Garmin fēnix 7 Multisport GPS Watch, Silver with Graphite Band

As a dedicated runner with experience using the Garmin Forerunner 255, I was keen to test the capabilities of the Garmin Fenix 7. Positioned as a high-end multi-sport watch, the Fenix 7 promises advanced features and durability. Design and Build The Fenix 7 is a robust timepiece built to withstand the rigours of outdoor activities. While its size might be a consideration for some, the watch feels exceptionally sturdy thanks to a combination of materials. Despite the use of plastic, the overall build quality is impressive. Display One of the Fenix 7’s standout features is its display. Even in bright sunlight, the screen remains highly readable, making it ideal for outdoor runs. Connectivity The Fenix 7 offers reliable connectivity, seamlessly syncing with compatible smartphones and other Garmin devices. This allows for convenient access to notifications, music controls, and data sharing. Comfort While the Fenix 7 is designed for durability, comfort is also a key factor for runners. The watch is generally comfortable to wear, even during long runs. However, its size might be a consideration for those with smaller wrists. Features For runners, the Fenix 7 offers a comprehensive set of features. Beyond the standard metrics like pace, distance, and heart rate, the watch excels in providing advanced data such as VO2 max, training status, and recovery time. These insights are invaluable for optimising training and preventing injuries. Additionally, the inclusion of training plans is a helpful feature for runners of all abilities. Performance On the run, the Fenix 7 delivers. GPS accuracy is excellent, and the watch responds quickly to button presses. Heart rate monitoring, while not perfect, provides reliable data for most users. Battery Life Battery life is a crucial factor for any running watch. While the Fenix 7 offers respectable endurance, heavy reliance on features like music and constant heart rate monitoring can impact battery life. Comparison to Forerunner 255 Compared to the Forerunner 255, the Fenix 7 offers a significant upgrade in terms of features and durability. While the Forerunner is a capable running watch, it lacks the advanced metrics and rugged build of the Fenix 7. Pros and Cons Pros: Comprehensive range of running metrics and features, durable build quality, excellent display readability, accurate GPS, regular software updates, versatile for multi-sport athletes. Cons: High price point, battery life can be shorter with intensive use, large size might not suit all users, not an OLED screen. Conclusion The Garmin Fenix 7 is a compelling option for serious runners seeking a versatile and feature-packed watch. While its price tag is substantial, the advanced metrics, durability, and overall performance make it a worthy investment for those who demand the best. However, potential buyers should carefully consider their specific needs and budget before making a decision.

Comfortable to wear, customisable display easy to read, display dims until touched to save battery. In daily life can give 18 days charge, but use of GPS tracking starts to shorten that, I tracked 7 days skiing and had 4 days charge remaining. Lots of functions, the settings menus take some getting through due to so many options until you get used to finding your way round. Instructions are online as usual these days, connects easily with my Android devices. Messages and notifications pop up on screen with limited prescribed reply messages. Haven't used music player yet. It gives lap time via phone speaker if connected. Step counter is fairly accurate for type of device. Easy altitude and location calibration. I fitted screen protector after reading reviews and the sensors still respond well. My first foray into smartwatches and overall I've been pleased, anyone considering one needs to check that the features meet their needs but it is a well made device as per the Garmin reputation.

Brilliant watch Battery life amazing, easy to use, and looks good. Use it for running, GPS is accurate and no need for a mobile.

This device is excellent. I've used it for a few months, mostly for walking/running tracking heart rate, calories and sleep. I have switched off the smart connectivity (i.e. notifications from my phone) as I don't need this and want to preserve battery life. 1. GPS reliability / speed of connection is great. I have no issues getting an initial connection, nor do I see a drop out whilst using it on an activity (my previous v1 Garmin Instinct had a slow initial connection and would sometimes lose signal during an activity). Obviously if you're amongst tall buildings there will be an issue, but it's superior to my Garmin Instinct on the regular runs that I do. 2. Battery life is fantastic. I really wanted to get the solar version but this is even more money, so I settled for this. I have no issues at all with the battery. I can use it for > 2 weeks with 5 runs per week (using GPS tracking) and it just copes with it fine. I wear the watch most of the day and use heart rate / sleep tracking etc. I can't even say how long it lasts, since it lasts so long I don't know. I did work out that it is possibly losing 5% charge for a 1 hour activity with GPS tracking. So I think that it might struggle towards the end of an ultra-marathon, but for a couple of weeks of many activities/long runs, it is brilliant. If you do ultra-marathons, maybe go for the pro or solar version. 3. The options for running are great - e.g. structured intervals, lactate threshold test and more. Where I think it can be improved upon: 1. Initially a little disappointed with the screen contrast. But this is designed this way to be low power consumption, so i'm OK with this given the device does what it's supposed to do so well. 2. The app is a little clunky. 3. Minor improvements could be made - e.g. the ability to set a running activity profile to use km, and another to use miles (currently this is a global setting). The above are minor issues and overall i'm very pleased with this watch.

The Fenix 7 is my fifth Garmin watch and my third Fenix watch. There is no massive difference between the Fenix 6 and 7, but as a sea swimmer the GPS tracking is important for me and it has to be said the Fenix 7's GPS tracking is worlds apart from it's predecessor. The Fenix 6 was consistently poor, no matter which satellite system you chose on the watch, the swims looked like a Richter scale chart, but the Fenix 7's performance is stellar in that regard. This is a big factor for me, having decent and accurate open sea swim data. On the negative side - from day one, the pool swimming activity did not work. The watch was unable to count pool lengths, something the Fenix 6 did perfectly well. This confused me greatly, that Garmin would release the 7 without having made sure everything worked. After several weeks Garmin introduced a patch for this and other teething problems the watch had. Thankfully that fixed the problem. Now to the most disappointing part - The back/lap button (bottom right button) on the Fenix 7 has stopped working after about 8 weeks usage - this, frankly, is unnaccepable for such an expensive piece of kit, so I will be sending this watch back for a replacement as soon as they are back in stock. Overall a fantastic piece of kit - but with some teething problems.

Had to move from Apple Watch 3 after they stopped updating software. Oh my lord am I pleased I took the plunge and went for Garmin instead of apple. It is an equally competent smart watch for the average user, but as a fitness watch it is light years ahead, plus the Garmin app means no more paying for Strava. It provides running plans, sleep analysis, body battery, pulseOx, loads of great features but best of all, battery life that puts apple to shame. The reason I could never sleep track with apple was the battery ran out. Not with this bad boy. Even with at least 30 mins of GPS tracked activity every day I still get more than 200 hours between charges. That's eight and a half days! Dump apple and get a Garmin. The watch itself is on the large size but not heavy, feels good to wear and good when running. One of my best ever Amazon buys.

I was very concerned about the size of this being a slim woman (obviously used my husbands account to buy it 🤷‍♀️🤣) I did my research before buying it and people were saying it was way too big, I was worried it would be too big and look ridiculous. I love it, it’s perfect size, in fact I’d be disappointed if it was smaller! The watch itself is brilliant, I’ve still not got all the features yet as it can take 3 weeks to get all your data from training. The battery life is great, I don’t get the 18 days as I have a busy screen with lots of data, I’m constantly looking at it and I use it to train almost everyday but still lasts so much longer than my Fitbit. The heart rate is so much more accurate and my resting heart rate is lower. I thought it would take me a while to get used to it but it’s very easy to use. Definitely worth the money

After a week of use I am extremely pleased with this watch. It's solid, well designed and the training planning tool has made a significant difference to the quality of my training. I wanted a watch with a mapping and navigation function to be able to run trails without checking my phone. This was the main reason why I chose this watch over other models and I'm glad I did. The 'heads up' display and haptic feedback when coming up to a turn is useful and very accurate. It would be even better if it used Ordinance Survey (UK) maps or was compatible with the OS app, but I've found it easy to plot a trail using the OS app, export the data in a file and then upload it into Garmin. I did loads of research to choose a watch to match my needs, which came down to between the Fenix 7 and Epix 2 and whether the better quality Epix ameloid screen was worth the extra money. Although I only have a dull January to go from, the Fenix 7 screen is clear and easy to see, so I'm completely happy with it.