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{{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. Its clear display, real buttons, touchscreen, map display and rich functionality make it one of the best watches if 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. 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 accuracy, it's still not great. How big a problem this is for you will depend on the type of course you're running, but if this is important to you, look for a more accurate watch.
* '''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 the few devices that will display current [[Pace From A Footpod]] while getting all other data from GPS.
* '''Where am I? '''The Epix has 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. ** '''Track Outline'''. There is a display of where you've run, rather like a breadcrumb trail. This outline is superimposed over the ability color maps, and you can use it to backtrack along your path. ** '''Course Outline'''. This is an outline of a route that can be downloaded. I've found this useful during ultras or in unfamiliar cities where I've needed to know where to download go. ** '''Back To Start'''. This is a coursesimple arrow point to your starting point, so it won't help you backtrack. ** '''Back To Waypoint'''. You can mark a location and use the arrow to give directions back point to the startit later. This Again, this is a simple "as good as it getsthe crow flies" pointer. ** '''Compass'''. A magnetic compass can help you orient yourself or the map. Without a magnetic compass you have to be moving for the GPS to give you a sense of direction.
* '''What's my cadence? '''[[Cadence]]''' '''is one of the most critical and often overlooked aspects of running. If you get your Cadence right, many other things naturally fall into place. Not only does the Epix get [[Cadence]] from a [[Footpod]], it will also get it from the Garmin Run Heart Rate monitor. There is also support for Cadence from the internal accelerometer, though I find that's not as accurate. The Cadence alerts are especially useful for keeping you on track.
For ultramarathon running the battery life of the Epix makes it a strong candidate, especially with the mapping functionality. If you hope to be still moving during the [[Second Dawn]], the Epix might be for you. See [[ShoesBest Running Watch#Watches for Ultrarunning| Watches for Ultrarunning]] for more details.
=GPS Accuracy=
The [[GPS Accuracy]] for the Epix is poor at best; while it's not the worst I've seen, it's close to the bottom of the pile. Determining if it's acceptable for your running will depend on your usage.
* The Epix can give a reasonable estimate of how far you've run but the errors can add up. The amount of error depends on your route; in straight lines the Epix is okay, though even then it's worse than most other devices. However, on a twisty course it is out by around 0.75 mile on a 20 mile run. That's enough to mess up your marathon training. This translates to errors on your average pace.
* GPS watches are not accurate enough to give you a useful display of your current pace. For that you need However, the older [[Garmin 610]], [[Garmin 310XT]], or [[Garmin 910XT]] with a [[Footpod]]. Those devices Epix will allow you to get display your current pace from the footpod while using GPS for everything else. Hopefully [[Connect IQPace From A Footpod]] will allow this to be added to the Epix. (Note that the current while getting data like distance and overall pace displayed on the Epix is worse than most watches, often being out by more than a minute/mileGPS.)
* The Epix supports both GLONASS and WASS, but I have not gathered sufficient data to know if they will help accuracy (initial testing suggests not.)
If you want better [[GPS Accuracy]] than the Epix, then the [[Polar V800]] is by far the best I've tested, though the [[Suunto Ambit3]] is close and a better all-round running watch. For more details on GPS accuracy, see the section "GPS Accuracy Analysis" below.
=Garmin Epix Pros=
* The Epix will display full color maps, which can be freely and easily downloaded from the internet.
* 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.
* Garmin has added support for displaying your current [[Pace From A Footpod]] while getting all other data from GPS. For situations where pacing is critical, such as running a marathon, this is a must have feature. You can also configure it to get both pace and distance from the Footpod, while still recording the track of where you've been from GPS.
* 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]].
* Like the [[Garmin 620]], [[Garmin Fenix 23]], and the [[Garmin 920XT]], the Epix will supports [[Running Dynamics]] which can show and record [[Cadence]], Vertical Oscillation (VO) and Ground Contact Time (GCT). However, Garmin has not added the latest Running Dynamics metrics.
* The Epix can be configured to alert you when a metric is out of range. The alert for [[Cadence]] is particularly useful. The Cadence alert will work when it's using the internal accelerometer for Cadence, as well as the HRM-Run strap or a Footpod.
* There is a metronome to help you keep your Cadence where it should be, which is a really nice feature. The metronome can be set to make a sound and/or vibrate. The vibration option is nice so you don't annoy people you're running with. You can set the alert to go off every second, fourth, or sixth beat.
* Like many recent Garmin running watches, the Epix can display the [[Firstbeat| Firstbeat Training Effect]], an indicator of how hard a training session is. While I find this useful, it's important to remember that the Training Effect is strongly biased towards intensity rather than duration. (Training Effect requires a heart rate monitor.)
* There is also support for the [[Firstbeat| Firstbeat Estimate of Recovery Time]] before the next workout, which I also like, though you have to take this with a large pinch of salt.
* The Epix will cache the GPS satellite locations for the next few days to reduce startup time. This is particularly useful when travelling to a new location as older devices can take minutes to get a fix when travelling. I hate standing around on a street corner in the cold, dark, early hours of the morning waiting for my watch to tell me I can start running. In my testing the satellite acquisition was always generally very rapid, and the Epix is sensitive enough to get a fix inside my house. However, I have had issues with the Epix acquiring a signal near tall buildings, more so than other devices I've tested.* There are five real buttons as well as a touchscreen on the Epix, which is a great combination. The touchscreen allows you to press and hold on a displayed value to change it while you're running, something I've really liked. I've had no issues with the Epix in the rain, but I've had several reports from runners who've had problems.
* The prediction of your [[VO2max|V̇O<sub>2</sub>max]] worked well for me, but I would not rely on its accuracy.
* The Epix will upload your workouts to Garmin Connect via USB, or via a smart phone and Bluetooth. The smart phone can upload a workout as it takes place, which is nice for folks tracking you during a race, though it means wearing the watch and the phone together. If you plug the Epix into a computer it will function as a flash drive, giving you direct access to your workouts as '.FIT' files. The FIT files provide compatibility with a huge range of software. One of the few things that are in the [[Garmin 920XT]] and not in the Epix is the ability to upload workouts over WiFi, which was nice.
* 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 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.
Here are some of the watches that our competitors for the Epix:
* [[Garmin 920XT]]. The Epix has nearly all the features of the 920XT plus the extra mapping and navigation features. I think the Epix is well worth the extra $100 over the 920XT though you have to accept slightly worse GPS accuracy.
* Fenix 3. The [[Garmin Fenix 3 ]] falls half way between the 920XT and the Epix. It has all the features of the 920XT (including WiFi upload), plus some navigation features that might be useful to some folks. However, the main benefit of the Fenix 3 over the 920XT or Epix is probably that it looks a little more like a watch than a brick. I don't think that the Fenix 2 3 is worth the premium over the 920XT or the saving over the Epix.
* [[Garmin 620]]. The 620 has a subset of the features of the Epix and is closer to the 920XT without the Connect IQ. The 620 is a lot smaller, so I'd only go for the 620 over the Epix if size is critical.
* [[Garmin 610]]. The 610 is the predecessor to the [[Garmin 620]] and its price has dropped to make it an attractive option. While the 610 lacks many of the cool new features of the 620/920XT/Epix, it performs the core functionality you need is a runner as well as (or better than) the newer devices. When I'm pacing marathons, I still make use of the 610 with a [[Footpod]] to keep me on pace. I would highly recommend giving the Garmin 610 serious consideration, even though it's an older device.
|[[File:Garmin Epix-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin Epix top]]
|[[File:Garmin Epix-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin Epix side]]
|[[File:Garmin 920XT-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin 920XT top]]
|[[File:Garmin 920XT-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin 920XT side]]
|[[File:Garmin 620-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin 620 top]]
|[[File:Garmin 620-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Garmin 620 side]]
|[[File:Suunto Ambit3-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Suunto Ambit3 top]]
|[[File:Suunto Ambit3-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Suunto Ambit3 side]]
|[[File:Suunto Ambit2-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Suunto Ambit2 top]]
|[[File:Suunto Ambit2-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Suunto Ambit2 side]]
|[[File:Polar V800-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Polar V800 top]]
|[[File:Polar V800-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Polar V800 side]]
|[[File:TomTom Cardio Runner-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|TomTom Cardio Runner top]]
|[[File:TomTom Cardio Runner-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|TomTom Cardio Runner side]]
|[[File:Leikr 1-top.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Leikr 1 top]]
|[[File:Leikr 1-side.JPG|none|thumb|150px|Leikr 1 side]]
|}
=GPS Accuracy Analysis=
The Garmin Epix has rather poor [[GPS Accuracy]], which is a shame in an otherwise excellent device.
* Under the bridge the Epix errors even out so the Trueness is quite good, but the precision is poor.
* On the out-and-back turnaround the Epix is poor, but no worse than you'd expect from its overall rating.
* Running in a straight line is a fairly easy task for most GPS watches, but while the Epix does better here than elsewhere, it actually has the worst trueness in a straight line of any watch.
* I not had any issues with the Epix maintaining the GPS signal, though I have had occasional times when it's struggled to acquire an initial signal (Time To First Fix).
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:BridgeGarmin Epix.jpg|none|thumb|x300px| You can see the Epix sometimes does okay under the bridge and at other times struggles. It does particularly badly on the twisty section, cutting the corners. It does better, but still not great, with the sharp turn seen on the right side of the diagram. You can see the Epix occasionally having more significant problems, but most of the time the accuracy is merely poor. (This diagram has tracks color coded with green indicating good accuracy through to read indicating poor accuracy, and the lap markers as blue dots.)]]
|[[File:BridgeGarmin Epix with GLONAS+WAAS.jpg|none|thumb|x300px| With GLONAS and WAAS enabled, you can see the tracks are much closer together, as are the blue lap markers. The twisty section is actually slightly worse accuracy, suggesting rather more smoothing. (This diagram has tracks color coded with green indicating good accuracy through to read indicating poor accuracy, and the lap markers as blue dots.)]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:AccuracyGarmin Epix.jpg|none|thumb|x300px| This close up section of a zigzag shows the problems the Epix has tracking the course. There is poor alignment between the tracks and the change in direction of the course, and the lap markers are widely spaced. (This diagram has tracks color coded with green indicating good accuracy through to read indicating poor accuracy, and the lap markers as blue dots.)]]
|[[File:AccuracyGarmin Epix with GLONAS+WAAS.jpg|none|thumb|x300px|Here you can see how GLONAS and WAAS have tightened the tracks and reduced the errors. The tracks are tighter and they follow the course much better .(This diagram has tracks color coded with green indicating good accuracy through to read indicating poor accuracy, and the lap markers as blue dots.)]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:ZigZagGarmin Epix.jpg|none|thumb|x300px| Here the Epix does not display the typical GPS behavior of having the tracks that have the green lines shifted slightly down and to the left, blue up and to the right. The errors with the Epix seem more random and diffuse, thought the lap markers are offset, with the blue and green clustered separately. (This image has the tracks color-coded for direction, with green coming from the right, blue from the left.)]]
|[[File:ZigZagGarmin Epix with GLONAS+WAAS.jpg|none|thumb|x300px|GLONAS and WAS improve the accuracy, but the pattern does not have the coherence of other watches, though the lap markers are still offset, and maybe a little further apart. (This image has the tracks color-coded for direction, with green coming from the right, blue from the left.)]]
|}
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