Thread: Which smartwatch to get

So my watch got lost. Was a garmin instinct2 which was good.
Was wondering if I should get the same again or a different model
Just for general outdoor use. Hunting fishing etc

They just released the 3 im going to upgrade from my og one guess it depends on what your needing it for the new one has a big upgrade on the gps making it a lot more accurate

@Bagheera posted an excellent summary on the Garmin Epix watch a while ago. Put the watch on the top of my "really really want, but don't need list"....

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....-review-97687/

Garmin Fenix

+1 for Garmin. Get one of the models that supports the TruFlite ballistics app. So good having it on your wrist & available offline, oven if it is a bit basic.

I’ve pretty much given up using mine for navigation though. The larger screen and functionality of a smartphone is so much better.

Harvey Norman were running a special on the Garman Fenix 7 solar pro for $990

Originally Posted by Snoppernator

@Bagheera posted an excellent summary on the Garmin Epix watch a while ago. Put the watch on the top of my "really really want, but don't need list"....

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....-review-97687/

I’ve got an Epix and love it. Probably overspecced ( I use mostly for triathlon training and general health type stats) but I bought it secondhand and got it for a wicked price. Battery lasts great and it’s super intuitive to use

i still use my garmin Fenix 6.
dose more than i need.
activity tracking, ballistics, indoor row and cycle.

as above i use cell phone for navigation, map viewing, intermitantly and watch continuously for compass an elevation etc.
Z

Ive got a lot more of the problem issues on the Epix sorted now and find it extremely good.
I use it as my primary navigation aid and only occasionally get the phone out of my pack now.
There are a few minor irritations still like it starting navigation to random points on the map, so im by no means at the top of the learning curve yet. Watch logic is very foreign to phones and even handheld garmin GPS.

The problems were due, I think, to software damage done by Android Central I had to use loading the NZ 1:50,000 maps. I had to take a deep breath and do a factory reset but somehow the NZ maps were still there ! You do need the 3 garmin phone apps:
explore
Connect
Connect IQ

The TruFlite ballistic app is good but I havent needed it much- just use a drop chart taped to the butt.
Ive got a camera remote app which certainly could be better.

Ive got a model without a light and without solar power. Both gimmicks in my opinion.

As best I can tell the Epix is identical to the Fenix but with an Amoled screen. So when Fenix comes with Amoled the Epix will be a desd branch on the Garmin evolutionary tree. Look for a run out sale.

Fenix 7. Upgraded my instinct to this watch.

Agree, Garmin Fenix 7 is a good option.

I upgraded my Fenix 6 to a Fenix 7xPro (Solar/Sapphire) edition and there is a lot more features in the 7 vs the 6. Battery lasts a whole month (typical daily use, incl. tracking my runs every few days where I'm bluetoothing music from it at the same time). I like the new flashlight feature. have used a few times already and it has a touch screen 9but you can still use it like the 6 model with just using the buttons).

Good thing is that they are doing runouts of these right now as the Fenix 8 has been on the shelves for while now. Saw the same model as mine for clearance sale for $1,250 at Rebel sports the other day.

Originally Posted by Bryan

Agree, Garmin Fenix 7 is a good option.

I upgraded my Fenix 6 to a Fenix 7xPro (Solar/Sapphire) edition and there is a lot more features in the 7 vs the 6. Battery lasts a whole month (typical daily use, incl. tracking my runs every few days where I'm bluetoothing music from it at the same time). I like the new flashlight feature. have used a few times already and it has a touch screen 9but you can still use it like the 6 model with just using the buttons).

Good thing is that they are doing runouts of these right now as the Fenix 8 has been on the shelves for while now. Saw the same model as mine for clearance sale for $1,250 at Rebel sports the other day.

Yeah have the same watch, stoked with it. Agree the light is awesome.

If you’re on the fence with models/money I’m not convinced on the solar.
Typical watch orientation means the amount of solar generation is minimal. If I’m running low and outside, I’ll try to aim the face at the sun but you don’t get a lot.
I guess if you’re walking for hours on the tops you could strap it on the top of your pack.

I rate my Fenix 7 (Sapphire/Solar).

I got a second hand Suunto Baro 9 off trade me for $180 cause I’m tight. I find it very useful. Does the normal watch stuff plus I use the altimeter, heart rate monitor while running, and set the fly as a point of interest if I go out for an evening look. Does heaps of other bits and pieces that I don’t use and the battery lasts for days.