Garmin Edge Explore 2 Review // TONS of features for the money
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- čas přidán 14. 07. 2022
- The new Garmin Edge Explore 2 offers tons of features for a surprisingly price point. You can get the Edge Explore 2 here: geni.us/EdgeExplore2 (Amazon affiliate link that helps support the channel - thanks!)
Thanks for watching!
/// Gear I Use (Amazon links) ///
Wearable: geni.us/Q6LJv2y
Bike GPS: geni.us/4cKAVA
Chest Heart Rate Strap: geni.us/hrm-pro
Arm Heart Rate Strap: geni.us/ESAv
Headphones: geni.us/tarahpro
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#GarminEdgeExplore2 #EdgeExplore2 #Garmin - Sport
Thanks for this. My old Garmin Edge Explore 1000 has just died, and I was looking at the 1040 solar. This looks like a much better option. Not training for the Olympics, so the Edge Explore 2 looks like a winner for my needs!
I have been looking for something like this. I’m in my late 60s….retired from both the military and federal law enforcement. While I always bicycled, I’ve gotten to the point where I hate bicycling on regular roads shared with vehicular traffic. I spent almost 50 combined years in two careers potentially fraught with risk and danger….I no longer want to entertain dangerous situations in my recreation…and these days, with so many drivers concentrating on “screens” versus the road, I’ve had more than my share of close calls. So much so, I’m in the process of selling my road bike. But, I’ve really come to appreciate long distance, gravel-oriented bikepacking / touring. I want a device that I can set parameters like least travelled roads, rail trails, farm country backroads, trails, paths, whatever…and show campgrounds, water sources….and then, just get on my bike and go. Your introduction of this device, almost convinces me that this is the device I’m looking for!! (I can hear the angels singing hallelujah on high!!!). You did a great job introducing it…and I appreciate that you got right to the “point”, with details explained extremely well! Bravo-Zulu, sir…well done! And thank you for the help!
Thanks for this descriptive and highly tuitional vid. I’ve been looking at all things Edge Explore 2 and this was by far the clearest, concise run through of functions and abilities of the unit. It is just what I want for upcoming bike packing trips, chiefly thanks to your input. 👍🏻
I found this video to be excellent in showing the navigation features. Outstanding, and the best one I've watched on CZcams. Thank you very much 👍
You're welcome! Glad it helped 👍
Excellent review and fantastic helmet lamp! Thanks for the info and the new project idea.
Thanks and enjoy!
Just ordered this, thanks for the informative review. I had an Edge 520 plus for a few years and was sick of the 'make a u turn' loops and slow calculation time. Got a Fenix 7X which I tried to navigate with but found the screen just a bit small when cycling, and don't need extra stats the edge offers as I track activity from my watch. I just needed a device for navigation with a bigger screen that works with the Varia radar light and this fits the bill nicely!
Awesome. Best video about the edge explore 2 I've seen! :)
Thanks!
Thank u
Bought it on ur recommendation and love the device
I’m probably using it for 20% of its functionality and keep on returning to ur upload for missed information
🙏🏽
Thank you! Super valuable review! Good Luck!
Nice review. Is it a worthy upgrade from the Edge Explore V1?
I have a 530 and the two things I really really hate is lack of Reverse Route and its disastrous operation when you miss a turn; terrible re-routes, takes forever to notice you are back on route, etc. I did notice the return to home along same route in the review, which I'm hoping is basically reverse route :). I have a fenix 7 for everything else. Do you think this would be a good replacement for the 530, since I already have advanced training functions on the Fenix? I use the 530 pretty much exclusively for data collection and navigation. Is visibility of the map in full sunlight is the same as the 530 (which isn't too bad)? I've considered a 1040 plus, but its so hard to tell what is improved for my 2 big issues :) Great review, btw, very useful
I just bought one of these. Thanks for the vid.
Looking at this or the 530! Very unsure which, even the Bryton750 is in the mix! Which would you choose? Great video as always btw! 😁
Great review! Does it have Trailforks maps as well?
Nice review, Does it have maps for all around the world
Nice review. One question, does it have a real compass?
I love the ‘busy roads’ feature. Wish that was on my Edge 1040… Guessing it must be generated from the map that’s loaded so maybe will come when Garmin map updates filter through? My 1040 still has the Europe 2021.20 maps.
Also bizarre that Garmin have included connection to the Tempe sensor (not on the 1040 though or any other Edge unit I’ve ever owned yet the Tempe has been around since the 1950s ;-)) and a music widget (not on the 1040) which would be great for using when in smart trainer mode (which is on the 1040). And the fitness age and intensity minutes glances.
I would have thought the 1040 and Explore 2 must be on a common development cycle from their close release dates so why the scattergun approach to features for the higher end unit?
I need this now
What about Strava Live Segments? BTW great review.
Great video, and love your shirt!
Thanks! Great bike shop with some great people!
Great review!
Unrelated question though, in the gear you use it's a link to a Fenix 6, I'm guessing that's just copy and pasted from an older post?
Oops! Updated! Thanks for the heads up 👍
hi, thank you for the review
is the explore 2 have temperature display?
Thank you
Hello! Great video! Can you use the gps with komoot? Thank you!
great video as always!
if I have a explore 2 and garmin watch, eg epix 2. when I record a ride in explore 2, do I see my training load, focus etc in my garmin connect app? would my watch pickup the activity that is recorded with the bike computer?
Thanks for the video, super informative. I have only one question: what are the available power meter data fields I can choose to display? I own the 4iiii and I heavily rely on most data fields related to power. Thank you
it is limited to basic power fields such as 3s average power, lap power, activity power. But if you want more advanced power fields such as normalized power and intesity factor these can be obtained by adding apps from the Garmin IQ store. I have e.g. used appbuilder datafield where you can add any power datafield you like.
Sorry for the unrelated question.
There's been a big price drop with the garmin enduro. Would you have a recommendation between that and the instinct 2? Thanks for any help my dude
COOL! Does it have a thermometer? As it have a barometer it have to have a thermometer in order to get the elevation ...
Nice review could I ask if any of them stand out in screen resolution❓Visibility really helps ✨😎
Not really in regards to resolution, I find it more screen size that helps with visibility.
Thinking about these devices from a smartphone perspective and seeking constantly higher resolutions is a mistake. Once you get to a certain point higher resolutions on these devices are simply not needed for the purposes they are used and would just drain the battery. As the guy says, it’s screen size which increases and helps visibility on these devices far more than resolution.
Fenix7 user, all I need from bike computer is just to be able to show bigger map then my watch. I use HRM pro and mount my F7 on the bars, but sometimes I want a bigger screen. Can I project my F7 data to any garmin edge device? Can you recomend one just for that particular reason? Will I be able to scroll the map? Thanks.
Thanks .....this is what i'm looking for not a lot of training progs ....a good screen not to little and not to big ....just for me
I was told by Garmin CS that the Power bundle ($100 more) was only for Ebikes: Bosch, Shimano etc...
Great review thanks. The best headunit should have 1040 dimensions, solar charging option, mip display and lifetime firmware upgrade support :)
Hi, in the description of the Edge 530 I find the words "Pre-loaded Garmin Cycle Maps with Integrated TrailForks content", which is not present in the description of the Edge Explore 2. Can you tell me what this means when using Trailforks with these two Garmin devices? What are the differences in using the two gps with Trailforks?
Thanks Marco.
Thanks. Is the navigation on this (ignoring lack of dual band GPS) literally just as good as a Garmin 540/530/840?
Thanks for the really informative video. I have the Explore Gen1, and my biggest gripe is the battery life. Even with almost all features switched off and screen in auto off mode, I rarely get more than about 6-7 hours battery life from it.
I was really hoping that Garmin would have come up with a far better battery life in the Gen 2, but it is still pretty much as billed for the Gen 1, which I've never got close to.
Therefore to prolong use time it has to be charged on the go, which means either a power bank and cable to USB port, or buying super-expensive power mount, which still then needs a power bank or other external power source. Or presumably the Garmin battery pack could be used with a USB cable into the head unit, keeping everything tidy and directly on the out front mount I already have?
Granted this is at the budget end, but as it is for EXPLORING, it really should have focused on navigation and battery life without all the other gimmicks to make it sell.
Pretty poor show from Garmin I'd say and pretty disappointing, still at least they've managed to get a USB-C port on it now!
To be fair also, I do think the Garmin units are better in terms of usability than Wahoo and still my preferred option, just wish the batteries were better!
Thanks again
looks like the battery outperforms what is on paper, according to other reviews
Hello, can you tell me if it can be used with topo maps for mountain biking? Would it work for hiking? Cordially
Super bummed that 540/840 has not been released. Was thinking that it would be released at Eurobike. I guess we won't see it this summer.
Edge's life cycle is longer than Garmin watches', so the next Edge generation 500/800 is expected not earlier than 23/24 yy. imo.
I’ve read they might come in may 2023
Does it display the contour lines? I want to use it for MTB. Thanks for the review.
i hated my 530 and sold it for a fenix 6 but this looks good enough for me to consider getting a head unit again. besides the battery
That's a point that I forgot to mention is that if you already have a watch that has all the more advanced training and performance features, then this is a compelling option since you already have them on your wearable. Thanks for mentioning it!
@@DesFit that is exactly how I see it. I still don't trust Garmin's true sync enough so prefer recording/saving all activities on my watch only. This will be great for seeing maps etc on a bigger screen.
@@DesFit I'm planning to purchase a watch that will track my stats & have more features. I want the computer on the bike for cadence, distance, rpm and map. However, I hike too and am wondering if I should go Edge or go with one of the hiking units.
If it could connect to di2 and etap it would be perfect computer..
Hi, i use a Garmin Epix pro. I assume that all the advanced training features are available on my watch when i use the Edge explore 2. Thx.
Great content! Liked + sub
Thanks!
I was thinking about 540 Solar and now Explore 2. I will use my gravl for sports (3 times per week), commuting and sometimes travelling with my friends. What do you think? Is battery good enough on Explore 2 and will this devices show speed without training and so on?
Hi. I’m wondering can you enter your previous miles on the odometer and does it connect to shimano DI2 thanks
Mr.Des, is there a way to bring meaningful data from Apple watch into Garmin connect?
I have the Explore 1, looks like they fixed my biggest complaints... other than battery life. Battery is better, but still not great.
👍
Hi Des! I have a 530 currently and one thing I am looking for in an upgraded computer is a louder notification beep during navigation. I am a senior and my hearing is not what it used to be. Any recommendations? An option to have the prompt also triggered on my iPhone (via Garmin Connect) where I could increase the volume? TIA!
Is the navigation much better or no different with the 1030 or 1030 plus. The 1030 is more than double here
Two questions comes to mind:
- what is the battery save mode?
- can we charge the device during the ride from a powerbank via usbc?
To my knowledge the "battery save mode" just updates the screen and gps position less often.
@@ickebins6948 You can also specify if you want to use only the GPS satellites, not Glonass, Beidou, etc, in order to save power. And you can do that diferently for each profile.
Hello, which gps would you choose for mtb, garmin edge explore 2, wahoo elemnt roam v1 or bryton rider 750? I want for following tracks. Thank you very much
Orange Peel is one of the coolest shops ever!
🍊 🙌
perfect for an ebike
I would like to know if the product can be connected via bluetooth to shimano's Di2
Hello.. question? i have a USB power port on my bafang display... if i just get the Explore 2 GPS, does it come with the short USB cable to plug in for power..? or do i have to spend another $150 to get the power mount and additional adapter to plug in the GPS to the display for power..??
Does the reroute wanna make u do a U turn? Or reroutes till u hit the course first chosen? Hear this was the big bug bear. Batt life isn’t an issue for me, 5-6 hours is more than enough me. Lazy old man that I am. Need something that when I’m somewhere I can just use the head unit itself to take me places and back to my starting point
Was using 1030P and 530, found 530 too small but 1030P too large. Seems this one just fine. Currently still have a F7X for everything but sick to see training advice pop up while wake up and rush to work. And seems F7x already have all advanced data so I can just use F7x for data recording and just need explore 2 act as a dashboard of my bike and telling me speed, time maps etc all these basics. So the explore even not necessary to sync.
Nice, but for using navigation features you need the biggest screen possible.
does this unit have trail fork app? like the 830
Does it have the option to create a Round Trip Course inside navigation?
Does anyone know how tinder the map orientation on this model to the view that he has it in @2:20 In this video.. (turn by turn guidance like a sat nav)
I got mine delivered yesterday, took I out for a test today and it’s set like it is @1:45 in this video.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
On the garmin page online it says select menu, ride settings, map orientation and there you have three options.. but there is no such “ride settings” when I press menu.
Does someone know how to disable: activity timer, the crazy a flashing blue triangle is super annoying
Hi! is there a multi-touch screen?
is there an advantage on me having this and the fr255 metric wise?
I have the 530, but regret not getting touch screen. What would I lose if buying the Explore 2? Also, I use Strava Segments....would this still work?
The Edge Explore 2 doesn't have Strava segments...
@@DesFit And Di2/ANT+ gear shifting (SRAM) intergration and no WiFi (not a big issue)
Hi. I’m thinking about switching wahoo roam to this new explore, mostly because of lack of touch screen and few data fields like ETA, or even current pace. Do you think this is good idea?
I think you can help me here, I am in the process of getting bolt v2. But I came across Explore 2. Which one you suggest.?
I read like in explore 2 we cannot do strava live segments. Do you know Is there any other things that we cannot do on explore 2?
@DesFit any suggestions from you?
How does explore 2 mates with Venu plus?
sir, do all edge devices give FTP info by themselves, without any apparatus?
Could the Edge Explorer 2 use the Trailforks app and be used in mountain biking?
Yup, you can install the TrailForks Connect IQ app 👍
@@DesFit can the EE2 also import Strava routes like the 830?
Des how does this compare with the 830 for Mountain biking features due that i was looking at getting the 830 but if this can do just as good job and save some money when it arrives in South-Africa
Go for 830 or 1040...
The Edge 830 has out-of-the-box TrailForks map integration but with the Edge Explore 2 you can download the TrailForks app from the Connect IQ store. For mountain biking, I tend to like smaller computers like the Edge 830 and the Explore 2 as they are less prone to damage in case of a crash. The 1040 is great for more "adventure-style" mountain biking but for more aggressive riding I find it to be too large.
Agree with Des here, that 1000 models are big for mtb, even for road bike, if you struggle with the weight of your bolidé. I think (imo) Explore series mostly for commuting, and city rides...
Does it have mountainbike routes in it?
I'm trying to decide between this and the Wahoo Roam. I need battery life and navigation, training functions are not important to me.
The Roam is a good device but for navigation the touchscreen is easier to use than buttons.
@@DesFit no Wi-Fi? That’s a bummer.
Does explore 2 have music control and gear sensor for wireless drive train bikes?
Music control: Yes // Wireless shifting: No
How that touch screen works in the rain? an if not work, is all Garmin like that, not working in the rain?
Have the explore 1. My question is this explore 2 or the eemnt roam?
This. The element roam is quite a few years old now and lacks a touchscreen (amongst other features).
With the lack of WiFi to upload rides would a USB C to USB C cable work to connect the Explore 2 to an android phone to Garmin connect and Strava rather than having to boot up a laptop to do so?
It has Bluetooth that will work with any phone for ride syncs with Garmin Connect > Strava. 👍
Will it run Trailforks?
why this thing doesnt release in my country?
Is the Edge Explorer 2 compatible with the garmin "power bank"?
If you buy the cheaper Explore 2 then NO, if you buy the Explore 2 power bundle then yes.
Do the displays have a dark mode option? Those bright white screens increase the battery drain and are uncomfortable to view for any more than a few seconds.
They do but it’s automatic based on an ambient light sensor
Just a heads up, dark mode only saves battery for OLED and old school CRT displays. It actually uses slightly more battery on LCD displays. I don't know offhand what type of screen this device uses, but guessing LCD.
can you charge it while riding with the usb-c?
Besides the USB c port what more does this have then the first version???
Memory storage is bigger I believe > 16gb
Does it connect to a garmin watch and show the watch heart rate?
My Garmin Fenix 7 can broadcast heart rate as if it were a heart rate monitor. So if your watch supports that feature, I'm sure this will work on the Edge Explore 2.
Thanks! How long does it take to charge from a very low battery state (using 2.4A)?
To me, it seems the E2 is closer to the 530, price wize anyway, so a shame you didn't use the 530 as a comparison with the 1040
Oh sorry, it seems the 530 is very similar to the 830
I want a 1040 edge but have an Epix pro watch so maybe I don’t need the premium 1040. The explore 2 could save a fair bit of money.
How did you decided? I have Fenix7 watch and want to buy Bike computer like Edge 840 or Explore2.
@@NikMan987I was waiting weeks for the 840 to come back into stock so I paid an extra 20 bucks for the 1040 and it’s brilliant.
Hi,
I have a question: Can you have ClimbPro without planing a route on explorer 2, just like on 540/840? I am in between buying Explorer 2 and 840 and is a big price gap... thanks for help.
The free ride climb pro is only on the 1040, 840, and 540
@@DesFitdo you think this can be changed in favour of EE2 in future? (Firmware upgrade etc)
At the same ~$300 price, how would you decide between the Edge 530 and Edge Explore 2?
Pretty much on the training and performance features where the 530 has a few more. Other than that the Explore 2 offers more in terms of hardware with the touchscreen and similar navigation capabilities.
Bought the 530 on Prime Day for $200 and the main reason is...buttons.
@@DesFit if I've already got a FR955, are there any features I'd be missing between the explore 2 and the 955?
The 955 has basically everything and more than the 1040 other than the power guide feature but that should be coming via firmware update (at some point - I don’t have a date).
Can it "get you home" via the most level decline and elevation?
It’s distance based, not elevation based.
The question is if I will use Edge Explore 2 and an Epix 2 will those training detail can be calculated by EPIX based on what EDGE will gather.
I am using a Fenix 6. Using it with the ee2. Only vo2 ,intensity min is sync with watch and load is generated. But no training effects
@@mellts760 unfortunately now I know that EE2 is garbage… If you use your bike for training this is not for you…
@@potfor yah I bought for the larger screen. I have to use the fenix in conjunction
@@mellts760 I was thinking that ok, there won’t be advanced training plans and etc. But if it connects to power meter, cadence, speed and HRM - it would send the data to Connect in useful way…
@@potfor exactly! My thoughts were the same.
Very useful information, but do you ever stop for breath!
Sorry, I get super pumped up when filming 😂
couldnt you just use power bank into usb c on regular explore 2
Do I need to have my iPhone with me to get all the INFORMATION on the screen, GPS MAP INFO ? ect,,,, no one says that its all you need to carry it and only it....
Show us that bike !
It’s a commuter bike that I pieced together based off a Marin Pine Ridge MTB frame.
It doesn't make sense. £90 extra for the power connector bundle. It woud be better to buy the 530 and battery. Unless you have an e-bike to attach the Explore 2.
You always show us your VO2 Max figures, which feels a little bit like showing off
How else do I show it has that feature?
Use an alternative profile with a below avg. VO2 max so we feel better about ourselves, problem solved.
Hey there. Does this model have Trail Forks Fork Sight like the 530/830?
It doesn’t come with TrailForks but you can download it from the Connect IQ store
I primarily mountain bike. I almost never create or follow a route, unless if I am traveling to ride a new area a couple times a year (so bummer, no ClimbPro for me since a route is required). I am the type of rider that usually just hits record in Strava, and reviews stats and tracks after the ride. I had been debating getting a Garmin Watch like the Forerunner 955, or waiting for the Edge 840 to release. ....Then I came across this video, and am wondering if there is any reason NOT to buy the EE2? Is this low price too good to be true, is hardware processing power lacking? Besides less training features (which honestly I wouldn't use the majority of features), what are the cons to this device?
I'm wondering the same vs the 1030 plus which is about the same price pre owned. One thing I noticed is the EE2 doesn't have Trailforks integration which could be useful for MTB.
Hi , is there one menu where we can specify gravel profil ?
Thanks in advance
Best regards
I was disappointed with mine partly because I lost it after 2 days. I bought my Garmin Edge Explore to help me navigate an off-road route. The Garmin mount looked fairly solid so I made the mistake of not using the supplied tether After a long bumpy off-road ride, I noticed I had lost it, the attachment method is great for smooth roads but not bumpy rides. The Garmin was not that intuitive and the screen was too small for a pair of 55-year-old eyes. Also, I was hoping for voice prompts of when to turn left or right but it did not do this. for your review. If you buy one and are going off-road remember to use the tether, also there is a "find my Garmin" option which I should have used to find my Garmin. I prefer using Komoot on my phone, its much clearer and cheaper but you will need a battery power pack for longer rides
Sounds like your fault entirely.
The reason Garmin insists on touch controls for bike riding is beyond my understanding.
I completely prefer it 🤷♂️ Even with gloves. Good thing there’s the 530 option though!
Navigation is much easier with touchscreen