Heads up, Garmin has updated the Epix and it now has all the same features (like morning report) that the 955 has had over these past 6 months. 👍🏻 *Best place to buy: * 955: dialedcyclinglab.com/product/... Epix: dialedcyclinglab.com/product/... Try discount code: *matt_legrand*

I’ve owned both, and actually the 7 as well. My thoughts: In the pool I noticed excessive drag on my catch and shoulder fatigue on my recovery from the epix. I feel like I gained a few watts on the bike with the epix but I had to carry three less gels to make up for the weight And finally on the run the epix made me feel powerful but the forerunner told me I was powerful. All kidding aside I love the weight of the 955, and that’s will I’ll wear it. On work outs I really could care less it’s actually on the day to day and sleeping that I appreciate the lightweight 955. The plastic is also less irritating on the skin. I use the nylon strap so I think the weight is something like 42 grams. I can only think the 955 strap choice was to prevent the watch from coming off during the swim or while taking off a wetsuit. The software inconsistencies are annoying AF, but used to it with Garmin. There are really cool features on the 955 that I legit find insightful. It’s cool that they are finally helping interpret all the data that’s being collected. I’ve found it (training readiness) fairly accurate too. The gps and navigation is not as good though on 955 for some reason. Obviously battery is the other big consideration, and apart from weight and price the other but deciding factors for me. 955 falls solid between the epix and f7 solar. On my 14hr training week with 24/7 wear I’m at 5 days for the epix, 10 for the 955 15+ for the fenix 7. Lastly being “cheaper” there’s less damage anxiety. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk.

Awesome video mate. Great production quality, very informative and a bit of comedy to boot. Thanks for your efforts!

Thanks for the review after a little more time to get used to it. Almost every review was dropped on day one with less than 24 hours use so were more or less feature lists. I really liked the sketch too!

Thanks Matt, this is an interesting comparison. I had a FR745 and I tried an Epix 2 earlier in the year and found it a bit bulky and oddly enough found the AMOLED screen less usable than that on the 745 when doing outdoor activities - my older eyes definitely preferred the 745's screen outdoors. Of course the FR955 was launched and I have picked up one of those (Whitestone , non solar) and so far I am loving it - The touchscreen is nice as an option, the weight is much closer to that of the 745 so open doesn't feel the bulk of the size as much, and the screen is very visible.

Matt, I have recently found your channel and I love the content. I don’t believe I’ve commented on any of the other videos I have watched but the “Garmin Headquarters” segment was hilarious. Love the humor. 😂

Nicely done! I’ve the 945 LTE and am looking forward to the software update. For everyday use I have the Fenix 7X SS. Your parody of watch strap selection was hilarious.

I am really glad I went with the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar. For me I use it on multi day hikes, and can go about 3 ten hour days between charging. The touch screen Nav has been a game changer. I use a Edge 1030 on the bike. And you fired Dave!

I tried the Fenix 7, Epix and now have the 955. I really love the 955 form factor - it’s so light and easy to wear. Bang for buck - the 955 takes the cake….no contest. I really love the watch. However- like you said, the Epix takes the cake if money isn’t an option. I agree with that statement - the Epix was my favorite, just had a hard time with the price tag.

Very nice and complete comparison of these watches Matt! I chose the EPIX, coming from a Fenix 6, because once you get used to that Amoled display it's hard to go back to trans reflective! Cost is a bit of a bitter pill to swallow but I have no regrets.

I love my FR955, I didn't get the solar edition, but still feel that this is a great watch. I have owned a FR745 and while its a smaller watch, when I am running I like the size of the 955, for me, its easier to read and use. Great comparison, thanks

I have the 945 and the epix(2) and tried on the fenix 7x (also owned previous fenix models). The thing about the 945 is I forgot it was on my wrist. It never jiggled when running and felt very “natural.” While I LOVE the epix screen, it still feels bulky on long runs. The Fenix 7x, I feel like I should be a navy seal in order to justify wearing it. The irony is the smaller cheap plastic 945 and from specs, 955 as well, is just more comfortable to wear overall. Good problems I guess 🤷🏻.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the watch band skit. Garmin seriously needs to get its act together. All of their watches should ship with Quickfit support. Apple is blowing Garmin away in this area. They would sell a heck of a lot more accessories if they made it easy to swap them out.

Great review. Love the Garmin meeting room sketch! I have a 945. Still can't decide between the Epix and the 955. Will probably go for the Epix because of the AMOLED.

Great comparison. Super high production values.

Dude. I love watching your videos. Love them. They are so high quality and so worthwhile. I can't imagine how much time they must take. Good grief the level of detailed shots and close-ups - I don't even know how you shot so many of these. Regrettably it makes me feel so bad about mine! I have got to get better - no idea how you have the time/expertise/apps/cameras to do all of that. And I can't even let myself think of the possibility that Garmin sent you an Epix to test/use! Jealousy would certainly kill me in that case. Kill me. And hilarious watch band video snippet! That was so funny - you can even act! You should have had one of your kids in there as the mean, relentless boss, though. Last - really sorry to see the scratches you've somehow sustained on the Sapphire Epix screen - and somewhat impressed - how the hell did you do that? "You ate a whole wheel of cheese? No I'm not mad - I'm impressed". Keep up the great content and making us all look like sophomoric (and me, freshman-detention-class) in our video renditions!

I went for the 955 Solar a couple of weeks ago & I'm loving it ❤️ I'll be keeping the white strap on 😂

Coming from a Fenix 7x SS owner if I was buying a new watch right now I’d be going for the 955 solar, the price difference is just too much considering it’s mainly the same watch apart from the premium materials, which aren’t worth the £350 extra. I think it was a good move by Garmin though to release 2 new multi band devices at a more of a affordable price, I have definitely seen a much improved GPS tracking since getting mine when comparing to my old Fenix 6X. Good review 👍🏻

I’m a Fenix/Epix girl. I had a Fenix for 4 years and now picked up Epix. Can’t really say much about the forerunner but I definitely prefer the more robust, sophisticated and grown up design of the Fenix/Epix series. The screen is gorgeous, not to mention the sapphire glass is something I’m not sure i can live without. The amount of times I would have ruined any other watch with scratches …yet Fenix was still perfect after 4 years of constant daily use. Also all these software features are coming soon too. It’s hard to go wrong with Garmin to be honest

For changing the watch band: If you don't have a pin remover, try using floss and catch it on the edge. Not convenient if you want to do it often though

Great vid as usual! One suggestion would be to add chapters/timecodes (whatever the name on KZfaq platform).

Thanks for the helpful information. This is my first smartwatch/ first Garmin watch or anything. I have been looking into a fitness tracker for some time now and have been doing CrossFit for 10 years. I am starting to swim and cycle this year. Signing up for triathlons and rides and CrossFit competitions. I decided to get a watch that would help me track my swimming,especially when in open water. I am not used to wearing anything on my wrist while working out but I loved the look of the Epix. Just hated the price. I tried them on at REI this weekend and had a hard time deciding. I think I may go with the 955 , after watching your video. I think I may tolerate the sleeker watch, the 955. Not sure if I’ll be able to wear it to bed but it seems like 955 would be less bulky in bed. Thanks again!

I have the 955 and is a great watch for my needs,but have some annoying bugs and i hope they solve via software update soon 😅 I love the AMOLED screen and the building quality of the Epix,but 300 euros more is way too expensive. You are right,the weight is nothing to much,i had the Grit X Pro before,and i sold him to get the 955 ,it only bothered me the first time I put in the wrist but after that is almost like his not there. Great content Matt, cheers from Portugal

I bought the 955 because of the weight. I run, bike swim, strength train. I've owned the Fenix 5 plus titanium and 5s plus in the past and i was always aware i was wearing a watch. I also don't like AMOLED display on my watch. I love it on my phone, but for some reason the AMOLED display on a watch makes it feel like I'm wearing the phone on my wrist. Garmin did a fantastic job with the readability of the 955 in direct sunlight. I love it. I held on to my 945 till this new solar 955 came out. But to be honest, i would have just stayed with my 945 if it wasn't for the solar and the touch screen of the 955. Interestingly enough i still navigate the watch with the buttons even at rest 🤣😂

Enjoy your videos and subbed recently. Got the Tactix 7 pro last week after trying an Epix 2 at the same time. Love the screen of the epix and slight weight reduction but prefer the size of Tactix screen and honestly the tactical nylon band put it over the top. Came from F6XS that I will sell at some point.

Subscribed just for the Garmin headquarter sketch! 😂😂

Hi Matt, great review as always. Having read through the Garmin forum, there seem to be a lot of software issues with the 955. Swiping left on maps and other apps kicks you out, excessive battery drainage, etc... Have these issues been sorted out by Garmin yet? I'm keen to buy one as soon as it's released here in South Africa but not if there major bugs to contend with.

The Epix looks beautiful with the saphire/titanium and the screen is goregous. I love my gen 2 but will be ready to upgrade right away if they can take that battery from 6 days (for some reason I only get 5 days with similar workouts?) to double or more. For me the cost was worth it because I wear it every day as my “watch”. If i wa sa multisport athlete who just wanted something to track every activity the 955 is easily a better value. For the everyday weekend warrior though, Epix has “enough” battery life while giving you the best style, features, and liveability as a general purpose watch.

I am actually trying to choose between these two right now so great video! I do ultramarathons and need up to 30 hours battery with navigation and good GPS on. I am prepared to charge underways one or two times though, so I can go with one of these watches. I guess Phoenix 7 could be an option. Most important for me is navigation. So I really want the epix 2 due to the better resolution and clear amoled screen. Since the battery is the same ish for the 955 and E2, navigation/map is what I will pay more for basically. When it comes to other features, I just canrt care less to be honest. I turn off all suggestions, and plans etc cause I really dont want that noise in my life. I go by feel and my own plans. Dont wear it at nighteither, so most of these fancy software programs on the 955 dont mean much to me. In my heart I know I want the Epix 2. Its just if the price is worth it for the maps/screen/navigation.. I already have the Suunto 9, but Suunto dont have watches with maps in the navigation. Just a line. Id like maps..

Brillant reenactment 😂👍, can’t believe Garmin is going that way.

I love the dramatic re-enactment 😂 Got to feel sorry for “new guy”!!

I would get the Epix if I needed a new watch, but for now the 945 still serves me well. Great review and comparison between these two watches! Funny, too! 😂

A bit late to the party here but still relevant...excellent vid BTW. I've recently had a couple of Epix (reg and sapphire) and a couple of Ultras, and am now trying a 955 running the latest bug-infested 12.27 firmware (Oct '22). The Epix's went back mostly due to the price...I can afford them but I have a fixation on Value and they don't qualify, like not at all! Nice product within the parameters of Garmin's flaky software releases, then I tried an Ultra for comparison and there really isn't any. Ultra is typical excellent Apple hardware & experience but lacking in many key metrics that 3rd party apps can't replicate due to the lack of base data. So bring on the 955: it has most of the features of a Fenix7 Sapphire at roughly half the price so the Value equation is certainly there, but its current firmware is riddled with all kinds of bugs (see Garmin Forum if you dare...after 5 minutes there you'll wonder how Garmin is still in business!!!). I also hate the lame selection of native Garmin watch faces and it can't load Fenix/Epix faces and aftermarket faces have not yet caught up much (Actiface where are you???). But, in a bike ride today while running in parallel with my Edge 830 it generated virtually identical metrics which is quite encouraging. It also has the quite useful and seemingly accurate Stamina metric that will hopefully start making its way onto the Edge devices and beyond. I'm still a bit on the fence about keeping it but thanks to Amazon I have awhile longer to decide and I suspect it'll stay...the Amoled screen on the Epix is very nice but for double the price of a 955 I'd need a lifetime subscription to Pepto Bismol to settle my stomach if I took the plunge again.

I used to think that 20-30 grams in weight would not make any difference. However, coming from a fenix 5 and 6 (base models), i find 955 much more comfortable to wear 24/7. The only thing missing is an amoled screen.

In Europe 955 Solar has the same cost of the Epix as I checked few minutes ago so it's tough to decide. Better battery/small factor vs Oled screens. If I use the Epix as bike computer (I did for 945 for several years), the Epix is a more compelling. Otherwise, the 955 solar is a more reliable watch in the long term considering battery degradation and potential screen burn-in. Great video as always. The Garmin headquarter parody I don't think it's far from true :).

I have bote epix gen 2 and 955 non-solar, just like you showed in this video, I really enjoyed the super accuracy of these watches , for cycling I use quickfiit mount to hold my Epix on the bar, it record everything just like my garmin 520plus

Great video, didn't have an issue with removing the band on my 955 solar...just have to get a quality pin remover.

Matt, great video. Which Garmin are you wearing in the video? 255? Looks perfect on you.

I ended up with the 955 non-Solar. I find the feature set perfect. I find myself missing the refinement of the Fenix/Epix. I probably will get a Fenix 8 the next go around as I miss the ability to switch from dress/sport so easily.

Johnson should get a super satissfaction soap or sticker for what he's doing for the good spirit and all the best ideas😁

For 24/7 wear (which is required for the new training/recovery metrics), I wonder if the lighter size and better fit of the 955 will give you better heart rate readings and, therefore, better data? And as for the bands, there is something to be said for the bands packaged with the Forerunner 935/945/955 series. They're generally a bit lighter and a bit more flexible (and without the thick clip that attaches to the watch) that the Garmin QuickFit bands, which possibly makes them better suited to running activities.

Just got the Epix. For something that I'm wearing almost every moment awake and sleeping, spending a bit more money is okay! :)

Would putting a nylon band on the Epix make this feel more like the 955? I read on one forum that they saved about 17 grams by doing this, bringing the weight down close to the 955 weight. Then again this would take away from the classy look of the watch I would think.

Epix just got Alpha software with almost all new software features from 955 🙂 Epix is beast. Best watch I ever owned.

What about the software differences right now? Do they updated Epix to features like morning report, training readiness score, etc? I dont see the pinned comment at the top thet you are talking about in the video but I would like to be sure about the software update because i am seriously thinking about buying the Epix.

Will either watch shave a minute off my 10k? I'm not willing to wear it when I sleep so maybe the training tips the watches give could make me faster but I feel like a prisoner of 24x7 wearing if the key to 7 series metrics.

Hey Matt, maybe you could help me with the following question. Say, I want to go with a bulky F7X for outdoor activities and most of the daily usage, but at the same time have something much smaller and lighter from Garmin for rest time (sleeping, etc.). Is there a combination from Garmin modern lineup which could work together, i.e. to provide a combined health report, body battery and other things? P.S. Afaik, Physio True-Up is a completely different and simpler story, that doesn't cover my imaginary use case.

Really nice review and comparaison Matt. personally i really like the look of the epix but the price is way too high for me 😞 ( start at 850€ in France). The 955 on the other hand is more "affordable" (550€) for the same features . The only "downside" of the 955 for me is the aesthetic if you want to use it as a daily watch

Current Venu 2 owner and right now I’m leaning towards the 955 for my upgrade . Really price is the biggest factor for me at the moment. I’ve enjoyed the screen on the Venu 2, but really for my use case scenarios it’s not a huge feature for me. I’ve been getting back into running and hiking again and really want the extra stats/features that my Venu just doesn’t have.

Hi from Greece I have the fenix 6x pro which is a unique watch in all its features, the only problem I see when I run is the gps accuracy, on the map it shows me running on the roofs of the houses and the route is not a straight line but a zig zag .... I'm thinking of buying the forerunner 955 only for the multi band GPS (because garmin fenix 7 sapphire is too expensive for me)...... ... what's your opinion is it worth it? or should I stay with the 6x pro and wait for the next model ?????

The forerunner pins are the same as most watches use. You can put on a quick fit strap that is the same size.

8:00 On a tangent, but what swimsuit are you wearing? Looks like something I could do with.

I currently have a 935....my band was not a huge deal to change, although, not a quick change band. I wish they all were quick change. I thoroughly dislike using tools to change a watch band. I think I would love the 955 over the Epix mainly for battery life.

Thank you sir for the comparison, I definitely leaned towards the 955, as much as I love the casing of the epix/Fenix, coming from Fenix 6x, I can't wear it 24/7 and need the smaller factor for 955

The bands for the 955 seem to be 22 mm quickfit now, not at all hard to exchange. Has this changed since release?

Proud owner of 955. Just loving it.

Very good video! I prefer 955🔥

Hahaha u got me! I thought you Will be interviewing people at Garmin 🤣🤣🤣

Before Christmas I was not planning on getting the epix gen 2 ... i actually went to REI to get Fenix 7x solar which was on sale...but they had just sold last one and they mentioned the epix...sapphire epix gen 2 for $549...i said that could not be the correct price...but i got lucky...

Well done video. Too bad the new guy got fired. That 955 is starting to sound rather enticing. I'm holding out for some Favero Assioma Duo-Shi power pedals, though. :-)

Hey Matt.. awesome review!! Love the humour as well 😃. I bought only a few weeks ago the 255(you helped me out with some questions on it) however since coming from an Apple Watch I missed the vibrant colours etc. so I’ve dug deep and I have the epix black sapphire coming tomorrow and can’t wait. I will however miss the morning report.. do you think garmin will actually add that in a coming up date and the race event widget? 🤞🏻 many thanks

2:41 if getting straps off 955 is a pain in the ass, i don't know what you call it when you try to get the pins off the epix.

I'm assuming you can still change the strap on the 955? You just need to get the garmin strap off, then put the pin back and then put on a quick fix strap? It's just the initial stress and chance you might loose some blood or a finger! Lol!

I was using Samsung Galaxy 4 Classic from the day it was launched. I am so annoyed that it doesn't pair with apple and a low battery life. I was looking for a watch which doesn't land me in apple/android shit again. I narrowed down to Garmin 955 after 3 months of research. Venue 2 plus was a really close option but misses down on a couple of Training features. 2 biggest reasons to choose over other Garmin Watches- 1) Weight as I will wear it 24/7 2) Training readiness and other training features. My watch is on the way and I'm looking forward to using it over my runs. My first Garmin watch :)

Now I'm definitely confused. Garmin website states the fr955 is quickfit compatible, however your video shows a... Standard watch springbar? I don't know if the bit about the springbars was satirical, but those are standard springbars all normal watches use, which means almost any aftermarket 22mm strap will work (and associated standard watch springbar tools will also work) and has full watch market compatibility. It's actually a huge benefit to be able to source a NATO strap, or otherwise and use that, rather than being forced to pay quickfit prices for a little customization.

I search a good watch for tracking my SUP tours, waterproof 100m long battery life Any recommendation?

Hi! So far, none of the reviewers have really shown the EPIX 2 when cycling, when I need to know the speed / current time immediately while driving. This means - I quickly tilt the watch and look at a specific data field. I would like to see the reaction of the watch when riding a bike, if it can turn on the display fast enough - on a bike I need this immediately without waiting, without unnecessarily raising my hand. I can't imagine that it will give me the same comfort as the real AOD displays of Fenix / FR (in direct sunlight), but I will be happy to be misled. For other activities, I don't really need this, but on a bike, in speed, yes, where it is necessary to pay full attention to what is happening in front of me.

Does anyone know if Garmin have fixed the navigation and map issues?

I would go with the 955. Nice summary, Matt. Can I ask a mapping question? If you have the Apple Watch and pull up an address on Apple Maps, you can get directions on the watch. Is that the same with either the 955 or the Epix? Or is that not a feature the Garmin watches have? I was just in Europe, and I found that really convenient to use on the Apple Watch.

build tolerances, in regards to water proof rating, vs fenix/epix and materials makes the price go up by quite a bit..

ROFL @ the re-enactment! That is HILARIOUS!

Trying to chosse... Epix2 or 955... would love the 955 software in the epix... but when?

Same thoughts on the 955's strap :D

I've ordered the 955 Solar, getting it instead of the Epix based solely on the weight difference. When I had my Fenix 5, it was just too heavy for everyday use. Love your reviews, BTW.

Realy Fun :-)

The Epix Gen2 and 955 have a price difference of USD 50, after considering this, I have decided to purchase the Epix Gen2. I hope this is the right decision.

955 does the job but you need some style and the epix has it when running and casual wearing

That Johnson guy is brilliant! New guy deserved to get fired for such an outrageous suggestion. 🤣🤣

I didn't like the Fenix 7. So id probably not like the epix. Im still waiting for Garmin to issue refund and then ill get the 955. Cant wait.

I got the epix 2 at an insanely good deal , just 180 dollars over FR955 non solar . So happy :)

Thanks for all the info; I've watched far too many videos to me me choose my next watch, and yours has been by far the best! Still scratching my head on which to get; my requirements / situation: I have a secondhand Garmin 920xt, which does everything I want (does swim, bike and run, does heart rate well including on the swim, has enough battery for an ironman, isn't an absolute rip-off price like every hrm gps watch out there). But it's slowly dying and misbehaving now, plus the hrm band has disintegrated because they are an unacceptably poor design. So now I need a watch that does all that the 920 does but ideally with accurate hrm on the wrist so I can avoid the poor quality, rip-off priced chest hrms. I will only be wearing it for training and racing. Judging by all the vids I've seen so far, I'll have to pay a pile of money for a heap of functions I don't need, just to get something that will last 15 hrs or so over my slow ironman time? I guess my utopia is something with a big battery with basic SBR timers, good wrist hrm, and that's about it. I wonder if the iwatch battery would last 15hrs as at least then I might get some non-sport features that might be useful? Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks again for the great advice!

You say the forerunner 955 is made of plastic, it is made of carbon which is actually stronger than steel

955

The watch band parody is perfect ...I can't figure out why Garmin does that for forerunner ...stupid !!

You touched topics and didn’t quite delve into it. It was quite annoying.

Hi, I am from a cycling products company and would like to invite you to review a product, Could I get your email address?