14 DAY TRIAL // Garmin announced the launch of the fēnix 6 collection, which consists of the fēnix 6, fēnix 6S, fēnix 6X, and fēnix 6X Pro Solar.
The fēnix series is known for its rugged look and feel, not to mention the large selection of features that would make any other company envious. If you add the insane battery life that these watches usually employ, which can go past 20 days, it’s easy to see why people might be thrilled when new versions are made available.
Although, if we take a look at the current line up in the fēnix 6 series, we might be tempted to say that there isn’t too much room for improvement. People already gave access to topographic maps and all kinds of cool toys, so you go to wonder what could they possibly add? It turns out that the answer is quite a lot.
New models are filling some gaps
The news models are fēnix 6, fēnix 6S, fēnix 6X, and fēnix 6X Pro Solar. The 6 and 6X versions come with a slightly bigger screen while retaining the same overall design. The QuickFit nylon bands and silicone colors are also now available.
Also, the new smartwatches have a new functionality called PaceProfeature, “which keeps a runner’s pacing strategy on track with grade-adjusted guidance as they run a course. Runners can create plans directly from the watch or ahead of time on Garmin Connect or Garmin Connect Mobile. While running the course, users will be able to see their target split pace, the actual split pace, distance to the next split, and how much time they are ahead/behind on their target, right on the watch face.”
The Power Manager was upgraded as well, allowing users to control various settings, which in turn influence battery life. For example, it’s possible to turn the heart rate sensor off, allowing people to use the watch for a longer time.
Of course, the star of the show is the fēnix 6X Pro Solar, which despite the name is not a fully solar smartwatch. The glass on top of the watch is actually called Power Glass, and it’s a charging lens that can be used to extend the battery life up to three days (if you use the watch three hours per day outside, in 50,000 lux conditions.)
All of the watches share pretty much the same features, such as topographical maps, support for Garmin Pay, underwater wrist-based heart rate for swimming and Pulse Ox4 blood oxygen saturation, along with the latest Body Battery energy monitoring option which lets users see their body’s energy levels at any given moment.
All of the fēnix 6 watches are now on sale, with the prices starting from new $599.99.
