When Apple launched its first Apple watch Ultra last year, it was clear that the firm was taking aim at the premium multisport and adventure watch segment of the market that Garmin dominates.
In particular, Apple Watch Ultra was squaring up to Garmin's epix second-gen with its stunning AMOLED display, dual band GPS tracking and incredibly detailed sports tracking insights.
Garmin epix also had much superior battery life to Apple Watch Ultra as epix could last for up to six days in its always-on screen mode or 16 days with it switched off.
Now Garmin has stepped up a gear to head off whatever upgrades Apple might have lined up for its second generation Apple Watch Ultra later this year.
Garmin has introduced Pro models of both its epix and fenix 7 watches.
Pro models
Garmin has unveiled its epix Pro Series, its next-gen high-performance GPS smartwatches which come with a crystal-clear AMOLED display, rugged design and Apple-bashing endurance.
Sporting up to 31 days of battery stamina, epix Pro Series also comes with the firm's renowned all-day health monitoring and fitness metrics to help users stay active.
And unlike Apple Watch Ultra which only comes in one size, there are three epix Pro models to choose from – 42mm, 47mm and 51mm.
All come with a built-in LED flashlight to assist you on your adventures.
The firm also introduced a new Pro model of its acclaimed fenix 7 series multisport watch. The main difference with fenix 7 and epix is the AMOLED display which only comes on the epix series.
Garmin epix Pro costs from €949.99 and fenix 7 Pro costs from €849.99.
“To be your best, you need the best, and we’re excited to bring innovative features to our most capable smartwatch yet. Packed with innovative training tools, mapping updates, health and wellness insights and more, the new epix Pro Series means you no longer have to choose between the features you want, but rather which size is best for you.” – Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales
Garmin epix Pro series
Now available in three sizes, the ultimate high-performance smartwatches include vibrant AMOLED displays and built-in flashlights
What’s New?
- Choose from three size options to better fit any wrist.
- A built-in LED flashlight with variable intensities and strobe mode to provide greater awareness while training in the dark.
- Red Shift Mode changes display colors to shades of red to help users better acclimate to darker conditions and reduce sleep cycle disturbance.
- Stay active with dozens of new, preloaded activities including football, basketball, racquet sports, horseback riding and more.
- Get a better understanding of fitness levels with advanced training features such as hill score and endurance score.
- Runners using the Up Ahead feature can now see certain POI (point of interest) checkpoints, like aid stations, right on a map to get a better understanding of what’s ahead.
- An optimised heart rate sensor offers enhanced multisport performance tracking.
- New weather map overlays make it easier to view upcoming weather conditions & Relief shading makes topographic maps more quickly readable for glanceable awareness.
- Available models include epix Pro – 42mm, epix Pro – 47mm and epix Pro – 51mm, with options for standard and Sapphire Editions
Garmin fēnix 7 Pro series
Premium multisport GPS smartwatches with solar charging add an LED flashlight to all models plus innovative performance features and mapping upgrades
What’s New?
- Built-in LED flashlight: Available on all size options, variable intensities, a red safety light and strobe mode help provide greater awareness while training in the dark.
- Next-gen heart rate sensor: More spatially diverse optical sensors and sport-specific algorithms offer enhanced performance tracking for a wider variety of activities, making it easier to gain a better understanding into how the body is responding to exercise.
- Endurance score: Measure how easy it is to sustain prolonged efforts while also taking into account training data like VO2 max, short and long-term training loads and more from all other athletic pursuits.
- Hill score: Gauge how easy it is to run uphill by measuring running strength on steep climbs and running endurance on long ascents while also evaluating progress over time based on VO2 max and training history.
- Up Ahead: View certain running POI (point of interest) checkpoints, like aid stations, right on a map to get a better understanding of what’s ahead.
- Weather map overlays: More easily view upcoming weather conditions. & Relief shading: Quickly read topographic maps for glanceable awareness.
- Additional preloaded activities: Whitewater rafting, motocross, overlanding and dozens of other new activities help users stay active.
- Available models include fēnix 7S Pro – 42mm, fēnix 7 Pro – 47mm and fēnix 7X Pro – 51mm, with options for standard and Sapphire Editions
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