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Garmin Epix (Gen 2) Sports Watch (Slate Steel) $696 (RRP $1549) + Delivery ($0 C&C/ in-Store) @ JB Hi-Fi

1660

Amazing price on Epix 2. Not been this price ever as far as I am aware. Over 1 year old but still getting heaps of updates as recently as last week. Also full sapphire version available for $848.

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closed Comments

  • +8

    Wow.. that's an amazing price. I have a Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar otherwise I would be tempted to upgrade!!

    • How long does it actually prolong battary life?
      How many days without charging does it last?

      • +1

        At least a week.

  • +1

    Incredible price

    • +8

      I don't think this is correct, epix 2 definitely has maps.Even has it in the description

      Multi-Continent Topoactive Maps
      Download TopoActive maps via Wi-Fi® connectivity from around the world — or get your local region preloaded on the Sapphire edition watch — to keep your explorations on track. View terrain contours, elevations, summits, parks, coastlines, rivers, lakes and other geographical features.

      • +5

        You don't get all the maps, you need to preload them for your area.

        Sapphire versions have more storage so get global

        I think …

        • +1

          Correct. From DCRainmaker - https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2022/01/garmin-epix-in-depth-rev…

          "In the case of the Epix, the non-Sapphire editions include 16GB of storage, and the Sapphire includes 32GB of storage. On non-Sapphire units, the actual usable space is 13GB that you can do what you want with. For Sapphire units, they’re already conveniently preloaded with maps for your region However, they aren’t pre-loaded on the base units so you’ll need to download the maps directly on the watch by going to Settings > Map > Map Manager"

    • +1

      You're confusing the Fenix 6 series with the Fenix 7/Epix units. All Fenix 7/Epix have maps, but it was locked behind 'pro' for the Fenix 6.

  • +1

    Omggg.. Sweeet deal thanks

  • +1

    Thanks OP, grabbed one

  • Just a curious, ignorant question: what would you go for a Garmin instead of the more reasonably priced Apple Watch?

    • +22

      Because you might have to charge the Garmin once a week or fortnight vs once a day with the Apple or Samsung.
      Edit: And this looks more watchlike, not as toyish looking as the apple.

      • +1

        So true. I have a Garmin D2 Mach 1 and it has an official 11 day range. I've never got it to 11 days but I have got 10 days out of it.

        It's an incredible watch.

        • +2

          I've got a Garmin Instinct 2 and seems to last weeks if I don't have GPS turned on.

      • -3

        Been on this journey recently. I found the Garmin too limited in what it can do and you can double the battery life you get out of Samsung if you disable all the bloatware. My Galaxy Watch5 Pro only needs a proper charge once a week if I keep topping it up when I shower.

        The Garmin I couldn't even get to do an hourly vibrate or synchronise my alarms from my phone.

        I'll take a watch that can do basically anything with four days of charge over a watch that can only do very limited things for 11 days.

        • +1

          I really can't decide if I want a galaxy watch or a garmin. I'm not a runner but I do trail ride, hike and camp.

          I was leaning towards a garmin as I mainly want gps tracking when out bush. But I do have a galaxy phone and would maybe like the extra perks that I guess only come with the galaxy ecosystem. I'm not interested in the Lte version. Your comment makes my decision even harder! .

          • @ninnypoop: Read some proper reviews, not some Samsung fanboy.

            • +1

              @Jessie Ryder: How am I a Samsung fanboy, I bought the Garmin first

              Then every time I Googled something I wanted it to do, the answer was "it doesn't do that" and "there's an app for that on Android Wear"

              Eventually I had to buy a new watch that does do everything I want, I got the Samsung because the battery life on the Pixel is garbage and the Ticwatch never gets updated.

          • +3

            @ninnypoop: The battery life on the Garmin for tracking your activity is fantastic and will be far better than draining your phone battery. The included topographic maps are fantastic, and you can use Garmin Explore (app or website) to easily plan routes to upload onto your watch. You can also download GPX routes from sites like Trailforks, Alltrails etc to upload onto your watch. Do yourself a favour and get the Epix 2, for outdoor activities it will beat the Galaxy watch and Galaxy phone.

          • @ninnypoop: I have both a Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire and a Galaxy Watch 5 LTE and I actually wear both on runs since I use the Galaxy Watch as a phone rather than having to carry a full sized phone.

            I charge my Fenix about once a month and that is with at least 6 hours of GPS and music use a week. I also rely heavily on the built-in maps, particularly if I am trying to navigate overseas and/or where I don't have mobile signal. Notifications are very visible and easy to dismiss on the Garmin.

            The Galaxy Watch goes through about 30% battery in a 1 hour run while playing music over bluetooth (cached not actively downloading over LTE), though still not tracking the activity since it does a worse job than the Garmin. Also the touch screen is almost completely unresponsive and incredibly frustrating compared to the actual buttons on the Garmin. Even though the Galaxy Watch is a bit sleeker, the band makes it less comfortable than the Garmin and I look forward to taking it off, whereas I only take the Garmin off to shower (and it's waterproof, so I don't really need to).

            Just my experience and maybe my Galaxy Watch is broken, but there is absolutely no comparison between the two for me. One is a very annoying and uncomfortable wrist-based phone and the other is an indispensable navigation and fitness tracking tool.

            • +1

              @sirsavesabit: Thanks for your insights. I've settled on a garmin.
              It's good to hear maps work without cellular signal. When out mtb riding or hiking I can't always push deeper for fear of losing maps on my phone.

        • -2

          I haven't looked into them for maybe a year but last time I checked 4 days from a samsung or apple watch doing anything other than showing the time every now and then is a whole lot more than real life experiences from people. I don't really need my watch to vibrate every hour or sync with my alarms so I haven't tried but it does most things I'd want from a watch and lasts for ages.

      • -1

        Forgot to mention that with better battery life you also get:
        - slow, luggish UI
        - outdated UI, maps like from 2000s
        - much less accurate sensors (heartrate, sleep tracking)
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-KFL_drbuw
        - inability to use as remote for your phone camera, i.e. use your watch as a viewfinder
        - much less smartwatch features

        • +1

          Meh, mine's not slow, can get new maps, it's a watch heh, I reckon I can live without using it as a viewfinder for the 1 in 1000 times I'd want to. It's great not having to plug yet another thing every night and not have something go flat when you're away from a power point for more than 20 hours.

    • +1

      do you run or do you like looking at your watch? if you run then you would know the answer

    • +5

      Personally, yes - 6 day battery life is worth it alone, plus it looks way better and is much more rugged than than a regular Apple watch. I also love the ability of using a chest strap with it.

      Grab an Apple Watch if you prioritise the smart watch features and good sleep tracking.

      • +7

        As above - I charge my Fenix every 2 or 3 weeks. The other thing is if the apps don't interest you much, the Garmin can do the headline stuff (notifications etc), plus it integrates better into sports ecosystems (ANT+ sensors etc). I'm at an age where I need reading glasses now, so having tiny apps on my wrist holds zero interest for me when I'm out and about.

    • +1

      Depends on why you're after the watch in the first place. If you want a sports watch which has bonus smart functionality, go Garmin. If you want a smart watch with some sports functionality, the Apple watch may be a better bet.

    • +2

      As others have already said, Garmin is primarily great fitness watch with great battery life. If you are asking the question, then you probably only need Apple or Samsung watch anyway.

      See my comment from last year for more comprehensive answer.

      • +1

        Very true. It's like asking "do I need a turbo in my car". If you have to ask, the answer is probably, no.

        • +1

          Yes. Must get Turbo!

    • Apple watch is not very accurate for sports activity. And have to charge it daily.

      • What feature of Apple watch is not very accurate? Just curious.

        • +2

          I have a GPS version, when doing parkruns, it always missing 200metres or the time is short for around 1 minute. I don't expect very accurate, but with longer distances, missing less.

    • Depends on your needs.

      If you want it for tracking sports or activities (hiking etc) then 100% for go Garmin. I have the fenix 6 x pro myself, it tracks running and gym workouts perfectly. They are more resilient and have longer battery life.

      However, if you fancy apps, touchscreen (some Garmin have this), and better UI, go with Apple/Samsung.

    • reasonably priced

      Lol

      They serve very different functions.

      Apple watches are for people who want to be seen wearing an apple watch and go for a run.

      Garmin watches like this are more for serious athletes who need more metrics/data than the apple watch can provide. Plus battery life.

    • because youre training for a triathlon

    • +2

      My old fenix 5 (I think around 4 years old) gives me 7-8 days of battery life. My moto 360 or samsung never lasted more than 1.5 days. same story with apple watch.
      Also I can use it with any phone :)

  • +1

    Worth paying more for the sapphire version?

    • +4

      I'd pay premium for the carbon bezel, which this Saphire version doesn't have. It's titanium, which also scratches easily in my experience.

      I already have a few minor scuff marks on my newish Epix 2 Slate Steel bezel, but my trusty old 51mm Fenix 6X Saphire Edition that came with the carbon bezel is still in perfect condition.

    • +3

      Yes. Unkillable.

      • I thought so too with the fenix 3 and 5 sapphire. My 6 sapphire unfortunately was grazed against a rock accidentally and found a small scratch. Felt so in destructible for the longest time. Definitely worth it.

      • +1

        Did I misunderstand anything? Yo are saying unkillable and previous commentor says it scratches easily. I could be confused.

        • +1

          I have a Fenix 5X plus sapphire. Screen has not a single mark or scratch on it. Bought it in March 2019. I've accidentally smacked it on walls and rocks and bricks and metal, looked down thinking it was going to be wrecked yet that glass remains pristine. The bezel has some minor scuffs but nothing suggesting the life it's had. I'm impressed and I'm going to buy another one - probably this deal actually. Damn good price for a lot of watch.
          I think I've posted before about the dilemma, cause I want a new one but this one is still working great. And getting two weeks battery per charge.

          • @Rogue01: Sounds great. haha why would you want a new one? If you have one I mean.

            • @seamonkey: I'm a silly techsumer. 😆 Love gadgets and new technology, which my post history probably shows.
              Main justification is a lifestyle change has me considering I might benefit from the improved heart rate monitoring, and AMOLED screen, more than the weeks of battery life of the Fenix. I still need more battery and durability than a Samsung or Google though.

              • +1

                @Rogue01: I did misunderstand. I reread. I thought you were talking about replacing a precise model with the exact same precise model. I couldn't understand why you'd want 2 of the exact same thing, bit that's not what you are saying. Oh I hear you, looking right now at my PSVR2 and my Meta Quest 3 🤣😂

    • Keep in mind that it makes the screen darker, but in my opinion yes. I have the sapphire solar version of Fenix 7X and it looks like it's brand new still, despite wearing it every day.

    • +5

      I've had the Fenix 6 pro NON sapphire for 2.5 years and it still presents well. There's cheap screen protectors on eBay for around $10 for a 3 pack. They last a long time and aren't noticeable.

      I'm a tradesman and don't treat it with respect anymore and it still isn't scratched up and the screen has never broken. I personally can't think of a profession that would destroy a watch quicker than mine and it's still fine. Couldn't justify the extra couple of hundred for it.

    • Also important to know the sapphire version has multiband GPS where the base only has a single GPS sensor, so more accurate on the sapphire

  • -1

    The 955 solar for about the same price at Rebel has maps I think, and pretty much everything else?

    • -1

      i think getting fenix 6 for $500 is even a better option, the touch screen is not great apparently

      • +6

        As someone who owns both, I beg to differ. Unless you need 3 weeks battery life, go with the Epix.

        • Botchie the Fenix 6 isn't really getting updated anymore though… whereas these Gen2 Epix and the 955 map onto the Fenix 7, which is still getting new functionality unlocked with a fairly regular cadence.

        • +1

          WHy Epix over 955?

          • @sauce2k: The 955 is marketed as a running watch and I don't do much running these days. No OLED screen is another big one for me personally (coming from a Fenix 6X). And, at this price, it's a no brainer imho.

            If you're a runner and don't care about OLED, the 955 is a smart choice.

            • @elektron: I do weights only lol is this Epix Gen 2 an overkill..currently have apple watch, constantly charging is so cooked lol

              • @sauce2k: I also do weight training, and think it's an overkill for everyone, but the outdoor athletes.

                Having said that, I used to wear the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic as my daily driver, but would put on my Fenix 6X Saphire for my workouts - I prefer Garmin's workout tracking and use the Polar H10 strap (it doesn't work with Samsung or Apple watches). The Epix 2 has replaced both watches for me.

    • +2

      I went for the 955 solar as it is much much lighter on the wrist than the Fenix or Epix watches and I haven't found any missing features yet.
      It does have maps as well, I've got the whole of Australia on mine and it works great even has some hiking trails that Google doesn't have.

      • I went from Fenix 6 (sapphire) to 955 Solar. The lightweight 955 is just so much more comfortable to wear.

        I use screen protectors even when I have sapphire glass, so the 955 not having a sapphire option makes no difference.

  • Does it have multi-band GPS?

    • No, you need the sapphire version for that.

  • This or wait for potential Forerunner 965 deals on BF ?

    both have AMOLED

    • +3

      I hope 265 can drop to 400+ on black friday

    • +4

      If you want lighter watch wait for 965 deal. Otherwise this is great.

    • Sorry mate, what's BF, and what's the 965 deal? Am in the market for something of that mould.

      • black friday

        hoping there are some deals on the 965 as its a nicer looking watch but might not get as cheap as this deal.

        • +1

          Ohhhhhhh my bad. I misread it. Thanks for the reply. Yeh I'm on the same boat.
          It's got a lower RRP, so we can only hope hey…

  • +1

    Got it for $750 earlier in the year. It's an amazing watch. Absolutely beautiful

    • +1

      Same, the JB deal from 3 or so months ago. Enjoying it a lot, but it's sleep tracking is still bad and things like training readiness and body battery are calculated incorrectly because of it. A beautiful timepiece though.

  • +6

    For those buying, hit up AliExpress for bands. They can be had for about $3 each and are exactly the same as the $40+ bands on Amazon. I learnt that the hard way

    • Any recommendations? Thanks

    • Thanks mate. Just bought a few different colours and materials. Had only bought one previously because it costed me $30+. So this is awesome

  • +4

    Amazing watch. I have the Sapphire version and paid just over $1000 for it a couple of months back. This is an absolute bargain.

  • Is there to see if this fits my hand? I have a 5s plus and i worry that this is too big for me. I went to JB HI but you can't try the watch by yourself.

    • My local JB has a box full of old/display watches you could try on.

      • Yea my local has a Fenix 7 and epix 2 to try on.

    • My local JB didn’t have anything to try on as well.

  • +3

    I’ve used many Garmins over the years for running (Fenix 6xpro, many Forerunners). I moved to the Apple Watch Ultra last year and now can’t go without LTE. I use the ‘Workoutdoors’ app. It’s just too good. Also, the GPS and HR sensor on the AWU are as good, if not better than the Garmin equivalent. Though I use a Polar h10 strap mostly.

    I bought a 955 to try Garmin again and didn’t miss much. Sold it and went back to AWU. Did my Marathon with the AWU no issue. So much nicer to stream spotify rather than download podcasts. Also, making calls while doing long runs or in case of emergency is great.

    As soon as Garmin releases proper LTE, I’ll go back. I do miss the battery life but don’t mind topping up the AWU before bed.

    • Hi,

      Can you tell me with Workoutdoors app, can you plan a route, and run the route, without LTE or bringing your phone with you? Thinking to purchase this app.

      • I never use pre planned routes but there is the option to upload them from your phone to the app. I would expect it to work but can’t confirm. I’ll try it myself and get back.

    • +1

      The Apple Ultra 2 is $1400 - so around $800 more than this. It's a dive watch on top of the feature of the garmin though so that's worth something……

      • +3

        I have the AWU which I got for $1200. At RRP, I think the price difference isn’t that much with top Garmins. The AWU 2 isn’t much of an upgrade to mine. This Epix deal is exceptional if you don’t care for LTE.

      • Yeah, I run wearing a galaxy 5 pro LTE and a forerunner 745 which combined cost a little more than half what an Ultra 2 costs retail.

        Fwiw the Galaxy isn't a good enough sport watch for a Garmin user, and Garmin won't do LTE in the foreseeable future so pick your poison - 2 devices and $600 cash in your pocket, or an Apple.

    • +1

      I would love LTE on the Garmin as well but I use a running belt for my phone and keys so barely notice them.
      Not a fan of spibelt as they are too thin for me but there is a thick banded decathlon running belt that I use now and it's great. I did have to sew it so it can't loosen though.

  • +1

    I purchased the Fenix 6 Sapphire from DJ's as part of last year's clearance <$600

    Such a good-looking watch with the Orange Band, Titanium Case and steel bezel - https://marketplace.qantas.com/au/p/garmin-fenix-6-sapphire-…

    Hated the screen initially, (pre-AMOLED) as the brightness and the colors weren't very vibrant.

    I also, have an Apple watch, and enjoy wearing the Garmin heaps more - More comfortable, and better looking (IMHO) and I 'get' the lack of always bright brightness, if that makes sense. Battery life lasts for 3-4 days min

    Great screens avail via the Connect App.

    • +1

      Hated the screen initially, (pre-AMOLED) as the brightness and the colors weren't very vibrant.

      Thats why I went with Instinct and sold my Fenix 6 Sapphire. Now HODLing for sub $600 for OLED.

  • looks like amazon price matched, but no current stock https://www.amazon.com.au/Garmin-010-02582-00-smartwatch-tou…

  • is this a massive watch 47mm??

    • +2

      It doesn't feel like it, and I don't have huge wrists. I feel comfortable wearing it all day.

    • Hell yes. But garmin fan boys will tell you bigger is better. Regular men's watch sizes commonly range from 38 to 42mm so 47mm is gonna look disproportionate unless you got giant wrists.

      Fwiw a garmin 6s at 40mm fits under shirt sleeves, gloves and is light enough that you don't notice it.

      If you go larger, you do get used to the extra size and weight of the larger watches though but I already find myself hitting things with my 6s.

      • True, but I also have an Amazfit T-Rex 47mm, and by comparison, it feels much 'larger' in wrist real estate.
        It is lighter, being mainly plastics etc, and I admit, the OLED screen is awesome, but I have no regrets about purchasing the Garmin.
        Admittedly, I was going from an Apple watch to the Fenix Sapphire 6 at the time (?!) so the transition was much smoother.

  • Thanks OP. Bought

  • +2

    It looks a bargain but I am still going with Garmin Instinct 2X Solar

    AMOLED is cool but 4 days battery, a week with luck???
    Instinct 2X Monochrome isn't colorful but 100 days worth of battery and virtually no charging is needed if you do exercises on the outside often with better background light than Fenix costing half the price.
    Multi-band GPS that is only present on the most expensive watches but is present on the I2X Solar

    I am looking forward for an Instinct 2X bargain.

    • WoW the Instinct 2X Solar Tactical even so I don't need the extra feature is $150 off
      Thanks OP for making me check the watch again lmao

      https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/garmin-instinct-2x-solar-…

    • +2

      The Instinct 2 is a great watch with one critical flaw (common for Garmin to leave a feature out of each line).

      No onboard storage…

      Means no music etc.

      Such a stupid move by Garmin - they've had this ability for years yet they release a new watch without it… go figure.

      • -2

        I'm buying a WATCH, not a fking MP3 player. Go figure.

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