to 25 days without needing to recharge it again. My vacation duration even shorter :-))

I’ve also got used Enduro 2. 65+ hours on 200 miler and still 39% battery life.