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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Garmin Epix Review}} The {{Garmin Epix}}, showing a topo map. The Garmin Epix is the top of Garmin's GPS watch line. T..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Garmin Epix Review}}
[[File:GarminEpix.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The {{Garmin Epix}}, showing a topo map.]]
The Garmin Epix is the 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. 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]] .
* The Epix is a great device for casual runners. Its clear display, real buttons, touchscreen, map display and rich functionality make the best option if you can afford it and are okay with the poor GPS accuracy and its bulk.
* For marathon runners the Epix lacks a critical feature; an accurate display of current pace. While I don't expect most casual runners will be as concerned by the lack of accurate current pace, this is critical to many marathon training programs, and to effective marathon pacing strategy. The only way I found of getting accurate current pace is to use the older [[Garmin 610]], [[Garmin 310XT]], or [[Garmin 910XT]] with a [[Footpod]]. (Connect IQ may change this in the future.)
* For ultramarathon running the battery life of the Epix makes it a strong candidate, especially with the mapping functionality. See [[Shoes#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 the older [[Garmin 610]], [[Garmin 310XT]], or [[Garmin 910XT]] with a [[Footpod]]. Those devices will allow you to get your current pace from the footpod while using GPS for everything else. Hopefully [[Connect IQ]] will allow this to be added to the Epix. (Note that the current pace displayed on the Epix is worse than most watches, often being out by more than a minute/mile.)
* 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.
=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.
* The Epix is larger than devices like the [[Garmin 620]], and it doesn't look like a traditional watch in the way the [[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 2]], and the [[Garmin 920XT]], the Epix will show and record [[Cadence]], Vertical Oscillation (VO) and Ground Contact Time (GCT).
* 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 very rapid, and the Epix is sensitive enough to get a fix inside my house.
* 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.
* 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.
* The Epix will not display [[Heart Rate Variability]] but it is possible for it to record [[Heart Rate Variability]] for later analysis. To enable this recording, you need to download a special FIT file from the firstbeat.com web site. (There is a [[Connect IQ]] app that will calculate HRV, but you can't use it during a workout, something I hope will be corrected in the future.)
* The 24 hour battery life is good enough for many ultramarathons, and the extended mode allows for 50 hours with degraded GPS accuracy. In my informal testing, I found that displaying the map reduced battery life.
* There are various navigation capabilities in the Epix. You can save your current location and return to it later, or take a sighting on a distant object and the Epix will point you in the right direction. TracBack will reverse the course you've run to get you back to your start.
* You can use the Epix as an activity monitor, something that's common to many new sports watches. However, because the Epix is only using its internal accelerometer the activity estimates are rather poor. If you need an activity monitor, I'd recommend the [[Basis Activity Tracker]] which has sensors for heart rate, skin temperature and perspiration.
* The Epix will record your personal best performances, such as fasted 5K or longest distance. These are a nice novelty, but for most people you won't be setting PR's on a regular enough basis for it to add much value.
* While the Epix does not have much in the way of graphs out of the box, Connect IQ is being used to add graphs for things like heart rate.
* Because the Epix has room for extra maps, it actually has a good amount of storage space. It's unlikely most runners will ever run out of room for workouts unless they've filled the Epix with maps.
* 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=
* There is no way of displaying your current pace from the [[Footpod]] while using GPS for overall distance and course. Like all GPS watches, the Epix does not have sufficient GPS accuracy to give useful current pace information. For situations where pacing is critical, such as running a marathon, a Footpod works better.
* 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.
* The Epix is not unattractive in a rather plastic way, but it's nowhere near as elegant and stylish as the [[Polar V800]].
=Comparisons=
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 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 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.
* [[Garmin 310XT]]. Like the 610, the 310XT is older and its price has dropped nicely. You could think of the 310XT as a larger 610 with better battery life.
* [[Polar V800]]. The V800 is a far more elegant watch than the Epix, and is beautifully made. The V800 also has outstanding GPS accuracy, which makes it a strong contender for your money. However the V800 is quite expensive, and its functionality is a little limited. (Don't expect the good GPS accuracy to give an accurate display of current pace – you need a Garmin 310XT/910XT/610 with a footpod for that.)
=What's Missing=
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.
=Downloading Maps=
This is the easiest way to download maps I've found so far.
* Go to [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/] on a browser
* I select "Routable Bicycle" which seems to work well.
* Choose the location; in the US, select the state you want under "North America" drop down.
* You can select the locations you want in the menu on the left of the screen.
** Alternatively you can select specific areas visually by clicking on "Enable manual tile selection", and selecting the tiles. You have to give them your email address and they'll mail you a link when the file has been built.
* Download the file.
* If the download is a zip file, you'll need to unzip it.
* Plug in the Epix to your computer.
* Put the IMG file into the GARMIN subfolder of the Epix.
* The map should be enabled automatically, but you can toggle them on and off in the Epix menus.
=Support This Site=
{{BuyAmazon|AZID=B00S776RW8|AZN=Garmin Epix}}
=Comparison Table=
{{:Best Running Watch-table}}
[[File:GarminEpix.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The {{Garmin Epix}}, showing a topo map.]]
The Garmin Epix is the 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. 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]] .
* The Epix is a great device for casual runners. Its clear display, real buttons, touchscreen, map display and rich functionality make the best option if you can afford it and are okay with the poor GPS accuracy and its bulk.
* For marathon runners the Epix lacks a critical feature; an accurate display of current pace. While I don't expect most casual runners will be as concerned by the lack of accurate current pace, this is critical to many marathon training programs, and to effective marathon pacing strategy. The only way I found of getting accurate current pace is to use the older [[Garmin 610]], [[Garmin 310XT]], or [[Garmin 910XT]] with a [[Footpod]]. (Connect IQ may change this in the future.)
* For ultramarathon running the battery life of the Epix makes it a strong candidate, especially with the mapping functionality. See [[Shoes#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 the older [[Garmin 610]], [[Garmin 310XT]], or [[Garmin 910XT]] with a [[Footpod]]. Those devices will allow you to get your current pace from the footpod while using GPS for everything else. Hopefully [[Connect IQ]] will allow this to be added to the Epix. (Note that the current pace displayed on the Epix is worse than most watches, often being out by more than a minute/mile.)
* 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.
=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.
* The Epix is larger than devices like the [[Garmin 620]], and it doesn't look like a traditional watch in the way the [[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 2]], and the [[Garmin 920XT]], the Epix will show and record [[Cadence]], Vertical Oscillation (VO) and Ground Contact Time (GCT).
* 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 very rapid, and the Epix is sensitive enough to get a fix inside my house.
* 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.
* 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.
* The Epix will not display [[Heart Rate Variability]] but it is possible for it to record [[Heart Rate Variability]] for later analysis. To enable this recording, you need to download a special FIT file from the firstbeat.com web site. (There is a [[Connect IQ]] app that will calculate HRV, but you can't use it during a workout, something I hope will be corrected in the future.)
* The 24 hour battery life is good enough for many ultramarathons, and the extended mode allows for 50 hours with degraded GPS accuracy. In my informal testing, I found that displaying the map reduced battery life.
* There are various navigation capabilities in the Epix. You can save your current location and return to it later, or take a sighting on a distant object and the Epix will point you in the right direction. TracBack will reverse the course you've run to get you back to your start.
* You can use the Epix as an activity monitor, something that's common to many new sports watches. However, because the Epix is only using its internal accelerometer the activity estimates are rather poor. If you need an activity monitor, I'd recommend the [[Basis Activity Tracker]] which has sensors for heart rate, skin temperature and perspiration.
* The Epix will record your personal best performances, such as fasted 5K or longest distance. These are a nice novelty, but for most people you won't be setting PR's on a regular enough basis for it to add much value.
* While the Epix does not have much in the way of graphs out of the box, Connect IQ is being used to add graphs for things like heart rate.
* Because the Epix has room for extra maps, it actually has a good amount of storage space. It's unlikely most runners will ever run out of room for workouts unless they've filled the Epix with maps.
* 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=
* There is no way of displaying your current pace from the [[Footpod]] while using GPS for overall distance and course. Like all GPS watches, the Epix does not have sufficient GPS accuracy to give useful current pace information. For situations where pacing is critical, such as running a marathon, a Footpod works better.
* 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.
* The Epix is not unattractive in a rather plastic way, but it's nowhere near as elegant and stylish as the [[Polar V800]].
=Comparisons=
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 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 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.
* [[Garmin 310XT]]. Like the 610, the 310XT is older and its price has dropped nicely. You could think of the 310XT as a larger 610 with better battery life.
* [[Polar V800]]. The V800 is a far more elegant watch than the Epix, and is beautifully made. The V800 also has outstanding GPS accuracy, which makes it a strong contender for your money. However the V800 is quite expensive, and its functionality is a little limited. (Don't expect the good GPS accuracy to give an accurate display of current pace – you need a Garmin 310XT/910XT/610 with a footpod for that.)
=What's Missing=
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.
=Downloading Maps=
This is the easiest way to download maps I've found so far.
* Go to [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/] on a browser
* I select "Routable Bicycle" which seems to work well.
* Choose the location; in the US, select the state you want under "North America" drop down.
* You can select the locations you want in the menu on the left of the screen.
** Alternatively you can select specific areas visually by clicking on "Enable manual tile selection", and selecting the tiles. You have to give them your email address and they'll mail you a link when the file has been built.
* Download the file.
* If the download is a zip file, you'll need to unzip it.
* Plug in the Epix to your computer.
* Put the IMG file into the GARMIN subfolder of the Epix.
* The map should be enabled automatically, but you can toggle them on and off in the Epix menus.
=Support This Site=
{{BuyAmazon|AZID=B00S776RW8|AZN=Garmin Epix}}
=Comparison Table=
{{:Best Running Watch-table}}
