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Got a vívoactive 3 which does everything I want but battery life is rubbish!
I frequently recommend a forerunner 45, not for your needs, but the battery is not great after 2.5 years use. I'll probably go solar instinct next.
Fenix is a great all-rounder with good battery. Slightly chunky styling which may or may not suit. Quite expensive but you don't need the latest model to get good functionality
I have the Solar Instinct 2X and am happy with it. One year old and i've noticed no change with the battery
It's not touchscreen and has no fancy colours, and is not particularly attractive, but it's robust and definitely not too big or bulky for everyday wearing.
Guess it largely depends on what features you particularly want and the budget.
I had a solar instinct (one of the lucky ones to get the £99 ones from Garmin) but struggled to make out anything on the small screen, so gave it to my wife. I currently have a Fenix 7x solar which I'm very happy with. Does everything I need and even with overnight pulse ox, 2-3 rides per week and occasional gym visits the battery still lasts 2-3 weeks (I seem to charge it so infrequently that I actually cannot remember when I last charged it but that seems about right).
I am quite tempted by the epix pro 51mm as that apparently has the same battery life as the fenix 7 and has a much nicer looking OLED screen (OLED screen is thinner so they squeezed a bigger battery in the largest one) and if I was buying now I'd skip the fenix and go for one of those.
I had a solar instinct (one of the lucky ones to get the £99 ones from Garmin) but struggled to make out anything on the small screen
Likewise, I had a Solar Instinct 2 but my aging eyes couldn't read the damn thing at night. So I got a 2X instead which has a bigger screen. (And if anyone's in the Madrid area and wants an Instinct 2, cheap, let me know...)
My Garmin 255s is lasting a week between charges.
I had an Instinct which was fine, but useless for accurate recording of distance. Picked up an Epix Gen 2 from a PSA on here and it's been great so far. Witchcraft that I can listen to Spotify on a watch thru my aeropex 🤯
Another solar instinct user. It's currently showing 42 days charge remaining. I work outdoors and it's holding up well. I like the customizable watch face.
The Fenix 7 is fantastic but if you can find one of the discounted models then I'd go for an Epix Gen 2, the screen looks to be streets ahead of the one on the Fenix.
Vivioactive 4 for me but I only tend to wear it for activities rather than daily life so battery life isn't an issue.
Well I'm going to be biased in true STW fashion and recommend the watch I have.
The Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is an excellent watch that copes all week with a daily 3km XC run, 7.5km bike commute each way a couple of times a week and longer walks at the weekend without batting a virtual eyelid.
Only need to charge it once a week, and even then it's not actually flat.
Display is very clear and if you like graphs, maps and random 'training' info you'd love it.
It's not the cheapest Garmin watch but I managed to get a very good deal from STW, the savings of which covers many years membership.
It also has a flashlight that’s surprisingly useful.
Oh yes. Absolutely. I use it every day. And they actually call it a torch!
Went from a Vivoactive 3 to an Epix 2 earlier this year. £375 at H Samuel via the STW link.
It's a huge upgrade in terms of what it CAN do but tbh, I don't actually NEED most of it. The vivoactive does everything I needed, notifications, steaming music and tracking. It had just become a faff because the software became unreliable.
I'd probably recommend an upgrade to a cheaper garmin model but with the latest os so you get the benefits at less cost. Where my advice runs out is which model that would be...
Instinct solar owner and fanboi here.
Fully paid up Garmin fanboi here, with an Epix Gen 2, but…
For biking
…every time I’ve used a watch for riding it’s been a pain. On your wrist you can’t see it or work the buttons while moving, and on the bars in the Garmin mount it’s too small to be useful. Fine for just recording the ride, but useless for anything else.
I have a Fenix 6 Pro Solar and my observations:
a) if you want colour / maps get a Fenix
b) Don’t bother paying extra for the Fenix solar, it’s barely worth it unless you are in bright sunlight all day and even then it’s a minor contribution to battery life
If mine broke I’d be getting an Instinct 2x Solar in a heart beat. Half the price (ish) than a Fenix, double the battery life at least, effective Solar charging yet without colour and looks a bit G Shock-ish which is good or bad depending on your view.
Epic pro gen 2 51 mm .
excellent watch .
I had a fenix but found I couldn’t read the screen .
I'm another who got an original Instinct Solar 1 after the mad Xmas rush a couple of years ago. It's been really great, especially after I swapped the plastic strap, which seems to give me mild skin irritation, for a fabric one. Recently the solar charge function packed in. Even so, I'm still getting nearly 2 weeks between charges.
As someone who had their infamous Xmas Garmin Instinct order cancelled, this thread isn't helping with my grief 🤣
I’ve got a Forerunner 265S which is great, does more than I ever need it to and the screen looks nice.
If I broke or I lost it tomorrow I’d get an Instinct 2. My wife’s got one and as far as I can tell she never has to charge it, the 265S lasts a max of 6 days but only if you don’t actually record anything on it. Lasts much longer if you turn off the display but then there’s no point in having such a nice screen.
Came to recommend the Instinct.
Sorry to hijack, but whilst here any recommendations for a suitable & basic (pool & open) water swimming Garmin? Seem to be about 1504043 different models
This echoes what is above. I have an Instinct (gen1) and a Fenix 6.
The Fenix is lovely and I love it... but
the Instinct is lighter, the battery lasts longer, and I'm happy to bash it around more.
So, yes, it's a bit plasticky, a bit Fisher-Price, but I wear the Instinct more often.
I've had a Fenix 3 and now have a Fenix 6. Both bought second hand on vinted for £80 (three years ago) and £180 (Christmas this year). Both rock solid, currently on 2 weeks ish battery life but tend to charge it up after a week. I think they work well as second hand buys, where you just wipe them and start again. Well made, bombproof, and just work well every time.
Another half price Epix 2 from the PSA here, really happy with it. Screen is miles better than some of the other Garmins I have seen.
Epix 2 here
Very happy with it. But no way battery could match a Fenix. For sure that will be with screen off be default which isn’t for me. But even then I’m dubious. I’m charging my Epix twice a week. I use the gps quite alot. But it’s very quick to charge
The big upgrade over the cheaper watches is mapping. Not used it loads but very useful when i have
I think the Coros Pace is meant to be a good price for his battery life. The pace 3 is claiming 38 hours of gps on a charge
Fenix 6 user, just a basic one.
Works so well that the only time I use my Garmin 810 is when I want the OS maps.
Records everything, lasts for a couple of weeks - away next week for 4-5 days riding, charge before I go.
Seamless feed into Strava via Garmin Connect, and all my data is on Connect too.
Got lucky on price, from a mate of a mate, £100 at a year old.
Epix 2 here
Very happy with it. But no way battery could match a Fenix.
The Epix pro 51mm has the battery from the garmin enduro which gives it the same battery life as a fenix 7 pro and according to DC Rainmaker the battery claims are accurate. It's the only watch that I would change from my current fenix 7x for but at the moment the cheapest I've found one for is around £550 which is still too spendy just for a pretty screen.
Ive just bought the wife a vivioactive 5 and i have a fenix 6 (coming from a vivioactive 2 and many other smart watches.
Ive said many times before that when the fenix breaks ill go and buy another. It just works without any of the faff. in all conditions.
Another Garmin user. A Fenix 5x. Couple of things now that it's a couple of years old (more like 5-6 actually). The battery life degrades over time, more so the more you use the watch. I can get a couple of commutes - 4 hours worth of riding out of mine, but I'd need to recharge it each week, and the charger connection over time has become more than a little finicky. It needs to be 'just so' to charge and any nudge or movement will break the connection now.
While Garmin hardware is mostly OK, updates (mine at least) need to go through Garmin Express, and becasue I habitually use a chrome book, have to fire up an old Windows laptop I keep solely for this purpose. Updates can take hours if it wants to update maps. The sync between phone and watch can be patchy.
Wrist monitored HR is guesswork really, so I'm still not sure the benefit of it.
Pros: music control means I can go for a ride and record it taking nothing more then what I already have on me.
The scratch -proof glass is worth the extra, I've field-tested mine against the grit stone walls of Calderdale, and I can honestly say it's pretty indestructible.
Buy 2nd hand if you can, they're not worth full RRP IMO.
I had a fenix 6 pro but wanted the newer features of the 7, got a deal on an Epix Gen2 when H Samuel were banging them out for £375.
It's a great watch, but I prefer the fenix display personally for my use case anyway, battery lasts me about 5 days with the AOD and doing some kind of activity (normally with GPS) pretty much every day.
I had an Instinct Solar, and similar to others I found the screen text a little small, so I replaced it with an Instinct Crossover Solar, which has the benefit of conventional hands, so its easy to see the time at a glance. I think the Epix Pro in the mid size (47mm) would be brilliant, but I can't justify it as a riding watch, as I wear an Apple watch for daily use and swimming and prefer the Apple connectivity.
Does it have to be a Garmin? I can understand if you are a solid user of Garmin Connect, or have other Garmin devices.
I've had them for the last 10 years or more, but if I was to replace my current one Fenix 5 Plus, I'd be looking at the Coros Pace 2 or 3. Battery life is about 28 days! Well reviewed by DC Rainmaker. Either can be bought for around £200 +/- a little bit.
Garmin Instinct 2 here.
GARMIN.COM 
Contrary to the above and many reviews, I've find it perfect for biking to the point where I've stopped using my Edge on the handlebars (recording, not route map finding). Heart Rate tracks imperceptibly close to what a chest strap does as long as its strapped down, no noticeable difference in GPS tracking. From reviews, I understand the current generation are much better at this than previous.
In regular use, daily short recorded walks and one or two long bike rides a week, the battery goes at least 2 weeks before getting anyhere near needing charging - I do not see the value in the solar version for this reason.
(Photo above taken just now 7th June, last charged it on Sunday 26th before we went camping for a week).
It (45mm version) looks, and feels, exactly the same size and shape as my old G-shock - thus I'm not worried about having a computer on my wrist (I'd destroy an apple watch in a week with work, DIY etc). I find it far more appealing that a typical 'smart watch' with a big shiny screen.
And its £175 with your singletrackworld discount - that is superb value IMO. Its excellent.
Thanks for the inside info on the Forerunner 45!
The Garmin Instinct Solar sounds like a great option for you, especially if you're looking for a watch with longer battery life. The solar charging feature is a game-changer, especially for someone who frequently uses GPS features.
Ive said many times before that when the fenix breaks ill go and buy another. It just works without any of the faff. in all conditions.
Yep. I have a Fenix 6 Pro Solar (47mm) and feel the same.
I've had a Vivioactive in the past and the touch screen is pants as is the battery life after 2 years, I got an Instinct Solar 2 last year and its ace, use it for my everyday watch, SUP, running, cyclocross racing - where it's exposed to the worst conditions known to human kind and it's survived a whole season (20 races) unscathed.
Not having a touch screen is a bonus in my eyes, they're a PITA whenever it gets wet.
Sorry to hijack, but whilst here any recommendations for a suitable & basic (pool & open) water swimming Garmin? Seem to be about 1504043 different models
@paddy0091 I’ve used a Fenix 5 and my current Epix Gen 2 for that, paired with the Garmin HRM-Swim chest strap heart rate monitor. I’m not really a swimmer though, so as long as it tracks laps (which they do reliably), and I don’t get lost in a lake (not likely), it works for me.
They do a swimming specific one as well, the Swim 2, which is a lot cheaper.
Ive said many times before that when the fenix breaks ill go and buy another. It just works without any of the faff. in all conditions.
Yep. I have a Fenix 6 Pro Solar (47mm) and feel the same.
I'm 18 months into owning a Fenix 6 Pro Solar and I find it great for running, riding and general activity tracking. Not the most exciting watch to look at but I like the fact it is not shouty and attention grabbing.
The only thing I would change and when I come to replace it I'll sort is the solar element. For the life of me I cannot say it makes any difference. I have a ridiculous tan line under the watch so it gets sun and the tracking element shows that it is recording this but ... it makes no difference that I can tell.
The solar glass isn't a mineral glass so can pick up a scratch - ask me how I know this.
So in summary the Fenix is a great package but dubious solar use.
I have literally just replaced my Vivoactive 3 with an Instinct Solar and I'm feeling very smug about it after reading this thread.
Not having a touch screen is a bonus in my eyes, they’re a PITA whenever it gets wet.
Pretty sure most of the newer Garmins allow you to switch off the touch screen during activities.
For biking
For normal life
For.running
Got a vívoactive 3 which does everything I want but battery life is rubbish!
I have the 945 and it does all of these things fine, had it for 4 years with no issues so far.
b) Don’t bother paying extra for the Fenix solar, it’s barely worth it unless you are in bright sunlight all day and even then it’s a minor contribution to battery life
I've got a 7 solar, and I definitely get a couple of extra days out of it in summer vs winter.
If you're actually outside all the time in sunlight, and you're not using it too hard, it's pretty epic. I think in 8 days bikepacking (was using something else for navigation) last year, it only went down about 10%.
I am using a 7x Pro Solar now started with 5x, the non solar models screens are brighter. The Epic battery also does not last as long the Fenix my colleague charges his weekly , I charge mine every 2-3 weeks and used daily in gym, pool and wattbike.
Fr255 here. Get about 10 days between charging, riding and running 5 days a week. As mentioned, choose the ones you like the look of and read a bit of dcrainmaker.
Fenix 6 Pro user, does everything the OP wants. But if I was in the market now those Epix look very nice..
I've had a Vivoactive 4 for a couple of years (second hand from ebay). I need to charge it a couple of times a week but I have a charging cable on my desk so just plug it in when I'm on a call.
I went from Vivo 3 to instinct 2 solar. Functions and battery life are leagues ahead, but my failing eye site makes the fenix more appealing now, or probably the enduro 2
Fenix is the best by far. I had an Instinct and felt I didn't need the full mapping of the Fenix, but once you've had it, it's impossible to go back. Basically, I've got a full GPS mapping and routing on my wrist and it can last for 3-4 days without charging.
@paddy0091 I've used my Swim2 for a couple of years doing regular lane sets. It tracks lengths well, though you do have to make sure not to switch stroke mid length. My son has the Instinct and even when I swim behind him it can sometimes miscalculate a length, when the Swim2 gets it right, though this might be down to stroke style.
Open water works surprisingly well considering the GPS is underwater half the time. It also tracks runs, sleep, steps etc.
However, what I'm less pleased with is the feature set. For Garmin's only dedicated swim watch, it lacks some basic data fields/screens that a pool swimmer would want to see.
Rob I’d go for the Ti Fenix 6 on SP (if it’s still on there).
I have decided to sell my perfect condition Instinct Solar Crossover, in blue, I bought it new from Garmin Nov 22 and it’s hardly been used, as I wear my Apple Watch daily.
PM me if anyone interested please at £150, iain.clow@gmail.com
Thanks
Iain, as a previous happy purchaser from you, my advice is- get it in the boosted advertising and pay your £5!!
Indeed, will be doing that when I get home from swim (with Apple Watch 😜) and take some pics !
@iainc - how do you find your Apple Watch for accuracy when swimming? I have an instinct 1 which I really like, but it does miss off the odd length here and there when swimming.
^^^ the Apple Watch (series 9) is very accurate in the pool, much more so than my original Instinct. I haven’t tried the Instinct Crossover in the pool though.
It’s very easy to set variable pool lengths and it logs my usual swims of 2.5k (100 lengths of outdooor pool at gym) perfectly every time.
Edit : Instinct Crossover now in classifieds 😁
Hmmm not what my bank balance wanted to hear 😂 Thanks very much
Have we mentioned the member discounts on Garmin?
Forerunner XT920.
A bit chunky compared to newer designs .
A secondhand bargain.
Used daily for my commute.
Straps are weak so does need replacing once in a while.
But a great device .
Marq Adventurer Gen 2 - only £1900 😉
I do fancy one though...
I found that Garmin member discounts weren’t across the board, just selected items.
some good deals on the higher end ones here (Epix and Fenix 7 at close to half price) :
I, and some friends, have used them before and they seem a pretty reputable outfit.
Another one in the Instinct 2X Solar fan club. Had it a couple of months and it's never off. The heart rate seems a lot more accurate than previous Garmin watches. Charge wise agree with all others, it lasts for ages, long enough the solar is probably irrelevant in Scotland. Golf app is pretty good too. Only gripe with it is it keeps telling me I'm unfit. It's right but I don't need constantly reminded...
Have had a few Vivosctives in the past, thought I'd miss the touch screen and colour but absolutely don't. Couldn't shower with the VA on or it would change all sorts of settings, last time it took me ages to work out how to remove the heart rate zone warnings the water drops had somehow set!
Just (I think) agreeing with above. I've got an Epix 2 and I really like it, but realistically a much cheaper Instinct 2 would be just fine. Had an Instinct which was really good, but, for reasons, wanted something which would talk to power meters, which I thought meant Instinct 2 but then that Epix 2 PSA came up...
I've had a sequence of running-based models, the 255 is very impressive. Really like it. Your usage may vary of course. It does other sports obviously but isn't particularly aimed at biking.
Another vote for AMJ watches. I was looking for a replacement for my old Samsung watch that died last week and found them via Google. The price for a Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar seemed too good to be true, so I did some research and they are a proper bricks and mortar shop that happen to have a big sale on Garmin watches at the moment. Ordered Friday afternoon, in my hand Saturday morning via DPD. Very happy!
@bensales & sgn23 thanks for info on swim watches. Will probably keep an eye out for more a more basic (distance/lengths) tracking type Garmin. Can't really justify £300 odd even at swimming 3 times/week.
Although having said that the Fenix comes up a fair bit, and would also be useful for walking, cyclocross, etc.
Thanks
Id avoid a fenix if you want to use it for running. Mine weighs a ton. My instinct is far more suitable for the job, although it does feel far cheaper
Fenix 6 here. I probably only use 2% of the features, but its been great. Also being in the 'Premium' end of the range they're not as buggy, which I've found with the forerunner 2 ranges. I record 6 or so 30 minute activies and one 4 hour activity over the course of a week on a single charge possibly?
They are quite big, but you get used to it, it depends how thick your wrist is. Some shirts need the cuffs unbuttoning to get them over the watch.
Maps are handy, but the UI is so fiddly its quite difficult to use, and you may forget which combination of buttons to press.
Definitely worth getting second hand as they are pretty indesturctible, probably more so than a Casio G Shock.
@mrbadger heavy? I'm like a piece of string and can't say that I've noticed a watch being heavy!!
Id avoid a fenix if you want to use it for running. Mine weighs a ton. My instinct is far more suitable for the job, although it does feel far cheaper
I used to run all the time with my Fenix 5. Can't say I particularly noticed the weight after I'd been wearing it 24/7 for a few days. Although I certainly noticed when I retired it and changed to an Instinct... So I wouldn't say it's an issue unless you're regularly swapping watches.
As pointed out, if you are running or cycling a lot with the watch, be aware of the weight of the fenix+epix. Not that they are that heavy, but more the bashing they can give your hand. This is the main reason I've always had forerunners (and they are a little cheaper for pretty much same functions).
My previous 305xt,310xt, 745, 945, and currently 965. All been brilliant. I turn off touch screen permanently btw.
When I say ‘heavy’, it’s not giving me arm ache but I’m certainly more aware I’m wearing it compared to my instinct when I run. Whether that will bother you or not I don’t know, but it bothers me
As pointed out, if you are running or cycling a lot with the watch, be aware of the weight of the fenix+epix. Not that they are that heavy, but more the bashing they can give your hand. This is the main reason I’ve always had forerunners (and they are a little cheaper for pretty much same functions).
I too found the size and weight feel of the Fenix abit much, Forerunner series for several watches now.
@superfli we basically have the same watch history, I'm still on the 945, how are you finding the 965 versus the 945?
I wear my Fenix 24/7 and I'm completely unaware of it. It's the 47mm version though - I have skinny wrists and small hands.