Garmin - fēnix 7

I would agree with the other post, if you want to get into tris, garmin is your best bet. The cool thing is, while the top of the line models are expensive, a couple of generations older are still awesome. My recommendation would be for a Fenix 7. Running about $450 on amazon new. [https://amzn.to/49DghWh](https://amzn.to/49DghWh) If that is a bit too pricy, you might try the Instinct 2 or 3. I have (and use) an instinct 2, that is very rugged and currently only $215 on amazon: [https://amzn.to/489fVUD](https://amzn.to/489fVUD)

Fenix 7 (non-pro) has the gen4 optical HR sensor, vs gen5 on the Fenix 8 In fact I'd be careful about which version of the 7 you get. Try and get the one with dual-frequency/multi-band GPS.

Got 7X SS (non pro), and I have absolutely no plans to replace it. To be fair, my 5X should probably still be good enough.

I’ve an OG fénix 7, tempted with AWU and hand-held GPS for long days on the hills. Can probably get both for less than a newer fénix.

I'm also considering an Enduro 3. Currently using a Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire 47mm and a Series 10 AW. The AW is my daily driver. Mainly use the Fenix for weekly hikes and for backpacking. Fenix serves me well but looking to see what a larger screen will do for my aging vision. A new REI opened near me this morning and plan to go and compare an Enduro 3 to my Fenix as soon as the crowds calm down.

The 12+ day battery life is so liberating especially if your use case is fitness oriented. I rarely, if ever, used my Apple Watch as a “smartwatch” so making the switch was an easy decision. If looking at the 965, consider the [Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar](https://www.sunnysports.com/p-grmf7ssbdb7/garmin-fenix-7-sapphire-solar-47mm-multisport-gps-smartwatch-black-dlc-titanium-with-black-band?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=4&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-e6-BhDmARIsAOxxlxXYl57AbkBc-wyChWIRFfj2qf_Utpvc9eulRq2lFP30EnwDTUsMDxsaAqUIEALw_wcB)

This is cheating sort of. But I got mine for about $445 brand new black friday. It's the 47 mm. I opened an Amazon store card and I got $100 gift card. I used that store card to buy the watch which gave me 5% cash back, not their digital rewards. And I got 2% cash back for choosing Amazon day delivery, again, not their digital rewards. So after tax I'm all in for just under $350.

7. This post is about 7. Though somebody posted up in another thread that they got and 8 for super cheap. Like $400 or $500 or something. But that's because they had someone that could get them the employee discount.

Long story: Relentless Approach A short story of my journey in seeking the best health and fitness monitoring ecosystem burning **$$$$$** along the way. I just sold my Apple Watch Ultra 2 (black) last week and switched back to Garmin. Honestly, I couldn’t believe how much shorter the battery life was than what was advertised. It’s frustrating when reality doesn’t match up to the marketing, especially after spending so much. Thinking back, my Garmin Fenix 3HR might still be my favorite. Three weeks—21 days!—of battery life and not a single touchscreen in sight. That sapphire screen and titanium case made me feel like I had something unbreakable on my wrist. Maybe it just clicked because I’ve been a loyal Casio guy since 1996. There’s something about those no-nonsense watches that just feels right. Later, I tried the Samsung Watch Pro. It claimed three days of juice, and for WhatsApp, Telegram, and messages, it didn’t disappoint—three days plus, actually, before it needed a charge. Decent, for someone always on their phone. But after about 10 months, I let it go, chasing something new. Then in 2023, things got interesting. I bought an iPhone 15 Pro Max even though my main was still a Samsung Android. I hadn’t used an iPhone since the 6s and was curious what had changed. A year later, my mom ended up with the iPhone—Face ID just works better for older folks who struggle with fingerprint sensors, and her social circle was deep into iPhones. So back I went to Samsung and grabbed a Fold 5, keeping up my fanboy streak since the days of the S5 and Note 2. Of course, when the Fold 6 launched, I upgraded. Around the same time in 2023, I picked up a Fenix 7 (47mm), no flashlight, MIPS tempted me. A few months later, I passed it to my son—his old Instinct needed to retire. That led me to an Epix Pro in March. Loved the features, but honestly, the Always-On Display meant battery dropped to about five to six days, which was a letdown. Then came the brand new iPhone 15 Pro with Apple Watch Ultra 2 (natural titanium). Again, the battery life let me down. So I circled back to the Epix Pro—this time, no AOD—and suddenly, I had nearly two weeks of battery! I missed always having the display visible, but the extra days were worth it. Still, in December 2024, my curiosity struck again. I bought an iPhone 16 Pro, mainly for the new camera button, with another AWU2 (black). Apple’s health tracking is impressive with Welltory, but the short battery life was a thorn in my side. Just one week ago, I sold it and once again put on my Garmin Epix Pro. Now, I’m keeping an eye on the Fenix 8—and maybe even holding out for a Fenix 9 if Garmin follows their usual two-year update cycle. If I’m honest, I’d rather not count the money lost from 2023 to September 2025. The lesson here: don’t follow my footsteps if you value your wallet. Garmin works best with Android—that’s just a fact for me. On Android, the Garmin Connect app lets me toggle app notifications on and off individually, so I can really control what pops up on my wrist. With iPhone, everything seems to show up by default, and while you can kinda work around it, Apple’s system is just too tightly locked down for my taste. Apple Watch gets all the privileges, as you’d expect. In the end, here’s my takeaway. If iPhone’s your main device, go for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 (when it launches), but keep realistic expectations for battery life. If you love Garmin like I do, Android gives you the freedom to make it work best. There’s just no perfect system—each has trade-offs. Right now, I’m using a Pixel 10 Pro with the Epix Pro. Part of me regrets not going for a MIPS screen Garmin for even better battery life, which is why I’m looking ahead to see what the Fenix 9 will offer, maybe in 2026. I wished small form factor phone specs is on pared with big devices like S25 Ultra (Technological limitations). Who wants to carry a big phone exercising or running, it's just don't feels right.

Fenix 7 saphire solar. aprox 4h marathon time = 1.30h getting there + 1.30h going home. gps and music without having to worry is a requirement.

Garmin Fenix 7 Solar Sapphire ~ I have to remind myself to charge it because I do it so rarely. Twice a month, max, and I run/ride most days (5+ per week). Love it, but I don't use enough of the apps to really justify it, I guess.