Garmin Fenix 6 Pro
The ultimate multi–sport watch, but do you need it?
$699.99 From Garmin, garmin.com Features 1.3–inch display (240x240 pixels), 32GB memory, 10 ATM water rating, 47mm case size, 83g
Want a high–end running watch, golf watch, gym watch, ski watch and a hiking watch in one? Then consider the new Fenix.
The Garmin Fenix 6 Pro’s closest predecessor is the Fenix 5 Plus. The Fenix 6 Pro has improved on a few key parameters, like battery life and screen size, without increasing its size or weight. There’s also 32GB of on–board storage for keeping music playlists synced to it.
Battery life has been improved thanks to modes that can extend its life up to 46 days. For us, with a bunch of useful functions turned on, it lasted a week.
Speaking of batteries, a new Body Battery feature monitors your energy level throughout the day. This gives you an idea of how different activities can affect your overall energy levels. This pairs well with the new PacePro feature, which suggests pacing
strategies when active according to the terrain, the desired finish time, and your own preference settings.
The robust steel and sapphire build looks great, and is very sturdy. It’s controlled using five buttons on the side, with no touchscreen option. The big screen shows lots of metrics at once — good for advanced training. It’ll suggest training types based on VO2 levels and other data — the Garmin Coach system, in particular, adapts to give you plans to hit a 5km or 10km run, or a half–marathon.
But as comprehensive as it is, it’s pricey and bulky. Though it has great running features, it’s just a bit too heavy to be ideal.
THE BOTTOM LINE. The ideal sports watch if you want something that features skiing maps, swimming and hiking activity profiles, gym tracking and, well, you get the idea.