I have the Epix, and am very happy with it. Flashlight gets used every day. It’s just so bloody useful. Battery life is around 2 weeks, and I’m running 5 times a week.
Can’t speak for the other device, but slimness would be nice! It’s a thick watch and my wrists aren’t huge, but it can make getting shirts on and off a little annoying. That would be my only real gripe to be honest.
It is otherwise comfortable. My only other Garmin comparison is the forerunner 235. That was slim, but had a VERY annoying protrusion where the sensor was. This is not a problem on the Epix.
Another pro is the sturdy construction/rugged look; I’ve had it for a good year at least. Watch is near spotless, and I don’t baby it.
https://preview.redd.it/fp2lahkizeuf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0c40704bee6cc9825605051bf4495f57e728d78
Given it’s Amoled it isn’t always on to save batteries. I thought this would get annoying, but the tilt sensor if anything errs on the side of over sensitive, so 99% of the time it comes on when I need it to. The only time it struggles is when I’m on the bike, but then just resort to button pressing.
Fenix 8 47mm Sapphire. I've had a range of Garmins (Forerunner range: 35, 235, 935, 945, 955) but the 970 didn't appeal to me (accent colour on side and domed glass) so I got my first Fenix and first AMOLED watch (solar was thicker than my 955 which was already a bit thick under clothing). Love the look of the Fenix a lot more, plus better battery life
Instinct 2, my old faithful forerunner 235's (i think) battery was starting to last less and less time, so bought the cheapest Garmin that had all the functions I wanted.
Battery life is awesome and the screen is easy to read in all conditions.
Get the garmin. I'm a young runner who's come from a long line of runners, and the garmin is my holy grail. I have the forerunner 235 and I've been looking into purchasing a new one myself. I know it's a lot of money, but you don't need one that plays music or has any extra special features, my forerunner 235 is perfect and it has never failed me. If you want a cheaper option, you could look online for a resell or try and find an older version. The only reason I'm looking into getting a newer one is because it's a bit outdated (still works though) If you're a serious runner/athlete, go with the garmin. But if you're someone who enjoys running for the sake of running, go with the apple watch. But who are you to let people on the internet tell you what to do, it's whatever you think would work best for you. Hope this helps :)
Older Garmin watches work fine, I regularly see runners with the 2015 Forerunner 235 at races.
And used models will be fine, albeit older watches may have reduced battery life simply due to age. That’s the nature of rechargeable batteries I’m afraid, and it applies to all brands.
I would recommend a Forerunner 45 as the minimum, or a 55, and if you can get a 245 in budget then even better
Whichever watch you choose, go to [DC Rainmaker](https://www.dcrainmaker.com/) and search for his in-depth review of that model which typically includes a video. They will tell you all about the functions, how to use it, what it can do etc.
1jmorri2
