My First 60 Days With The Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
- A major watch upgrade. I've purchased the Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire after using the Garmin 235 for 5 years. The mapping, mega battery and waterproofing means in theory this watch covers any need I might have for Ultramarathons and potentially Ironman events. In this video, I document my first 60 days with the watch. This is more of my personal experience, things I like and things I don't, rather than a watch review.
This was a brilliant review of the 7x which has me interested in buying the watch!
Some of the scenery where you was running is beautiful, great post!
Thanks Barty. Glad you found it useful!
Great video James. I was thinking of upgrading from my Instinct Solar to a watch with good navigation (and long battery life), as I’ve wasted a lot of time on new trail routes stopping to check my phone for directions. Sounds like this is the watch to go for!
Thanks Paul. The navigation takes a bit to get used to but it is great. The big screen definitely helps when looking at the map!
Dude one of the better videos I’ve seen on the watch. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Austin. Really appreciate that!
Very interesting. I'll write something and post in a day or two. A nice review 👍
Thanks Stewart. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hey buddy, big fan of the content. I know it's not what your channel is about but I love your jacket and wonder what it is and where you got it? Loving your style, content and outlook on life :) Much Love
Thanks Michael! Yeah, I love a good bomber jacket. I got this one from Marks & Spencers after work gave me a voucher but if you search black bomber jacket, you'll find loads of similar jackets.
This was an interesting watch, James! The limitation of your 235 seems to have been in place for a good reason, as the perspective of doing longer runs fills you with- respect - at least. I have contemplated exactly the point you are raising in the latter part from a slightly different angle: If this multisensor thing on my wrist is now able to tell me how I am doing, how am I going to deal with moments where how I feel and what the measurement says are in disagreement? I think that it bears a certain danger to delegate run readiness or the likes to technology - the measurements will not reflect the entirety of variables influencing that.
Thanks Mat. I totally agree. The training status is one I definitely take with a pinch of salt. Recently it has been telling me I’m unproductive one day and productive the next. I try and use them more of a guide than as something to base my whole training around.
Why the hesitation about how to finish the video? It’s a great review of a great product. Is there something you are not telling us? Thanks for any reply. Is it the cost of the watch or the other Garmin Epix that is troubling you? But that has insufficient battery life I think.
Thanks for the feedback. The hesitation was more around the direction of the video. The watch is perfect and I'd saved the money so the cost wasn't an issue. I think it was just the post-purchase excitement wearing off. But then I started getting excited about what I could do with the watch and that's when I finally finished the video 🙂 4 months later and I'm still very happy with it!
I'm not a big individual and I feel like I've got pretty average sized wrist (not sure of the measurement lol). I bought the fenix 7 pro 47mm and It looks natural on my wrist in all honesty, but I think that I've gotten used to the bulkiness from an apple watch ultra with my spigen case on it and this version seems so small. I'm also in the same boat where I want to possibly do some ultra marathons, etc. in the future and I'm wondering if I should return this 47mm one and get the 51mm 7X, but also nervous that it's going to be huge on my wrist to be honest. What do you guys think? Keep the 47mm fenix 7 pro or return it and get the 7X?
I personally have quite small wrists and found the watch big when I first bought it but I've got used to it very quickly!
It doesn’t track your sleep correctly, it’s says I’m have 6hrs when I know I’ve done over 8 that then effect your body battery status. It’s my second watch as the last one started to clich after 2 weeks , I may be sending it back
Fair enough. I think it's different for everyone. I've found it tracks my sleep pretty well over the past couple of years but then I don't really need the sleep tracking to be perfect.
Hi James, I've just come across your channel and really enjoy your videos - thanks!
What made you decide on the Fenix 7 over the Enduro 2?
Thanks! I'm pretty sure when I got the Fenix 7, the Enduro 2 hadn't come out yet so I don't have a good view on the difference between the two.
Curious: what’s the song there?
Useful. Thank you 👍
You're welcome. Glad it was helpful!
Really solid video thanks. Have subbed 👍
Thanks Seb. Glad you enjoyed it!
Hey! Thinking I might upgrade from my garmin 245 at some point if I stay with this ultra running hobby, I'm torn between the Fenix 7 and the new forerunner 955. The 7X seems like the all around better watch, but I'm wondering how you're finding it in terms of comfort and weight for everyday use now a couple of months into using it? Do you wear it 24/7 and if so, are you ever bothered by the weight and bulkiness of it, either in running or in daily life, like sleeping with it? Thanks!
Hey Kristoffer. I've worn it 24/7 since I bought it. I don't notice it 95% of the time but occassionally I find is a bit uncomfortable. This happens when it gets wet from swimming or from sweat and it starts sticking to my skin or sometimes I roll onto it when I'm sleeping and the pressure leaves a mark. Generally I find it super comfortable and I don't notice it when running, but as with all large watches, occasionally it is uncomfortable. Probably wouldn't be an issue if I didn't wear it at night but I like getting the body battery stats so I can ensure I'm recovering from training. Hopefully that helps!
@@jamesday1 Thanks for getting back to me and sharing your experience! Unfortunately I didn't have the patience to wait - after the battery on my 245 almost drained during the 50k, so I ended up getting the standard fenix 7 a few days ago, after trying out the standard and the x in the store. The x would've been nice from a screen and battery perspective, but my wrists are on the thin side and I felt a bit self conscious wearing the x, lol.
Totally get that! The Fenix 7 is a seriously good watch though and probably a bit more comfortable for everyday use than the 7X.
@@jamesday1 super happy with it so far! having real maps and touch screen is really useful!
Looks like quite the beastie indeed, but I would imagine invaluable for ultras where you are required to self-navigate more or less. You mentioned IM triathlons; apart from a few Xterra-type off-road adventures, just a basic watch will suffice. I've only used an old 910xt to date which has served me well for all my triathlon training/racing. The casing is finally dying, so will seek out something like a 235 (as an 'upgrade', lol) from eBay (nothing in-county here really). Any negatives on the 235 for marathons or basic ultras (apart from mapping)?
Definitely! The 235 was great for me when I was running marathons. I really only upgraded for the ultras; mapping and battery.
Hi James, I had bought a very cheap Samsung used fitness watch and unfortunately was lucky to get my refund. I will buy a new watch and want a Garmin. Do I have to keep a fannypack to keep my phone on myself if I need to utilize the GPS in watch. Your videos are so educational and thanks sharing your experiences, just subscribed to your channel.
Thanks! For Garmin watches you don't need a phone for GPS. And those watches with mapping have the maps stored offline so you get the equivalent of google maps without connecting to a phone or the internet. I do all my runs with just my watch and if I get lost, I can use the maps to find my way back. It's very handy!
James! Or anyone. Is this a good watch for trekking the mountains? I will not be doing that much running, mostly weight lifting and some jogging. But, is this a good watch for the outdoors?
I think it's great for jogging and walking but this specific model is quite expensive because it's got features for long distance events. The size of the battery and solar means the battery lasts for days in GPS mode and 2-3 weeks if just used as a watch. Might be overkill unless you need those specific features. Garmin does have multiple models so you can decide what is right for your needs.
@jamesday1 thanks for the reply 🙏
Why does the stride sound painful? Or is it my brain not wanting to run?
Thanks for the video it was very helpful!
Haha possibly! It sounds relaxing to me! Glad it was useful!
Is it worth me upgrading from my Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar to the 7X and what are the benefits ?
I think it would hard to justify the upgrade unless you had a specific reason. You've already got maps which was the reason I upgrade from a 235. The battery life would be better but the 6X is already pretty great. Touch screen, heart rate variability and a few other training tools are on the 7X, but I'd only upgrade if you have a specific reason for needing the new version.
How is the watch so far? I just bought one for hiking running and lifting.
I still love it. Been wearing it every day for nearly 2 years now. Still can't see any reason to move to a different watch.
@@jamesday1 nice. Thanks for the feedback. I will definitely be enjoying this watch cheers 🍻
Good videos. Does fenix 7 have TracBack function?
Thanks Marcelo. Yeah it does have a specific function for TracBack, but I find the best way is just to use the map. On any run, you can move down to the map screen and it shows a red line where you came from. Essentially it's like breadcrumbs, and you can always use it to find your way back.
😂 quote of the day „how do you get into it..“
😂
Background music is annoying
Thanks for the feedback 🙂
Will it solar charge while off?
Interesting question. Apparently it does but I’ve not yet actually powered off my watch as the battery lasts so long.
Do I upgrade from my fenix 3 HR?
Hard question Jorge. Depends if you need the new features such an incredible battery for longer races, music or improved maps.
Most definitely
Is it worth buying now or should I wait for the fenix 8? Nice video
Thanks. Depends on what you're training for. Nobody knows when the Fenix 8 will come out but I can't see a reason why I would upgrade from the 7 to be honest. Does everything I need it to.
@@jamesday1 I already bought it. It's one of the best purchases I've made. Battery doesn't drain with ANYTHING very very important for daily workouts and a very reliable tool. I'm lucky I got this particular model because I hear complaints from my fellow athletes about the epix gen series because the battery drains VERY VERY fast...cheers ✌️😁
When i go to ROUTE choose automobile to use navigation to drive, it shows a straight line to the point… only the Run And Walk mode has turn by turn…. Lame
Interesting. I've never thought to use it when driving. I suspect directions on google maps from a mobile would be better for driving.
@@jamesday1 i tried that to test the functions and features to see if it lives up to its claims.
What size wrist do you have?
My wrists are roughly 15cm / 6inches so it is a big watch for me. The watch case is 55mm and my wrists have a 55m diameter across so the case is as wide as my wrist. I do find it comfortable and don’t notice the weight. The larger battery makes the size worth while for me. Hope that helps!
Thanks! I have a 17.5cm wrist so should be good! Is it heavy? I’m thinking of going with a nylon strap from Garmin to reduce the weight
I went for the Sapphire because it is slightly lighter but to be honest, I don't find the weight bothers me.
You're a really beautiful man
😅 thanks!