Both smartwatches get a software update and share a range of new featues
(Image credit: Garmin)
Garmin has just released two new smart adventure watches, the Epix Pro and Fenix 7 Pro. Whilst the Fenix and Epix were already in the Garmin smartwatch range, both models have been given the 'Pro' treatment, meaning iterative improvement, rather than a full-blown overhaul.
This means both models get a range of hardware and software updates as well as new features which should mean they compete with the best cycling watches. The Epix Pro remains the range-topper (and most expensive) and in Garmin's words "the ultimate high-performance smartwatch." The Fenix 7 Pro focuses on delivering excellent battery life, partly thanks to solar charging functions and delivers a range of training tools.
A key hardware standout for both models is the inclusion of a built-in, front-mounted LED flashlight. The watches share a lot of the same updates but there are a few differences which we will cover below.
Epix Pro Gen2 Models all have 32GB of memory (and 42,000 golf course maps pre loaded) (Image credit: Garmin)
Garmin Epix Pro
The new top-tier Epix Pro series benefits from a range of new software and features which, as we understand it, will also trickle down to the Fenix 7 and non-pro Epix models. The 98-gram Epix Pro is available in 42mm, 47mm and 51mm face sizes and gets a new built-in LED flashlight with variable light intensities, strobe mode and red safety light. The strobe mode can even match your running cadence, should you require this feature.
There is also a new optical heart rate sensor for more accurate HR readings, a storage increase of 32GB across all models as well as a range of new metrics and data pages to make use of.
Multi-band GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is now also included as standard this was something previously only featured on the most expensive 'sapphire' model. The Epix also features an AMOLED screen display compared to the Fenix 7's MIP Display.
Prices for the Epix Pro start from £829.99/$899.00 rising to £999.99/$1,099.99 for the largest Sapphire edition.
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Epix Pro models now have a built-in LED flashlight, there's also a strobe mode (Image credit: Garmin)
Garmin Fenix 7 Pro
The Fenix 7 Pro is also available in three screen case sizes, and like the Epix, these are 42mm, 47mm and 51mm too. For adventurers that require a solar charging feature, Garmin claims you can now get up to 37 days of battery life in smartwatch mode when you make use of solar charging mode in three hours of direct sunlight per day, based on 50,000-Lux conditions. (Lux measures light level intensity.)
The Fenix 7 also benefits from the same heart rate sensor improvements that the Epix gets. MIP (memory in display) screen display as well as advanced training features like endurance and hill scores.
The Fenix 7 Pro also get a few tweaks in the form of additional activity profiles to choose from and improved mapping capabilities.
Prices for the Fenix 7 Pro start from £749.99/$799.00 rising to £929.99/$999.99 for the 51mm Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Edition.
Every Fenix model now has solar charging capabilities (Image credit: Garmin)
Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn’t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it’s made of.
He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport's biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar and Alberto Contador. He's also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.
