Garmin Epix Gen 2 Question

Triathlon Forum
1

It’s been a LONG time since I’ve posted here. I received a 50% off coupon for a new Garmin. I’m considering the Epix Pro Gen 2 Saffire. 47mm size.

I also have $200 off, so it would cost me - out of pocket - $300.

Is there any reason why I’d NOT proceed forward with this purchase?

I’ve got a Fenix 3…yes it’s still alive…but the battery life is about 3 days, etc. I think it’s time for an upgrade.

Thanks.

2

The Epix Pro is a great watch. But “if” that coupon works on a Fenix 8 Pro, I would go that route.

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3

Thank you…can you explain why you’d go that route please?

4

I had it; its great but there are eventually issues if you swim a lot (buttons not working etc)

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5

discount not eligible for Fenix. Bummer.

6

I 100% agree with this.

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7

Because other than bug fixes, Garmin stopped making feature updates to the Epix line, right?

The Epix 2 is 2.5yrs old. HRM, display, buttons (wearability/durability), battery, etc. are lagging—if only incrementally—behind the Fenix 8. This gap will continue to grow as the Epix ages (battery cycles) and newer versions of the Fenix—like the new one with LTE, AMOLED display—roll out.

To be sure: I have the model you’re considering. If I bought a Garmin today or tomorrow (hello, Amazon Prime deals), I’d buy the latest and greatest for all the above reasons, etc.

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8

My first Epix Gen 2 lasted less than 1 year that included swimming several days per week in the pool and Long Island Sound before one of the buttons died. And I never pressed any buttons underwater. We shall see how long the replacement lasts. Otherwise it is a great watch from battery life and functionality standpoints.

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9

For the same reason philly1x mentioned. Nothing earth shattering different, but if you’re not a frequent updater, having the “current” model makes sense.

I have also had a button fail on my Epix, but Garmin support has offered up an advanced replacement. Normally a bad button isn’t the end of the world with a touchscreen backup, but my start/stop button failed which meant I couldn’t use it for any activity tracking. This is a known issue on several models from the same generation, so don’t hesitate to grab the Epix.

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10

Is it really a Generation thing? I have had my Epix replaced numerous times until I sold it; the buttons always eventually gave up. Honestly its a joke that Garmin has shipped such faulty tech.

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11

There’s a KB for the Fenix 7.

If the button on your fēnix 7 watch is still not responding, you will need to submit an exchange request to have your watch replaced. You can request an exchange using the following tool: Garmin’s Online Exchange for the fēnix 7 watches .

12

I got the same coupon and pulled the trigger. I’m still rocking my Forerunner 945 which, aside from the altimeter being janky, works fine. Inhabe found that salt pools kill Garmins faster than regular chlorine.

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13

I did that many times. When the watch stopped working 2 days before an Ironman, I was done with it. Replaced it then sold it and got myself a Forerunner 255. Inferior but gets the job done.

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14

Okay, a follow up question….are there any discernible differences between the fenix 8 and fenix 8 pro? I’m on the garmin site now and there doesn’t seem to be.

And is it just easier and much cheaper to get a fenix 7 instead?

15

here’s how the Fenix 8 Pro LTE differs from a typical Fenix 8 unit:

– Increased display brightness to match that of Forerunner 970 & Venu X1 (roughly 2,000 nits is estimated)
– Increased speaker loudness compared to Fenix 8 (matches that of FR970 & Venu X1)
– Added LTE/Cellular Connectivity
– Added two-way Satellite connectivity (for messaging)
– Added LTE Live two-way voice calls
– Added LTE LiveTrack
– Added LTE Voice Messaging
– Added LTE Text Messaging
– Added LTE Weather
– Added LTE Location Check-Ins
– Added LTE incident detection
– Added LTE Emergency SOS
– Added Satellite Emergency SOS
– Added Satellite Text Messaging
– Added Satellite Check-in (Location)
– Only offered in 47mm & 51mm case sizes
– Increased price by $200, from $999 to $1,199/€1,199 for the base 47mm Fenix 8 Pro, and $1,299 for the 51mm edition

16

Dont hold me to it but I think Fenix 7 has had similiar issues, at least I read about that.