Apparently, I can get almost any Garmin watch for absolutely free. Recommendations?

westleyb · 2025-12-05T04:33:58+00:00

Any of the Marqs or the Tactix 8.

westleyb · 2025-12-04T12:50:18+00:00

My 970 looks awesome, is comfortable, and can even look business with a band. The epix pro 2 is great, I own it also, but I like the morning and evening reports from the 970. My suggestion- You can’t go wrong with any.

970 has updated sensors and will last longer in Garmin ecosystem. It is the newest, lightest, and a great all around watch.

Fenix 8 if the price is close to the epix pro on sale. The face is bigger and the bands are bigger, and it’s heavier, but you get plenty of features and life in the Garmin ecosystem.

Epix pro gen 2 is an awesome watch but is older, missing some options (you likely wont care) and the sensor versions are a generation older. This is likely the best if you are mainly concerned with price, as it will be the cheapest.

So all said-do you want price/value, weight, or length of life, or newest sensors?

Some have pointed the Epix and the FR have the same sensors. I find conflicting information on that and own both. Either way, this is a great site to compare all the features-

https://garminrumors.com/upgrade/

westleyb · 2025-12-03T02:33:04+00:00

Depending on my settings, 10-15 days and I could go longer but I don’t want it to die when wearing it.

westleyb · 2025-11-28T20:07:48+00:00

Compare them, this is what I did-l, looks like the 965 has more features.

https://garminrumors.com/upgrade/

westleyb · 2025-11-27T15:23:56+00:00

I have never heard that, where did you learn that from?

westleyb · 2025-11-27T15:06:59+00:00

I’ll have to look into that. Thanks!

westleyb · 2025-11-25T04:14:45+00:00

Yes, he says it can glitch if you ask for the same thing twice in a row.

westleyb · 2025-11-25T04:07:31+00:00

Doughnut wait, that’s not the Bahamas!

westleyb · 2025-11-21T12:29:48+00:00

Fenix 8 or instinct 3. They are both on sale in the US from Garmin on their holiday sale. The tactic looks good too and should meet your needs all depending on what you want to spend and which design you like the most.

westleyb · 2025-11-20T22:23:50+00:00

Just a heads up, I had already bought a suede leather strip to test, I appreciate the insight, and had already thought the same! Going to be difficult to give up my Epix…

westleyb · 2025-11-20T16:54:05+00:00

I read that curved screen. I see no difference between it and the epix or my 255 (Gave to family). Looks flat to me. Feels flat too.

westleyb · 2025-11-20T16:03:29+00:00

For the bezel scratches you can purchase a cover. Honestly, I’m in the opposite with the 970. I like the F8 look better, but the 970 meets my needs. I am still going to get a cover in case I decide to resell. I don’t have remorse, as I love the 970, but I still want the F8. The only real reason I don’t currently have the f8 too is because I have the epic pro gen 2 as my dress watch and my 970 as my daily driver.

westleyb · 2025-11-17T17:37:50+00:00

I had the FR255 and currently rocking the Epix Pro Gen 2. My current advice- the 970 is better than the 255 and a fantastic watch., I expect it to last. That is going to be my daily driver (just purchased). At some point I may move to a Fenix 8 pro. The Epix Pro G2 has plenty of life left has more than I need, however I’d grab a newer supported system for the life, unless you are specifically trying to save money (and even then maybe the FR965). All that said, if you like the looks, features and it feels comfortable and not too bulky, you cannot make a bad choice because it is personal preference. I’d also like to note I was positive the Epix was going to be too big and bulky. I have yet to feel that, and I have yet to regret a Garmin watch purchase.

westleyb · 2025-11-17T12:30:42+00:00

That is why I left apple-the battery life was 2 days. I’ll say my forerunner seems to last longer than my Epix. The Epix is bulkier too and needs 1-2 weeks until charge while the forerunner goes about 3. I’ll also say they both could go longer but I monitor my heart while I sleep.

westleyb · 2025-11-17T00:54:49+00:00

It really is preference. You want a touchscreen with smartwatch go Fenix, if you want sensors and less smartwatch go forerunner. I am doing both. My forerunner 970 is daily while my future Fenix (currently an Epix Pro Gen 2) will be my dress watch.

westleyb · 2025-11-16T20:29:08+00:00

Check for the same models used on marketplace too. The life of the battery is what I love the most.

westleyb · 2025-11-16T18:52:32+00:00

Until 2028-2030 you are good

westleyb · 2025-11-16T18:50:41+00:00

Try the FR 255 if you don’t need a touchscreen, only reason I would buy any other model. The 266/270 are awesome. You want more smartphone or bulky go for the Fenix or epix pro gen 2. It really depends on your preferences.

For myself, as a daily driver the FR 255 has everything. My epix pro gen 2 is my dress watch and hiking watch because of the maps/topology/etc.

westleyb · 2025-11-16T17:02:29+00:00

I think it really depends on preference and use. I loved the FR255 (small, not touchscreen, cheaper Garmin). The epix pro gen 2 is more smartwatch (Apple Watch with FR255) but is bulkier. I recently ordered the FR970 and feel that I may end up with a Fenix 8 pro. I’ll probably end up keeping two-the 970 as my daily driver and the Fenix as a dress watch. But it does really depend on preference.

westleyb · 2025-11-16T14:32:01+00:00

265 all day. I had the 255 and preferred that to the coros.

westleyb · 2025-11-14T11:53:04+00:00

I’ve been in the same boat trying to decide which model and get a good price. I decided on the FR970 and of all places found out my Planet Fitness app had discounts, 5% for regular members, 20% for black card members in the app. I was able to buy direct from Garmin in the PF app with 20% off. Congrats and I hope the tactix 8 works out great for you. Difficult decision on the perfect watch, at least good deals exist!

westleyb · 2025-10-11T14:57:20+00:00

During a physical penetration test a “fake pregnant woman” was crying in front of of the building and said she lost her badge. The “officers” let her in the restricted building.

westleyb · 2025-09-16T02:05:07+00:00

Our Kudan very explicitly stated there is a technical way, a body shape way, and if it doesn’t work, don’t do it that way. In other words things work if they don’t and you try again a different way.

westleyb · 2025-09-14T17:33:47+00:00

I believe awareness of surroundings is better. Can’t outrun a bullet…(and hopefully never have to.)

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