8,153
edits
Changes
From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
no edit summary
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Garmin Epix Review}}
[[File:GarminEpix.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The {{Garmin Epix}}, showing a topo map.]]
The Garmin Epix is the [[Best Running Watch| top of Garmin's GPS watch line]]. The Epix has nearly all of the functionality of the [[Garmin 920XT]], plus support for full color maps. Having a good map display is great for both urban and wilderness runners when they're in unfamiliar surroundings. The Epix includes [[Connect IQ]] that allows it run applications, much like a smartphone. The Epix has the best level of [[Stryd]] support, which is the only way of getting really accurate distance and pace information. Its clear display, real buttons, touchscreen, map display and rich functionality make it one of the best watches if you combine it with a [[Stryd]] footpod, and you can afford it and are okay with the poor GPS accuracy and its bulk. One caveat is that Garmin seems to be forgetting about the Epix, with few firmware updates. On the other hand, the price of the Epix has dropped dramatically, making it a rather more attractive option. For a simple evaluation of a GPS watch, I look at how well it can answer some basic questions:* '''How far did I run?''' This is the most basic question, and sadly, the Epix has rather poor [[GPS Accuracy]], and while firmware updates might improve this slightly, I doubt it will get close to the accuracy of the [[Polar V800]]. It looks like activating GLONAS and WAAS improves might improve accuracy, it's still not great. How big a problem this The good news is that the Epix had outstanding support for you will depend on the type of course [[Stryd]] footpod which allows you're running, but if this is important to you, look for a more get extremely accurate watchpace and distance while retaining all GPS navigation features. * '''How fast am I running?''' Knowing how fast you're running can be a nice to know, or it can be vital for your training or race performance. Because of the nature of GPS, watches that rely on GPS signal alone tend to have serious problems with current pace. Thankfully, the Epix is one of will support the few devices that will display current [[Pace From A FootpodStryd]] while getting all other data from GPSfootpod.
* '''Where am I? '''The Epix is as good as it gets for navigation. It includes:
** '''Color Maps'''. You'll see full color maps, rather like a smart phone, with roads and paths marked out.
=Garmin Epix Pros=
* The Epix will display full color maps, which can be freely and easily downloaded from the internet.
* The Epix has great support for the [[Stryd]] footpod. It will display pace and distance from the extremely accurate Stryd while retaining all GPS navigation features. For situations where pacing is critical, such as running a marathon, this is a must have feature.
* The Epix supports Garmin's [[Connect IQ]], which allows for the creation of apps in much the same way you can run apps on Android or iOS.
* The Epix is larger than devices like the [[Garmin 620]], and it doesn't look like a traditional watch in the way the [[Garmin Fenix 2]] does. However, I have tiny wrists (less than 6 inches) and I found Epix is quite comfortable, with a strap that works better than most I've tested. The Epix fits my wrist far better than the [[Polar V800]] which I have to wear over a sweatband.
* The color display on the Epix has much richer colors than some of Garmin's earlier watches. In other sports watches I don't think that color adds much functionality, but it's vital for the Epix to be able to display maps. The font sizes are mostly easy to read, though occasionally I've struggled. The Epix has exactly the same size and resolution display as the [[Garmin 920XT]].
* A minor win for the Epix is it's charging cable; it's the only device where I've found the cable clips into the watch easily and reliably.
=Garmin Epix Cons=
* The lack of firmware updates for the Epix is the biggest problem it faces. This lack of support is extremely disappointing.
* The Epix includes an internal accelerometer to give you an idea of pace and distance while running on a treadmill without a footpod, but I found the accuracy was rather poor. I have yet to come across a watch that can reasonably estimate your pace from the movement of your wrist, nor does it seem likely that this functionality is practical.
* You need to have the new HRM for the some of the features. The Epix will display Heart Rate and calculate [[Firstbeat| Training Effect]] with the older Garmin HRM, but not Ground Contact Time or Vertical Oscillation.
While I don't consider these missing features as 'cons', it's worth understanding the features that are missing compared with other watches. You'll notice that the Epix has a rather short list of missing features.
* '''Web Configuration'''. Some watches allow you to setup the configuration via a web site, and then download your changes. This is vastly easier than fiddling with the watch.
=Charge On The Run for Ultramarathons=
''Main article: [[Charge On The Run]]''
The Epix's standard battery life is not enough for longer ultramarathons; most runners in a 100-mile race will need a little longer at least. One option is to reduce the GPS polling interval, which bumps the battery life up to 50-hours, but you could also [[Charge On The Run| consider charging the Epix during your run]]. The Epix has about a 350 mAh (milliamp-hour) battery based on my measurements, so it doesn't take much to recharge it. In fact, the problem is generally finding a battery pack that's small enough, as batteries tend to be heavy. My two preferred options are below, the Anker and the PulsePak.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Charge On The Run - Batteries (1).jpg|none|thumb|200px|The Anker and the PulsePak.]]
|[[File:Charge On The Run - Batteries (2).jpg|none|thumb|200px|The inside of the PulsePak]]
|[[File:Charge On The Run - Batteries (3).jpg|none|thumb|200px|A close up of the PulsePak battery.]]
|}
The Anker is much bigger (3.75"/9.5cm) and heavier (2.9oz/82g), though it's shape makes it easy to carry in your hand and it will slip into the pockets of Race Ready shorts. It holds 3,350 mAh, which is way more than you need, recharging the Epix over ten times. It's reasonably priced at <jfs id="B005X1Y7I2" noreferb="true"/>. The PulsePak is far smaller (2"/5cm), lighter (0.5oz/15g), and cheaper at <jfs id="B00WBIK25C" noreferb="true"/>. It only holds 500 mAh, but that's enough for a full charge, and it's small enough to carry a couple. The obvious approach is to use the charging dock and cable that came with the Epix, holding a battery pack in your hand, which is shown below. I'm not a fan of this approach as the battery occupies your hand and the cable is rather long. You can tuck the battery in a pocket, but then the cable really annoys me. (Putting the watch and battery in a pack or pocket seems to defeat the object of having a watch if you can't see it.) The Garmin Epix has its charging port on the side, and the cable just clips in. You can see the standard cable below, along with an aftermarket adapter. (The yellow cable tie is just a marker so that I can find where the watch is plugged in when I've got lots of them on charge at the same time.)
[[File:Charge On The Run Epix (1).jpg|center|thumb|300px|The standard charging cable that comes with the Garmin Epix.]]
As with most other watches, you can wrap the long cable around your arm and hold the battery in your hand, though this is a little cumbersome.
[[File:Charge On The Run Epix (7).jpg|center|thumb|300px|The rather cumbersome option of using the standard cable.]]
Here is a side view showing how standard connector clips on.
[[File:Charge On The Run Epix (6).jpg|center|thumb|300px|]]
You can buy a cheap aftermarket charging adapter that has a micro-USB port <jfs id="B01H59ZZO4" noreferb="true"/>.
[[File:Charge On The Run Epix (2).jpg|center|thumb|300px|Aftermarket charging adapter.]]
Rather annoyingly, the micro-USB port is on the underside of the adapter; life would've been a lot easier had it been on the top.
[[File:Charge On The Run Epix (4).jpg|center|thumb|300px|]]
I found the best option was a short (1'/30cm) right angle micro-USB cable that allowed me to tuck the smaller battery pack into the wrist strap (<jfs id="B00W6URQPE" noreferb="true"/>). This is a less-than-perfect, but it works.
[[File:Charge On The Run Epix (3).jpg|center|thumb|300px|]]
As you can see from this side view, even with the right-angle USB cable the plug tends to press on my wrist. The sweat band is needed to create enough of a gap for the plug.
[[File:Charge On The Run Epix (5).jpg|center|thumb|300px|]]
=Downloading Maps=
This is the easiest way to download maps I've found so far.
