Apple Watch Ultra V Garmin Fenix 7x - I’ve decided
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- Äas pÅ™idán 31. 05. 2024
- I've worn the Apple Watch for a couple of months now - and it's staying.
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#Applewatch #Garmin #marklewis - Zábava
I am detecting a lot of love in the comments for Garmin 😠it is absolutely an amazing watch!
It’s a beast!! Apple Watch Ultra for me, fits my bill for daily use big time
The only comparable sports metrics watch is the Garmin Forerunner 900 series. And for some the 700. But it's just a fact that if you follow "sports science" and care about data there are no real competitors. You can't be serious about "sports science" if you don't understand the importance of ANT+ communications protocols. There are better tools for lab testing but none match it for field metrics except for custom made products that are not sold to open-market consumers.
Polar used to be the leading brand for consumer sports metrics but they did not come up with a successful move to digital data recording and it seems like that were too slow to react to GPS integration. Nobody has a chance without either adopting ANT+ or something even better and ensuring widespread support for it. Although the pretenders will always buy stuff that looks serious. So Apple will always be able to sell lots of product as "the best" without actually having to prove it.
@@indonesiaamerica7050 very good synopsis. Agree 💯
Just fyi, the action button can't be programmed on 3rd party apps because Apple hasn't given the devs access yet. Shortcuts can be a good workaround for the time being, but 3rd party access to the action button shouldn't be too far away.
@@froadindan8695 yep, I now have it working on Workoutdoors via the beta - it’s awesome!
I just got my Fenix 7 a week ago. I absolutely love it! The battery life is awesome! Solar charging is excellent since I work outside. I can use it to track all of the activities that I do- including gym equipment, mountain biking, and golf (among others). I have zero desire to be able to take a phone call from my watch. I allow very few notifications to go through to my watch. I place more importance on the sports features than the "smart" features.
You are a serious athelete who cares about the important things, let's see what Mark is rocking on his arm in a year.
I have a Fenix 6s and love it. It’s small and fits on my wrist. I climb, hike, run, ski and paddle board. It can track it all and doesn’t look too bad with a few scratches 😅. I love the topo maps, navigation, and how it integrates with my in reach so I can track my hikes and send messages with it when I’m in remote areas. Also great that I don’t need to charge it on a multi day hike. I can’t ever see myself switching to apple. The features you like about it are downsides to me (don’t want notifications or music). Everyone is different eh!
Miriam Jones, do you have the built in flashlight like the 7X solar Sapphire? It's very useful.
I have Fenix 6S Pro, which is basically the same as yours but only has music option, which works great but drains the battery quite heavily when used in an activity. But you like mentioned, I love it. I think just like the most important thing in an electric car is the range, the most important thing in a sports watch for me is the battery life. In that sense Fenix 6 models are great.
Im happy with my 6S Pro aswell, only just got it, but coming from a garmin with touch screen before, im glad the screen doesnt do anything without me asking. Maybe a little disapointing with the screen graphics, but 20 day battery life is awesome. And my iphone seems to communicate to it well enough, however i do have to occasionally reconnect it, im unsure if thats normal or not…
Your honestly and self-awareness are amazing. Thanks for the inspiration, information, and reality check. Keep the videos coming!
Really awesome video. Love how you describe the motivation behind gear and how it affects you! I feel the same way. Cheers Mark you keep inspiring me to get out there!
Had every Apple Watch since beginning of Apple Watch and have worn them from time I get up until time go to bed. Recently upgraded S7 to S8 because Ultra shipping dates were months out. Then watched reviews of the Ultra and found Best Buy with two day shipping so ordered it and have ended up liking it because whether mental or not feels more like a workout or working outside watch. I am 71 and have never done extreme workouts or sports but have worked out for many years before first Apple Watch. Like you said about the Garmin in the beginning giving you motivation the Apple Watch seems to give me a different level of motivation since I still workout regularly due to the information it provides although I had worked out for years prior. Most of my stuff is walking on treadmill, stationary bike and a Total Gym because I can do these at home.. Thanks and great video.
Appreciate the honest (as always) content. Never change that, please! Personally, I just upgraded to the Fenix 7X (from FR 935, 910xt prior to that - triathlon focus) - and so far, it's been great upgrade! I love wearing it for some of the reasons you mentioned, as well as the quality/features of the device itself. I use the device for every day wear, plus my daily swim/bike/run training and run + triathlon events. I've had good luck with Garmin products/services and their echo system works for me. Thanks for the content - and hoping you enjoy your Apple Ultra!
Apple ultra = ultra stupid dumb watch!
Hi Mark,
Awesome video! I mostly agree with your points about the AWU, I have a Fenix 7X and bought the apple to see what it was about. In the end, even after downloading WorkOutDoors and Athytic, I missed the simplicity of Garmin for tracking workouts and seeing progress.
Garmin Connect is a huge benefit for me - everything tracked in one place.. for free.
Would hardly say it's free with Garmin. The software prices are in the watch itself of course. But yes, at least there is no subscription fee like you need to pay for Athlytic.
@@Shawn-ky2tw Garmin Connect doesn’t do anything except show you the data the watch puts together. All the magic is in the watch software like you said
@@andreafitta I was waiting for a comment like this. I have been using Garmin Direct and Garmin in general for off track running, hiking and mountaineering. Mainly for the PC attributes. Can you tell me your opinion and insight into add the Ultra to my tech bag?
@@tbared5975 actually I don't have an Ultra, as I moved to Garmin Fenix 7 6 months ago. At the moment I'm very happy with my garmin. I really appreciated the Apple Watch 7/WorkOutDoors (and RunGap) combo, but to me short battery life is a big trouble. I intend this kind of wearable as something to keep with me all day long, and all night long too. The funny thing is that the sport watch (garmin) is more suitable for this that the "life" watch (apple watch), as it's always on my wrist, except for 1 hour for recharging (every 10 to 14 days). AW Ultra is very intriguing but after all is has some improvements that is not in the direction I wanted. Ok, a bit longer battery life, but the gap is still too wide. I would have taken it if it had a less hungry display.
I wish I can get one of this watches to have this wonderful experience everyone is enjoying 🤦â€â™‚ï¸ it seems am left out 😊
Thank you for sharing your perspective: "Start as you mean to go on." This puts words to the approach I've been working on. I got the Ultra 2 weeks ago and I'm more active as a result. Cheers!
I ran the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim with a fully charged Fenix 7x Solar this past Saturday…have fully used the watch each day since then, including activity tracking/GPS and a week later I have 12 days of charge left in the Garmin 😃 Pretty unbelievable…
Is it snowing up there ? Thinking of visiting
Great video, I relate to most of west you’ve said. I replaced my Garmin with an Apple Watch Series 6 just over a year ago. I only bought it for the lifestyle features but found the exercise tracking good enough and haven’t missed the Garmin at all.
I had both and returned then AWU. I never have to think about charging the Garmin and I don’t want a second iPhone on my wrist. Great comparison and you made good points I hadn’t considered before
I used to use a fenix 3, followed by an Apple Watch for two years and switched back to a fenix 7X in the summer. For me, the user experience with garmin during sports is no better than with the Apple Watch, and I actually welcomed the fact that it is "just" a watch because it gives me more freedom not to react to all the notifications that come. Thanks for the video and your perspective.
Great video showing your honest usage comparison. I like videos that show real world examples and you do it best. I personally prefer Garmin overall, but understand the appeal of Apple watches. And to be honest, all brands offer something unique, it just comes down to preferences in the end.
You are far too sensible to be on the Internet 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness oh I wouldn't go that far! 😂
I agree, great video and good points. For me, the Fenix series is more of a long-term investment. I still use a Fenix 3 HR that I bought over five years ago, used it during military service (mandatory in Finland) and wore it every day other than to charge it. While the battery life isn't the best anymore it still lasts about a week or little over even when logging at least 2 hours of exercise almost every day. It is a large watch about the size of the 7x so I do get why that might turn people off it. I definitely understand the appeal of Apple watches, I use the an Apple phone, Airpods and tablet daily and the ecosystem is great, they work very well together. But for me at least the things I want from a (sports) watch are served more by the Fenix. It shows the time, tracks my workouts and looks better in my opinion. And it's nice that if I forget the charger on a trip I usually don't have to worry about it, has happened a few times when going to a tournament...
thr apple is smartwatch-oriented, the Garmin is multisports-oriented. so yeah..
@@MarkLewisfitness k
Garmin has kept me insanely active. Can't wait for summer again! I've got the sapphire solar 7s. Perfect size and I use it for everything. 11 day charge. In summer it's more like 15. Unless golfing. What an awesome purchase. I was excited to find something that wasn't apple.
Thanks for your insight Mark. I watched this video expecting you to give lots of reasons why the Apple watch was a superior exercise watch, but ended up with the impression that your reason for changing watch had everything to do with convenience and functionality on just about everything except exercise functions. I will stick with my Garmin for now. I've used Garmin watches for exercise for at least ten years and still haven't found a superior alternative.
I use also only maybe 15% of Garmin genix 7 features, but the battery life is the biggest benefit for me. As I upgraded from a simpler Garmin watch, cause the 4day battery life was just killing me, and I I am so far from an athlete, just exercising in hopes to keep my somewhat figure and feel good.
I've reached the same conclusion. ðŸ‘I've been wearing the Apple Watch Ultra for a week, but I love it. I mostly run ultramarathons, but like you, I will keep my Garmin Fenix in the drawer for those several long runs per year. But other than that, I am sure AWU does its job. And it does so much more! Thanks for the video ðŸ‘
This makes me glad I haven’t left my Garmin for the Ultra 😀
I like how you described it via progress and changing mindset and how did you start to feel about it over time. "I don't need my watch to make feel like I am someone who does exercise, I have enough confidence in my ability, whatever I am wearing". Fully agree. Used to buy the latest tech and now when I am hiking higher mountains than ever before (and faster) I am just "meh, I can wear this Casio no problem".
As a long time Garmin user I too was sceptical about the usefulness of an Apple watch. Finally trialled a second hand AW3 and have to say it's transformed how I view them. While the AW3 was a fail for using Golfshot app for playing golf with (drains after 13 holes), I love all the other features like total cals expended in the day. It just takes the guesswork out of understanding calorie deficits and together with MyFitness has helped me shed the stubborn pounds by understanding input/output. I think I will switch up to the Ultra when #2 comes out. Then I can play golf with it too!!!
You sold me on the Garmin once … not this time Mark. My biggest gripe with Apple Watch is the fact it is another device I have to worry about charging all the time.
you certainly have to charge it way more often than the Garmin, but this Apple Watch Ultra can comfortably make it 2.5 days on a charge so while I still charge it pretty much daily, there is never a "stress" to remember to prevent it from dying, if I forget one day so be it, there is still a charge left. Not like the Garmin for sure, but then again it does the smartwatch stuff so much better than the Garmin. It's what you need and want that decides which is better.
And it's apple.
I got my fenix 7x for the battery. I've worn it for over a week in the woods, with no access to charging and I still had well more than half charge left. That matters to me.
I turned off the always on and it lasts 3-4 days. I thought I’d hate it too but i charge it when at my desk
The thing is this isn't just a 'wear when training watch' but a 'wear all the time watch' which means you never need to charge it as every day before bed you just plop it on the wireless charger next to your bed.
I love how structured your videos are. I especially love how your intro ties in with your outro.
Start, middle, end - the basis of storytelling, lost on 90% of CZcamsrs 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness It shows your stand up background. Btw, just discovered your channel about 3 days ago. Watched at least 5 videos by today. Thanks for great content and the chuckles.
@@b-sideplank thanks ðŸ™
Mark, happy holidays, thanks for the entertainment throughout 2023. I really enjoy your points and your videos, will be watching more in 24.
Love the honest review and courage to possibly piss fans off. I didn’t love the AWU at first and was set to return it. I switched back and forth between my Fenix 6X Sapphire and AWU for a couple weeks. Now the AWU is the only one I use except when backpacking because 1) it replaces my phone for 95% off my day, 2) Athlytic + Zones for Training + Pillow + AWU’s superior sensors allowed me to cancel my Whoop sub, 3) it’s tougher than my Garmin, and 4) works awesome for all fitness training from functional to Olympic to endurance. The battery life isn’t important to me because 30mins off my wrist to charge is nothing.
Brutal honesty about what these watches bring/add/take from our lives...such a great, honest review of the ENTIRE reason of having these watches. Was a Garmin 6 Pro user...and also deep into the Apple ecosphere...I'm at the same place. People always asked when me, the Apple fan boy, was going to drop my Suunto or Garmin and go with an Apple Watch. To which I always scoffed and said essentially "when I'm on a 4 day backpacking or climbing trip...or an ultra trail run...the Apple will DIE and I'll have a dead piece of technology on my wrist...can't do it". Within minutes of the Apple keynote presentation when the Apple Ultra was released, no joke, 3 of my buddies immediately pinged me basically asking "OK...how about NOW?!"
So this review really helps, much appreciated. Coming up on year 3 with my Garmin and considering a 7, or going back to Suunto, or even trying COROS...I think I may finally be at the point where I can say and Apple Watch is in the cards...maybe I'll wait til next fall and version 2 as that'll be a good point to say goodbye to the Garmin. This helped ALOT...thanks!
always a pleasure listening to you Mark. i would even go so far saying that everyone not in the wilderness does not need a watch at all. with enough experience you know your heartbeat and your pace well. same in rowing. when i regularly do row i can easily feel my stroke rate etc. in the end its just some kind of entertainment having the metrics at hand. the main reason i am using my apple watch for sports are 3 things: 1) listening to music 2) nfc payment 3) ability to make a phone call in case of an emergency.
Three. Very good reasons.
Love my Apple Watch ultra, I can track my swimming, diving and running. Occasionally I like to hike as well so it’s great that I can back track my steps as the weather changes just like that.
This is a really well done video. Very clear, honest (to viewers and yourself, clearly) and straightforward. Thanks.
Great review/comparison video, and a really interesting perspective. I would definitely agree that the Apple watch is a less powerful sports/exercise tool but that this really doesn't matter as even a basic Garmin is already overkill for the vast majority of people.
I used an Apple Watch Series 2 and Series 4. Daily charging push me back to Garmin, especially when COVID hit and my daily routine changed drastrically. I know the Ultra lasts longer, but it seemed like every time I looked down it was near dead, and I wanted a much larger margin for error. I miss the smoother UI, but the Garmin has most of the killer features I need (heart rate, music, NFC payment, notifications). I only miss the calculator, iMessage replies, and occasionally, iPhone camera control.
One of the most sensible videos (on any topic) I’ve seen in a long time. Thanks
Wow I really like that "Start as you mean to go on". That is how I do things all the time and its a good way to explain it now thanks now imma use it.
Ditched the Apple Watch for the Garmin a while ago. The only thing I miss from it is skipping past ads on podcasts. The constant charging required was such a PIA.
Funny thing is that I ditched my Fenix back then for an AW 5 and talked the same. And the integration is awesome. Feels so cool to have a watch that can do it all. But over time I learned that sports tracking is just not on par with a Garmin. Not even through 3rd party apps. And when the battery died after 2 years I realized that a Garmin even though not the cool smartwatch is so much better suited for sports than any Apple Watch could ever be.
Switching battery is like 5 min job with Apple Watch and its cheap (20 USD). Just use the Y screwdriver and a hairdryer and some plastic card to remove the glue and pry open the screen, then exchange battery and glue the screen back. There is a lot of information on Google :-D. I am also on my second battery with AW series 4. Not sure if you can also exchange battery on Ultra though...
battery died after 2 years?, my garmin fenix 3 has around 10 years and nothing bad...
@@lal2235 yeah. Problem is that you charge the AW every 1-1.5days (depending on use) which means that you charge it like 200-300 times every year and that puts a lot of strain on the battery. My F5 (now my father uses it) still goes strong because you charge it once ever 10-14 days and my F7 is charged once a month basically. So there’s your difference. Not that my AW battery was dead dead. But the battery didn’t let me a full day anymore and it was useless for long runs at that stage. I want to run my weekly half-Marathon and still be able to record the whole thing.
@@binarysun_ oh cheez, that sucks with all the stuff you have to charge already, phones, laptops, adding a watch, for me simply no, I still hate to charge the garmin once a week, no way daily, AW has little use for sports, maybe for other things
@@danreif82 5 minutes? You’re dreaming. Let’s look at iFixit, Apple Watch ultra 1-2 hours, Apple Watch 7 30-50 minutes, Apple Watch 6 45-120 minutes. Meanwhile my old Fenix 3 hr, 30 minutes (the newer ones don’t look as easy though)
Best review of anything I have seen. Real world, real use and honest. ðŸ‘ðŸ»
I love the quality and editing off the video. Also, you made very good points and were easy to follow.
This was a great video! Could very much relate to your story in the second part. I got an Apple Watch S3 LTE when it came out to get myself moving more. Got a Fenix 7 SS this year to continue this journey, but still keeping the Apple Watch for travel and days I need a phone on me but not want the bulk of the Pro Max thing.
Really well put together video, thanks for that! I have had Apple watches since the original Series 1 and throughly enjoyed them - until I got serious about my health and started my fitness regime. My view is that the Apple Watch is sufficient for some things but not everything and to an extent is a great watch for the exercise and fitness "newbies" but it just doesn't go all the way when you step up your program. It fine to a point in your journey and then you just need something better. Each to their own of course and everyone has opinions - in fact if I could get away with not looking like a complete prat, I would probably buy an Ultra and wear it on my other wrist!
Really enjoyed this video! First one I’ve seen of yours and I absolutely loved your tone and fair comparisons. Im still torn as I’m very much at an early stage, but don’t plan to be super technical! I just want a really good and reliable GPS to be able to go hiking alone and not get lost! I’d also love to spend less time on my phone. Thanks for all the tips!
Loved the review. I too am a massive Garmin Fan and have the Fenix 6S pro however now I am older leaning towards the apple so I don't have to carry my phone on the solo runs. Your review has convinced me the apple watch is good for my next progression and I too will keep my Garmin for those longer trail runs.
Thanks for this assessment Mark. You’ve helped me to decide to keep hold of my garmin for now - I’m closer to where Jen is than where you are on my fitness journey (I started april this year).
But it’s a testament to your ability to build an argument, plus tell a great story, that 3/4 of the way through I was still thinking you couldn’t be serious about this Apple Watch… then by the end thought: what a sensible and well thought out explanation 😂.
PS: I joined a running club yesterday. First time ever. I meet them tomorrow. Big moment for me!
Good luck mate! No matter what, enjoy the process!
Enjoyed the comparison Mark ðŸ‘🻠Have to say though I tried the Ultra and it went back after a week and I got an Epix. I think the Ultra’s main selling point is for people who want a phone on their wrist as much as a sports watch. I like to be able to disconnect from everything when I exercise, so don’t see myself getting an Apple Watch anytime soon. Keep up the great content!
Totally agree! Why would you want to pick a call when you have time to relax and enjoy the trail! So stupid to have Apple Watch and also so many want to be sporty fat people on the street wearing the same watch as your clone! Don’t conform be your own character!
$900?!
@@jameschang7274 ... be your own character with all the other Garmin wearers.
Its not a bad thing to have more possibilities to call for help. But I understand what you mean, if I am running after work or on weekends, I dont want to pick up any calls or see messages so I have set the Apple watch to silent these. But when I was freezing in the Swiss Alps in 4000+ m during storm, my phone dead and 12 hours from any civilization and wanted to send a message I used my Apple watch, which was close to my body and still with some juice left. I sent at least a message home with coordinates and they called help for me. There was almost no signal for calling or sending messages so I have to try multiple times - much easier using the watch than the phone.
@@jameschang7274 Well, you can just set up a focus mode that won't let phone calls through, unless you explicitly allow that person like a family member.
Everyone gets something different out of their watch it seems. Never considered how it makes me look sporty, I grabbed a Fenix 6 recently because it was cheap and I wanted to be able to listen to music without my phone snowboarding. No regrets so far, it's expanded my hiking comfort and I throw everything in the car before going into the woods now. Eventually once the snow season starts it'll be interesting using the maps for backcountry runs.
This was exactly I was looking for. Thank you for the great explanations.
Great video Mark! I’ve been using Apple Watch since 2018 and I love it. But when I started in Stand Up Paddle, my feeling’s changed. Touch screen devices for water activities are a nightmare. Since then I use a Garmin Instinct and, for me, was the best solution.
Yeah,…I’ll definitely say, I like what I like about my Applewatch but FOR SURE, I’ve started runs and couldn’t stop them in the shower. I’ve changed songs I was listening to, all kinds of things.
Very interesting feedback and great to hear it from an athletes version. I can see a large amounts of comments of people sticking with the fenix, I am however leaning towards the Apple Watch Ultra route. I am at the start of my fitness journey and with a very young family at home casually leaving for a few hours or half a day is much harder and one where I need my phone with me at all times! It also needs to be multifunctional as I will be wearing it in the office at work so checking calls/messages etc during meetings is actually important to me. Finally the battery life was always a big factor on the non-ultra Apple Watches- I have had a few in the past and 1 days charge is not enough. Your review and others have given me confidence that 2 days is possible.
Won’t get 2 days if you’re recording activities.
This gotta be the most honest / funniest review I have ever seen! While I am the opposite of you, Apple to Garmin, I can totally understand where you are coming from, and I can sincerely say probably the best review out there for those two widgets.
I’m a lifelong Garmin triathlete who just got the Apple Watch Ultra and I’m loving it for the exact reasons you mentioned. Also a coder so I got ya there. Great review!
I think you completely nailed it with this comparison as well as what the world of Garmin means in the earlier stages of building fitness. It's simply brilliant as a sports watch and I only have a Fenix 6x Pro, however, for much else other than telling the time its a pretty low ordinary. Likewise the AW - I have a AW Series 4 is addictive as a gadget watch that does lots of other stuff but it just seems to plod along as a sports watch no matter what apps I load. I wonder, is my HRV OK? Why is it higher than my Garmin. Overall, the trends seem the same. I workout... I get fitter - all good.
I may eventually get an Ultra and then just take the Fenix out on occasions like you but I'm still at that early stages glaring at my body battery in the morning.
Brilliant summary as always, real and honest with a smattering of joviality as well as the obvious reality that everyone is different.
I am lucky enough to have both the Ultra and a Fenix at the moment. The Apple Ultra is a great smart watch. Garmin is a great sports watch. With apps, the Ultra is closer to Garmin watch than the other way around ( comparing Garmin to Apple) but as mentioned in your video - the Workoutdoors app while good is not perfect. I would never take a call during a workout. At the moment the Ultra -while undoubtedly nice will be going back. Great video content by the way!
Hi Mark, I just discover you and your channel just now with this video, and I appreciate your honesty in regard to your initial motivation to buy the Fenix, and your change to apple watch. I have an old second hand forerunner and still it does the job.
I agree with you completely, when I saw AW Ultra i thought: that's the perfect watch for retirement. I now chase my running goals and F7 is the only right choice. But once I get there, I want to come back to what I love in AW, and turn off the alarm from my wrist.
I took the plunge and went for the Ultra. Had a look in person in the store first. Glad I did because I thought the alpine loop was disappointing in person. Went for the blue ocean band. It makes the Watch look a lot more chunky. Having had a series 4,6&7 I can honestly say that when I put one of them on now it looks feminine, for want of a better word!
Exactly this. I have always thought the Apple Watch was way too small and dainty. The AWU is the first time it actually looks "normal" to me!
I got my ultra last week and used it on this weekend for the spartan beast race in North Carolina, and it was incredible in comparison to the apple watch series 6. I'm glad I discovered your channel before I got the watch so I could get the workoutdoors app for the race. I was trying to decide between the two and your videos help me to feel comfortable to go with the ultra.( im also an american highschool senior who needs the phone connection whilst at school and for workouts, not a coffee shop nerd, but a potential college athlete)
Hows the battery life on the ultra? Can you go like 2 days with incoming text calls Facebook and so on without having to worry about charging it every night?
@@vincecool72 my experience is that it works fine between 40 to 50 hours even with 3 - 4 hours of workouts. I love mine.
@@juanjaviercoka7406 4 hours of workout and how much time do you got left to live with on the watch?
The Fenix 7 is simply awesome. Thanks for your review a few months ago
I like your simple, down to earth presentational style. Favourite bit? How you, correctly, reinterpreted the ‘all the gear, no idea’ mantra, to ‘start as you meant go on’. Great perception ðŸ‘
I got the Apple Watch Ultra as a gift for a loved one who's into extreme sports and purchased the Apple Watch Series 8 for myself, also into sports but the series 8 better suites me. I love these watch review videos as I learn about the products and use the AW S8 myself. The Garmin is really fascinating to me, but the Apple Watch is so genuinely fun to use. It gets the user design and experience aspect down perfectly. Plus the app store really makes this like a mini computer on my wrist. I run, do yoga, roller skate, hike, walk, and golf. The watch has something special for each sport. I live in the mountains and absolutely LOVE the compass feature. I went from not wearing a watch in well over 10 years to having such an explosion of fun, interesting, health, and safety features on my watch. I adore the Series 8 and Ultra Apple Watches.
I am still gonna roll with my Fenix 6. I loved your perspective on all this, but for me the inability to lock the screen and the fact that I can do all the things I need to do during a strength workout without looking at the watch are huge. I also take advantage of the exercise load stuff and the adaptive coaching features as they've been frankly excellent for me. The garmin simply just works a lot better for the things I care about, and the 36 hours of higher accuracy tracking battery life I get while doing an ultra is a huge deal, as I'm slowly turning into someone who knocks off an ultra or two a year, and given that I'm slow I need at least 24 hours of continuous tracking to log them. I can't help but wonder if your experience with the fenix would have been more positive had you gone with a 7 instead of a 7X, because nothing you did really seemed to leverage the larger screen, and you mentioned the larger size is uncomfortable. All that said, I liked your reasons for going with the ultra, thanks for making this video as it really helped me understand the Ultra a lot better.
right in the same boat. Also went for the fenix 6 pro instead of the 7.
@@matriskie Me too and I'm new to garmin ecosystem
🤣🤣. Very entertaining. Love Jen’s encouragement! Lol. Thanks to the “work out doors “ app , I now love my iwatch too.
Thanks for making great vlog content. Keeps me moving anyway.
Hi, i really enjoyed the video. Loved your honest review and i can totally understand why you're leaning towards the apple and why i'm happy with my 7X. We're in different stages of our journey and we expect different things from our watches.
Note: regarding WorkOutDoors, you can also pause using the 2 side buttons (the main button + crown), which is configured as the default shortcut inside the Commands menu. It would be better if you can use the main + action button, as it does work with Apple's native workout app, and perhaps future releases of the app will also support the action button for shortcuts, but still better and faster than pressing and holding the screen to launch the menu.
I use to have 2 Garmin forerunner in the last 7 years. Had the same sports man feeling as described. And obviously don’t have to worry about battery.
Early This year I switched to Apple Watch and never regret letting go of the Garmin, as my exercise routine are no longer the same and just do running, cycling and swimming randomly as when desired, just to keep fit nothing else. The best thing I like of AW is the cellular option, I never take my phone along when doing outdoor activities (my activity never last more than an hour on average).
About the battery I have a habit of putting it in the charger as soon as I wake up and doing my morning business and that works well for me.
Great video! Some people just don’t quite appreciate how good Apple products work together!
nailed it. I'm using a Garmin forerunner 255 with the new HRV feature. Always felt nervous switching to apple watch because of those little things you mentioned in the video about activities functionality. I'm a swimmer and it took me a lot of reading fine prints to find out that not all watches have auto-rest and auto-lap functions not even garmin watches themselves.
To summarise. You want a phone on your wrist and you are giving up on exercise! 😀 Good video, kinda made sense, sort of. But well put together and entertaining as ever. Thanks
Great review: I just discovered your channel. 👠I totally understand and respect your choice. In my case, I own an original Garmin Instinct Solar (I bought it a couple of weeks before the Instinct 2 came out ðŸ˜). It works great for my needs. My holy grail is the Fenix 7, but the Instinct Crossover solar intrigues me. Just my two cents.
A refreshingly honest review that brings into play ego and humanistic factors when choosing any product.
The part about leaving your phone at home when you go outdoors really resonates with me. That's also the number one reason why I want to get the Apple Watch Ultra over a sports watch like the Garmin.
I appreciate your review and side by side comparison, but I’ll always use Garmin. They simply are the best at what they do. I am an Apple iPhone user but that’s where my loyalty to apple stops. Have a great day!! Go Jenna!!!! #GarminFans
I love my garmin and its battery life. That was my #1 reason for picking it up. 21 days of battery life is unheard of in other brands. If apple could get to even 3 to 4 days of battery life, Id try one too.
Absolutely spot on. That's my biggest pet peeve - battery life. Charging another device (along with your Phone, laptops etc) every single day is painful. Especially for me who travels a lot. Its blows my mind that the battery in Apple Watch is so poor.
And now they have the enduro 2 can last 34 days and 100+ on battery saving
Such a thoughtful review... thank you for sharing your journey...
I got a Garmin 7X Sapphire Solar Fénix. Charged it. Left for a whole week without my charger. Tracked 5 hours of walks, 13 hours of rafting. Came home and had 65 percent left. (Honestly probably 30, but the thing is wild.) I had all of my sensors actively on during the trip too. Also, I can’t text with it and ended up being in the moment and not needing to open it to reply to anything. Thank you for your perspective and good video!
Great video. Completely see your justification for the Apple Watch. Amusingly told and razor sharp. I’m sticking with my Garmin though ðŸ˜
You had me a razor sharp ðŸ˜
@@MarkLewisfitness yeah, defo well argued and razor sharp. Perfectly logical. Completely potty to me and my circumstances, but I defo understand your reasons!
My Fenix 7x never leaves my wrist. I'd rather stab myself in the eye than wear an Apple watch for even an hour. Don't worry Mark, you can't be right all the time ;)
Not everyone likes a great screen, lots of apps or mobile 😅
Sounds like someone didn't watch the vid lol
Kinda harsh for the eyes…
Pete WillCockHimself is a drama queen. The Garmin is a fine watch and so is the iWatch.
Pete WillCockHimself if he could and of course donate an eye for science. Dumass.
I’ve had both and am sticking to my Garmin. Hands down the best for anyone who is active.
I got my Garmin Fenix 7 (I don't have an iphone) and it is by far the best watch i have ever used!! Love it...and love your videos!
This is a tough one. Excellent points. I ended up returning AWU and stuck w Fenix 7. Like you said for some reason I am more motivated with Garmin. I also disliked having to use multiple third party apps that still fell short of a well rounded info connect offers when it comes to training readiness/load. Another big one is maps. I don't believe AW can load a map once cell reception drops, those breadcrumbs can only do so much.
Amen brother! Love my garmin too! Total beast and fitness metrics are way better:)
Apple will eventually milk you w/3rd party apps and subscriptions because they get 30% cut. 😅
I love the Garmin Ecosystem, it does everything I want right out of the box. I also like Garmin Connect the way it pairs Training Effect, Training Readiness, Vo2 Max, Sleep, HRV across all my Garmin devices. I actually find it odd that Apple who normally do great things out of the box are more like Windows/Android as in... There's an App for that...
Exception for walk with Frodo!
Apple invented the saying "there's an app for that"....
Apple literally invented Apps
What a weird way to look at things. So having the option for 3rd party apps. Is a negative. Lmao. Cheers brother. What a crazy analogy. 3rd party apps are giving u more options. Apple has their sports software. But if you want to try other things. U can. I’m guessing u can’t do that with garmin. Lol
@@user-uw2nc7fq1q I think you're misinterpreting what I mean. Both Garmin and Apple have the ability to use 3rd party apps. You're correct that is a good thing. Would even say a great thing. I'm pretty confident that the Apple Watch ecosystem is significantly better than Garmins.
Look at any review and they say, to get feature x and have to download app y. My point is it would be good to get these additional features built in. Not only that but given Apple watch's main short coming is battery life. If the additional metrics like what Workout doors offer were built in. Apple would spend more time optimising the battery.
I could not adjust myself to this charging routine. I enjoy my Garmin very much, it is very reliable and always spot on with the statistics.
Very funny video... really enjoyed it. Love your snappy dry humour - gives me energy. Cheers!
Your recent videos on all of those devices made me get a used Fenix 6 Sapphire. So far very satisfied, even if this video shortly made me rethink my decision - only to realize I specifically do _not_ want my watch to be a phone. :)
Plus you need an iPhone to install the apple watch, locks people into their ecosystem
Kinda shocked you are going with this because of your ultras; however, you explained that away. I have both, and I have not worn the Fenix 7 since getting the AW Ultra. I could sell it because I am never going to do anything that will drain the battery on the AW enough.
great take! Im a machine learning engineer who works remote from coffee shops every day doing, you guessed it, CODING! haha so your comments rang true! although, I also compete professionally as a track and field decathlete and pole vaulter…. the apple watch ultra seems to work perfectly for everything I need it to do. Anything from long runs, weight training, or sprint/jump/throwing training. I think the apple watch does a great job of giving enough information about fitness while providing all the phone and connectivity functions you mentioned. For me, the functionality that apple provides is simple, straight forward, and easy! It feels like a tool I use when I workout. In contrast, other watches made me feel like I was working out so I could use the watch (which like you mentioned, can be helpful sometimes also), rather than working out and using the watch to aid my training. I found the additional features that watches like Garmin or Suunto provide were cool at first, but were ultimately things i didn’t really need and lost interest in.
I don't watch your channel very often... but that video is a joy to watch. I am a Garmin user now (with all my other devices being Apple) and found your remarks realy useful. Thanks :)
Love the video as always. It's funny, one of the main reasons I ditched my Garmin was because I hated how sporty it looked. I run about 60 miles a week and hated how "runner" i looked with the Garmin. Now with my ultra I look like any ol' person and I like it better. Thanks for the videos Mark!
Thanks, very helpful just doing the swap 6x to Ultra and will let you know how it goes
I love the fact the Epix can connect my heart to my garmin cycle edge and indoor bike. Thats huge for me. If Apple did that, maybe another story. I also love all the data one one screen
What about the fenix torch Mark how do you find your light switches now, or whats at the bottom of your Gym bag ? 🤔
Have you looked at the Garmin Epix? I just replaced my Fenix for one and find it a good mix of Garmin sport watch and a smart watch, plus the battery lasts weeks still 😉
I traded up from my Apple Watch to a Garmin Tactix Delta solar, I only need to charge my Garmin once every 2-3 weeks
my Apple battery would die every day. I also like using the Garmin buttons vs using the Apple touch screen. Garmin all the way for me
100% agree , exact reason I swap my F7 to Ultra, especially for my sport CrossFit W-Lifting recovery and training load was way off , Athlytic does much better job with some things to improve in near feature
I’d have to say the Apple seems more of a lifestyle watch that can give an entry into the Sports watch market and I can see the appeal of the functionality outside of pure sport but for me it’s quite a personal decision on what you individually use your watch for. For me you’ll have to prise my Garmin Forerunner from my cold dead hand.
Interesting because I know more people that have a Garman and don’t even use it to 25% of its capability and got it because they think it’s the best
As I said it’s an entirely personal decision, my Forerunner works for me as I like the data it tracks and the post session feedback I get allied to it seemelessly working with Training Peaks platform. That may not be to everyone’s taste but it works for me. If other people only use 25% of its capabilities that’s up to them.
Nice review with good points well made. It also made me very confident in my choice of the Fenix. I absolutely loathe Apple's idiotic policies on third party apps, and add on the frequent charging and that's just to much inconvenience for me to handle on a daily basis. And I'll be honest the difference in looks is also a big deal!
What policies do you mean?
Thx for the video. Think one of the main reasons someone would buy the ultra vs Garmin is whether they already have apple products or not. Hope Garmin will release an version with LTE soon, so we can take phone calls on the Garmins as well.
This video is helping me cope with the new Apple Watch Ultra. Today was the first full day I had it and I was very disappointed that it didn’t have an integrated way to track my food intake… I’m so used to my Fitbit… which is in my opinion the best “all around†sports watch because it tracks what I want and entering my food intake and weight is absolutely seamless and pain free.
I cannot do this with the Apple Watch ultra. But like you mentioned.. it has so many great features and it actually keeps you from being on the phone so much.
I’m torn lol. I really resonated with what you said about not being in the same place as you were years ago. I’m there as well, but I love my Fitbit because it makes weight cutting a breeze for Muay Thai and jiu jitsu matches.
I'm not an apple user so the apple watch is out of the question, but battery life is a huge deal breaker for me. I've had smarter smart watches in the past but having to charge them daily I found to be really frustrating. After switching to the garmin vivo a couple of years ago for the battery life alone and giving up a lot of smartwatch features I'll probably be sticking with garmin indefinitely. Currently using the garmin instinct solar which has even less smartwatch capabilities but i get weeks of battery life off a single charge even while tracking hour+ activities several times a week.
I'll stick with my Epix and all the recovery data along with 8-12 days of battery working out with music 5 -7 days a week.
Great honest review Mark - I am in the same life situation as you and found your reason the same as mine
Brilliantly explained, fully agree and understood! Thank You for sharing