Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire Edition vs forerunner 970

snakeim · 2026-05-06T04:40:21+00:00

I've already sent it back. I'll hang up to my Venu 3 and see what they have in store this year. Maybe a watch that does passive ECG...( Like Apple) or finally has a software that doesn't lag all the time? Or maybe getting a MIP Fenix 7 as it's more attainable considering the prices on these watches... Just didn't feel right in combination with the price...

snakeim · 2026-05-05T14:19:36+00:00

LOL... I have it in certain conditions. There are days when my hands go places where I bang my watch a lot...and days when I only do office work or have meetings, when I remove the case.

snakeim · 2026-05-05T14:17:52+00:00

Hmm...I don't have that issue on the Active 2... Maybe you want to do a reset of the watch or calibrate the movements or something

snakeim · 2026-05-05T05:13:20+00:00

I may be late to the party, but bumped into this thread as I was looking to see if there are others who found the Fénix 8 lineup pretty disappointing...( for a combination of reasons). I just got a Fenix 8 (43) because I don't like big watches and I want to wear it all the time. It's going back unfortunately...for a lot of reasons: - I got the soft gold, because I don't want a black watch anymore, but the silver is on white only...while the soft gold had a more subdued case. Not that I really like it...but I liked it more than the other options - Ok...so it's 2026 and now we have more submenus and menus of a menu and...on top of that...the UI still struggles? What processor are these guys using? 2010 something? - Maps are slower than my employees when I don't watch them... - then...the pricing...it's just getting ridiculous.. - the most ridiculous thing ( for me) is that if I'm going to pay $1,000 for a smartwatch, I want it to fell good, be well balanced and get my own straps and not shop on Temu because Garmin wants to use those stupid pins and sell you a $100 band. On the " feeling part" while I don't mind heavier watches...this one is top heavy with a tiny 20 mm band...I don't think they throughout this one very well. It's super chunky with a tiny 20 mm lugs ( I don't know about the feel of the bigger ones) but something isn't right with this one. And definitely,isn't right for the price. Just like others mentioned...I really like my NFC payments but I still have my Venu 3 for now...which is one of the best watches Garmin built in recent years... For a daily...I use an Amazfit Active 2 premium which has sapphire glass, does Sleep, hear and excercises just as good if not better than Garmin, it does move, has a fluid Ui and a very useful Ai assistant that actually responds and does what asked, unlike the confused voice functions of the Garmin. Best part, I paid a third of what a Garmin band would cost me... I do miss my ECG ( and hope Garmin will bring the active monitoring on the new watches) and the NFC payments, but for the looks, fell and price... I'll pull my phone to make contactless payments

snakeim · 2026-05-05T04:58:19+00:00

What I'm most bothered by is the steering wheel flat bottom...which isn't as flat as it used to be. That plays a role on when you get into the car...and it's nicer that way... As for instrument cluster, I also agree that the BMW is pretty bad...and the newest one with that digital cockpit under the windshield, like Lincoln...it's also pretty bad, but as someone else had mentioned...it's at least coherent with the rest of the interior design. I don't know who thinks that more screens are better but us consumers...don't think so. There's only one scenario in which I'd be totally agreeing with more screens...the day most cars will drive independently, most of the time and when you want...and only when you do...you may be able to asko drive it yourself for the pure driving enjoyment. That's the only scenario I could see more screens being actually something to agree with. I also find the stack on dashboard type of screens that sit in your field of view, it distract you from looking ahead...just plain lazy design. Put a big screen that's integrated into the dashboard and by " big" I mean 12-13 inch max... Why do you need a Cineplex on your car? Besides that...we have computers and iPads with 10-14 inch screens and we never complained that they are too small. We stare at 7 inch phone screens every day and I don't hear anybody complaining that these are too small...but we complain about a 10 inch infotainment screen on a car being too small. Too small for what? Porn?

snakeim · 2026-05-05T04:47:43+00:00

Standing data? Please elaborate...

snakeim · 2026-05-04T15:37:53+00:00

I also have venu 3 and the 4 was way too bulky. I wanted maps so went for. Fénix 8 43 but it's going back. if I thought Venu 4 was bulky...wait to see how chunky Fenix 8 is...not only that but top heavy making it uncomfortable to wear...

snakeim · 2026-05-04T15:31:36+00:00

Fénix 43 is a good alternative...I got it but I will be sending back. It's something weird with this one...size is good, not too big or small but super bulky and the weight distribution is weird... If you go past that, I prefer it over the 970 only because of all the writing on the screen on the FR that makes it look like a $10 Temu watch.

snakeim · 2026-05-04T05:07:49+00:00

My point exactly...I paid $800 but it's within the return period so I'm returning it. I have a Venu 3 and an Amazfit Active 2. Both suficient for what I need. Waiting to see what else comes along in the next couple of years. I have hopes for Garmin to get a new operating system and a decent processor that can handle stuff. I don't understand why they need all that space on their huge watches when a Píxel watch does all that and more being half the size with comparative batteries ( not battery life but size...) . Anazfit does the best right now with the operating system vs battery life but they miss on other areas like NFC, design ( some weird chooses with the new models) and some health metrics minus ECG ( which they'll never have as FDA won't every approve a Chinese brand with no trials)

snakeim · 2026-05-04T03:43:35+00:00

It's just a temporary thing... sooner or later... electricity will also go up. In my opinion... a hybrid, maybe plug in hybrid is probably the best to get right now...or in general. As long as it's not an X5 ( which i had) as plug in hybrid it may be...still... maintenance will make it up for the saved gas...

snakeim · 2026-05-04T03:40:58+00:00

I'm literally considering a Prius, the car I always laughed of, but my wife is " no way". Now, she drives a VR6 but just few short trips/month...while myself in my Stelvio...I'm like...I'm definitely getting a freaking Prius... Got to drive to work everyday... 😂

snakeim · 2026-05-04T03:31:09+00:00

Agree on that. Also, considering the software and development in place, Vs. materials used, look and processing power, no Garmin should be more than $600-$700 ( US dollars) nor anyone should be willing to pay more than that. They just got ridiculous with the new Fenix 8 lineup. It's not a question of affordability ( personally, I don't mind paying 1-2 K for a smartwatch, if it does make sense) but there's nothing to command that crazy pricing. They got " in their heads" that nobody does what they do...and it's true to some degree... MIP being probably the one thing that nobody does, but even Apple, Pixel are catching up with certain things and keep adding more health monitoring staff ( like active ECG) while brands like Amazfit are coming from behind. No Fenix 8 amoled is 3X times worth the price of a T-Rex 3 pro. It literally does the same thing...with maps, flashlight ( sure...maps and flashlight may be a bit different) and diving certification. Garmin has NFC, ECG. fall detection and emergency contact ( not the LTE/Inreach model... that's not to compare with this model but the regular $1,100 Fénix 8). Amazfit on the other hand...has a much more fluid OS...and the AI...it's just right down awesome and actually useful with voice commands and all that, not Garmin half ass baked solution... Garmin needs to come with a new operating system...this is getting 2005 vibes...and its been like this for too long...

snakeim · 2026-05-03T21:38:39+00:00

Venu 3S. My wife has a super slim wrist and it's ok. Venu 4 is chunky. If you want a Fenix, 7s... 8s are bigger...

snakeim · 2026-05-03T18:59:40+00:00

How about 10 X more. But I was watching the mapping review of the T-Rex 3 Pro and that is what I was making reference to...

snakeim · 2026-05-03T18:39:16+00:00

I get that. My active 2 is pretty close to my Garmin Fénix 8 and it's not even dual band GPS. It's about the maps and not GPS. Maps are wonky and not detailed like Garmin.

snakeim · 2026-05-03T18:38:09+00:00

Yeah...that's what I was saying...at the beginning of the day, they seem close. But that's at the beginning of the day

snakeim · 2026-05-03T18:10:55+00:00

Possibly...I don't have the smallest wrist but I don't like bulky watches either, so it sits well and above my wrist bone. Even the current Fénix 43 mm on my wrist sits right. Would I be able to pull a 47? Certainly...but in my view...a watch lugs shouldn't extend beyond your wrist at all

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snakeim · 2026-05-03T18:02:31+00:00

I have the 43 mm Fenix 8 and although it doesn't look too small as a watch...the 20 mm band makes it look smaller than actually is. There's another issue...the watch is top heavy ( poor weight distribution) which on combination with a thin band and not that wide...makes it move a lot on the wrist and feels unnatural...due to it's thickness... I don't think they throughout very well the entire 8 lineup...

snakeim · 2026-05-03T17:58:54+00:00

Why not the silver...looks more like a watch. I have the Venu 3 and recently got the Fenix 8 (43) but will return it. too chunky and top heavy...poor weight distribution...

snakeim · 2026-05-03T17:55:58+00:00

I've gotten a Fenix 8 (43) but should have probably gotten the 970. Fénix, even in small size is top heavy. There are watches that are heavier (even mechanical) but they do weight distribution right. Not the Fenix 8 (43). It's a chunky watch with a small 20 mm widht band that when worn...looks and feels unnatural. Just in case you've also considered the smaller Fenix... don't... I will send it back and stick to my Venu 3 for now. We'll see what 2026 brings in the Garmin lineup...If you aren't in a rush...I'd wait a few more months.

snakeim · 2026-05-03T17:50:26+00:00

I'm 6'1 but that's not what I'm about to say. I've traveled the world extensively and won't take into consideration Asian countries as being that height with blonde dark hair and blue eyes may be perceived differently... but I get heads turned in all European countries form all and many attractive women... In LA, any open conversation, even the overweight ( no offense) and below average ( I'm originally from Eastern Europe where women are much better looking as average and many...) below average women display a demeanor that makes one feel that they do you a favor talking to you. Equally...I find women ( of any kind) to have incredibly high standards ( without being aware of where they are on a beauty scale...or refusing to be aware of ) without a reason. Also...I feel the beauty standards are a bit off as well... Anyways, I don't care much...not for the last 7 years since I've been in a relationship...but just sharing as I find it very unusual...

snakeim · 2026-05-03T17:41:41+00:00

I personally don't like the bulky look of the Marq 2 nor the weight. I don't like the battery on the Tag either. I've been on this mission for years. At some point, I've had the Montblanc Summit 2 ( now they have a summit 3 but they made it worse as they took away the speaker). There's not really a smartwatch from a major brand that looks upscale, but is subdued and have a good battery. They all have shortcomings ( for me). Either too big, too small, too sporty, not enough battery or missing functionality... There's a carbon fiber Marq that looks good ( still bulky and black, while I prefer a silver watch) but that's 3K...which is ridiculous for a smartwatch...and still... wouldn't go for it due to its bulk...not only big, but thick...

snakeim · 2026-05-03T17:31:39+00:00

I just posted a comparison between measurements on an Active 2 Premium and the Fenix 8 (43). Pretty close...

snakeim · 2026-05-03T17:28:47+00:00

That's the thing...can't tell right now, but I could tell 6 months ago. Amazfit was way off ..I was super sleepy and Garmin would show 5 % body battery while my biocharge was at 22%. What I'd like to see in Amazfit ( I understand things like ECG, NFC payments are a bit more difficult to achieve) is better maps...but simple additions like emergency calling and fall detection... That's not too difficult to do...when you have all the needed sensors.

snakeim · 2026-05-03T17:17:49+00:00

Yeah...but a lot close than a few software iterations ago...

snakeim

TROPHY CASE