epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition, 51m

If you're looking at the Fenix 8 with MIP screen and voice control is NOT on your Pros list, you absolutely should look at the Enduro 3 instead. Essentially the same watch, lighter weight, same software updates, no microphone/voice assistant, but larger battery. Honestly, I keep getting tempted to offload my Epix Gen 2 Pro 51 to get the Enduro 3.

Correct that the Enduro 2 is an excellent value but as a fellow owner of a Fenix 7 variant, we are not being very well supported by Garmin these days with updates. I know that updates are a hot button issue these days but honestly, phones get years of OS updates, my Pixel gets new features all the time, and Garmin isn't giving strength training plans to 1 year old flagships, meanwhile Forerunners that are older and 1/3 the price are getting new features. As great as the Enduro 2 and even my Epix Gen 2 Pro is, they feel pretty end of life despite the excellent hardware that is clearly very much current as proven by the Fenix E and even a recent teardown showing nearly identical internal components between the Fenix 7 and 8 series. If I had the money and interest in even one of the latest software features, like strength training plans or sport specific suggested workouts and race predictors, etc, I would go for the new model. The old ones sadly are probably not gonna get it despite being totally capable of running them.

A few months ago I made the transition from the FR245 to the Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire and have been enjoying the change, I especially like the larger and brighter screen. I hope you have a great time with the new watch!

I am also using an AMOLED (epix pro gen 2), which replaced a fr245.  I had a tough time in some scenarios with the MIPS display, such as on shaded trails and around subset (both common in my users). In these cases I am happier with the AMOLED. 

I'm also in Germany. I got Epix Pro 51mm Sapphire on Kleianzeigen for 450€, a few weeks ago. With a few months of warranty remaining even.

I would recommend either Epix Gen2 or Enduro 2. For hiking, especially if you're going to do multi-day hikes, bigger battery in 51mm options could be handy.

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...

You can set it to vibration, sound and both. Personally, I don't like the vibration, and I'm not sure if it may drain battery in ultras

Garmin epix pro sapphire has a great screen and sapphire glass - super discounted 50% now so more a straight swap in terms of value for AWU - battery and sport no contest farming is better

I own or have owned several of both lines. Both will satisfy any kind of activity tracking you could possibly want based on what you listed. I prefer to train and race with a Forerunner. It's lighter, and has a slimmer profile. You almost don't even notice you're wearing it. That said, it looks and feels like a toy. I prefer to wear a Fenix/Epix for most other situations. It's the more versatile watch because it can be "dressed up" easily and has a much more premium look over the Forerunners. That said, it's much more substantial and heavy. If I could only have one watch, I would personally go with the Fenix series primarily because of that versatility. You do pay for that "extra" though. I most recently did that with the Forerunner 965 and the Epix Pro 51. Loved both for the previously mentioned reason, but ultimately decided I didn't want to keep switching watches throughout the day. Sold the 965 to a friend, and kept the Epix Pro which I wear 24/7 outside of the very occasional charge.

Epix pro gen 2 sapphire 51mm, amoled display, less battery than the fénix but it still good and it’s cheaper since you can grab it in discount.

I was in the same boat a couple of months ago. I’m a big apple guy, love the ecosystem and the OS, nothing can beat that, but I didn’t want to charge my Apple Watch almost everyday anymore. And I also didn’t want an extension of my phone on my wrist. Wanted something different and decide to grab an epix pro gen 2, titanium sapphire for around 600 usd here in Mexico, I think it was a great deal considering it’s almost a 1000 usd watch which it’s insane tbh. I don’t regret buying it at all, I use it mainly for biking and running, 5 days a week, sleep tracking and health stats and I’m charging it once a week. The gps is great and the maps look awesome in the amoled display. As someone said above, coming from an Apple Watch, the learning curve is not easy, the menu is not as intuitive but I’m in love with the looks, roughness, functionality, battery, amoled display. Was thinking of getting maybe a fénix 7pro with MIP Disaplay to get more battery life but honestly for my activities I prefer the brightness of a amoled screen.