January 21, 2022 |  By Jilli Cluff

Garmin just updated its highly popular fenix solar series watch into a more efficient, comprehensive tool for the endurance crowd — and beefed up its outdoor ‘epix’ line too.

Announced this week, the fenix 7 series inherits all the major perks from the fenix 6 Pro Solar. It also introduces a few significant updates.

We see several improvements to its outdoor-focused epix series, as well. With the second-gen epix, Garmin targets fenix-caliber performance in a hardier build and leaves out the solar-charging tech.

Here’s what you should know.

In a head-to-head with the brand’s fenix 6X Pro Solar, the fenix 7 Sapphire Solar touts a 54% improvement in solar surface area, a new touchscreen option, and an integrated, dimmable LED flashlight. Garmin claims the watch yields 22 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.

Firmware enhancements include real-time stamina data, up-ahead route forecasting, and visual race prediction technology.

Real-time stamina will allow users to monitor their physical exertion while running or cycling.

The visual race predictor analyzes running history and base fitness to provide race-time estimates and progression feedback.

And the solar-powered watch comes in two editions: Solar ($800 MSRP) and Sapphire Solar ($900 MSRP). The difference here is the solar lens, which shows up with scratch-resistant “Power Sapphire” technology in Solar Sapphire models.

If solar charging falls in the “take it or leave it” bucket for you, Garmin also offers the non-solar fenix 7 for $700 MSRP.

The epix series of outdoor-geared GPS watches is now in its second iteration. Users can expect the epix to include the same new features as the fenix 7 line, minus the solar capability.

Also on deck, it has broader satellite coverage than before and offers up to 18 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.

Three epix models are available in this release: Black Titanium or White Titanium (both $1,000 MSRP) and Slate Steel ($900 MSRP).

For more information about the new fenix 7 and epix multisport watches, head to garmin.com.

Jilli grew up in the rural southern Colorado mountains, later moving to Texas for college. After seven years in corporate consulting, she was introduced to sport climbing — and life would never be the same. She now works as a contributor, gear tester, and editor for GearJunkie and other outlets within the AllGear family. She is based out of Atlanta, Georgia where she takes up residence with her climbing gear and one-eared blue heeler, George Michael.

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