Epix Series

Garmin Epix is good at lap counting (except for kick sets). I think its pretty good at stroke detection too bud I don't check the strokes often.

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.

YES. I want to wear ‘nice’ watches. I’d love to wear an ankle thingy with no screen that keeps track of things forever… and when I need a screen, I’d use the epix I have.

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. 

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 initially bought the Epix Pro as my first Garmin watch, but I was disappointed with its performance. It felt like a device from a decade ago. I then returned and replaced it with the Fenix 8. If I had bought the Epix a year ago, I wouldn’t have upgrade it. However, as my first device, I think it’s fair to invest a little more in it. F8 47mm is more responsive 0.1 inch bigger screen with remarkably better resolution than same size epix pro gen2

I’m not saying i dont look at the map during a run, I’m saying i dont “pan the map” while i am actually running. I usually stop for a moment if i need to pan and look around at the surroundings if i need to. The default map tracking (and tbt) is fast enough for me when i am coming up on an jntersection. Im also using an epix2. I havent noticed the frustrations you mention, maybe i’m not as sensitive or am used to it.

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.