I’ve loved my Series 5 AW since it launched, but I’m upgrading to Garmin Epix 2…

[PatrickNSF]

I ended up with a Garmin 955/AW Series 6 combo. The Epix looks great, but the sacrifice of smartwatch functions during day-to-day use didn’t work for me.

I’m using 955 for sleep and workouts, and the AW for the rest. I kept LTE on the AW so I don’t have to run with a phone.

 

[firstcellosuite]

Enjoying this thread, Garmin watches seem quite appealing based on what little I have learned about them. I definitely second the recommendation for the DC Rainmaker videos, I only watched like 5 mins of a 40 (!) min video, on one of the Garmins, it was very well done and illustrative. For now and the foreseeable future, I’m content with my Apple watch as it’s a recent (9 months) experience, but it’s nice to know there are other good options out there and ones that do lots of cool stuff that AWs don’t like solar charging and lots more (and just different) fitness and health related stuff.

If you like the DC Rainmaker videos I also suggest checking out Chase the Summit. His videos aren't 40 minutes (!) yet are able to provide a good overview of the important features in the watch and why or why not to buy/upgrade to it.

 

[firstcellosuite]

Could anyone link to a writeup of Garmin's lineup, was interested for the longest time but still can't quite get my head around their offerings.

DC Rainmaker for write ups. For videos I suggest checking out Chase the Summit or DesFit on YouTube.

 

[dallison13]

I ended up with a Garmin 955/AW Series 6 combo. The Epix looks great, but the sacrifice of smartwatch functions during day-to-day use didn’t work for me.

I’m using 955 for sleep and workouts, and the AW for the rest. I kept LTE on the AW so I don’t have to run with a phone.

Sounds similar to my setup. Epix for hikes and runs, and the AW7 on the other wrist for music, podcasts, phone, etc. As soon as the run/hike ends, it's AW only.

It is an admittedly expensive setup, but unfortunately, until the AW can match the battery life, accuracy (its close) and most features (natively) then I have a hard time sticking to just the AW.

 

[dallison13]

I think Epix 2 has even better screen than AW. During activity that screen is super black and letters are shinning even in the direct sunlight. Might have less colors than AW but still very very good.

The screen and watch are amazing. I have had an Epix since launch.

I will say, that as an Apple Watch owner, the newness wears off after a bit as you start to miss the smartwatch features and apple ecosystem lock in.

If you had never owned an Apple Watch, I would say the Epix is the best sportswatch ever made!

 

[rbwca]

I think the AOD feature took its toll on the S5 battery. My wife has an S4 which is about a year older than mine and hers is on 90%. For the past few days I’ve turned that feature off and I now end the day with around 35% battery. Before that the watch had turned itself off around 20.00 to 20.30. Not a great experience as my S2 was lasting a full day at 3 years old!

I might contact Apple and see if they think 82% is acceptable on a 2 year old watch, they may replace it, who knows.

I asked them at 83% just before my apple care ran out on my watch and they said it did not need replacement.

 

[Indianwin2001]

If you had never owned an Apple Watch, I would say the Epix is the best sportswatch ever made!

I have owned the series 5,6 and 7. IMO, The Epix IS the best “ sport watch ever made and the Apple is the best “ smart watch ever made. Depends on your needs.

 

[alphasports]

Thanks for this idea.
I think I'll look into that since this is my first foray into AW, and I've already got over 4yrs of data in Garmin Connect.

Yes, same as me tho I'm into GC for about 10 years +. Best thing is keep GC as your "base" and use Rungap to sync AW activities over to it, works great. In my case since I'm paranoid I use GC as my primary, Sporttracks as my backup, and Polar as a desperate 3rd choice. Rungap syncs to all plus you can decide how you want sync to happen i.e. FROM one to any of the others, Back and Forth between them all, or any combo you want. A can't-live-without app for data nerds.

 

[Significant1]

I ended up with a Garmin 955/AW Series 6 combo. The Epix looks great, but the sacrifice of smartwatch functions during day-to-day use didn’t work for me.

I’m using 955 for sleep and workouts, and the AW for the rest. I kept LTE on the AW so I don’t have to run with a phone.

I came to the same conclusion and a 955 is on its way. I have a natural Ti AW 7 and buying an Epix would be too heavy, too big and too expensive without completely cover my AW functionality. I also considered Fenix 7/7s as a middle ground but again more expensive since only Solar Sapphire versions features the full specs and they have dimm display.

 

[PatrickNSF]

I came to the same conclusion and a 955 is on its way. I have a natural Ti AW 7 and buying an Epix would be too heavy, too big and too expensive without completely cover my AW functionality. I also considered Fenix 7/7s as a middle ground but again more expensive since only Solar Sapphire versions features the full specs and they have dimm display.

The Epix was my choice when I thought I could ditch the AW and wear it 24/7 – you can mitigate the weight by using a nylon strap – but I actually think the 955 works better for me (lighter for sleep and running) for the way I'm using it.

My only regret is that I let go of my AW Series 7 when I decided to migrate to Garmin full-time, so now I'm using our backup Series 6 until I see what's in store with the next generation.

 

[soloer]

The Epix was my choice when I thought I could ditch the AW and wear it 24/7 – you can mitigate the weight by using a nylon strap

It‘s amazing the difference a nylon strap makes! I normally have no issues with the silicone straps, but the Epix felt big and bulky with it. Switched to nylon and now it’s comfortable… still big, but a much better feel overall.

 

[Significant1]

It‘s amazing the difference a nylon strap makes! I normally have no issues with the silicone straps, but the Epix felt big and bulky with it. Switched to nylon and now it’s comfortable… still big, but a much better feel overall.

Might be, but you can do the same with 955. I think it is around 35g without strap. I have just recieved mine and while the weight is fine, it does look (too) big. I knew that, since I find my fr 245 perfect. I still do wonder though if Fenix/Epix would be the better choice in the long run, because they seem to be Garmins favourites and getting most attention and polish software wise.