Garmin Epix Gen 2 review
The future’s bright, the future’s... an AMOLED display, right? Helen Webster finds out as she reviews the second-generation Garmin Epix
220 Triathlon Verdict
Essentially the Fenix 7, but with a stunning and functional screen. Score: 92%
Pros
- Stunning screen is readable while running, swimming and cycling
- Now available at a big discount
Cons
- Battery life doesn’t match the Fenix
There can be no denying that Garmin has released a series of epic multisport watches in recent years – only this one is Epix by name, too.
Coming in very close to the top of the product range, what does it offer that isn’t already sitting on the wrists of triathletes – and can it really be worth $999 / £900 at RRP? (It is now heavily discounted).
Well, handily Garmin has a product comparison tool on their website. Here, the Epix includes all the top-end features you would expect and is similar to the Fenix in terms of widgets, tracking and health features.
How we test multisport watches
Our team of expert reviewers has tested each watch for at least a month. During this time they wore each watch for several runs, rides and swims in urban and rural areas and at different intensities to test GPS and HR accuracy. They also assessed battery life, comfort, screen readability, ease of use, fitness and health metrics, activity tracking and value for money. For more details, see how we rate and test products.
What differs is the construction materials (the version shown here has a titanium case) and one big difference – the addition of an AMOLED display.
Standing for ‘active matrix organic light-emitting diode’ (oh yes), in short that means you get a screen that’s insanely bright and clear – think video or smartphone quality.
Where that really comes into its own is when out training and, in our testing, we found the screen made a huge difference when swimming – the clarity was superb and could be read at a glance, even in murky water or with misty goggles.
In low light on the bike and while running, or in the glare of bright sunlight, it was instantly legible, too.
Garmin Epix Gen 2 bottom line
Where the pay-off occurs is in battery life, as here you get 16 days under ‘gesture’ mode and 42 hours in GPS mode. That’s perfectly respectable for most athletes – although not a patch on the brand’s Fenix 7 Solar.
So it it worth the spend? As always, that depends – but it will be hard to beat.
Garmin Epix Gen 2 specs
| Price | $999 / £900 |
| Weight | 98g / 3.5oz |
| Display size | 1.4in |
| Battery life | Up to 31 days in smartwatch mode, 82 hours GPS mode |
| GPS | Multi-band (GPS, Glonass, Galileo) |
Helen Webster
Editor, 220 Triathlon 
