Reviewing the Garmin Epix Pro: Enhanced Appeal with a Compact Design

The other day, in a state of grogginess and dread before my morning run, I couldn’t help but notice something peculiar about my Garmin Fenix 7S Sapphire Solar Edition. Despite being in a dimly lit office with no external light source, I could still read the screen clearly. That’s when it hit me: this wasn’t the Fenix watch I was wearing, but the $999.99 Garmin Epix Pro Sapphire Edition. I was taken aback. It finally dawned on me why my colleague Thomas Ricker was so excited when he reviewed the Epix last year. For years, the Fenix line had been the gold standard of Garmin smartwatches, offering top-of-the-line training features and unparalleled battery life. Then, the Epix came along and challenged the Fenix 7’s supremacy, boasting a week-long battery life and an OLED display. It was essentially saying, “Watch out, Fenix 7. I have everything you have, and more.”

The Good:
– Comes in multiple sizes
– Convenient hands-free flashlight
– Impressive battery life
– Multi-band GPS
– Upgraded heart rate sensor
– Starting price remains the same

The Bad:
– Always-On Display significantly reduces battery life to three to four days
– Mostly incremental changes
– The Garmin app, once again

Mentally, I understood the allure. In today’s world, people are willing to pay a bit extra for a modern OLED display as long as they’re not sacrificing much in return. Personally, I wasn’t thrilled with the Epix because it felt bulky on my wrist and lacked size options like the Fenix series. However, with the introduction of the Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro, Garmin has addressed these concerns. They now offer more sizes, upgraded hardware, and have managed to maintain the same base price. Choosing between the Fenix 7 and Epix lineups has become a tougher decision for me this year.

Good things come in small packages. My main gripe with the Epix 2 was that it only came in one size: 47mm. This was unusual since Garmin has never shied away from offering various SKUs. In comparison, the Fenix 7 lineup comes in 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm options. Granted, 47mm is a standard size for a multisport watch, and it didn’t bother me much despite having smaller wrists. However, the second-generation Epix was not one of those watches that wears smaller than its size. It overwhelmed my wrist, feeling thick and heavy, making it uncomfortable to wear during formal occasions or with tight-fitting sleeves.

But the Epix Pro I tested is 42mm, and it makes a world of difference. Although it has the same 14.2mm thickness, it doesn’t take up as much space, making it less noticeable on the wrist. Additionally, the Sapphire Edition I reviewed features a titanium case that weighs a mere 58g with the straps (compared to the standard stainless steel version, which is 5g heavier). In contrast, the regular Epix weighs 53g for the case alone and 76g with the straps. While I still feel the weight of the Epix Pro when I run, it doesn’t distract me during everyday runs unless I need to sprint.

Of course, my issues with the larger 47mm and 51mm Garmins may not apply to everyone. Some people find the larger sizes more comfortable. The point is, everyone has a different body, style, and preferences. Garmin tends to offer an abundance of options, and while it may be overwhelming at times, I’d rather have too many choices than be excluded from tools that could benefit me simply because of factors beyond my control.

In terms of design, the Epix Pro is adequate. It’s not particularly distinctive, but it blends in seamlessly while offering some personalization options through its interchangeable 20mm straps. These straps, called Garmin Quickfit, are easy to put on and take off, though official options start at $50. Third-party alternatives are available, but it’s important to ensure compatibility with your device beforehand.

Let there be light! The Epix Pro doesn’t differ drastically from the Epix (gen 2) in terms of upgrades. Garmin doesn’t restrict features based on the device as long as the necessary hardware is present. However, there are two notable additions exclusive to the Epix Pro (and Fenix 7 Pro): a new heart rate sensor and LED flashlights.

The new optical heart rate sensor aims to enhance activity tracking. Additionally, the Pro’s sensor array design has undergone a noticeable change. It now features multiple LEDs and what appears to be EKG electrodes surrounding them. More sensors typically translate to improved accuracy, while the inclusion of EKG electrodes hints at potential EKG capabilities in the future. Currently, only the Venu 2 Plus supports EKGs for atrial fibrillation detection, but Garmin intends to expand this feature to other devices in due course.

A new heart rate sensor from Garmin is worth mentioning. While their fitness and training features are exceptional, their health-related features don’t always hit the mark. For example, their sleep tracking is decent when it comes to overall duration, but it often deviates from the readings I get from my Oura Ring. A more accurate sensor carries the potential for better health tracking by providing more reliable data. However, two weeks of testing isn’t sufficient for me to notice a significant difference just yet.

Highlighting the LED flashlight, this was initially introduced exclusively on the 51mm Fenix 7X (and later expanded to other Garmin watches). I was initially disappointed since I wasn’t willing to compromise comfort for the feature. However, I finally got to experience it with the Epix Pro, and it turned out to be one of the best features. The flashlight is remarkably bright, making it incredibly useful in dark environments. Not only does it provide hands-free functionality, but it also eliminates the need for swiping to activate it.

The flashlight on the Epix Pro has multiple uses. It’s designed to improve visibility while running on trails at night and can even be used to signal for help using the strobe effect. There’s even a running feature in which it flashes white on the upswing and red on the downswing to make you more visible to motorists during nighttime runs. Unfortunately, I couldn’t test this feature as I refrain from running alone at night for safety reasons. The flashlight offers a choice between red and white light, and at maximum brightness, it’s comparable to the flashlight on my iPhone 14 Pro Max. However, the convenience lies in its hands-free nature and its usefulness beyond fitness-related activities.

Whether it’s searching for misplaced items under the bed at 4AM or performing cable management behind the TV or under the desk, the flashlight proves to be incredibly handy. With a double-press of a button, I have both hands free and a reliable light source. I found myself using the flashlight more often than I anticipated, especially considering my Apple Watch Ultra also has a flashlight. However, the ease of access with the Epix Pro, simply double-clicking a button instead of swiping or programming a separate button, makes it the preferred option, even if it means potentially sacrificing another function.

In terms of software and

 

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Denial of responsibility! Samachar Central is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.