Garmin recently updated its tactical adventure watch line launching the all-new Epix and giving the Fenix 7 a touch screen. Those familiar with the Fenix know the rugged adventure watch is much more than a step counter — this thing can collect/express data and get you out of the woods — literally. The new Epix watch takes the same platform but moves in a more formal direction. The Epix has a refined look, boasts a massive battery life (16 days), a hyper-clean AMOLED display, storage (music storage), and tons of other cool features to keep you connected on and off the trails.
Both watches are touch screen with solar charging capabilities offered in the premium versions. Where these two diverge is their intended user; the Fenix 7 aims at the rugged, adventurous athlete, who will take advantage of the mapping and tactical nature of the robust design. The Epix is more tech-heavy than the Fenix line and allows the user to use the watch as a personalized coach, music machine, and beyond.
Introducing the Garmin Epix
The new Epix watch is style meets functionality. The design is similar to the Fenix and combines some premium features to stand out. The Epix boasts a 1.3″ always-on bright and easy on the eyes AMOLED display encased in a titanium body.
“Designed for an active lifestyle, Epix is a versatile premium multisport wearable with AMOLED display and exceptional battery life, built to deliver essential wellness, training, and recovery features right to your fingertips,” said Dan Bartel, vice president of global consumer sales.
The touch screen is paired with a trusted five-button interface for easy interaction no matter the conditions. Think of the Epix as a formal Fenix model — something that goes well with everything and can change personas as quickly as you can change the wristband; available in metal, leather, suede, and silicone.
Why do you need such a vibrant screen? If you’re unsure of a movement in your workout routine, ask the Epix, and it will show you proper form and timing. The workout and personal coaching feature on the new Epix pairs seamlessly with Garmin’s, wrist heart rate, respiration, and recovery coaching the unit offers.
This new unit comes with all the great workout, GPS, and Topo information that you’d expect. It’s not just the looks and the vibrant screen that the Epix has going for it. It does, however, come with some extra excellent music storage capabilities and tons of customizable watch face options.
Key features — Garmin Epix
- Smart notifications: Receive notifications for incoming calls, text messages, social media updates, calendar reminders, and more
- Music storage: Download songs or playlists3, including those from third-party music services. Spotify® Amazon Music and Deezer come preloaded via the new Connect IQ™ Store On Device. Connect IQ Store On Device allows users to discover recommended apps and install over Wi-Fi directly from the watch, no phone required.
- Safety and tracking: Incident detection (during certain outdoor activities) and assistance can
send a message with the user’s real-time location (if available) to emergency contacts - Garmin Pay™: Contactless payment solution lets users leave their cash and cards at home for
fast, touch-free transactions. - Personalization: Add personality by downloading apps, widgets, watch faces, and more from the Garmin Connect IQ™ store, with additional app support for Garmin Golf, Explore, and Garmin Connect Mobile
Pricing and availability
The Garmin Epix is available now in slate steel, black titanium sapphire, and white titanium sapphire with a suggested retail price starting at $899.99.
What’s new — Garmin Fenix 7
The updated Garmin Fenix 7 keeps all the great mapping and training features that we loved of the Fenix 6 and expounded on them. Garmin brings over the solar charging feature from the premium version of the Fenix 6 and adds some sizing options for the Fenix 7. The new adventure wearable is available in three different sizing options. All come with reinforced metal lugs to keep your Fenix running as long as you are.
The new Fenix 7 comes in three different sizes (42mm 7S, 47mm 7, and 51mm 7X) and keeps the same five-button interface that users are accustomed to. The controls mimic the Fenix 6 but add a new dimension with all-new touchscreen responsiveness. Users no longer have to choose between the Saypyne or solar lens; the new Fenix 7 uses all surface area for increased solar efficiency and battery life. The solar-powered Fenix 7X models can go even longer between charges with a battery life of up to 5 weeks in smartwatch mode1 and up to 5 days in GPS mode.
Personalized training and coaching via the new fitness features is another plus for the Fenix 7. The new real-time stamina tool allows users to track and monitor exertion levels during activity, helping to lessen burnout and manage output. The recovery time advisor takes not only your workout into account but takes all the data from the day (exercise stress, daily activity, and sleep) to give an accurate depiction of when you’ll be ready to train properly again. For after the ride, the post-workout recovery time advisor predicts the amount of recovery/rest needed to come back stronger.
For those the like to hit the links in place of the trails, the new Fenix 7 watches come preloaded with the SkiView™ maps, 42,000 golf courses, and programable points of interest. This watch is still a tactical piece of gear, don’t let the touch screen fool you. It supports all major satellite systems and the additional L5 frequency range for improved accuracy in challenging GPS environments.
Plus, the Fenix 7 has a flashlight — you heard that right, this watch has a built-in flashlight but only on the Fenix 7X models, so shop wisely.
Pricing and availability
Available models include Fenix 7S, Fenix 7, and Fenix 7X, with options for standard (non-solar), Solar, and Sapphire Solar Editions and a suggested retail price of $699.99.
To learn more, visit garmin.com.
