Garmin Epix (Gen 2) Black Silicone Strap Smartwatch

In inner city I would say multi band does make quite a bit of difference - I get incredibly frustrated when I go out for runs sometimes and can't wait to upgrade at some point to a multi band watch

Beauty

I'm in exactly the same boat. F5s+ still does the job brilliantly, although battery is only 4-5 days now. Would love a 7pro, epix 2pro or 2 sapphire, but cause the old 5s+ is still working great I don't feel any urgency, and will probably wait till one of those is under £400.
This deal however is sorely testing my resolve! (edited)

I was having this dilemma also, the 965 has a bigger screen, is lighter, has more GPS options and slightly better battery life. However, the raised 'dome' screen really put me off, I would scratch the screen in no time. Plus I like the look of the Epix for everyday wear. I'm actually suppressed how well Garmin use the 1.3 inch screen, it feels bigger than it is.

I run 1/2 marathons, with wrists not much bigger than my petit wife, and it feels very comfortable and not heavy at all

If this was the Sapphire version they'd ve sold out in five seconds at that price haha. There is a great deal on the Sapphire at 530 with John Lewis at the min though. Banging price still

Combined with a work discount?

Newletter code is not working for me.. tried with and without the dashes.

I've recently bought the 265. The screen is flat but domed on the edges. It's an excellent watch and I love it, but a screen protector is a must, especially if you're wearing it for day to day use. Personally, I'd snap up the Epix all day long, as the durability aspect is big and this deal is phenomenal. Really considering swapping tbh

I would guess not, Apple watch (I assume they also have a fitness app?) will probably do everything you would want for that sort of running

If you want to compete or just take running , cycling, gym work etc more seriously and have deeper analysis metrics, training programs, pacing tools for racing - or maybe just more battery life for longer events/multi day hikes etc then you should consider a sports watch like this (noting this is one of the top of the range models, and there are much cheaper options that would do everything most people need, just know Map function tends only to be in the more expensive models).

I used a Huawei general purpose smartwatch when I got into running regularly during lockdown. It worked well and I think it's a decent solution for casual runners/cyclists who just want a record of each session, and some heart metrics to show if their fitness is improving. It also worked really well for normal smartwatch things like seeing and responding to incoming messages, step count throughout the day, movement encouragement if I'd been sat down for too long, controlling music without getting your phone out of your pocket etc. etc.

I bought a polar watch when I decided to train for an actual race - and the difference was quite stark. The polar was much better at the fitness stuff, and the training programme it created to prepare me for my race was excellent. However the smartwatch feature were more basic - perfectly functional, but not as elegant perhaps. To me they were good enough.
Same sort of fitness metrics as the Huawei had given, but in much more detail. Progress tracking to show me getting fitter/faster was easier to see and the data felt more accurate.
Perhaps also buying an expensive item like the dedicated fitness watch made me want to get out and run even more, because the data during and at the end of each run was encouraging.

Chat to an agent, told them my code did not fit the box, and received a new one that worked!

It depends on your needs but I have both and would always go for the Epix 2.

The 955, like other Forerunner watches is basically made of resin and is, therefore a bit lighter so runners quite often prefer it for that reason. It also comes with 32GB on board which would only really matter if you wanted to store more than one regional set of maps at a time. The other advantage of the 955 is that comes with multi band GPS. The sapphire Epix 2 comes with the 32GB and the multi band GPS but this Epix 2 doesn't.

The only real advantage of the Epix 2 is the Amoled screen but that is a very big advantage. It is brighter and has a higher resolution which makes it much more suitable for using the mapping functions. Some people prefer its overall look and feel, being a bit more dressy.

The rest of the functionality is pretty much identical. Both are excellent watches and, at their current prices of about £324 (you can get for a bit less if you have your own personal, non transferrable, 15% code) and £337.50 for the 955 and Epix 2 respectively are both excellent deals. (edited)

I use a curve card and add my debit card to my curve account so actually using HSBC as my main payment type

Yes easily but you can't remove the pin bar.

I just said I had signed up to the newsletter and didn't get a code through. They replied with a 15% one without prompt.

yes mine arrived sealed

If you decide not to go for it, I'd be really grateful if you could help me with the code!

Impressive discount/cashback stacking! I wish I'd thought to use my Chase card

I think you've already made the decision to take it this far

I tried but denied, I can save money and continue my 6X Pro.

"I'm afraid the code does not apply to smart watches and already discounted items."

Agreed, much prefer a black bezel. This is a great deal but think the Sapphire / Titanium at John Lewis is the best all-round choice.

How about this one?

Forerunner 955 for £323.99

worked for me and others

You must have got lucky with the agent. Mine correctly told me that smart watches are excluded

it's not mainly about the large number of options. This is a watch designed for running and other disciplines.

Are you returning to a store? If so, what store are you returning to?

Mine just arrived too - I find same on this as my old FR245 I have to grip/brace the watch on the other side to be certain to press the buttons. I think I see most runners doing this whatever fitness watch they have (starting and stopping watch for a race is critical to get right, and not assume you've successfully pressed the start button!).
Edit: probably something to do with the water/sweat proofing that means the buttons have some resistance?

Although I'm not loving the Epix size/weight even though I read the specs, compared it to my FR245, and thought about it, the watch feels massive (not sure I could even wear it with office shirt sleeves) and quite heavy. (edited)