Great set of tips many of which I’ve been using on a daily basis. I’ve had my Tactix 7 for almost 2 years and it’s been an excellent watch. Like you I use the flashlight everyday, especially when I wake up and go to bed! Before that I was an Apple Watch user since 2015 but after upgrading to a Garmin I’ve never looked back.
I do wish I had gotten the X for the flashlight but I only use it at night, usually to feed the cat at 4am, and the display is bright enough so I don't walk into anything. So would I upgrade? Nope.
I just upgraded my Fenix 3 HR to Fenix 7x Sapphire Solar after 8 years. I am the type of person who reads every single word of the manual(including the online version), however, I have never known about the Facepalm feature if it were not for you. Thanks a lot! I love my 7x a lot and your tips in here are truly icing on the cake. I was hesitant to use Garmin Pay but just added a few of my credit cards after watching your clip. Thank you Thank you.
Great video, thanks! All useful tips that I agree with and use regularly. You made the key point right at the top: motivation! Not only do I feel encouraged (nice word) to keep up and intensify my workout routine but also to diversify things. Now, a gym trip seems a bit more 'stale' and I'm more inclined to take full advantage of my watch out on a long bike ride or run outside. Before owning a Garmin, I got my epix Pro (Gen 2) back in December, the normal scheduled gym routine was all I really did.
Wow! This is such a high quality video. Not sure how you don't have many more subscribers. Your delivery seems effortless, like you have had decades of experience in front of the camera. Thank you for this video, you have gained a new subscriber. Looking forward to whatever you post next.
I changed my Fenix 6 first a forerunner 255 last year and regretted it. It may be more functional but come on. It looks like a 50 dollars watch. Fenix screams quality and is as rugged as it goes. Now I own an Instinct 2 which I love and waiting for the 8th Fenix 🎉. Congratulations for the video.
My Forerunner 935 looks very scuffed and scratched on the bezel and the screen. Even the serial number sticker has disappeared from the back. I used it for four years and there were a number of Ironman events and lots of training in that time so I guess it got used hard, but it started to look bad within the first year. I agree the Forerunners are clearly built firstly to be functional and at a minimal weight so lots of plastic has been used in the design. Two years on and my Fenix 7X still looks (almost) like new.
just learnt about the palm slap! very cool. and did an edit to my morning report that I had been meaning to do for a few months but didn't remember where to edit the morning report until you shared here!
Just got my Fenix 7X yesterday morning. In the middle of the night last night I stepped on our black cat. When it clawed me was when I remembered the flashlight and turned it on.
Just got my Epix Gen2 and noticed another way to trigger the morning report: After waking up early you can open your "last activity" tab of the pull down menu. This will show "sleep". If you open it there will be an option to end sleep and thus show the report.
I would at least like the ability to send and receive text messages from the Garmin so I am in contact if needed. But I would likely still carry my phone anyway.
Great tips/video… I’ve had my Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar for 2 years now also. Absolutely love it! I’m curious what the Fenix 8 is going to change once released. When I eventually upgrade I’ll be going with the X for a slightly larger face and potentially add’l features.
Great video! In regards to style, I personally like the forerunner series watches a lot more. I had a fenix 6X for a while and I hated the way it looked. Love my FR955. Keep up with the good work and keep the videos coming 😊
Just stumbled across your channel. 34 years old two young kids and health and fitness has taken a back seat since covid. Currently desperately trying to get myself back in to it but after i started running again back in October thinking things couldn't have gotten that bad, I was sadly very wrong. I'd gone from sub 40 minute 10k's to almost 30 minute 5k's. So in desperation to get myself back to where i once was i went from zero trainig to running 30 to 35 km a week and im sure you can see where I'm going, a decent bout of tendinitis and groin injury so bad I couldn't fun for 4 month was what I got for my efforts. I'm not outwardly very fat but obviosuly not very fit or healthy. Desk jobs will do that. Anyway for no reason other than I just wanted one I was hell bent on getting myself a fenix 7x but the price was too much, so I settled for the instinct 2x. A fantastic watch does way way more than I could ever need and in some respects it is a fenix 7 without the screen, but the plasticy look has me longing for a fenix again. It looks fine day to day but when i want to me a little more formal itnjust doesnt look very good. At the moment the 7x sapphire solar is avaible for 475 but I like you am 6 foot 2, 97kgs but slim build. My wrist size is 183mm so I worry that the watch may seem too big but also the fact as you've mentioned it wobbles around doing activity. I like to wear my watch 24/7 so heart rate is important to me so I don't want to wear it loose in-between activities. What size wrist do you have, because i feel like it looks great on you. Also having the torch on the instinct 2x, I really don't think I could go for the standard model without the torch. As I say knew to your channel but enjoying the content so far.
My wrist is similar sized to yours. If you are unsure try them on your wrist in a store. My local REI had the Fenix 6 in a regular size and 7 in the X size so I could compare them, the X looked way better. If you can't do that, I would get the X size anyway... when it comes to sports watches always go larger...
Thorough analysis! PS: TikTok on the gas pump’s operating display. For real??!! That says EVERYTHING about the average customer’s oblivious mindset = a lost case.
My Garmin Fenix 7x sapphire solar stopped working just outside the warranty period. It couldnt charge and turn on. Garmin replaced it with a new one due to theres no refurbished stock available.
I have had to reach out to Garmin for a total of three devices over the years - one bike computer and two watches. The bike computer and one of the watches (Forerunner 910XT... a long time ago now) were both out of warranty, Garmin still replaced both of them. The other watch was under warranty still, that got replaced too. Your experience matches mine - Garmin is one of the few companies that truly stands behind their products. Thanks for sharing.
I used the Fr 935 for almost 10 years until it started rebooting in a loop. Only then did I switch to the Fenix 7X. The only drawback is perhaps the fact that the GPS is dual band. Otherwise, great device. The battery lately has not been satisfying me much compared to when I bought it in June this year.
My 935 eventually gave up, I saw the battery life decreasing significantly. Haven’t found that with Fenix 7X, and it’s now >2.5 years old with daily wear and daily workouts. Have you tried a reset
YES!!! I'm totally with you. Apple watch makes me think of Starbucks. That's just the target audience for Apple. Many people will follow fads based solely on what they see other people doing and/or what other people have. Very few will actually do research and compare specs and features. I honestly feel that consumers should educate themselves before making purchases. Sadly, few people actually do that. I'm sticking with my Fenix 7 as well!
Tips were good - mostly appreciated the self banter on sticking with Garmin and jabs at the Apple Watch. I have also been down that road and your experience rings true.
@@ThisIsJulianC I tried to make the Apple Watch work twice now for hiking and trail running, specifically for training on my first ultra, a shorter 50k. This was with both the original Ultra and most recently the Ultra 2. Battery life aside, which would be ok for that distance, the button-based layout on Garmin is much easier to work with vs a touch screen on most days. Not that Garmin doesn't support touch on newer models, which is handy, but I tend to only use it for maps. The other thing that lacked on the Apple side was turn by turn navigation, which is actually pretty good when using an app like Footpath. That said, it comes with a separate subscription. Love the channel!
@@JasonRanesesThanks - glad you like it! I rarely use the touch display on the Garmin, I also prefer using the buttons. Maybe its just habit but it works for me. Ultra's are pretty impressive - nice one #thumbsup
Nice list. I love all those things. I also love daily suggested workout combined with calendered events. Like the tactix I see the 8X coming with an amoled option which might move me from my epix.
I'm with you on the AMOLED - I would upgrade to a Fenix 8 if it came with AMOLED so long as they got an improved battery life over the current Epix Pro. However the 51mm Epix Pro is very similar to the style of the Fenix, so I think there might be a consolidation of the models available. Mrs C has an Epix Gen 2 and that needs charging every few days, I don't think I want to go away from the 2x a month charge cycle I am on now.
@Jay151 Very valid. Garmin has 19 watch series right now, many of which have multiple size and feature options. Many have the same software in them too as you say, which will help with development costs but must be confusing to many consumers. There are still some style differences in the bezel and case design between Epix and Fenix. Those differences get narrower with each update but today I would still choose Fenix over Epix because of them.
No they can’t without the passcode. When you remove it from your wrist the HR sensor detects it has been removed, it will then need your passcode to be able to use Garmin Pay again. If it stays on your wrist it generally only needs a passcode entering once per day regardless of how many times you use Garmin Pay that day.
Thank you for the great tips. I've never had a Garmin watch and debating between the 7X and the 7X Pro. The question I have is it worth it to purchase the Garmin 7X Pro?
Really depends on how important the optical HR sensor is to you. Fenix 7 Pro has the new Elevate V5. If that isn't important to you then get the original Fenix 7X. Hope this helps
Thanks! I have tried nylon straps before and find they are difficult to clean, I like that a silicone band just needs a rinse off after a run or swim and it's as good as new again.
No Fenix 4 ( was never released ). Mine is an F3 and I remember it had something to do with number 4 aura of bad luck (in the Middle East). Went to F3 HR and then F5. I’m now ready for a newer watch. F8 maybe?
I had the Fenix 3HR and didn't really like it, heavy, bulky, the HR sensor stood out on the back, and I found the display poorly lit and not very crisp. I sold it and went back to Forerunners up until the Fenix 7X I have now. If you are on a Fenix 5 and it still works and you are happy with it, I would agree wait until the Fenix 8 comes out, I would guess sometime next year.
Sorry, I accidentally deleted the previous question about the 3 digit time...I thought this setting was doing military time..unfortunately even 12 hour time doesn't work that way for me. I also only use original watch faces. Anyway, thanks for the effort. I have 7x pro
I tried a number of ways to recreate what you are seeing but couldn’t do it. If it’s not the settings I think it’s probably related to the watch face design. The default watch changed when 7 Pro was launched. Let me know if you figure it out.
Hi Julian I just updated my watch from a Garmin Vivoactive 3 to a Garmin fenix 7 pro now I love the watch but there is one thing that drives me crazy and is that the step counter from there is still the crazy ideas on social media to get over this problem like ware it on the other arm or take off the watch when driving. Now since I paid about six hundred Euros for this watch I would have expected better from garmin. I bought it for the crazy battery life and the help it gives me with fitness but with that still being a problem the watch is not any better that other Chinese knockoffs. .
I don’t pay a lot of attention to step accuracy. If I have done a longer run (10+ miles) I see my steps go up significantly for the day but that’s all. What behavior are you seeing that you are unhappy with?
My watch is always telling me to take it easy for the day. I'll run 3-6 miles a day, every once in a while I'll do 20 miles. Also the heart monitor I always saying my heart is at 180 and when I run it my self I'll get 150 ish, when I'm running uphill or something. Then the last thing I can't figure out is how to set up the GPS tracking
The HR sensor should be closer to a chest strap result than 30bpm. The only real difference with a chest strap is speed of response. If you are selecting a run from the activities on the Garmin watch it will have gps enabled by default. Hope this helps
Garmin does have the Forerunner 945 LTE watch. It has cellular capability but NOT for text messaging, calls or voice functionality. People seem to like it but I don't believe it was a success, haven't seen Garmin offer LTE on any watches since.
Hi Julian. You seem to have an amazing knowledge about the Fenix7. Would you know if the Navionics Marine maps can be loaded on the watch, I'm a keen boat Fisherman, so would be ideal if it would! Thanks
I do not use marine mapping, edited this from the Garmin website: In order to view purchased Marine mapping you have loaded to your Fenix you will need to enable the Marine Map theme and disable other mapping installed to the watch. Fenix 7 is listed as compatible for this. Hope this helps.
Mine is NOT the sapphire version. I found the sapphire glass to dull the display and it appeared more distant, as if it was under thicker glass even though it’s not. It’s difficult to describe but I didn’t like it so I didn’t go for sapphire. Lots of people have told me my watch would get scuffed and scratched easily. Had it two years now, workout just about every day, don’t baby it at all, yet I can’t see any significant scratches on the glass anywhere. Hope this answers your question!
@@paulboundcorrect. I also only have 16GB and not 32GB memory. I don’t use music on it so I don’t really use much memory. Gps is quick, accurate and works fine.
To remain competitive Garmin needs a built in cellphone. They must realize this by now. The biggest appeal of the Apple Ultra to me is that it is a back up cellular device that I can communicate on if something happens to my phone. Also if I want to go for a run or a hike I can ditch my phone all together and still have a very minimalistic cell device incase of an emergency. I do prefer the ruggedness and battery life of the Garmin but for the vast majority of my use Apple wins.
Garmin did have an LTE connected Forerunner watch a few years ago but it has not been a feature added to the most recent versions of Forerunner. I do not believe Garmin would win a direct head to head battle with Apple hence why they are forging a different path. If you want to leave your cellphone behind and remain connected then yes, AWU is probably a better choice. Personally I like having my phone available for the camera while running so I don’t seek out a cellular watch.
The internals / software are basically the same. I wasn’t a big fan of the Epix range, I prefer the battery life of Fenix over the AMOLED Epix which needs more frequent charging. I also like the more OTT design of Fenix over the (slightly) more understated Epix.
My “Morning Report” stays on screen well after my scheduled wake up time. I think it is because I disabled my touchscreen for general use and enabled it only with maps.
@@ThisIsJulianC The report doesn’t timeout. It only goes away after I scroll through the list. Note: this is the first interaction with the watch after the scheduled wake time other than the light button.
I got my Fenix 7X Pro today and everywhere online I see it should have a motorcycle sport mode yet I don't have this sport mode on mine, do I need to install an update to get the motorcycle mode?
Yes - If your Fenix 7X Pro is connected to your Garmin Connect App it will find a suitable quiet time to update the firmware. A very large number of new sports were added earlier this year, it is possible your watch is not up to date. My Fenix 7X Firmware is 17.23.
I am getting an used fenix 7x solar saphire for $250. I am only a beginner runner but I need dual band gps as I am in the city. I thought this was a better deal than getting similar priced or more expensive forerunner watches like forerunner 265. Is this a good deal/idea?
At that price the Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire is a great deal. The Forerunner 265 has the AMOLED display, which the Fenix does not. It is also lighter and smaller than the Fenix, and has a more understated look. My experience of Forerunner watches is that they tend to show wear much more readily than the recent Fenix models. If you are good with the Fenix MIP display technology and the style of it, assuming the watch you are looking at is in great condition and working order, I would get the Fenix.
@@ThisIsJulianC thanks for your reply. And thanks for all your videos, loved watching your Fenix 7 videos. I am getting the Fenix 7x and hoping to get it without any problem 🤞 The pictures show it's in great condition
Bought the Fenix 5X when they just came out. A few years later it stopped working. Spoke to Garmin and they said it’s outdated and can return that one for a 20% off the Fenix 7. They have the same business model as Apple where with all the updates you will end up having to buy a new one every few years.
I’ve now sent my 7 pro solar back to Garmin, the HR function has never worked correctly, it stalls at around 110 bpm, even when I wear my HRM Pro chest strap (paired), it has worked periodically in between updates, Garmin tells me this is a known bug they are trying to fix, they are only exchanging it due to the connection issue with the chest strap, other than that I do love the watch, but I use it mainly for the HR function which is frustrating, my Instinct doesn’t seem to suffer with this problem, that’s what I’m wearing in the meantime.
Noticed you mentioning you wear your watch loose like any other traditional watch. Does it not bother you that the HR data being collected when not working out will be noisy? As I type this, I realise that it might not be as important actually as I thought it was.
I use my HR data from workouts extensively, for the remainder of the day it's a passing interest only, mainly focused on my average resting heart rate for the week. If I was paying more attention to my HRV data like all the Garmin and Whoop promotional marketing says we should then maybe I'd try to keep it more accurate 24/7, but right now I don't.
I just moved from Apple Watch to Fenix 8. I don’t train yet. Factors that convinced me to move is the battery life and the intense health measurements.
Yes mine is the Fenix 7X, not the Pro version. I have never found the display to be to dim. I did avoid the sapphire glass version, the sapphire glass does take away some of the brightness and sharpness of the MIP display.
The solar is a bit of a fun gimmick but Garmin are developing the technology further and we should see more capability with new watch launches. The Instinct 2 can go on forever without ever needing a plug-in charge, but only if you feed it sufficient sunlight every day. If Garmin can do that with a future Fenix that would start to get interesting. As a runner I find the Fenix 7 display to be the clearest and easiest to read of any watch I have used.
@@ThisIsJulianC Let's hope they improve the solar function, if the CASIO mudmaster can do it, I'm sure Garmin can. But really I don't really have complaint about the battery, it normally lasts for 3 weeks before I need to recharge it, it's absolutely insane. My last smart watch, Fitbit Versa, it didn't have any GPS or the torch, I had to recharge it every 3 days. As for the screen, if it was directly under the sunlight, it's perfectly fine. But if it's a cloudy day, I need to adjust my wrist angle to get more light onto the watch face before I can read it, especially if I've to read the map. The torch is a brilliant idea, I cannot live without it, especially the nocturnal pee. It will be Fenix 10 or 11 before upgrading. Let's hope the planned obsolescence for my watch is 10 years plus.
The battery is the critical difference and apple can’t easily close that gap because there is a trade off on ux and features they won’t trade off but if they can make it last a week in battery they they could beat gamin for a large demographic
I do not baby it, I do not use a screen protector and I do not have Sapphire glass, yet after >2 years it is holding up really well. It is more robust than the Forerunner watches for sure.
It is a MIP screen so resolution in my opinion is not good enough for photos to be displayed. That would be better on an AMOLED display such as the new Fenix 8.
That flashlight has become a Garmin legend.
Agreed. Such a genius simple move. The red light as well... Just badass.
Surprised Samsung Ultra didn't try and sneak that in somewhere
That palm feature is fabulous
Great set of tips many of which I’ve been using on a daily basis. I’ve had my Tactix 7 for almost 2 years and it’s been an excellent watch. Like you I use the flashlight everyday, especially when I wake up and go to bed! Before that I was an Apple Watch user since 2015 but after upgrading to a Garmin I’ve never looked back.
Thanks... glad it was helpful!
I have had my Fenix7 for about 7 months and love it. I wouldn't be without it. Love it.
I do wish I had gotten the X for the flashlight but I only use it at night, usually to feed the cat at 4am, and the display is bright enough so I don't walk into anything. So would I upgrade? Nope.
@@nickparfitt5009what’s about screen size, is it enough for comfortable use, or better get 7X?
@@nickparfitt5009what’s about screen size, is it enough for comfortable use, or better get the 7X?
Video quality, background and the lighting is incredible man! I thought you are in like 600k subscribers 😅 keep going! Well done 👏🏽
Thanks... really appreciate it!
I just upgraded my Fenix 3 HR to Fenix 7x Sapphire Solar after 8 years. I am the type of person who reads every single word of the manual(including the online version), however, I have never known about the Facepalm feature if it were not for you. Thanks a lot! I love my 7x a lot and your tips in here are truly icing on the cake. I was hesitant to use Garmin Pay but just added a few of my credit cards after watching your clip. Thank you Thank you.
Glad it helped and delighted you are happy with your Fenix 7X 👍👍
Great video, thanks! All useful tips that I agree with and use regularly. You made the key point right at the top: motivation! Not only do I feel encouraged (nice word) to keep up and intensify my workout routine but also to diversify things. Now, a gym trip seems a bit more 'stale' and I'm more inclined to take full advantage of my watch out on a long bike ride or run outside. Before owning a Garmin, I got my epix Pro (Gen 2) back in December, the normal scheduled gym routine was all I really did.
Fantastic! Glad it helped - That Epix Pro is a nice watch too #thumbsup
Wow! This is such a high quality video. Not sure how you don't have many more subscribers. Your delivery seems effortless, like you have had decades of experience in front of the camera. Thank you for this video, you have gained a new subscriber. Looking forward to whatever you post next.
Glad you liked it!
Learned a few things about my Garmin Fenix 7X Solar after 15 months of use. Didn’t know about hot keys, so handy for Garmin Pay
Glad it helped 👍
buying a fenix 7 pro tomorrow after using a vivoactive 3 for the last few years. Thanks for this. Great presentation.
Glad it helped - enjoy the 7 Pro
I changed my Fenix 6 first a forerunner 255 last year and regretted it. It may be more functional but come on. It looks like a 50 dollars watch. Fenix screams quality and is as rugged as it goes. Now I own an Instinct 2 which I love and waiting for the 8th Fenix 🎉. Congratulations for the video.
My Forerunner 935 looks very scuffed and scratched on the bezel and the screen. Even the serial number sticker has disappeared from the back. I used it for four years and there were a number of Ironman events and lots of training in that time so I guess it got used hard, but it started to look bad within the first year. I agree the Forerunners are clearly built firstly to be functional and at a minimal weight so lots of plastic has been used in the design. Two years on and my Fenix 7X still looks (almost) like new.
palming the watch also works with the epix btw, just tried it and was baffled :D
I did not know that, good to know, thanks!
I just made the switch from Apple Watch to epix pro 2, I am very impressed and don’t have any regrets
👍👍👍😀
just learnt about the palm slap! very cool. and did an edit to my morning report that I had been meaning to do for a few months but didn't remember where to edit the morning report until you shared here!
Glad it helped!
I love the cheerful, cheesy comments haha. It's like my mini cheerleader.
Just got my Fenix 7X yesterday morning. In the middle of the night last night I stepped on our black cat. When it clawed me was when I remembered the flashlight and turned it on.
Cats are much safer at night... thanks to the Garmin Fenix 7X flashlight :-)
Great video, thanks for the tips!
You are welcome 👍
Fantastic video mate! Made me miss my Fenix 🔥
Thanks! I am kinda attached to my Fenix now for sure
@@ThisIsJulianC Like you said! It’s allll about that flashlight 🔦
Got a fenix 7x solar, best garmin watch I've ever owned
I'll keep mine until it fails or I break or lose it
Thank you for making this video, it really helped me.
Glad it helped!
Just got my Epix Gen2 and noticed another way to trigger the morning report: After waking up early you can open your "last activity" tab of the pull down menu. This will show "sleep". If you open it there will be an option to end sleep and thus show the report.
Good to know - thanks
i agree, switched back to garmin from apple, because garmin motivates me too, I just wish had call function
I would at least like the ability to send and receive text messages from the Garmin so I am in contact if needed. But I would likely still carry my phone anyway.
I got my Garmin Fenix Pro 7 a couple of weeks now... and i cant agree more, i love how it communicates with me :)
Great tips/video… I’ve had my Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar for 2 years now also. Absolutely love it! I’m curious what the Fenix 8 is going to change once released. When I eventually upgrade I’ll be going with the X for a slightly larger face and potentially add’l features.
i bought the enduro 2 for the real bright flash light. love Garmin. and of course all its features.
Great video! In regards to style, I personally like the forerunner series watches a lot more. I had a fenix 6X for a while and I hated the way it looked. Love my FR955. Keep up with the good work and keep the videos coming 😊
Thank you Sir! #thumbsup
Agree on flashlight. Didn’t think I would use it and ended up using it every night
I would really miss it now if I didn't have it.
Just stumbled across your channel. 34 years old two young kids and health and fitness has taken a back seat since covid. Currently desperately trying to get myself back in to it but after i started running again back in October thinking things couldn't have gotten that bad, I was sadly very wrong. I'd gone from sub 40 minute 10k's to almost 30 minute 5k's. So in desperation to get myself back to where i once was i went from zero trainig to running 30 to 35 km a week and im sure you can see where I'm going, a decent bout of tendinitis and groin injury so bad I couldn't fun for 4 month was what I got for my efforts. I'm not outwardly very fat but obviosuly not very fit or healthy. Desk jobs will do that.
Anyway for no reason other than I just wanted one I was hell bent on getting myself a fenix 7x but the price was too much, so I settled for the instinct 2x. A fantastic watch does way way more than I could ever need and in some respects it is a fenix 7 without the screen, but the plasticy look has me longing for a fenix again. It looks fine day to day but when i want to me a little more formal itnjust doesnt look very good. At the moment the 7x sapphire solar is avaible for 475 but I like you am 6 foot 2, 97kgs but slim build. My wrist size is 183mm so I worry that the watch may seem too big but also the fact as you've mentioned it wobbles around doing activity. I like to wear my watch 24/7 so heart rate is important to me so I don't want to wear it loose in-between activities. What size wrist do you have, because i feel like it looks great on you. Also having the torch on the instinct 2x, I really don't think I could go for the standard model without the torch.
As I say knew to your channel but enjoying the content so far.
My wrist is similar sized to yours. If you are unsure try them on your wrist in a store. My local REI had the Fenix 6 in a regular size and 7 in the X size so I could compare them, the X looked way better. If you can't do that, I would get the X size anyway... when it comes to sports watches always go larger...
Great review! "The battery charging, not the showering!' Haha!
Sometimes the best lines are the unscripted ones 👍😁
Thorough analysis!
PS: TikTok on the gas pump’s operating display. For real??!!
That says EVERYTHING about the average customer’s oblivious mindset = a lost case.
Sadly yes!
My Garmin Fenix 7x sapphire solar stopped working just outside the warranty period. It couldnt charge and turn on. Garmin replaced it with a new one due to theres no refurbished stock available.
I have had to reach out to Garmin for a total of three devices over the years - one bike computer and two watches. The bike computer and one of the watches (Forerunner 910XT... a long time ago now) were both out of warranty, Garmin still replaced both of them. The other watch was under warranty still, that got replaced too.
Your experience matches mine - Garmin is one of the few companies that truly stands behind their products. Thanks for sharing.
this is amazing, I've had my epix pro since it came out and didn't know half these things
Glad it helped!
Love the language of this review. Well-enjoyed. Thanks, Julian.
Glad you liked it! 👍👍
I used the Fr 935 for almost 10 years until it started rebooting in a loop. Only then did I switch to the Fenix 7X. The only drawback is perhaps the fact that the GPS is dual band. Otherwise, great device. The battery lately has not been satisfying me much compared to when I bought it in June this year.
My 935 eventually gave up, I saw the battery life decreasing significantly. Haven’t found that with Fenix 7X, and it’s now >2.5 years old with daily wear and daily workouts. Have you tried a reset
YES!!! I'm totally with you. Apple watch makes me think of Starbucks. That's just the target audience for Apple. Many people will follow fads based solely on what they see other people doing and/or what other people have. Very few will actually do research and compare specs and features. I honestly feel that consumers should educate themselves before making purchases. Sadly, few people actually do that. I'm sticking with my Fenix 7 as well!
Tips were good - mostly appreciated the self banter on sticking with Garmin and jabs at the Apple Watch.
I have also been down that road and your experience rings true.
Thanks. I am an Apple fan for just about every product out there except the watch, just because for what I use it for Garmin still does it better.
@@ThisIsJulianC I tried to make the Apple Watch work twice now for hiking and trail running, specifically for training on my first ultra, a shorter 50k. This was with both the original Ultra and most recently the Ultra 2.
Battery life aside, which would be ok for that distance, the button-based layout on Garmin is much easier to work with vs a touch screen on most days. Not that Garmin doesn't support touch on newer models, which is handy, but I tend to only use it for maps.
The other thing that lacked on the Apple side was turn by turn navigation, which is actually pretty good when using an app like Footpath. That said, it comes with a separate subscription.
Love the channel!
@@JasonRanesesThanks - glad you like it! I rarely use the touch display on the Garmin, I also prefer using the buttons. Maybe its just habit but it works for me. Ultra's are pretty impressive - nice one #thumbsup
Nice list. I love all those things. I also love daily suggested workout combined with calendered events.
Like the tactix I see the 8X coming with an amoled option which might move me from my epix.
I'm with you on the AMOLED - I would upgrade to a Fenix 8 if it came with AMOLED so long as they got an improved battery life over the current Epix Pro. However the 51mm Epix Pro is very similar to the style of the Fenix, so I think there might be a consolidation of the models available. Mrs C has an Epix Gen 2 and that needs charging every few days, I don't think I want to go away from the 2x a month charge cycle I am on now.
@Jay151 Very valid. Garmin has 19 watch series right now, many of which have multiple size and feature options. Many have the same software in them too as you say, which will help with development costs but must be confusing to many consumers.
There are still some style differences in the bezel and case design between Epix and Fenix. Those differences get narrower with each update but today I would still choose Fenix over Epix because of them.
Garmin pay? if someone gets your watch, can they use it? Since our watches don' t lock? Only had my 7 Pro for 24 hours. LOL so far love it
No they can’t without the passcode. When you remove it from your wrist the HR sensor detects it has been removed, it will then need your passcode to be able to use Garmin Pay again. If it stays on your wrist it generally only needs a passcode entering once per day regardless of how many times you use Garmin Pay that day.
Thank you for the great tips. I've never had a Garmin watch and debating between the 7X and the 7X Pro. The question I have is it worth it to purchase the Garmin 7X Pro?
Really depends on how important the optical HR sensor is to you. Fenix 7 Pro has the new Elevate V5. If that isn't important to you then get the original Fenix 7X. Hope this helps
Thx for tips. Good ones! AD strap: use nylon one. It will fit your wrist much better. Really, it will. Personal expirience.
Thanks! I have tried nylon straps before and find they are difficult to clean, I like that a silicone band just needs a rinse off after a run or swim and it's as good as new again.
Excellent video thanks ! Juste wanted to ask, you have ads at the gas station ?? This is distopic
They are only distracting if you pay attention to them
@@ThisIsJulianC Thank you for the clarification, it's just so odd to me but if it isn't really noticeable 🤷
Great video. My Fenix 7X Pro Solar. Best watch I’ve ever had!
Good choice!
No Fenix 4 ( was never released ). Mine is an F3 and I remember it had something to do with number 4 aura of bad luck (in the Middle East). Went to F3 HR and then F5. I’m now ready for a newer watch. F8 maybe?
I had the Fenix 3HR and didn't really like it, heavy, bulky, the HR sensor stood out on the back, and I found the display poorly lit and not very crisp. I sold it and went back to Forerunners up until the Fenix 7X I have now.
If you are on a Fenix 5 and it still works and you are happy with it, I would agree wait until the Fenix 8 comes out, I would guess sometime next year.
I got 7X Pro recently. Definitely a cool watch, but after using Instinct2 screen visibility is a bit disappointing.
Brightness, clarity, or something else?
@@ThisIsJulianCClarity without a backlight indoors mostly. Instinct's screen is like old Casio watch, visible under just any lighting conditions.
Excellent video. Congrats.
Thanks - glad you liked it 👍
I got the epix 2 47mm sapphire on sale for $599 I’ve enjoyed it so far
Good choice #thumbsup
Sorry, I accidentally deleted the previous question about the 3 digit time...I thought this setting was doing military time..unfortunately even 12 hour time doesn't work that way for me. I also only use original watch faces. Anyway, thanks for the effort. I have 7x pro
I tried a number of ways to recreate what you are seeing but couldn’t do it. If it’s not the settings I think it’s probably related to the watch face design. The default watch changed when 7 Pro was launched. Let me know if you figure it out.
Really appreciate the video
Hi Julian
I just updated my watch from a Garmin Vivoactive 3 to a Garmin fenix 7 pro now I love the watch but there is one thing that drives me crazy and is that the step counter from there is still the crazy ideas on social media to get over this problem like ware it on the other arm or take off the watch when driving.
Now since I paid about six hundred Euros for this watch I would have expected better from garmin. I bought it for the crazy battery life and the help it gives me with fitness but with that still being a problem the watch is not any better that other Chinese knockoffs.
.
I don’t pay a lot of attention to step accuracy. If I have done a longer run (10+ miles) I see my steps go up significantly for the day but that’s all.
What behavior are you seeing that you are unhappy with?
Best sport watch i ever had. I just love it. Will never buy an Apple watch.
My watch is always telling me to take it easy for the day. I'll run 3-6 miles a day, every once in a while I'll do 20 miles.
Also the heart monitor I always saying my heart is at 180 and when I run it my self I'll get 150 ish, when I'm running uphill or something. Then the last thing I can't figure out is how to set up the GPS tracking
The HR sensor should be closer to a chest strap result than 30bpm. The only real difference with a chest strap is speed of response.
If you are selecting a run from the activities on the Garmin watch it will have gps enabled by default. Hope this helps
Maybe cellular to make phonecalls would be a nice add-on 😁
Garmin does have the Forerunner 945 LTE watch. It has cellular capability but NOT for text messaging, calls or voice functionality. People seem to like it but I don't believe it was a success, haven't seen Garmin offer LTE on any watches since.
Hows the face been? I think you got the gorilla glass didnt you my friend?
Enjoying your clear videos thanks.
I have the Solar Power Glass, not the Sapphire Glass. I cannot see any significant scratches after two years.
Hi Julian.
You seem to have an amazing knowledge about the Fenix7. Would you know if the Navionics Marine maps can be loaded on the watch, I'm a keen boat Fisherman, so would be ideal if it would!
Thanks
I do not use marine mapping, edited this from the Garmin website:
In order to view purchased Marine mapping you have loaded to your Fenix you will need to enable the Marine Map theme and disable other mapping installed to the watch.
Fenix 7 is listed as compatible for this. Hope this helps.
Thank you, appreciate your time. I'll have a look at getting one now!
Great intro !!!!!
Thanks!
Do you have the sapphire model and if so would you say the display visibility is fine?
Mine is NOT the sapphire version. I found the sapphire glass to dull the display and it appeared more distant, as if it was under thicker glass even though it’s not. It’s difficult to describe but I didn’t like it so I didn’t go for sapphire. Lots of people have told me my watch would get scuffed and scratched easily. Had it two years now, workout just about every day, don’t baby it at all, yet I can’t see any significant scratches on the glass anywhere. Hope this answers your question!
@@ThisIsJulianC So that would mean the non-multiband variant. Gps as good as you need no doubt though
@@paulboundcorrect. I also only have 16GB and not 32GB memory. I don’t use music on it so I don’t really use much memory. Gps is quick, accurate and works fine.
To remain competitive Garmin needs a built in cellphone. They must realize this by now.
The biggest appeal of the Apple Ultra to me is that it is a back up cellular device that I can communicate on if something happens to my phone. Also if I want to go for a run or a hike I can ditch my phone all together and still have a very minimalistic cell device incase of an emergency. I do prefer the ruggedness and battery life of the Garmin but for the vast majority of my use Apple wins.
Garmin did have an LTE connected Forerunner watch a few years ago but it has not been a feature added to the most recent versions of Forerunner. I do not believe Garmin would win a direct head to head battle with Apple hence why they are forging a different path. If you want to leave your cellphone behind and remain connected then yes, AWU is probably a better choice. Personally I like having my phone available for the camera while running so I don’t seek out a cellular watch.
Does the weather data rely on connecting to a phone and/or wifi?
Yes. Fenix 7 gets weather data from the Garmin Connect App on your connected cellphone. Same for message notifications, calendar reminders etc.
Looking at these Garmin watches. Specifically used 7x/7x pro and used epic pro 51mm. What do you think about the epix pro
The internals / software are basically the same. I wasn’t a big fan of the Epix range, I prefer the battery life of Fenix over the AMOLED Epix which needs more frequent charging. I also like the more OTT design of Fenix over the (slightly) more understated Epix.
My “Morning Report” stays on screen well after my scheduled wake up time. I think it is because I disabled my touchscreen for general use and enabled it only with maps.
Does the report disappear when you interact with the watch (button presses) or does it eventually time out?
@@ThisIsJulianC The report doesn’t timeout. It only goes away after I scroll through the list. Note: this is the first interaction with the watch after the scheduled wake time other than the light button.
Got an Epix Pro here..and the same issue? I don't know if this is how it's meant to be@@brent_f
I got my Fenix 7X Pro today and everywhere online I see it should have a motorcycle sport mode yet I don't have this sport mode on mine, do I need to install an update to get the motorcycle mode?
Yes - If your Fenix 7X Pro is connected to your Garmin Connect App it will find a suitable quiet time to update the firmware. A very large number of new sports were added earlier this year, it is possible your watch is not up to date. My Fenix 7X Firmware is 17.23.
I am getting an used fenix 7x solar saphire for $250. I am only a beginner runner but I need dual band gps as I am in the city. I thought this was a better deal than getting similar priced or more expensive forerunner watches like forerunner 265.
Is this a good deal/idea?
At that price the Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire is a great deal. The Forerunner 265 has the AMOLED display, which the Fenix does not. It is also lighter and smaller than the Fenix, and has a more understated look. My experience of Forerunner watches is that they tend to show wear much more readily than the recent Fenix models.
If you are good with the Fenix MIP display technology and the style of it, assuming the watch you are looking at is in great condition and working order, I would get the Fenix.
@@ThisIsJulianC thanks for your reply. And thanks for all your videos, loved watching your Fenix 7 videos. I am getting the Fenix 7x and hoping to get it without any problem 🤞
The pictures show it's in great condition
Do you have to have the two factor to sign in every time? Thank you.
No
Bought the Fenix 5X when they just came out. A few years later it stopped working. Spoke to Garmin and they said it’s outdated and can return that one for a 20% off the Fenix 7. They have the same business model as Apple where with all the updates you will end up having to buy a new one every few years.
my fenix 5 is still working
My Fenix 3HR still works. Sorry to hear about your 5X
I’ve now sent my 7 pro solar back to Garmin, the HR function has never worked correctly, it stalls at around 110 bpm, even when I wear my HRM Pro chest strap (paired), it has worked periodically in between updates, Garmin tells me this is a known bug they are trying to fix, they are only exchanging it due to the connection issue with the chest strap, other than that I do love the watch, but I use it mainly for the HR function which is frustrating, my Instinct doesn’t seem to suffer with this problem, that’s what I’m wearing in the meantime.
You did the right thing returning it, that’s not normal behavior.
Noticed you mentioning you wear your watch loose like any other traditional watch. Does it not bother you that the HR data being collected when not working out will be noisy?
As I type this, I realise that it might not be as important actually as I thought it was.
I use my HR data from workouts extensively, for the remainder of the day it's a passing interest only, mainly focused on my average resting heart rate for the week. If I was paying more attention to my HRV data like all the Garmin and Whoop promotional marketing says we should then maybe I'd try to keep it more accurate 24/7, but right now I don't.
I just moved from Apple Watch to Fenix 8. I don’t train yet. Factors that convinced me to move is the battery life and the intense health measurements.
You will find the battery life is on a different planet to your Apple Watch. Welcome to the world of Garmin 👍
@@ThisIsJulianC thank you and thank you for the video, it’s a steep learning curve.
@2:52 do you listen to those metrics? I wonder if they work ....
They are likely more indicative than accurate but I find them very helpful. And motivating.
Is it difficult to sleep with the watch on? Looks quite chunky
It took two weeks or so to get used to wearing it all night, now I don’t notice it at all.
@@ThisIsJulianC Great, thanks
I can’t workout if you’re English or American haha! Not that it really matters. Anyways good vid
Thanks! UK born, US based
Do you still have the regular 7x? I’m thinking of buying a used one and save a bunch of cash. I’m just worried about the display being too dim.
Yes mine is the Fenix 7X, not the Pro version. I have never found the display to be to dim. I did avoid the sapphire glass version, the sapphire glass does take away some of the brightness and sharpness of the MIP display.
@@ThisIsJulianC Do you have a screen protector installed?
@@Mdogbrown No, I don’t use screen protectors.
I found a used 7x SS in great condition for $375. I went ahead and snagged it. Thank you so much for a follow up review. It saved me a lot of money!
@@MdogbrownFantastic! Glad it helped 👍👍
The solar function is a bit rubbish. It doesn't really charge up the watch. Also the screen is wash out. Other than that, it's a fantastic watch.
The solar is a bit of a fun gimmick but Garmin are developing the technology further and we should see more capability with new watch launches. The Instinct 2 can go on forever without ever needing a plug-in charge, but only if you feed it sufficient sunlight every day. If Garmin can do that with a future Fenix that would start to get interesting.
As a runner I find the Fenix 7 display to be the clearest and easiest to read of any watch I have used.
@@ThisIsJulianC Let's hope they improve the solar function, if the CASIO mudmaster can do it, I'm sure Garmin can. But really I don't really have complaint about the battery, it normally lasts for 3 weeks before I need to recharge it, it's absolutely insane. My last smart watch, Fitbit Versa, it didn't have any GPS or the torch, I had to recharge it every 3 days. As for the screen, if it was directly under the sunlight, it's perfectly fine. But if it's a cloudy day, I need to adjust my wrist angle to get more light onto the watch face before I can read it, especially if I've to read the map. The torch is a brilliant idea, I cannot live without it, especially the nocturnal pee. It will be Fenix 10 or 11 before upgrading. Let's hope the planned obsolescence for my watch is 10 years plus.
Which watch face is that one in the thumbnail of this video?
It’s the stock Fenix 7X watch face, I just changed the accent color from red to blue.
The battery is the critical difference and apple can’t easily close that gap because there is a trade off on ux and features they won’t trade off but if they can make it last a week in battery they they could beat gamin for a large demographic
Agree.
How’d you keep it scratch free
I do not baby it, I do not use a screen protector and I do not have Sapphire glass, yet after >2 years it is holding up really well. It is more robust than the Forerunner watches for sure.
Bom dia. Algo sobe o fenix 8?
My prediction is that we will see the Fenix 8 in early 2025 but who knows, maybe we see it later this year!
I disagree about the stylish over function. It's an adventure watch and built for adventure vs running.
Fair point. What for you defines adventure and what styling features of Fenix are specific to it.
I Need to know It the screen Is so clear and ugly if you put photos on background from phone with face
Thanks
I have Fenix x solar
It is a MIP screen so resolution in my opinion is not good enough for photos to be displayed. That would be better on an AMOLED display such as the new Fenix 8.
Which pick-up have you got?
ua-cam.com/video/4XfdmBxzek0/v-deo.html
No disrespect but apple is for sheep.
😆
What is this accent? Half kiwi half english?
UK born US based