Garmin Epix

2.1k · January 5, 2015

Product page on Garmin.com: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-trail/wrist-worn/epix-/prod146065.html#_ga=1.95224860.106866546.1420497556

Epix hands-on review: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/01/garmin-epix-mapping-multisport.html

Edited January 5, 2015 by yogazoo

2.1k · January 13, 2015

I wonder which development group the Epix is assigned to. The sport-watch group or the outdoor handheld group?

2.1k · January 13, 2015

Well, with a picture like this on their Epix page:

Makes me feel it's considered an outdoor handheld for your wrist instead of a sport-watch for the outdoor enthusiast. I think I'm intrigued enough to start planning a few bake sales before spring. Anyone heard of a proposed release date?

Edited January 13, 2015 by yogazoo

1.1k · January 13, 2015

GPS City (Calgary) shows an in stock date of March 15. BTW, that item retails at $649 here in Canada. I think I'll wait a bit.

2.1k · January 13, 2015

BTW, that item retails at $649 here in Canada. I think I'll wait a bit.

Time to clean out the garage and have a yard sale!

BTW, based on what I'm hearing on other sites it looks like the Garmin Epix will be under the perview of the Outdoor Handheld people. This makes me very happy as it will more likely contain the features us geocaching/outdoor users would prefer rather than being a sports-watch with outdoor as an aside.

6.4k · January 13, 2015

GPS City (Calgary) shows an in stock date of March 15. BTW, that item retails at $649 here in Canada. I think I'll wait a bit.

$620. I'm sure the prices will drop to US MSRP ($550) in short order....

http://www.gpscentral.ca/products/garmin/epix.html

2.1k · January 13, 2015

And, based on previous experience from pre-ordering other Garmin units, the proclaimed March 15th availability date isn't static either. This date may not even come from Garmin. It could just be the retailers approximation. Time will tell.

A brand new direction in color mapping devices from Garmin. I'm starting to get excited to see what this unit can do, initial impressions etc. If screen size is the only limitation (as expected, it's worn on the wrist) it will be interesting to see what real-world applications the Epix could end up being a preference over handheld devices. While perhaps not directly replacing a larger screen dedicated unit it might extend the use of GPS into other activities or make the use of one for casual engagements more practical. Or who knows, maybe it will be all I wear when I go out hunting, hiking, or for work. I'm excited to see the interface as well.

Edited January 13, 2015 by yogazoo

1.4k · January 14, 2015

Product page on Garmin.com: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-the-trail/wrist-worn/epix-/prod146065.html#_ga=1.95224860.106866546.1420497556

Epix hands-on review: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/01/garmin-epix-mapping-multisport.html

Neither of those links mentions paperless caching. Any GPS that accepts the input of a waypoint can be used for caching but that hardly means it can do paperless caching.

2.1k · January 14, 2015

Neither of those links mentions paperless caching. Any GPS that accepts the input of a waypoint can be used for caching but that hardly means it can do paperless caching.

True, neither specifically mentions paperless caching. However the product page shows compatibility with the cHirp sensor. I'm fairly certain that when any GPS manufacturer today, especially Garmin, says that their unit is compatible with geocaching that they mean paperless. Especially under the assumption that the unit software will be spearheaded by the Outdoor Handheld division. But I guess we'll just have to wait for Garmin to be explicit about paperless to be 100%.

Edited January 14, 2015 by yogazoo

1.4k · January 14, 2015

Neither of those links mentions paperless caching. Any GPS that accepts the input of a waypoint can be used for caching but that hardly means it can do paperless caching.

True, neither specifically mentions paperless caching. However the product page shows compatibility with the cHirp sensor. I'm fairly certain that when any GPS manufacturer today, especially Garmin, says that their unit is compatible with geocaching that they mean paperless. Especially under the assumption that the unit software will be spearheaded by the Outdoor Handheld division. But I guess we'll just have to wait for Garmin to be explicit about paperless to be 100%.

I see that Garmin does claim paperless geocaching for 2 of their watch style GPSs (fenix and tactix)so perhaps the Epix will indeed be added to the list.

February 3, 2015

I asked Garmin Support, and here is their answer on paperless geocaching support on the Garmin Epix.

"Thank you for contacting Garmin International. The Garmin Epix will support paperless geocaching. At this time it will be with a GPX format."

7.7k · February 3, 2015

1.4" LCD, 205 x 148 pixels. $600. I like the idea, but my budget and my eyes hate it.

2.1k · May 6, 2015

The Epix on pre-order and is due on my doorstep May 14th. A certain online/brick-mortar has a 30 day exclusive and other retailers won't get theirs until mid June. Will it be worth it? One thing that will make or break it for me is size. My hope is to wear it as a daily fitness tracker but the size has me a bit worried. The photos currently online are few and not revealing enough for me to really tell.

Anyone else out there place a pre-order?

2.1k · May 7, 2015

Well, if anyone is following the saga of the slipping epix ship date my order through REI has slipped even further today. It is now May 27. I'm not happy but think it will be worth the wait.

Edited May 8, 2015 by yogazoo

1.9k · May 10, 2015

The Epix on pre-order and is due on my doorstep May 14th. A certain online/brick-mortar has a 30 day exclusive and other retailers won't get theirs until mid June. Will it be worth it? One thing that will make or break it for me is size. My hope is to wear it as a daily fitness tracker but the size has me a bit worried. The photos currently online are few and not revealing enough for me to really tell.

Indeed. I've been following this thread for awhile.

Just before I got my first GPS (2007) I had a number of different altimeter watches (Casio, Timex) and I always hated their size and this Epix is bigger in all dimensions. Color maps put this in an entirely different class, but its still huge for a wrist.

Will be interesting to hear your reaction, when/if it arrives.

May 14, 2015

Well, if anyone is following the saga of the slipping epix ship date my order through REI has slipped even further today. It is now May 27. I'm not happy but think it will be worth the wait.

I have my doubts it'll be out by the 27th. Garmin seems to be delaying this product and I rather have them delay an unfinished product than release what's essentially a beta product.

2.1k · May 18, 2015

Get this. I noticed that the Epix availability on the REI website said "In Stock" so I called them today to ask them about it. Indeed, REI shipped the Epix to stores and that I could cancel my pre-order and make a new order to have my unit arrive this Friday. The one I'll be getting was sitting on a shelf at a brick-n-morter. I asked them why their pre-orders weren't filled first to which there was no real answer. Just another layer added to what has been a bit of a saga since day 1.

My unit will arrive this Friday and hopefully I'll be able to post some first impressions and screenshots of Geocaching displays.

2.1k · May 19, 2015

First impressions of the Epix in German. Just use a browser based translator if you speak English.

http://www.naviboard.de/vb/showthread.php?t=58510

Apparently the user is not able to load some newer third party maps(OSM). That fact is troubling and I hope that it's a firmware glitch and not Garmin's new direction. I'll investigate/verify this when I receive my unit on Friday. I'm sure Garmin knows that third party map compatibility has been a strong driver of unit sales over the past 7 or so years. Ending third party map compatibility to increase Garmin map sales would be cutting off their nose to spite their face. Maybe it's an old firmware glitch that was ported from the troublesome set of releases to handheld units late last year. During that time Garmin changed the map verification mechanism in their firmware code and inadvertently blocked some third party maps. Time will tell.

Edited May 19, 2015 by yogazoo

2.1k · May 27, 2015

Well, I finally had some time to spend using my Epix. First note, for those here who geocache (probably everyone) there is no current ability to do paperless geocaching. There is actually no geocaching ability at all other than loading them as waypoints and even then all you see are the codes. I'm sure some here could manipulate a PQ with one of the many programs out there to at least have those waypoints listed by name and not code. Whether Garmin includes geocaching as a feature remains to be seen.

My brief first impressions in a few areas:

Look and feel - The watch is surprisingly light for one that looks like a tank. I previously wore an all metal Seiko that weighed a ton and may affect my opinion. The watch is light-weight and appears to be well constructed and rugged. Metal trim on the front with darkened metal buttons. The size of the Epix on my largish wrist is just fine and suitable to me for daily wear. Those with small wrists might have a different opinion. I've banged the watch up a bit and have a small rub mark on the plastic watch case but no scratches on the metal yet despite bouncing it off of plenty of surfaces. And don't worry, when I say "plastic" I mean a very tough engineered type. The screen feels like mineral glass but I would highly recommend investing the few bucks for a screen protector. I purchase large sheets of screen protector material designed for old, out-of-date laptops and tablets. Retailers have fire sales of the stuff that's cut to fit old stock and with a sharp scissors or razor you can cut your own to fit anything.

Screen - The screen is beautifully reflective and really looks great in bright to moderate light. However, the screen can be a challenge to see indoors or in low ambient lighting. Luckily of course there is a backlight that activates by pressing a dedicated button. The backlight itself is nothing special and makes the screen look a bit washed out. Also, the backlight has bright and dim spots but nothing too noticeable. Perfectly fine screen and backlight implementation.

Interface - There are 5 buttons (3 onthe left and 2 on the right) along with the touchscreen. I find the touchscreen interface a bit cumbersome for menu items at the moment just due to the limited input space. It is a smaller screen and it doesn't help that I have large fingers. I mostly use the buttons for everything which is fine since the interface setup doesn't require screen touch input whatsoever. It can all be done with the buttons. The Epix is quite snappy while navigating menu items and changing screens (widgets).

Operation - Having never owned a Fenix, or any Garmin fitness watch for that matter, I had to read the online manual to even get started. Coming from the Garmin handheld world the Epix really threw me. The setup and menu items are so different that I'm still trying to figure it all out. Like anything new there will be a learning curve to operate this watch effectively. It's not bad, just different. For example, the GPS is not always on and there is no "switch" in the setup to just turn it on. You have to be on a widget or in an activity app which automatically turns the GPS on and subsequently off upon exit. Another change is that when you start an activity app you are dedicated to the settings in that app and can't access the main widget area without exiting the activity you're engaged in. So it just takes a bit of time to set up each activity app to how you like it (data fields, map, routing options, etc). It makes sense (intuitive) and will just take some time for me to become comfortable with it.

Connect IQ - In my opinion many of the Connect IQ apps currently available are unpolished for implementation on the Epix. Granted, this whole concept is basically brand new so it's understandable. Some apps that were designed for the Vivoactive (released last fall) were modified for the Epix but can be a little quirky. I can't tell if it's the apps or the Epix firmware that needs a bit of work but the Epix is brand new to the larger market and I'm sure things will get ironed out in the near future. Some apps and widgets work well and are nice additions. The "data fields" section kind of baffles me a bit. In that I mean I can't understand why some of those data fields aren't just included in the watch firmware. For example, the battery life icon that you can enable in handhelds as a data field must be downloaded from the connect IQ store for use on the Epix. The watch faces are ok but, in my opinion, there is a lot of junk in the Connect IQ "watch face" store. Although there are a few other good options, the default watch face is the only customizable face and, in my opinion, is the best from a visibility and data standpoint. Others needs may influence their choice of watch face.

Map - As stated above, the screen on the Epix is a beauty in good light. And viewing the maps is a more pleasant experience and way more useable than I had envisioned. I have Garmin 24k topo, a plethora of third party maps, and BirdsEye all loaded up. 8GB is plenty for vector based maps but you'll find it fills up quickly when adding BirdsEye image tiles. I have found that the use of transparent maps or overlay maps will crash the system so I removed my hunting district overlay maps until Garmin issues a fix. There is no night mode (disappointing) and there is currently no way to enable terrain shading. Again, perhaps in a future update. BirdsEye is ok but appears to be compressed a bit when added to or viewed on the Epix. Birdseye pixelation/grainyness is noticeable at closer zoom levels and the amount of detail I'm used to on my Oregon simply isn't there on "highest" resolution images. BirdsEye is however usable and the Epix comes with a free one year subscription. I have one little gripe about the map screen aside from the aforementioned; I have the Garmin 24k topo's loaded and when I select a point on the map and review that points data I can see the distance to point, coordinates, township-range-section, and USGS quad name but the Epix doesn't query the elevation data that is built in to the Garmin 24k and 100k topo maps. This functionality would be great if you want to calibrate the altimeter and don't have access to any other source of accurate elevation data other than from the GPS.

Overall my impressions are largely positive. I know some here will be shocked to hear me say that the Epix feels unpolished on the firmware front. Things like some data fields crossing over into the neighboring field, map lags, some system crashes have been observed. For a fitness watch it's pretty amazing but for a GPS I still prefer my Oregon 650 or 64 for the comfort factor since I'm simply accustomed to using them. A comment was made in a post on another forum that currently the functionality of the Epix feels just like a Fenix 3 with a map screen. I would have to agree with that statement and look forward to the Epix maturing into an outdoors centric hiking and geocaching watch first and a fitness watch second.

One drawback of the Epix from a GPS standpoint is that there is no way to gauge GPS accuracy. No, there is no satellite screen to see your status and there is no EPE data field you can enable. I've heard rumors that Garmin does not intend to implement any way to determine your GPS accuracy which, in my view is unfortunate.

I'll be testing the GPS accuracy against my Oregon and 64 through tracklog comparison in the coming days when I find a chunk of time to do it right.

Edited May 27, 2015 by yogazoo

May 28, 2015

Well, I finally had some time to spend using my Epix. First note, for those here who geocache (probably everyone) there is no current ability to do paperless geocaching. There is actually no geocaching ability at all other than loading them as waypoints and even then all you see are the codes. I'm sure some here could manipulate a PQ with one of the many programs out there to at least have those waypoints listed by name and not code. Whether Garmin includes geocaching as a feature remains to be seen.

My brief first impressions in a few areas:

Look and feel - The watch is surprisingly light for one that looks like a tank. I previously wore an all metal Seiko that weighed a ton and may affect my opinion. The watch is light-weight and appears to be well constructed and rugged. Metal trim on the front with darkened metal buttons. The size of the Epix on my largish wrist is just fine and suitable to me for daily wear. Those with small wrists might have a different opinion. I've banged the watch up a bit and have a small rub mark on the plastic watch case but no scratches on the metal yet despite bouncing it off of plenty of surfaces. And don't worry, when I say "plastic" I mean a very tough engineered type. The screen feels like mineral glass but I would highly recommend investing the few bucks for a screen protector. I purchase large sheets of screen protector material designed for old, out-of-date laptops and tablets. Retailers have fire sales of the stuff that's cut to fit old stock and with a sharp scissors or razor you can cut your own to fit anything.

Screen - The screen is beautifully reflective and really looks great in bright to moderate light. However, the screen can be a challenge to see indoors or in low ambient lighting. Luckily of course there is a backlight that activates by pressing a dedicated button. The backlight itself is nothing special and makes the screen look a bit washed out. Also, the backlight has bright and dim spots but nothing too noticeable. Perfectly fine screen and backlight implementation.

Interface - There are 5 buttons (3 onthe left and 2 on the right) along with the touchscreen. I find the touchscreen interface a bit cumbersome for menu items at the moment just due to the limited input space. It is a smaller screen and it doesn't help that I have large fingers. I mostly use the buttons for everything which is fine since the interface setup doesn't require screen touch input whatsoever. It can all be done with the buttons. The Epix is quite snappy while navigating menu items and changing screens (widgets).

Operation - Having never owned a Fenix, or any Garmin fitness watch for that matter, I had to read the online manual to even get started. Coming from the Garmin handheld world the Epix really threw me. The setup and menu items are so different that I'm still trying to figure it all out. Like anything new there will be a learning curve to operate this watch effectively. It's not bad, just different. For example, the GPS is not always on and there is no "switch" in the setup to just turn it on. You have to be on a widget or in an activity app which automatically turns the GPS on and subsequently off upon exit. Another change is that when you start an activity app you are dedicated to the settings in that app and can't access the main widget area without exiting the activity you're engaged in. So it just takes a bit of time to set up each activity app to how you like it (data fields, map, routing options, etc). It makes sense (intuitive) and will just take some time for me to become comfortable with it.

Connect IQ - In my opinion many of the Connect IQ apps currently available are unpolished for implementation on the Epix. Granted, this whole concept is basically brand new so it's understandable. Some apps that were designed for the Vivoactive (released last fall) were modified for the Epix but can be a little quirky. I can't tell if it's the apps or the Epix firmware that needs a bit of work but the Epix is brand new to the larger market and I'm sure things will get ironed out in the near future. Some apps and widgets work well and are nice additions. The "data fields" section kind of baffles me a bit. In that I mean I can't understand why some of those data fields aren't just included in the watch firmware. For example, the battery life icon that you can enable in handhelds as a data field must be downloaded from the connect IQ store for use on the Epix. The watch faces are ok but, in my opinion, there is a lot of junk in the Connect IQ "watch face" store. Although there are a few other good options, the default watch face is the only customizable face and, in my opinion, is the best from a visibility and data standpoint. Others needs may influence their choice of watch face.

Map - As stated above, the screen on the Epix is a beauty in good light. And viewing the maps is a more pleasant experience and way more useable than I had envisioned. I have Garmin 24k topo, a plethora of third party maps, and BirdsEye all loaded up. 8GB is plenty for vector based maps but you'll find it fills up quickly when adding BirdsEye image tiles. I have found that the use of transparent maps or overlay maps will crash the system so I removed my hunting district overlay maps until Garmin issues a fix. There is no night mode (disappointing) and there is currently no way to enable terrain shading. Again, perhaps in a future update. BirdsEye is ok but appears to be compressed a bit when added to or viewed on the Epix. Birdseye pixelation/grainyness is noticeable at closer zoom levels and the amount of detail I'm used to on my Oregon simply isn't there on "highest" resolution images. BirdsEye is however usable and the Epix comes with a free one year subscription. I have one little gripe about the map screen aside from the aforementioned; I have the Garmin 24k topo's loaded and when I select a point on the map and review that points data I can see the distance to point, coordinates, township-range-section, and USGS quad name but the Epix doesn't query the elevation data that is built in to the Garmin 24k and 100k topo maps. This functionality would be great if you want to calibrate the altimeter and don't have access to any other source of accurate elevation data other than from the GPS.

Overall my impressions are largely positive. I know some here will be shocked to hear me say that the Epix feels unpolished on the firmware front. Things like some data fields crossing over into the neighboring field, map lags, some system crashes have been observed. For a fitness watch it's pretty amazing but for a GPS I still prefer my Oregon 650 or 64 for the comfort factor since I'm simply accustomed to using them. A comment was made in a post on another forum that currently the functionality of the Epix feels just like a Fenix 3 with a map screen. I would have to agree with that statement and look forward to the Epix maturing into an outdoors centric hiking and geocaching watch first and a fitness watch second.

One drawback of the Epix from a GPS standpoint is that there is no way to gauge GPS accuracy. No, there is no satellite screen to see your status and there is no EPE data field you can enable. I've heard rumors that Garmin does not intend to implement any way to determine your GPS accuracy which, in my view is unfortunate.

I'll be testing the GPS accuracy against my Oregon and 64 through tracklog comparison in the coming days when I find a chunk of time to do it right.

Your review actually made things pretty depressing. I was expecting much more from the Epix. Maybe I'll be better off with the Fenix 3.

2.1k · May 28, 2015

Sgt_Strider,

My impressions on the Epix weren't mean't to be a downer unless of course you wanted the Epix for geocaching. The Epix and Fenix 3 are in all regards the same firmware with the exception of the mapping and street routing on the Epix. You won't get anything on the Fenix that the Epix doesn't have. The mapping is an addition worthy of the the extra $50 in my opinion. And again, the impressions were mostly my opinions and I may be incorrect with some of the functions as I'm still learning how this thing works. I'll update this thread when new firmware is released if new functionality is added or changed.

We'll see where we are in a few firmware updates.

Edited May 28, 2015 by yogazoo

May 29, 2015

Sgt_Strider,

My impressions on the Epix weren't mean't to be a downer unless of course you wanted the Epix for geocaching. The Epix and Fenix 3 are in all regards the same firmware with the exception of the mapping and street routing on the Epix. You won't get anything on the Fenix that the Epix doesn't have. The mapping is an addition worthy of the the extra $50 in my opinion. And again, the impressions were mostly my opinions and I may be incorrect with some of the functions as I'm still learning how this thing works. I'll update this thread when new firmware is released if new functionality is added or changed.

We'll see where we are in a few firmware updates.

Garmin essentially uses the same basic features and adds on as you go from 900 to fenix to epix series. So all have the multisport capability of the 900 series, fenix series adds ability to track and load waypoints, epix adds mapping. I have a fenix 2 and the operation of the epix was a cinch to learn as the buttons and most functions are the same.

Thanks for the note on transparent maps crashing the system. I was just about to load one. The non-transparent topo maps I installed (freeware) seem to work fine. Haven't had a chance to try any geocaches yet as I've only had it 2 full days.

2.1k · May 30, 2015

Garmin essentially uses the same basic features and adds on as you go from 900 to fenix to epix series. So all have the multisport capability of the 900 series, fenix series adds ability to track and load waypoints, epix adds mapping. I have a fenix 2 and the operation of the epix was a cinch to learn as the buttons and most functions are the same.

Thanks for the note on transparent maps crashing the system. I was just about to load one. The non-transparent topo maps I installed (freeware) seem to work fine. Haven't had a chance to try any geocaches yet as I've only had it 2 full days.

Let me know how the geocaching goes atnbirdie. I'm assuming your loading them as simple "location" points. I was brand new to the Garmin smart watch world and it was a bit of a learning curve but not too bad. What originally threw me for a loop I now consider as a rather nice setup. I'm really growing to like the Epix more and more and wear it as my primary watch for every-day. I would still love to know my EPE data though. It's not perfect but we're only on firmware v2.20.

Edited May 30, 2015 by yogazoo

July 10, 2015

Let me know how the geocaching goes atnbirdie.

Sorry for the long delay. I have tried geocaching a couple of times and it worked just fine. Not paperless per se as all the watch shows are the Geocache codes, not descriptive name or any information, clues, etc. about the cache. I loaded the waypoints via BaseCamp. They then show up as "Saved Locations" arranged in order of distance from current position. You go into navigation, saved locations, click on the cache, and "go" to it. When you do that, the applications screen pops up and you select hike or navigate app and go from there.

What I do is download and save the geocaches to my iphone before going out. That way, I can use the phone for the detailed information without running down the battery by using it to find anything or having to have any cell phone signal.

Hope this helps.

2.7k · July 10, 2015

What I do is download and save the geocaches to my iphone before going out. That way, I can use the phone for the detailed information without running down the battery by using it to find anything or having to have any cell phone signal.

That sort of defeats the purpose of using a GPS if you still have to rely on your phone. In this respect, it would just be more efficient to use a true handheld device and not waste the money on the watch.

1.9k · July 10, 2015

What I do is download and save the geocaches to my iphone before going out. That way, I can use the phone for the detailed information without running down the battery by using it to find anything or having to have any cell phone signal.

That sort of defeats the purpose of using a GPS if you still have to rely on your phone. In this respect, it would just be more efficient to use a true handheld device and not waste the money on the watch.

I would agree except . . .

If you're using the photo viewer of your handheld, the geotagged photos are so small and the color depth so limited that photo viewing is limited at best. I have a OR 450 and the photos are dreadful unless very simple and contrasty. Subtle colors and contrast, forget it.

I'm exploring adding duplicate photos in my camera with its 1MP LCD screen for those times the OR 450 just doesn't cut it. The phone would do the same, only better.

Garmin Epix

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Link to comment

Join the conversation