Fenix 6X Pro

I’m actually going the other way: Fenix 6X Pro Solar to Apple Watch Ultra 3. I’ve always disliked the Garmin connect app interface, it’s just gross to navigate and use. There’s been a ton of bugs I’ve experienced with my 6X both on the watch itself and with the connection to the Garmin Connect app. In general the software experience with Garmin feels clunky and buggy. Most people don’t care I suppose since it (usually) works for just tracking workouts. The new Fenix line is way overpriced in my opinion, where the AWU is looking much more appealing. For the same price as a Fenix 8, I’m rocking an Oura Ring 4 for sleep tracking and AW Ultra 3 for everything else. It is far nicer to track your sleep with an unobtrusive ring rather than a bulky and uncomfortable sports watch (whether Garmin or Apple Watch). The AW also has satellite and cellular, which is even more expensive with the Fenix 8 Pro. It’s a goodbye to Garmin for me. I’ll keep my Fenix 6X if I ever need to do a super long gps recording, still works.

Sounds like you don't need the best and newest to get all the features you need here. Most of the watches you're being recommended will be perfect for you, yes. But any older Fenix/Tactix will work for you too. In fact, I'm still using my Fenix 6x Solar, does literally everything you outlined here besides the stealth mode, jump master, etc. A Tactix 7 or event Tactix Delta will achieve all you need. Just a side note, best battery = MIP display. Don't think you can get a stealth mode (night vision) with an MIP display, that's reserved for the amoled versions. Good luck on your search!

Garmin has better durability, fitness metrics, and battery life. Pick the Garmin every time if you are looking for a fitness watch. If you like the smart watch integration into your Apple ecosystem, go Apple. Currently sporting the Fenix 6x Pro Solar and absolutely love it!

Pick the one that: 1) is within your budget, and 2) is most visually appealing. Both basically do the same things and have few differences in software/battery that will make a big difference to your use. My vote is always the Fenix :)

I would say it is not correct comparison. You need to compare Apple Watch with Garmin Fenix. Standard model (not AMOLED) last 24 days. X version - from 30 days. I'm using 6X Pro Solar Titanium and even after 2 years of using it is keeping 30 days on one charge. Neither Apple nor Samsung can bring me the same experience

I would say it is not correct comparison. You need to compare Apple Watch with Garmin Fenix. Standard model (not AMOLED) last 24 days. X version - from 30 days. I'm using 6X Pro Solar Titanium and even after 2 years of using it is keeping 30 days on one charge. Neither Apple nor Samsung can bring me the same experience

With all due respect, the MARQ and Fenix are both nuts to me. The subscription stuff seems to be happening in a few directions - Connect+, which sounds pretty awful, but it's not like you need to subscribe, and I think you need subscription service for the connectivity on the LTE watch. Also, anything satellite requires a subscription with terms that got worse a couple years ago but you can use a different service that has friendlier billing. I haven't run into a battery life bug personally but I've seen some chatter about it. Lately I think Garmin's current models are a bad deal. I follow the Forerunner series a little more closely but I think this applies across the board - everything got a price hike going to AMOLED and everything that's had an additional new model since then got another price hike. I actually had a Fenix 6X Pro Solar briefly myself before returning it in favor of an Edge 840 and a FR 165. I'm claiming I'm going to wait for the FR 970"s successor to come out and then maybe pick up a 970. I'm curious about maps on my wrist for hiking, I just hate to buy twice within the same generation and I'm feeling kinda done with current-model pricing.

Probably not. I had a 6X Pro for a little while. The maps might be ok for hiking or running but they really didn't work well enough for mountain or road cycling. It's a very expensive, bulky watch. It doesn't have satellite communication. From what I've read, mapping performance isn't really better on newer units. Honestly at this point our phones are a really good device for the maps portion of the puzzle. I could pay for like a decade of Gaia before I reach the cost of a new Fenix. For satellite communication, an inReach variation is probably what you want. If you really want everything in the same package, maybe the 67i or one of the other handhelds. I have an inReach Explorer and it's just ok. I'm more ready to believe newer models are improved though.

Edit: oops, you asked what I'm using. Sometimes a GShock without any smarts or sensors, sometimes a Garmin Forerunner 165. Usually my phone to navigate, though there's always a compass in my pack and sometimes a paper map. Sometimes a Garmin inReach Explorer+. For mountain biking and road cycling, a Garmin Edge 840. My recommendation to you based on your list is a Garmin Forerunner 955. Maps are generally a premium feature and the 900-series is the premium series. The 955 is two models old though, so they're available new at a discount or used. The 965 is mostly the same thing with a price hike, a prettier screen and maybe worse map performance. The 970 is pretty much also that. I had a Garmin Fenix 6X Pro briefly and found it very disappointing, but I was trying to use the maps for mountain biking and road cycling. I think I'd have been happier with them if I just hiked and maybe ran with them. If you're doing an out-and-back hike, just program the route in one direction. What else... Depending on your style as a hiker you might be happier with a handheld GPS. Or honestly just your phone. I ended up with an inReach Explorer that I sometimes use. Velcroed to a shoulder strap, it's pretty much as convenient as my watch but the maps are bigger and easier to navigate. With my phone, I can use Gaia, which is orders of magnitude better than anything I've experienced with Garmin. I do like how my Garmin Edge works for cycling but I think different sports really favor different physical forms for devices. Honestly watches are only really good for running and it's more that every other form is really bad. I did end up with a Forerunner 165 after all was said and done and honestly it's a bit disappointing too. It also doesn't have everything you asked for. I'll use it hiking if I'm training for something, but mostly just to record. It's got a barometric altimeter but I don't find the compass that useful for navigating (seriously!) and it doesn't have maps.

Forerunner 970 and call it a day. It's specifically designed for a cost no object triathlete. You can get a Fenix or MARQ if you like but they're heavier. Might be better at golf, scuba and flying if any of those are relevant to you.

Sounds like a good plan. I can't remember which Fenix was the first to be a dive watch but the only other is the much more expensive Descent. If you don't need the additional features from the Descent and the Fenix replaces a dive computer, it seems like you end up getting a really good value. It's worth comparing to some of the Forerunners if the dive aspect doesn't look that strong to you. I think the 255, 265 and 570 do everything you need for actual training functions. The 955, 965 and 970 add maps and the 970 adds a running tolerance function that might be helpful for marathon training. How much do you run now? Do you have a training plan picked out? While Garmin has all of Daily Suggested Workouts, adaptive training plans, and fully pre-set training plans, they all have their issues for a marathon. I actually quite like DSW but more for filling in the gaps and helping maintain balance. https://lifehacker.com/health/what-its-like-to-train-for-a-race-with-garmins-training-plans

🤣🤣🤣 Apple Watch users tend to be disappointed by the graphics, animation, and smart features offered by Garmin. The Fenix and its variants aren't exactly the value kings in Garmin's line. Do you do any sports for which you want better training feedback? My GShock has kickass battery life.

Hands down Garmin Fenix series. Currently, the 8 is the latest version. You can pick up a 6x pro solar on Amazon for about 500 bucks or less. The standalone GPS function has bailed me out more than once, and the battery life is absolutely amazing!

I have a Fenix 6X pro solar, battery still lasts for weeks, does a pretty good job for tracking. I’m sure you could pick a second hand one up cheaply and get a HRM.