epix (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition

Garmin. Love my Epix 2 Sapphire. The Sapphire versions have very scratch resistant glass, and the big bonus of including the TOPO maps

I wouldn’t let that lack of software updates prevent you from getting a fenix. It may not be getting new UI or features, it does still receive bug fixes. They just released one a week ago. I have an epix gen 2 sapphire and I’m very happy with it. It’s basically an AMOLED version of a fenix 7. The fenix has all the features and training data you could ever need, plus touch screen and physical buttons. If you want an AMOLED screen grab an epix gen 2. My next recommendation would be a forerunner 265 or 965. These two have the newer UI Garmin is going with and feel a bit more like a smart watch, plus AMOLED screen. Biggest difference between the two is, 965 has offline mapping and navigation, 265 just has breadcrumb navigation.

Very happy with my Epix Gen 2 Sapphire still. If I had money to throw away I probably would upgrade to an 8 for the newer look UI and additional software features that weren't passed back a generation, but I don't, so I won't. I also have no intention of paying a sub for extra features. I'll be looking at what the F9 has to offer at a reasonable price point. Sapphire glass is always a must for me. If the price point is too high, then I will look elsewhere after more than 10 years using Garmin products. Passing US tarrif costs on to Europe etc in their pricing is not acceptable in my book, so Suunto could well get a look in if they can come up with the goods with their Vertical line!? I imagine a new one will be out very soon as Dcrainmaker has stated there's a tonne of new tech coming out in the very near future and they just released a new Race model. Coros are rubbish, and American too so not even worth a look! Garmin has turned into an Apple type company. Only interested in making money! They've forgotten where they came from and who got them there. They're pricing a lot of us out of their products. Is there any point in pricing something much higher if you sell considerably less of them and end up making the same amount of money compared to selling more at a lower price?! I guess they'll keep pushing the boundaries until they actually make less money on a product and realise they've hit the ceiling with consumers.

I would go for either the Instinct 3 or Vivoactive 6. Both new watches are great, no issues. Vivoactive 6 is just in your budget range but isn't very 'rugged', which is the perfect desciption of the instinct 3 (which is a bit more pricey). You can go for the black and white screen of the Instinct E ($299), but the tech is a bit more dated, and if you are coming from an apple watch, im guessing you like the bright screens. Another option is the Epix 2 (refurbished) from amazon for $349 (what I would go for). This is their top of the line watch from a few years ago, but still very advanced with most of the new features. [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1316397/pn/010-02936-00/](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1316397/pn/010-02936-00/) [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1555457/](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1555457/) [https://a.co/d/fs1SPqL](https://a.co/d/fs1SPqL)

The instinct line, epic, Fenix, and Tactix will all suit your (his) needs. The new Fenix and Tactix will likely be too expensive. I’m not sure what deals exist on the outgoing models looks like. The Epix Gen 2 sapphire is roughly on par with the previous gen Fenix and Tactix, and usually goes for around $400 (until they are all sold out). The Epix is discontinued but will continue to receive support updates. The Epix, even as an outgoing model, has better health and fitness sensors, as well as better GPS related specs than the newer instinct 3. At full price the Epix Gen 2 pro Sapphire was around $1,000. If you think he’ll like something a little more sleek looking, just as tough, and will like the OLED screen, I’d check it out. I have had 2 instincts, Gen 1, and the crossover (based on the Gen 2 models. Both of my instincts were built like tanks. I used them at work and they got beat up in the woods constantly and never failed. I’m sure that the instinct 3 is just as good, I just don’t have any experience with them. I would avoid the forerunner and enduro line. The enduro is a great watch, but the bezel on it and the forerunner is designed for fitness first, not strength. The raised titanium bezel in the Fenix, Epix, and Tactix is better at impact protection. The instinct also has a raised bezel and is built like a tank, but it is all polymer.