epix (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition

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)

I just got a refurbished from Ebay for $350 with 2 years Square Trade warranty and dont regret it. i also just do walking, Picke Ball. i like the sleep tracking and battery life ( used to own an apple watch that i needed to charge daily vs 15+ days\_)

mine came in an official Garmin Refurshied box. pristine condition . (if cant do this let me know, Seller for me was BuyDig)

That’s the one I got. It is not the pro version. It does all I need.

I just jumped from apple watch to garmin (epix 2 sapphire) a month ago. I am also not really using it for sports, primarily a smartwatch. Technically still trialing it out, but probably going to keep it because of the battery (getting about 2 weeks between charges compared to less than a day) and customizability (can directly display my steps, heart rate, and other specific information directly on my watch face. You are absolutely right about some of the native apple features… however of most of the apple watch apps never work great for me anyway, especially after the devices ages a bit. The ones that do work, destroy the battery life and usually are more work to fiddle with than grabbing my phone. Also, most only work when them phone is in range. So switching wasn’t a problem at all for me. You’ll still get notifications, can still link your calendar and all that jazz. However, you really need to try with your specific use cases to know for sure. I’d suggest find a place that will let you return if it doesn’t meet your expectations and just giving it a whirl.