I work in a gym, I have a sapphire glass watch that I wear every day for the last 3 years. I've scraped it against metal bars, machines dumbbells barbells, and everything else inside the gym. To this date there isn't a SINGLE SCRATCH on my watch. Without a doubt get the sapphire glass
I second that. I'm in the oilfield, working on a drilling rig, I beat the shit out of this watch everyday, and there is no damage....NONE! Kind of hard to believe?? Didn't know anything about the Garmin Fenix line, but I'm glad I got one. WELL WORTH IT!!
I have an old Suunto core, it has been scratched and abused and rubbed against rocks climbing mountains all over the uk. Still works fine. Actually I like that it looks abused. I think we are sucked in by marketing!
I agree completely. I had a Fenix 3HR sapphire and banged it all over against everything and not a single mark. My Apple Watch Stainless with sapphire coating has been fixed twice now due to damage tot he screen. My Fenix 6X sapphire should be here this week :)
I have Fenix 3 with normal glass. I wear it everyday and I've scrape it a lot of times against different objects. I have 2 very small scratches on glass (there is a lot of scratches on metal ring). So I would probably buy normal glass again. :)
I had two sapphire versions (3hr and 5xplus) they are really indestructible! Never had any scratch on them and I work with a lot of sharp metal parts during the day. I would always choose the sapphire version.
Thanks for your review. The dark room comparison is very important to me. I owned a Forerunner 645 and I noticed the bluish hue when the backlight was on. And I hated it. It gives a cheap look on the watch. And I suspect that Garmin did this on purpose in order to give the Sapphire version a boost. Again, this is a great review, and thanks a bunch!
Cool demo in the dark, send this to Garmin for an explanation, they shouldn’t be any different. You could probably send back the Pro as being defective
Hey Dave, thanks for the comparison! I got a Fenix 6 Sapphire today and after owning the normal version of the Fenix 5 for two years, I definitely found that the Sapphire is more reflective as the other one as well. Regarding the backlight, I didn't notice such a big difference between my watches but as you said, the 6Pro vs. 6 Sapphire might actually be put together with different screens/LCD units. One thing I found on Garmin's homepage during my research (which was also a factor in the decision for the Sapphire version) is that the difference between the bezels is not only the coating but also the materials used. On the 6 Pro it's coated stainless steel and on the Sapphire it's either Titanium or in the case of the version you used in the video it's DLC coated Titanium. I don't wanna appear like a know-it-all, just wanted to point it out.
Thanks for watching! The 6X gets the titanium DLC. Unfortunately the regular 47mm Fenix 6 does not. Actually right on the back of the watch is laser etched "316 Stainless" with a DLC coating. The watch also weighs 83 grams with the strap on my scale which is a bit heavier than titanium should be. Not all bad news though, titanium tends to scratch a lot easier than Steel due to oxidation. Steel with DLC is incredibly durable in theory but time will tell. Thanks again for visiting the channel!
@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks for your reply! I just checked it on the back of my watch and you are completely right! It's really confusing since I was pretty sure I was reading the spec sheet of the 47mm Fenix 6. But due to the amount of around 20 different Fenix 6 units it's not a surprise that one gets confused very easily. Thanks for clarifying!
Were can I find the information that 6x sapphire gets titanium DLC, here it says 6x gets steel and the solar gets titanium buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/catalog/product/compareResult.ep?compareProduct=603229&compareProduct=641449&compareProduct=641435&compareProduct=641375
The difference in hue when backlighting is something never discovered in any review I’ve seen before. A watch that expensive should offer consistent and a high class experience (looks like the first G-Shocks). Thanks for pointing out, as this will narrow down which vendor I should consider
davide abatucci how is it not good. That is an older generation, even some of the newer ones (6 Pro) still have that tint. The new Sapphires are the only ones without it
William Barrantes not true, follow some others reviews that raised same . If you consider normal this thing and consider 5x+ so old you don’t know panel technology used and the random Garmin production issue
@@oanimalos It is normal because the MIP displays in the Fenix's are backlit. Transflective MIP panels due to there nature, when lighted from the back will lack contrast, produce muted or washed out colors. Using a front light would produce much better viewing experience with more contrast, colors and blacks. But due to design constraints, front lighting on Garmin's wearables that uses MIP displays is not possible. With such a tiny package and from factor that is already too large as view by some. Having the display as such is a totally reasonable trade off that I have no problem with.
100% go with the sapphire. I have had the Fenix 3 since new with Sapphire glass and there isn’t a single scratch on it and I have worn it constantly over the 3 or 4 years that I’ve had it (other then charging overnight obviously).
On my 6x Sapphire I have the same blueish screen as the 6 Pro in your video, so makes me think that it's not the type of glass, but the screen itself at "fault" or the backlight type. As for the Dlc coating, from day one I have managed to scratch the watch on a sand paper like wall, but the minor scratch that was left on the watch is almost invisible, you really have to use a magnifying glass to notice it. Compared with the coating I had on my 5x Plus, Dlc is very resistant and the color hides well the micro scratches, as for the Sapphire screen, worth every penny and it's not just a "bragging" option for a very expansive watch.
Interesting! I've been seeing some posts on Garmin's forum about the backlight color too. It seems it's not the glass that is changing the color but rather the LED's or screen. Thanks for watching!
@Scott G Snowden I didn't get it yet. There's a garmin forum were someone confirmed that Garmin can confirm if they got a defective unit. For mine, I just sent pictures of mine and display unit. They didn't really fight me when I told them about issue. I just added pictures so I am not bullshitting.
After cracking my second 6X-Pro. I've caught the screen twice, right on the edge. Yes, I have a screen protector on it. Garmin is upgrading me to a 6X Sapphire. Thanks Garmin!
Thank you. This is helpful. I am leaving Apple (again) and picking up a Fenix 6 Pro. I have always bought sapphire screens for the durability.. the quest for a scratch-free screen. A few things that have me thinking differently. First, my wife has a Garmin 235 and her display always looked more crisp and contrasty (word?) than my Fenix 5 Sapphire. This bugged me. She trains like crazy and I never notice scratches on her screen. Second, this watch is made to take a beating and I think I personally need to work on not letting scratch OCD win. I am going to likely buy from a retailer that offers damage insurance as I know they let you ‘upgrade’ if you damage the watch.. I was all in on the 6X Pro Sapphire but now think I just want to get the 6 Pro and just use it. Thank you for your videos.
Glad I could help! I think scratches on the bezel give a watch character. But I'm a little OCD just like you with glass scratches! Thanks for watching!
Had the Fenix 3 sapphire for many years, lots of backpacking and rock climbing. Have put a few scratches in the frame, but perfect glass, the sapphire glass is amazing
@@grabol1982 Battery was fine, no problems. Only issue I ever had on the Fenix 3 is the altimeter drifts. It works fine if you calibrate it for an event right before you use it. But over time, days/weeks it drifts and has to be calibrated. I have the 5 plus now, it does not seem to have that issue.
I got the saphire version because it is so durable as well as the deeper blacks. I have an IWC mechanical watch I bought with a saphire screen17 years ago. Although there are a few scratches on the steel case, the screen is like new. A watch with a saphire screen generally indicates a quality watch
Sapphire is certainly nice peace of mind. Unfortunately the display can still be "washed out" on a Sapphire watch. It seems like luck of the draw on which kind of display you'll get from Garmin. Enjoy the Fenix!
I have had the Sapphire for 3 months. In the first month i bumped it lightly on my shower door handle (Chrome) and it now has a scratch right across the screen. I wouldn't spend the extra money again. Both screens will scratch eventually, just get the cheaper and take reasonable care.
Bummer! Indeed, nothing in this world is "scratch proof" but the Sapphire comes pretty darn close. I've personally put mine through the wringer and it's still flawless but I did manage to scratch up my Gorilla Glass Forerunner 945 pretty quick. In either case it just adds a bit of character right? Thanks for watching!
Very helpful video that left me in quandary. First I think you have a defective Pro with that purple color in the backlight test. At least that's what I've read. I would prefer a non sapphire watch because clarity is important to me. I think Garmins are generally a harder to view watch in indoor light so I'd rather not have that sapphire in the way. However your backlight test (if the Pro you have is the norm) would push me to the sapphire. I've heard the deltas have great blacks and to see it on the non delta makes me want to get that one now.
Seems like it's luck of the draw with these watches. There are lots of reports of the blue backlight in the Garmin forums on various models. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the review! I noticed the sapphire watch has a different HR sensor than the pro. My 6x Sapphire has the same sensor as your PRO, and it also has the same blueish tint as your PRO
That is odd. I just gave this another look and you're right. The Pro's heart rate sensor's diodes have a white dot to the left of them. While my Sapphires is all black. I'm not entirely sure what that means.
@@ChaseTheSummit And so do I, my 6Pro have the blueish screen when light is on, but with that small white square on the bottom left on the black rectangles of the ohr that looks like your 6 sapphire
Now with that in mind, have you noticed either one of these being better at HR tracking? There have been a lot of chatter about bad HR readings and I’m curious if it is related to different hardware
@@caslca I haven't noticed any difference but now that I'm aware I'll be sure to do some additional testing. I'll wear both and go for a few runs and report back. Thanks for watching!
I'm looking to get 6s Pro (due very small wrist and weight). But now i'm also aware about blue hue and Optical HR. If you get a chance let us know about 42 mm version (Pro vs Sapphire). At this price point they should be prefect both iMHO... Thank you for your videos!
Wow... that backlight difference is almost LCD vs Oled in how big it is..... def tipped me towards the sapphire just for that! And you’re the only reviewer that caught that. It’s a huge pro/con in my opinion.
It turns out the backlight has nothing to do with sapphire vs gorilla glass. If you google around the Garmin Forums you'll see a lot of information on this topic. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching! I'm actually not sure the model of the watch matters much when it comes to the blueish display. It seems more like luck of the draw from Garmin. I've seen pictures of several different models with this type of display over on the Garmin forums. I'd suggest purchasing from a place that accepts returns easily if you're worried about it. Honestly though, if I never saw a "true black" display I'm not sure I'd even notice. Enjoy your new watch!
@@ChaseTheSummit sorry to bother you, i own a fr745 (love it), and i'm considering to get a bigger/more rugged watch for go to work, go outside, etc. i'm between the enduro ti, and the 6x. found a discount on the sapphire version, but as it will be mostly on daytime/sunlight, the question is, how worse is the reflections and visibility compared to the pro, and the enduro? also, music and maps would not be that important to me. i think the enduro is on the sweetspot of durability/scratch ressistance, battery life, lightweight, and solar charge. what do you think?
...Very interesting observation on the differences in the glass...I've had a Fenix 3HR Sapphire since it came out....I have had countless problems with all my Garmin products for years as a long time runner.....their software if very buggy, I've had constant rebooting/restart issues that Garmin support never solved ....that being said I'm hesitant at this point to buy another Garmin product. However, the Sapphire glass on my Fenix 3HR is absolutely flawless after all these years of use and I'd highly recommend the Sapphire version. It's definitely worth the additional money.
this video is being used to fuel sooo much fire in the forums. lmao. and I think it's a good thing. thanks for reporting on this. I think this is a meaningful discrepancy to note.
Sapphire! My first day MTB riding with my brand new sapphire watch i crashed over the bars and slid on my belly with my hand squished between me and the gravel i was sliding on. It slid on its face with my body weight pushing it into the rocky trail for 10 feet. Not a scratch anywhere it is now 2 years later and still looks brand new. Only complaint I sometimes hit it on my car and take paint off the car. 😂
My 6X pro has a similar blue background to your 6 pro. I've dropped my backlight down to 10% to lessen the washed out look. I've compaired the backgrounds with backlight on and off of my 6X pro to my FR935 and the 935 has the higher contrast blacker background similar to what you are seeing in your 6 Sapphire.
Interesting! I think Garmin may be sourcing their LED's from various manufacturers or something. Maybe this is why we're seeing different colors on different models? Who knows! I reached out to Garmin and they haven't responded yet. Thanks for watching!
I'm a little late to the party, but I really like your content and videos, thanks for sharing with us :) I was curious about the Garmin Tactix Charlie and I came across your channel. Great stuff, subbed!
Nice video, just curious im new to this kinda watch, how long does these watches last, do they have smartphone life 2-3 years or more? I have casio protrek, and looking for upgrade..
they will last many years! My Forerunner 235 is over 5 years old and has been used constantly. A few times it has frozen for a day or two, making me think it died, but it has always come back! It's scratched and all that, but so far so good
I believe the blueish purple tint is from the anti-reflective coating that is on the glass. I see this same tint on regular watches with the coating when turned at certain angles. That would also explain why the sapphire crystal has so many reflections and no bluish tint consistent with having no AR coating.
Not quite. I think it's a product of Garmin using different LCD panels in different watches because they source them from various manufacturers. There are several threads on the Garmin forums showing the blue tint on both Sapphire and Pro models so the glass doesn't seem to make a difference. Thanks for watching!
@@ChaseTheSummit Great info! Thanks for the update. That’s interesting about having different vendors, I also like the true black better... it appears also that the white characters also having a blueish tint showing through unless it’s an optical illusion with all the blue light around it.
I have an absolutely terrible record with anything but sapphire. Before I got smart into shelling out a little extra for sapphire, I destroyed 4 watch faces in the first 2 years of my career. My current daily driver is a reef gear time piece. It's nothing special but it works and continues to work. I wear it everyday working with machined metals. It has just a single light scratch on it after 20years working in a machine shop (caused by a diamond tipped insert). I did however just break the ratcheting bezel which is sad, but 20years; so no regrets. When I invested in a smart watch for my out of work life, I bought the fenix 6x sapphire. I don't regret it. It's a nice watch and given the proofing I've put my reef though, I have zero concerns about damaging the screen. Which is an absolute necessity for me because if I have to be mindful when wearing it, I'll just leave it on the nightstand collecting just.
I'm a U.S. Marine it's worth it to get the Sapphire for Training as well as Actual real world Missions. Saltwater..desert.. mountain.. jungle.. urban... Airborne operations.. etc...
I love your video! I've owned f3HR for 3 years and now looking for a new one since the battery life wouldn't be long enough for ultra Trail running. I'm considering between 6sap and 6X sap with about $50 different. Do you think 6x is too big for woman (my wrist is 14cm)? Anything should I concern other than the size and battery life? Is it worth to pay a bit more for long term use? I plan to go 100 km ultra trail with could take up to 30 hrs continually Thanks
Thanks !! This video helped me decide which one was best for me. Because of the backlighting and the scratchproof oof the sapphire I will be choosing that model. Really good and helpful video.
Thanks for watching, glad it helped! I will note that the difference in the becklight may not be related to the model. I've seen some reports on Garmin's forum showing this "washed out" backlight on various models sapphire or not. Thanks again!
The sapphire comes standard with black LCD backlighting while the pro and standard models that feature gorilla glass come with blue LCD backlighting. This would explain the blue-ish hue seen on the pro model.
This isn’t always the case. I’ve seen/had pro models with black LCD’s and sapphire with blue LCD. It seems like it’s a variation in manufacturing as if they source panels from multiple vendors. Luck of the draw.
Cheers for this. I'd had a Fenxi 3 a while ago and loved it. Swapped for an Apple Watch 5 in the end and was working well for running and biking until the last OS update broke the GPS tracking and mapping with no fix in sight. This plus the fact that any sport over 30 minutes with music kills the battery meaning endless recharges meant I decided to move away. The Fenix 6X Pro was a shoo-in, but which of the 200 model variants? After humming over GG vs Sapphire vs the Solar, this video sealed the deal - Sapphire it is. I'll take the daylight shine to have the night time blacks as well as the increased durability. On order, arrives tomorrow.
I would say it was worthy pay that extra money, i build scaffolds for living and i have put this sapphire version in good scratch test, after 2 months glass is still as new!!!
"Gorilla glass is the same glass you have on your phone." I look at my smartphone which is scratched just from carrying it in a pocket... "Alright Sapphire unit, you're going with me."
your pockets have collected little sand and dust particles, some of which are a harder material than your glass screen, so whenever you slide your phone in and out of your pocket it causes them to make contact and thats when the softer material of your phone scratches, this isnt going to be as much of a issue with the watch since it rarely makes any contact with those materials, but everytime you wipe your watch with your shirt or a cloth, the same thing could happen. so if you have the money defiantly, but if you dont it isnt a must :)
Hi, nice video, I purchased 6S Sapphire DLC but I have the same issue with the screen, it is very blueish I’m disappointed considering the product price, All the best, Csaba
I'm sorry to hear that. To be honest these types of MIP displays never truly look vibrant due to their power saving efficiency. If I didn't have two side by side it would be hard for me to notice anything wrong. But knowing there seems to be two versions of the display in circulation is a little frustrating. Thanks for watching!
Chase The Summit, I fully agree! You pay the same and you don’t get the same that is why it is frustrating. Anyhow keep up the good work! All the best! 🙂
The blueish back-lit hasn't got to do with sapphire or not versions. There sapphire 6 pros with the ugly blueish back-lit. They have to be kidding us asking so much money and having this quality inconsistency.
Sapphire on my fenix 3 unmarked. Can’t fault it. Ur video might have been improved by swapping the watches over. The sapphire on the right looks in shadow. And I don’t think that’s the fault of the glass. Would have been nice to see it on the left and right to confirm. But nice job helped a lot 👍🏻
The sapphire is definitely a bit dimmer no matter what the lighting situation is . It also reflects a lot more. But yeah, They both do the job and Sapphire is way harder to scratch. Thanks for watching!
The watch industry has been using anti-glare coating onto BOTH sides of the durable sapphire glass used in premium watches. I think Garmin hasn't applied this coating on their sapphire glass. Thus this glare you showing.
@@juresaiyan It is a lot of watch. People say it is expensive, but it seems to be worth the investment for me, although I only use 1/10th or less of the features. I ordered a grey silicone strap for it, as I don't like the orange color, but I'm not unhappy with the Ti bracelet. I use mine to track walks: distance, pace, cadence and heart rate, which I push as I walk briskly up steep hills. I try to do about 10 km per session. I also track upper body workouts and my weight. I had some trouble with the stored music losing connections with my bluetooth headphones, but I think that is the headphones and not the watch, so I'm going to try out another bluetooth earbud set I have here. Also, there is a cool feature called "Flashlight". I set it up with hot buttons so I can press two buttons and get a dim white light, which is just enough to find the keyhole to unlock the door at night and find my way down the hall without turning on the lights. There are a lot of things about the watch to like. I looked at the Apple watch instead, but decided to go with the Fenix instead. The only problem is I have a lot of mechanical watches in my collection that aren't getting used at all now!
@@juresaiyan The case is actually polymer, Just the bezel and back are titanium. I think the intent is to make it lighter and more scratch resistant than the steel bezel and back, not stronger, as the structural part is still polymer.
The Backlight to my 6 s sapphire has that same bluish hue and all the colors to my display seem to be washed out and dull, did I get a defective model?
This is a widespread issue with a lot of Garmin devices. I don't think Garmin considers this "defective" but if you're unhappy with it I would suggest returning it for a new one or asking Garmin what they can do for you. Hope that helps, thanks for watching1
My second fenix 6 sapphire was returned due to very small scratches occuring. I have an office job and treat the watch gently - my sport activities are not like making damages either. I really do not get it. Maybe the sapphire here is not that sturdy or robust, I do not know. Still no complaints from Garmin, they just grant me a new one, what I appreciate.
@@ChaseTheSummit thanks for the reply. My first watch which was returned did not had any scratch on the bezel. The second one had, but I knew where that happened , and that had not touched the crystal. Both watches had like small scratches when I returned them, so it was really nothing direct contact. My colleague has a fenix5 sapphire and has no issues like this. Who knows..:)
I just purchased both to compare in person and the backlight issue is exactly opposite. The non-sapphire is pure black and sapphire one has the blueish tinge.
I realize its time to retire my old faithful FR925 ( which has served me very well, but now the battery is getting somewhat unstable). Idk what kinda screen glass that is on it, but I have never had any issues with it.To be honest, I guess we all know that its the effort you put into the training that makes all the difference and not the watch, I also see all these new features that seems really practical with regards to not having to carry a phone or credit card with me + a lot of new safety features that you never know when will come in handy. The big question for me is X Pro, Sapphire or Solar? If I understand it correctly X Pro and Solar uses the same type of glass? I spend most of the year in Florida, so if there is any benefit of the Solar edition, it must be there right !?haha. I mostly do Ironman distances, but I have gotten a little ¨ultra-iron-curious¨lately, so extra battery would be a huge bonus. So if it is the same glass in the X Pro and the Solar, the I guess the choice is between Sapphire and Solar, any suggestions there? Would a protective film mess up the solar charging? Thank you for loads of great reviews and for making our choices easier for us :)
I have the 6x pro solar and couldn't be happier with it. I also have a glass screen protector on it and did a before and after comparison and did not notice any difference in the solar charging abilities. I do prefer sapphire, but the solar was more of a priority for me. Plus with the glass protector, it's a win win. Can't go wrong with either and the battery performance is amazing on both.
So I have a Fenix 6 sapphire and LOVE this thing. Durable, use it for hiking and backpacking and not a scratch. My only gripe is that the colors look very muted/washed out compared to what is shown on the sample devices. Is this due to the sapphire face, or do you see similar color intensity on both devices?? Have been debating getting a solar 6 without sapphire for this reason.
@@blue1901 check out the Garmin forums. There’s lots of complaints about the washed out display on basically every model including sapphire. I think it’s just a roll of the dice but who knows!
Thank you! Nothing yet! However, I don't think this is anything new. I think this same type of variance happened with the Fenix 5 and 5 Plus. My old 5 Plus looked a lot like the "washed out" pro in this video.
Chase The Summit I have seen two F6X Sapphire in the shop and both of them had blueish backlight. But still they differ slightly to each other. One had better contrast, but was more blueish.
I tried the Fenix 5 screen protectors first which didn't fit. So I ended up going with these generic tempered glass ones from Amazon. 37mm seemed to be the perfect fit. Thanks for watching! amzn.to/3dmhjp9
In some ways but I've found once you add a screen protector you do lose some visibility and its more reflective than raw gorilla glass. You also have to deal with the additional piece on the lens which doesn't look as nice but if you don't care about that... no big deal!
@@ChaseTheSummit I thought the same thing! but the one I bought recently isn't even visible. I was shocked. The only reason I knew it was there was because I had to smooth out the air bubbles. It's shockingly indistinguishable
Your ability for great review is there...most value to people first vs thise who just make videos without much value. Maybe you just have to review popular stuff with millions of people that are interested in with great interesting title even in the clickbait (but more value once people watch your videos vs those clickbait that are false) so you can have many subscribers in the future.
I wonder if that's because of the mechanical dials of those watches? The Sapphire on these digital sports watches has an impact on their visibility from all of the major brands. Thanks for watching!
It seems to me that you've found another difference: the screen. I think the bluish tone is an indication of different screen types (not saying is the case, but something like AMOLED vs LCD)
I ordered the 6x titanium and unfortunately they don't offer it in the sapphire. So... I'm hoping it will not have the washed out color with the backlight. That will make it harder to read for me without reading glasses at night.
The glass actually has no impact on which kind of backlight you get. It's simply luck of the draw. It seems like some of the recent released like the new Pro Solar models and colors have better backlights. Such a strange variability! Thanks for watching.
Got myself a Fenix 6 Sapphire and i'm quite fond of it. As an overkill, I even got a case and another glass on top of it so it's basically indestructible :D
Being military, Sapphire is most definitely a plus. I've managed to just about destroy every watch face I've ever had. I had a tactix charlie for a limited time but decided to upgrade to the 6x Sapphire. Looking forward to it arriving
I just watched it today, hope you read may comment. Which one is better Fenix 6 sapphire second hand or Brand new Instinct 2x Solar Tactical Edition? Tia
they're very different. The Instinct 2X is newer so it will be more accurate having the latest generation HR sensor and updated dual frequency GPS antennas. The Fenix 6 however has a higher build quality with metal and a sapphire lens. Fenix 6 also has real mapping with routeable navigation while the Instinct 2X only has breadcrumb navigation. It's going to boil down to what features are important to you!
Fenix 6 Sapphire or Pro? Which one are you picking up?
Titanium Saphire. ;)
@@donnawetter1513 Nice choice!
I found the same backlight problem on a sapphire version
Resale on sapphire likely higher due to less scratches
Thanasis Vlaxaitis did you return? I really like the dark blacks much better
For watches, always Sapphire! I have Sapphire watches for over 12 years now wearing them 24/7 without a single scratch.
I work in a gym, I have a sapphire glass watch that I wear every day for the last 3 years. I've scraped it against metal bars, machines dumbbells barbells, and everything else inside the gym. To this date there isn't a SINGLE SCRATCH on my watch. Without a doubt get the sapphire glass
I second that. I'm in the oilfield, working on a drilling rig, I beat the shit out of this watch everyday, and there is no damage....NONE! Kind of hard to believe?? Didn't know anything about the Garmin Fenix line, but I'm glad I got one. WELL WORTH IT!!
I have an old Suunto core, it has been scratched and abused and rubbed against rocks climbing mountains all over the uk. Still works fine. Actually I like that it looks abused. I think we are sucked in by marketing!
I agree completely. I had a Fenix 3HR sapphire and banged it all over against everything and not a single mark. My Apple Watch Stainless with sapphire coating has been fixed twice now due to damage tot he screen. My Fenix 6X sapphire should be here this week :)
I have the same experience with my hr3 and now the 5xplus.
I have Fenix 3 with normal glass. I wear it everyday and I've scrape it a lot of times against different objects. I have 2 very small scratches on glass (there is a lot of scratches on metal ring). So I would probably buy normal glass again. :)
I had two sapphire versions (3hr and 5xplus) they are really indestructible! Never had any scratch on them and I work with a lot of sharp metal parts during the day. I would always choose the sapphire version.
Apparently though the 6 Sapphire has an anti-reflective coating which DOES scratch easily so bit of a catch 22 situation.
Thanks for your review. The dark room comparison is very important to me. I owned a Forerunner 645 and I noticed the bluish hue when the backlight was on. And I hated it. It gives a cheap look on the watch. And I suspect that Garmin did this on purpose in order to give the Sapphire version a boost. Again, this is a great review, and thanks a bunch!
Thanks for watching!
Cool demo in the dark, send this to Garmin for an explanation, they shouldn’t be any different. You could probably send back the Pro as being defective
Hey Dave, thanks for the comparison! I got a Fenix 6 Sapphire today and after owning the normal version of the Fenix 5 for two years, I definitely found that the Sapphire is more reflective as the other one as well. Regarding the backlight, I didn't notice such a big difference between my watches but as you said, the 6Pro vs. 6 Sapphire might actually be put together with different screens/LCD units. One thing I found on Garmin's homepage during my research (which was also a factor in the decision for the Sapphire version) is that the difference between the bezels is not only the coating but also the materials used. On the 6 Pro it's coated stainless steel and on the Sapphire it's either Titanium or in the case of the version you used in the video it's DLC coated Titanium. I don't wanna appear like a know-it-all, just wanted to point it out.
Thanks for watching! The 6X gets the titanium DLC. Unfortunately the regular 47mm Fenix 6 does not. Actually right on the back of the watch is laser etched "316 Stainless" with a DLC coating. The watch also weighs 83 grams with the strap on my scale which is a bit heavier than titanium should be. Not all bad news though, titanium tends to scratch a lot easier than Steel due to oxidation. Steel with DLC is incredibly durable in theory but time will tell. Thanks again for visiting the channel!
@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks for your reply! I just checked it on the back of my watch and you are completely right! It's really confusing since I was pretty sure I was reading the spec sheet of the 47mm Fenix 6. But due to the amount of around 20 different Fenix 6 units it's not a surprise that one gets confused very easily. Thanks for clarifying!
Were can I find the information that 6x sapphire gets titanium DLC, here it says 6x gets steel and the solar gets titanium buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/catalog/product/compareResult.ep?compareProduct=603229&compareProduct=641449&compareProduct=641435&compareProduct=641375
@@Birdphotoman44 6X Pro (stainless steel), 6X Sapphire (stainless steel DLC), 6X Pro Solar (Titanium DLC)
@@ChaseTheSummit 6X Pro (stainless steel), 6X Sapphire (stainless steel DLC), 6X Pro Solar (Titanium DLC)
The difference in hue when backlighting is something never discovered in any review I’ve seen before. A watch that expensive should offer consistent and a high class experience (looks like the first G-Shocks). Thanks for pointing out, as this will narrow down which vendor I should consider
My Fenix 5X Sapphire has that same blueish hue when the backlight is on. I thought that was normal.
Michael St. Louis right is the same on my f5x+, not good.
davide abatucci how is it not good. That is an older generation, even some of the newer ones (6 Pro) still have that tint. The new Sapphires are the only ones without it
William Barrantes not true, follow some others reviews that raised same . If you consider normal this thing and consider 5x+ so old you don’t know panel technology used and the random Garmin production issue
@@oanimalos It is normal because the MIP displays in the Fenix's are backlit. Transflective MIP panels due to there nature, when lighted from the back will lack contrast, produce muted or washed out colors. Using a front light would produce much better viewing experience with more contrast, colors and blacks.
But due to design constraints, front lighting on Garmin's wearables that uses MIP displays is not possible. With such a tiny package and from factor that is already too large as view by some. Having the display as such is a totally reasonable trade off that I have no problem with.
100% go with the sapphire. I have had the Fenix 3 since new with Sapphire glass and there isn’t a single scratch on it and I have worn it constantly over the 3 or 4 years that I’ve had it (other then charging overnight obviously).
On my 6x Sapphire I have the same blueish screen as the 6 Pro in your video, so makes me think that it's not the type of glass, but the screen itself at "fault" or the backlight type. As for the Dlc coating, from day one I have managed to scratch the watch on a sand paper like wall, but the minor scratch that was left on the watch is almost invisible, you really have to use a magnifying glass to notice it. Compared with the coating I had on my 5x Plus, Dlc is very resistant and the color hides well the micro scratches, as for the Sapphire screen, worth every penny and it's not just a "bragging" option for a very expansive watch.
Interesting! I've been seeing some posts on Garmin's forum about the backlight color too. It seems it's not the glass that is changing the color but rather the LED's or screen. Thanks for watching!
Yeah I did a replacement for my 6x sapphire. That's a big difference.
@Scott G Snowden I didn't get it yet. There's a garmin forum were someone confirmed that Garmin can confirm if they got a defective unit. For mine, I just sent pictures of mine and display unit. They didn't really fight me when I told them about issue. I just added pictures so I am not bullshitting.
@Scott G Snowden might have to go to imgur and upload it there, then post a link.
@Scott G Snowden oh God that's definitely has that blue hue. Lol. You should definitely try to get the different one.
After cracking my second 6X-Pro. I've caught the screen twice, right on the edge. Yes, I have a screen protector on it. Garmin is upgrading me to a 6X Sapphire. Thanks Garmin!
Thank you. This is helpful. I am leaving Apple (again) and picking up a Fenix 6 Pro. I have always bought sapphire screens for the durability.. the quest for a scratch-free screen. A few things that have me thinking differently. First, my wife has a Garmin 235 and her display always looked more crisp and contrasty (word?) than my Fenix 5 Sapphire. This bugged me. She trains like crazy and I never notice scratches on her screen. Second, this watch is made to take a beating and I think I personally need to work on not letting scratch OCD win. I am going to likely buy from a retailer that offers damage insurance as I know they let you ‘upgrade’ if you damage the watch.. I was all in on the 6X Pro Sapphire but now think I just want to get the 6 Pro and just use it. Thank you for your videos.
Glad I could help! I think scratches on the bezel give a watch character. But I'm a little OCD just like you with glass scratches! Thanks for watching!
Dude, I'm loving your channel. Such a nice vibe to everything. Thanks for all the work here!
Thanks man! That means a lot. I really like your content too!
@@ChaseTheSummit - Hopefully some day we'll get to go for a trail run together. I'll bring a camera 😉
@@mlegrand anytime!
Thanks for that honest review. Def set my eyes to fenix 6 sapphire. It's so good looking.
Had the Fenix 3 sapphire for many years, lots of backpacking and rock climbing. Have put a few scratches in the frame, but perfect glass, the sapphire glass is amazing
And how with battery in your model after that years?
@@grabol1982 Battery was fine, no problems. Only issue I ever had on the Fenix 3 is the altimeter drifts. It works fine if you calibrate it for an event right before you use it. But over time, days/weeks it drifts and has to be calibrated. I have the 5 plus now, it does not seem to have that issue.
Excellent comparison, of something I've never seen compared on UA-cam. Excellent video quality and audio. Thanks for clarifying my doubts.
It was something I was searching for so I figured I'd share my thoughts. Thanks for watching!
@@ChaseTheSummit I think I'll choose the sapphire with DLC coating version. Thanks again and keep up the good work and training.👍🏻
I work in an office with fluorescent lighting and found the glare too much on the Saphire
I got the saphire version because it is so durable as well as the deeper blacks. I have an IWC mechanical watch I bought with a saphire screen17 years ago. Although there are a few scratches on the steel case, the screen is like new. A watch with a saphire screen generally indicates a quality watch
Sapphire is certainly nice peace of mind. Unfortunately the display can still be "washed out" on a Sapphire watch. It seems like luck of the draw on which kind of display you'll get from Garmin. Enjoy the Fenix!
Good video. I'd be interested to see backlights on all the Garmins you can find, lined up in a dark room
I have had the Sapphire for 3 months. In the first month i bumped it lightly on my shower door handle (Chrome) and it now has a scratch right across the screen. I wouldn't spend the extra money again. Both screens will scratch eventually, just get the cheaper and take reasonable care.
Bummer! Indeed, nothing in this world is "scratch proof" but the Sapphire comes pretty darn close. I've personally put mine through the wringer and it's still flawless but I did manage to scratch up my Gorilla Glass Forerunner 945 pretty quick. In either case it just adds a bit of character right? Thanks for watching!
Chrome is 8.5 on hardness scale. Sapphire is 9. You found something that was close to as hard, but that is highly unlikely to happen again.
Very helpful video that left me in quandary. First I think you have a defective Pro with that purple color in the backlight test. At least that's what I've read. I would prefer a non sapphire watch because clarity is important to me. I think Garmins are generally a harder to view watch in indoor light so I'd rather not have that sapphire in the way. However your backlight test (if the Pro you have is the norm) would push me to the sapphire. I've heard the deltas have great blacks and to see it on the non delta makes me want to get that one now.
Seems like it's luck of the draw with these watches. There are lots of reports of the blue backlight in the Garmin forums on various models. Thanks for watching!
Sapphire sold because of your dark comparison! Thanks 🤟
Thanks for the review! I noticed the sapphire watch has a different HR sensor than the pro. My 6x Sapphire has the same sensor as your PRO, and it also has the same blueish tint as your PRO
That is odd. I just gave this another look and you're right. The Pro's heart rate sensor's diodes have a white dot to the left of them. While my Sapphires is all black. I'm not entirely sure what that means.
@@ChaseTheSummit And so do I, my 6Pro have the blueish screen when light is on, but with that small white square on the bottom left on the black rectangles of the ohr that looks like your 6 sapphire
Now with that in mind, have you noticed either one of these being better at HR tracking? There have been a lot of chatter about bad HR readings and I’m curious if it is related to different hardware
@@caslca I haven't noticed any difference but now that I'm aware I'll be sure to do some additional testing. I'll wear both and go for a few runs and report back. Thanks for watching!
I'm looking to get 6s Pro (due very small wrist and weight). But now i'm also aware about blue hue and Optical HR. If you get a chance let us know about 42 mm version (Pro vs Sapphire). At this price point they should be prefect both iMHO...
Thank you for your videos!
Wow... that backlight difference is almost LCD vs Oled in how big it is..... def tipped me towards the sapphire just for that! And you’re the only reviewer that caught that. It’s a huge pro/con in my opinion.
It turns out the backlight has nothing to do with sapphire vs gorilla glass. If you google around the Garmin Forums you'll see a lot of information on this topic. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching!
I was expecting a "Scratches at level 6 with deeper grooves at level 7"
Maybe when I hit 8 million subs like Jerryrig Everything I'll be able to afford those tests 😂
@@ChaseTheSummit jerryrig didn't start off with 8 million subs...
Thanks. You were the tipping point for me with pointing out the true black background of the Sapphire.
Pulling the trigger on the 6X Sapphire
Thanks for watching! I'm actually not sure the model of the watch matters much when it comes to the blueish display. It seems more like luck of the draw from Garmin. I've seen pictures of several different models with this type of display over on the Garmin forums. I'd suggest purchasing from a place that accepts returns easily if you're worried about it. Honestly though, if I never saw a "true black" display I'm not sure I'd even notice. Enjoy your new watch!
@@ChaseTheSummit Oh I noticed. I was so horrified when I saw my watch display that I searched for this issue, and found your video.
I got the sapphire as a gift. Love it. I’m definitely a rugged person and I don’t like screen protectors, it’s prefect for my type of use
Very nice!
@@ChaseTheSummit sorry to bother you, i own a fr745 (love it), and i'm considering to get a bigger/more rugged watch for go to work, go outside, etc.
i'm between the enduro ti, and the 6x.
found a discount on the sapphire version, but as it will be mostly on daytime/sunlight, the question is, how worse is the reflections and visibility compared to the pro, and the enduro?
also, music and maps would not be that important to me.
i think the enduro is on the sweetspot of durability/scratch ressistance, battery life, lightweight, and solar charge.
what do you think?
...Very interesting observation on the differences in the glass...I've had a Fenix 3HR Sapphire since it came out....I have had countless problems with all my Garmin products for years as a long time runner.....their software if very buggy, I've had constant rebooting/restart issues that Garmin support never solved
....that being said I'm hesitant at this point to buy another Garmin product. However, the Sapphire glass on my Fenix 3HR is absolutely flawless after all these years of use and I'd highly recommend the Sapphire version. It's definitely worth the additional money.
this video is being used to fuel sooo much fire in the forums. lmao.
and I think it's a good thing. thanks for reporting on this. I think this is a meaningful discrepancy to note.
I noticed... whoops! 🙊
The pro visibility is much more comfortable for daily use. The other one is very reflective. Like very especially indoors
I'll get the Pro, as I won't use it hardcore and unlike a Rolex I won't be having it for the rest of my life - and it saves me 200$.
Great video! My husband wants the sapphire and I wasn’t sure what the difference was and you made that clear! Thanks
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
Thanks man, totally justified my Sapphire purchase, love the watch.
Great review! I found a 6X at good price and bought it thanks to your work in this review and your other Garmin reviews. Keep up the good work!
Great review as always. I have just placed an order for Garmin 6. Sapphire because it is half price deal at the moment in Australia.
Sapphire! My first day MTB riding with my brand new sapphire watch i crashed over the bars and slid on my belly with my hand squished between me and the gravel i was sliding on. It slid on its face with my body weight pushing it into the rocky trail for 10 feet. Not a scratch anywhere it is now 2 years later and still looks brand new. Only complaint I sometimes hit it on my car and take paint off the car. 😂
My 6X pro has a similar blue background to your 6 pro. I've dropped my backlight down to 10% to lessen the washed out look.
I've compaired the backgrounds with backlight on and off of my 6X pro to my FR935 and the 935 has the higher contrast blacker background similar to what you are seeing in your 6 Sapphire.
Interesting! I think Garmin may be sourcing their LED's from various manufacturers or something. Maybe this is why we're seeing different colors on different models? Who knows! I reached out to Garmin and they haven't responded yet. Thanks for watching!
My Saphire Glas have also that blu color
My 6pro and forerunner 935 are quite similar in terms of contrast. The fenix is more pinky and the 935 more blueish.
Excellent comparison. You pointed out a few points unknown to me and I'll definitely go for safire!
Glad it was helpful!
subscribing so that you can scratch the watches next time 😂
Haha! Maybe when I hit 100k subscribers 😉
I'm a little late to the party, but I really like your content and videos, thanks for sharing with us :) I was curious about the Garmin Tactix Charlie and I came across your channel. Great stuff, subbed!
Thanks!
Nice video, just curious im new to this kinda watch, how long does these watches last, do they have smartphone life 2-3 years or more? I have casio protrek, and looking for upgrade..
they will last many years! My Forerunner 235 is over 5 years old and has been used constantly. A few times it has frozen for a day or two, making me think it died, but it has always come back! It's scratched and all that, but so far so good
Great video dude, love the camera work and background music
Thanks!
I believe the blueish purple tint is from the anti-reflective coating that is on the glass. I see this same tint on regular watches with the coating when turned at certain angles. That would also explain why the sapphire crystal has so many reflections and no bluish tint consistent with having no AR coating.
Not quite. I think it's a product of Garmin using different LCD panels in different watches because they source them from various manufacturers. There are several threads on the Garmin forums showing the blue tint on both Sapphire and Pro models so the glass doesn't seem to make a difference. Thanks for watching!
@@ChaseTheSummit Great info! Thanks for the update. That’s interesting about having different vendors, I also like the true black better... it appears also that the white characters also having a blueish tint showing through unless it’s an optical illusion with all the blue light around it.
I ordered this week the Titanium with sapphire, hope don't have any problems...
So, have any?
I have an absolutely terrible record with anything but sapphire. Before I got smart into shelling out a little extra for sapphire, I destroyed 4 watch faces in the first 2 years of my career. My current daily driver is a reef gear time piece. It's nothing special but it works and continues to work. I wear it everyday working with machined metals. It has just a single light scratch on it after 20years working in a machine shop (caused by a diamond tipped insert). I did however just break the ratcheting bezel which is sad, but 20years; so no regrets.
When I invested in a smart watch for my out of work life, I bought the fenix 6x sapphire. I don't regret it. It's a nice watch and given the proofing I've put my reef though, I have zero concerns about damaging the screen. Which is an absolute necessity for me because if I have to be mindful when wearing it, I'll just leave it on the nightstand collecting just.
I'm a U.S. Marine it's worth it to get the Sapphire for Training as well as Actual real world Missions.
Saltwater..desert.. mountain.. jungle.. urban... Airborne operations.. etc...
Sapphire it is!
@@ChaseTheSummit good choice, glad I was able to help.
I love your video! I've owned f3HR for 3 years and now looking for a new one since the battery life wouldn't be long enough for ultra Trail running. I'm considering between 6sap and 6X sap with about $50 different. Do you think 6x is too big for woman (my wrist is 14cm)? Anything should I concern other than the size and battery life? Is it worth to pay a bit more for long term use?
I plan to go 100 km ultra trail with could take up to 30 hrs continually
Thanks
Chompoonut Suwaree what did u buy?
Thanks !! This video helped me decide which one was best for me. Because of the backlighting and the scratchproof oof the sapphire I will be choosing that model. Really good and helpful video.
Thanks for watching, glad it helped! I will note that the difference in the becklight may not be related to the model. I've seen some reports on Garmin's forum showing this "washed out" backlight on various models sapphire or not. Thanks again!
Chase The Summit Ok thanks for the info! Regards.
The sapphire comes standard with black LCD backlighting while the pro and standard models that feature gorilla glass come with blue LCD backlighting. This would explain the blue-ish hue seen on the pro model.
This isn’t always the case. I’ve seen/had pro models with black LCD’s and sapphire with blue LCD. It seems like it’s a variation in manufacturing as if they source panels from multiple vendors. Luck of the draw.
Cheers for this. I'd had a Fenxi 3 a while ago and loved it. Swapped for an Apple Watch 5 in the end and was working well for running and biking until the last OS update broke the GPS tracking and mapping with no fix in sight. This plus the fact that any sport over 30 minutes with music kills the battery meaning endless recharges meant I decided to move away. The Fenix 6X Pro was a shoo-in, but which of the 200 model variants? After humming over GG vs Sapphire vs the Solar, this video sealed the deal - Sapphire it is. I'll take the daylight shine to have the night time blacks as well as the increased durability. On order, arrives tomorrow.
Awesome, enjoy!
Note the bluish screen on this 6 pro is due to an early model. The later model upgraded to a better screen.
I would say it was worthy pay that extra money, i build scaffolds for living and i have put this sapphire version in good scratch test, after 2 months glass is still as new!!!
Nice! Glad to hear it has survived!
"Gorilla glass is the same glass you have on your phone."
I look at my smartphone which is scratched just from carrying it in a pocket...
"Alright Sapphire unit, you're going with me."
your pockets have collected little sand and dust particles, some of which are a harder material than your glass screen, so whenever you slide your phone in and out of your pocket it causes them to make contact and thats when the softer material of your phone scratches, this isnt going to be as much of a issue with the watch since it rarely makes any contact with those materials, but everytime you wipe your watch with your shirt or a cloth, the same thing could happen. so if you have the money defiantly, but if you dont it isnt a must :)
@@vSmitezzdN I agree, that makes sense. But I still went with that sapphire unit.
@@vybtom1 sapphire is only scratch resistant, not scratch proof. It's just harder to scratch.
The pro with a screenprotector is actually more scratch resistant because you can change the protector...
@@nono9370 just put a protector on the sapphire then
I have my 6x shapire dlc few days ago, and its so great watch.. i love it veru much
Awesome! Enjoy!
Thx for the Comparison... I just order at Garmin a Fenix 6X Sapphire.. ;-). (I hope it's a nice change for my Fenix 5x)
Hope you enjoy it!
Hi, nice video,
I purchased 6S Sapphire DLC but I have the same issue with the screen, it is very blueish I’m disappointed considering the product price,
All the best,
Csaba
I'm sorry to hear that. To be honest these types of MIP displays never truly look vibrant due to their power saving efficiency. If I didn't have two side by side it would be hard for me to notice anything wrong. But knowing there seems to be two versions of the display in circulation is a little frustrating. Thanks for watching!
Chase The Summit, I fully agree! You pay the same and you don’t get the same that is why it is frustrating. Anyhow keep up the good work! All the best! 🙂
Muito obrigado pelo vídeo, sou do Brasil e essa foi uma informação muito importante para adquirir o Fênix Sapphire, tks
The blueish back-lit hasn't got to do with sapphire or not versions. There sapphire 6 pros with the ugly blueish back-lit. They have to be kidding us asking so much money and having this quality inconsistency.
Sapphire on my fenix 3 unmarked. Can’t fault it. Ur video might have been improved by swapping the watches over. The sapphire on the right looks in shadow. And I don’t think that’s the fault of the glass. Would have been nice to see it on the left and right to confirm. But nice job helped a lot 👍🏻
The sapphire is definitely a bit dimmer no matter what the lighting situation is . It also reflects a lot more. But yeah, They both do the job and Sapphire is way harder to scratch. Thanks for watching!
Nice review. Maybe mount the watches on a board before showing reflections etc. to get the same view? Simon
Thanks for the feedback! I've changed my setup a bit since this video. Hopefully for the better!
Very helpful. Couldn't find this explanation anywhere on the net!
Glad it was helpful!
The watch industry has been using anti-glare coating onto BOTH sides of the durable sapphire glass used in premium watches. I think Garmin hasn't applied this coating on their sapphire glass. Thus this glare you showing.
Yeah. This is it. The Gorilla Glass used in the Fenix 6 does also have AR coating.
Good video - helped me much in selection - thanks again
Glad it was helpful!
like sapphire one friend 💕
6 Sapphire Titanium (includes Ti bracelet and orange strap) on order.
@@alyoshakaramazov8469 I'm looking to buy that particular Fenix. How is it?
@@juresaiyan It is a lot of watch. People say it is expensive, but it seems to be worth the investment for me, although I only use 1/10th or less of the features. I ordered a grey silicone strap for it, as I don't like the orange color, but I'm not unhappy with the Ti bracelet.
I use mine to track walks: distance, pace, cadence and heart rate, which I push as I walk briskly up steep hills. I try to do about 10 km per session. I also track upper body workouts and my weight.
I had some trouble with the stored music losing connections with my bluetooth headphones, but I think that is the headphones and not the watch, so I'm going to try out another bluetooth earbud set I have here.
Also, there is a cool feature called "Flashlight". I set it up with hot buttons so I can press two buttons and get a dim white light, which is just enough to find the keyhole to unlock the door at night and find my way down the hall without turning on the lights.
There are a lot of things about the watch to like. I looked at the Apple watch instead, but decided to go with the Fenix instead. The only problem is I have a lot of mechanical watches in my collection that aren't getting used at all now!
@@alyoshakaramazov8469 Thanks for your reply! Is the titanium strong?
@@juresaiyan The case is actually polymer, Just the bezel and back are titanium. I think the intent is to make it lighter and more scratch resistant than the steel bezel and back, not stronger, as the structural part is still polymer.
Hey man, thanks for a good review and awesome channel!
Thanks for watching!
Ordered the saphire version because of the black blacks. However got a saphire version with the exact same blue hue you are showing here :(
Return it. I returned mine today with the same problem. I had a pinky screen lol
The Backlight to my 6 s sapphire has that same bluish hue and all the colors to my display seem to be washed out and dull, did I get a defective model?
This is a widespread issue with a lot of Garmin devices. I don't think Garmin considers this "defective" but if you're unhappy with it I would suggest returning it for a new one or asking Garmin what they can do for you. Hope that helps, thanks for watching1
@@ChaseTheSummit unfortunately I bought it off of Amazon
very informative, excellent information..keep the reviews coming
Thank you!
Just placed my order for the F6 Sapphire! Super stoked. Found a 20% off coupon as well, saved a cool $160 haha
Wish me luck on the backlight color Lol
Nice! Enjoy it!
@@christianhoward154 , where did you find a 20% coupon?
You got ripped off. I got 30% off mines
@@gustavopaulette3496 Cool!
My second fenix 6 sapphire was returned due to very small scratches occuring. I have an office job and treat the watch gently - my sport activities are not like making damages either. I really do not get it. Maybe the sapphire here is not that sturdy or robust, I do not know. Still no complaints from Garmin, they just grant me a new one, what I appreciate.
Bummer. The sapphire isn't indestructible but it's quite durable. Usually the bezel will scratch first!
@@ChaseTheSummit thanks for the reply. My first watch which was returned did not had any scratch on the bezel. The second one had, but I knew where that happened , and that had not touched the crystal. Both watches had like small scratches when I returned them, so it was really nothing direct contact. My colleague has a fenix5 sapphire and has no issues like this. Who knows..:)
I just purchased both to compare in person and the backlight issue is exactly opposite. The non-sapphire is pure black and sapphire one has the blueish tinge.
Turns out it’s luck of the draw. There are numerous threads about this issue on Garmin’s forums.
@@ChaseTheSummit ah, ok! I like the sapphire one better otherwise so I’ll exchange it for another one until I get a “good one”. Thanks.
Love your candor! And the video of course.
Thanks!
Hi! Great review, thank you very much. Saludos desde Argentina!
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful video!!! Thank you so much
Great video, so super useful, no BS, just info!
Thanks!
I realize its time to retire my old faithful FR925 ( which has served me very well, but now the battery is getting somewhat unstable). Idk what kinda screen glass that is on it, but I have never had any issues with it.To be honest, I guess we all know that its the effort you put into the training that makes all the difference and not the watch, I also see all these new features that seems really practical with regards to not having to carry a phone or credit card with me + a lot of new safety features that you never know when will come in handy.
The big question for me is X Pro, Sapphire or Solar? If I understand it correctly X Pro and Solar uses the same type of glass? I spend most of the year in Florida, so if there is any benefit of the Solar edition, it must be there right !?haha. I mostly do Ironman distances, but I have gotten a little ¨ultra-iron-curious¨lately, so extra battery would be a huge bonus.
So if it is the same glass in the X Pro and the Solar, the I guess the choice is between Sapphire and Solar, any suggestions there? Would a protective film mess up the solar charging?
Thank you for loads of great reviews and for making our choices easier for us :)
I have the 6x pro solar and couldn't be happier with it. I also have a glass screen protector on it and did a before and after comparison and did not notice any difference in the solar charging abilities. I do prefer sapphire, but the solar was more of a priority for me. Plus with the glass protector, it's a win win. Can't go wrong with either and the battery performance is amazing on both.
So I have a Fenix 6 sapphire and LOVE this thing. Durable, use it for hiking and backpacking and not a scratch. My only gripe is that the colors look very muted/washed out compared to what is shown on the sample devices. Is this due to the sapphire face, or do you see similar color intensity on both devices?? Have been debating getting a solar 6 without sapphire for this reason.
This is luck of the draw with Garmin. They seem to use different LCD manufacturers and that plays a role in how much contrast is in the display.
Excellent video! Short, sweet and to the point! Now sell me your pro 😂
the backlight thingy is because the non sapphire version uses solar so it needs light to penetrate
The non-sapphire version in this video is not a Solar model.
@@ChaseTheSummit I know but they might be using the non sapphire screen on solar and non solar models
@@blue1901 check out the Garmin forums. There’s lots of complaints about the washed out display on basically every model including sapphire. I think it’s just a roll of the dice but who knows!
Great video! Did you get an answer from Garmin regarding differences in display background colour/contrast? Thx
Thank you! Nothing yet! However, I don't think this is anything new. I think this same type of variance happened with the Fenix 5 and 5 Plus. My old 5 Plus looked a lot like the "washed out" pro in this video.
Chase The Summit I have seen two F6X Sapphire in the shop and both of them had blueish backlight. But still they differ slightly to each other. One had better contrast, but was more blueish.
great video what about looking at them with polarized sunglasses , would that take away the reflection from the sapphire
Doesn't really make a difference.
Nice review of both watches! I already have the 6x Pro and would like to ask you which screen protector you have bought?
I tried the Fenix 5 screen protectors first which didn't fit. So I ended up going with these generic tempered glass ones from Amazon. 37mm seemed to be the perfect fit. Thanks for watching! amzn.to/3dmhjp9
Thanks a lot for this, buying that protector! 🤩
I’ll go with the sapphire,thanks
Nice choice!
The best review I’ve seen.
Thanks!
If you get the standard get the F9 rated screen protector. Best of both worlds for like $12 bucks more instead of $100+
In some ways but I've found once you add a screen protector you do lose some visibility and its more reflective than raw gorilla glass. You also have to deal with the additional piece on the lens which doesn't look as nice but if you don't care about that... no big deal!
@@ChaseTheSummit I thought the same thing! but the one I bought recently isn't even visible. I was shocked. The only reason I knew it was there was because I had to smooth out the air bubbles. It's shockingly indistinguishable
I would recommend in your videos you put time stamps of each point you’re making in the discription, otherwise a very good video
Thanks for the feedback this is a relatively new feature ill be adding to all of my videos.
Your ability for great review is there...most value to people first vs thise who just make videos without much value. Maybe you just have to review popular stuff with millions of people that are interested in with great interesting title even in the clickbait (but more value once people watch your videos vs those clickbait that are false) so you can have many subscribers in the future.
Thanks for the kind words!
Thank you! You answered my question
If you buy a good Swiss watch for $12,000 it will have sapphire. They don't look any dimmer than clear air.
I wonder if that's because of the mechanical dials of those watches? The Sapphire on these digital sports watches has an impact on their visibility from all of the major brands. Thanks for watching!
I think I'd prefer sapphire. The glass on my 5x is still flawless after years of abuse.
It seems to me that you've found another difference: the screen. I think the bluish tone is an indication of different screen types (not saying is the case, but something like AMOLED vs LCD)
Not true. They are all transflective LCD. Some are good. Some are bad.
Do you still recommend this watch since it’s 3-4 years old now
Sapphire, nice breakdown 'preciate it
I ordered the 6x titanium and unfortunately they don't offer it in the sapphire. So... I'm hoping it will not have the washed out color with the backlight. That will make it harder to read for me without reading glasses at night.
The glass actually has no impact on which kind of backlight you get. It's simply luck of the draw. It seems like some of the recent released like the new Pro Solar models and colors have better backlights. Such a strange variability! Thanks for watching.
Got myself a Fenix 6 Sapphire and i'm quite fond of it. As an overkill, I even got a case and another glass on top of it so it's basically indestructible :D
Thanx a lot, great Review!
so between Pro and sapphire just the difference is in the outside.. but all the programs are the same, HR, Maps, etc etc... correct?
Yup
Being military, Sapphire is most definitely a plus. I've managed to just about destroy every watch face I've ever had. I had a tactix charlie for a limited time but decided to upgrade to the 6x Sapphire. Looking forward to it arriving
"It makes me feel good inside". OH YEAH!
Ha
Наконец-то нашёл информацию. Спасибо.
пожалуйста
I bought the Fenix 6X Pro Solar Titanium DLC. Hope the screen stays scratchfree ...
The screen will... The bezel not so much!
I just watched it today, hope you read may comment. Which one is better Fenix 6 sapphire second hand or Brand new Instinct 2x Solar Tactical Edition?
Tia
they're very different. The Instinct 2X is newer so it will be more accurate having the latest generation HR sensor and updated dual frequency GPS antennas. The Fenix 6 however has a higher build quality with metal and a sapphire lens. Fenix 6 also has real mapping with routeable navigation while the Instinct 2X only has breadcrumb navigation. It's going to boil down to what features are important to you!