Garmin's Fenix and Epix smartwatches now come in new Pro models
Garmin rolls out new Fenix 7 Pro Series and Epix Pro series watches with torches on all three sizes and updated heart rate sensors plus new training and mapping features
Garmin has updated two of their flagship adventure smartwatches, the Fenix 7 Pro and the Epix Pro. The new updates offer some significant upgrades to Garmin's best smartwatches, specifically if you prefer a smaller watch.
Both the Fenix Pro and Epix Pro will now come in three different watch sizes, 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm. While that's going to be a popular move for small-wristed potential Epix customers, the big upgrade is that all the Epix Pro and Fenix Pro models will have an LED torch, a feature that was previously only available on the 51mm Fenix 7X. The flashlight has adjustable brightness, a red safety light, and a strobe mode.
Both Pro models will also feature an optimized heart rate sensor which is said to give better multisport performance tracking by using more spatially diverse optical sensors and sport-specific algorithms.
There are some neat mapping upgrades with the Pro lineups now featuring weather map overlays to show incoming weather, the Up Ahead running feature, and relief shading so you can read topographical maps quickly and easily.
There are new training metrics as well. Both watches can now give an endurance score. This should allow wearers to measure how easy it is to sustain prolonged efforts while also taking into account training data like VO2 max, short and long-term training loads, and more.
There are a number of new running metrics too, including hill score and running dynamics if you decide to swap your wheels for feet.
Garmin has added a bunch of new sports profiles for all manner of sports, which includes two new cycling-specific activities for cyclocross and BMX if you prefer a smartwatch rather than a bike computer.
Visually Garmin hasn't made any updates, the Epix 2 Pro still has an OLED display, which now features a redshift mode, while the Fenix 7 Pro has a next-generation MIP display (memory in pixel) that supports solar charging. The new MIP display features redesigned pixels, backlight, and solar panel which Garmin says provides increased brightness, power efficiency, and adaptability to different lighting conditions.
Pricing and release date
All of Garmin's new Fenix Pro and Epix Pro watches are on sale today with immediate worldwide availability, visit Garmin.com for more information.
Pricing is as follows:
Fenix 7S Pro Solar - $799.99 / £749.99
Fenix 7 Pro Solar - $799.99 / £749.99
Fenix 7X Pro Solar - $899.99 / £829.99
Fenix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar - $899.99 / £829.99
Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar - $899.99 / £829.99
Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar - $999.99 / £929.99
Epix 2 Pro 42mm - $899.99 / £829.99
Epix 2 Pro 47mm - $899.99 / £829.99
Epix 2 Pro 51mm - $999.99 / £929.99
Epix 2 Pro Sapphire Edition 42mm - $999.99 / £929.99
Epix 2 Pro Sapphire Edition 47mm - $999.99 / £929.99
Epix 2 Pro Sapphire Edition 51mm - $1,099.99 / £999.99
Graham Cottingham joined the BikePerfect team as our senior tech writer in 2020. With over 20 years of riding experience, he has dabbled in downhill, enduro, and gravel racing. Not afraid of a challenge, Graham has embraced bikepacking over the last few years and likes nothing more than strapping some bags to his bike and covering big miles to explore Scotland's wildernesses. When he isn’t shredding the gnar in the Tweed Valley, sleeping in bushes, or tinkering with bikes, he is writing tech reviews for BikePerfect.
Rides: Cotic SolarisMax, Stooge MK4, 24 Bicycles Le Toy 3, Surly Steamroller
Height: 177cm
Weight: 71kg