Garmin - epix (Gen 2) Standard Edition

epix 2 standard can be had for $350-400. does everything. quite pleased w mine

Switched from aw5 to Garmin epix gen2 standard - the batt life alone is enough of a win to not look back! Enjoy the Garmin bro!

I have Epix 2 (non pro), for gym, strength particular, I find it amazing. I know there are a lot of haters for Garmin strength workouts, but I program a series of workouts on connect and simply turn up to the gym and execute, the watch logs my reps, yes sometime I need to correct, but you get time to do so. Also weights are also adjustable. All in all it works a treat.

I have a Epix 2 prior to that and Fenix 5, used both for strength training, still use my Epix for that purpose. It’s fantastic, you can program multiple workouts on Garmin connect, set the weight, reps, set and rest time and load several workouts onto the watch. I just turn up and select my workout: upper A, lower, upper B, arms and back etc After each set you can manually update the reps (rep counter is ok, mostly accurate) and or weights so as your progressing you can update on the fly your weights and reps. Post workout it gives me enough data to see progress or gaps in training.

I got epix 2nd gen, it’s a good watch but for some reason garmin keeps acting like this line of watches don’t exist, and I miss loads of new features

This is my take. I used to work as engineer at "A"-company often mentioned here that make smartwatches. However, I worked on phones and tablets, not smartwatch. Apple is smartwatch. Cram as much tech into the device as possible. And good value (money spend for tech and features) delivered to consumer. But one big issue is the battery life. Garmin uses old tech. Prices for the devices are a bit outrageous for fitness watch. However, many users who just want fitness watch and don't care for smartwatch features; also don't think about price per tech. I personally buy Garmin only on discount. As for HR accuracy, I suspect the minor difference can be due to power management. It is possible Garmin try to save battery power and sensors are not fully powered. This can result in lower accuracy. Of course this is just speculation. I personally have have had major issue with HR on Epix (Gen 2). This issue tend to occur when another bluetooth device is connected. I can toggle the HR accuracy to be correct (bluetooth device off) and inaccurate (bluetooth device on). At first, I thought it was firmware bug. I have report this to Garmin. And many on Garmin forum also has similar issue. However, it is now 1.5 years and not fixed. So it seems like it is not a bug. So I suspect (but no data to support this) is how Garmin try to reduce power consumption for battery savings.

I have Garmin Epix Gen 2. The advantage of Garmin is battery life. My personal issue with Garmin is firmware bugs and issues. As for your use case: It makes no difference for cycling, because you already have Edge + HR sensor. Garmin watch data will just be ignored. Then if you want a fitness watch for other activities (such as strength training), you want to look at details on that. Garmin strength training support is very weak and difficult to use. I gave up. I don't even bother tracking various sets, reps, weights, etc. I have not used AW since AW5, so I don't know how their strength training is.

Second the Fenix. There’s also some good deals on last gen Epix out (which is basically Fenix with a brighter display) for OP’s budget.

1-2 gen old garmin fenix should be around that much new old stock, or see if you can find a refurb epix 2. I used an Apple Watch 4 before I got the epix 2. It’s fine for heart rate and mileage if that’s all you want. In fact any watch that has a hr monitor will be fine for basic training.

Well then, LFG! 🥳 Fenix 6 Pro in 2019 —> Epix 2022 —> Fenix 8 51mm AMOLED 2025. Each watch was better than the prior (though the F6 performs flawlessly still for my adult son) and I have zero complaints about any of them. People who get frustrated are way more likely to vent on Reddit, I’ll bet. I also think the whole new user interface starting with F8 has prompted posts, either people left behind with the old UI or people who hate change fussing about the new UI. I thought the old UI was fine and the new UI is better - boring take really. Speaking of boring, I’m not going to post a boring update like: use my Garmin every day, it performs perfectly, and I charge it once per month. But I’ll bet there are a lot of people like me out there who just don’t say much.

Happy owner of an F6Solar 47mm for almost 5 years, delighted with the Mips screen and an autonomy of 14 days, I missed the integrated maps and substantial improvements in sleep control and lack of nap monitoring. 2 months ago I bought from a friend the Epix 2Gen 47mm with Amoled screen, and maps that, without training, the battery lasts 8 days and although I don't need more and I am satisfied with its features, I feel that I want more autonomy for my weekend getaways, where I monitor//route tracking//GPS...it needs more autonomy. My wrists are not wide, the 47mm fits well but I would often like to buy a 51mm Epix 2 pro. This new f8 has more than double the range of my epix 2, that would fit but the price….the price is inaccessible.

43 is tiny , even the standard 47 does more than that

even the 47mm should be getting like 8-10 with aod ON.