The Garmin Epix Pro and Polar Grit X2 Pro are built for the outdoors enthusiast—the person who would much rather be hitting trails than grinding away in a gym. Equipped with vibrant, color screens, akin to those on higher-end smartwatches, these rugged watches elevate outdoor activities and ease of use.
Price and Availability
The Garmin Epix Pro, available since Spring 2023, can be purchased directly from Garmin’s website and other retailers like Amazon or Dick’s Sporting Goods in the US, and John Lewis in the UK. Announced in March 2024, the Polar Grit X2 Pro is less frequently on sale, but this is expected to change over time.
Price Comparison:
- Polar Grit X2 Pro: £649 for the stainless steel model, £749 for the titanium version.
- Garmin Epix Pro: £739.99 for the smallest case size, up to £829.99 for the largest.
Winner: Polar Grit X2 Pro
Design and Build
Both watches are designed to withstand rigors while maintaining a stylish appearance. The Epix Pro offers three case sizes: 42 mm, 47 mm, and 51 mm, whereas the Grit X2 Pro comes in a single 48.6 mm size.
Design and Build Comparison:
- Materials: Both are available in stainless steel and titanium.
- Weight: Grit X2 Pro is lighter at 57g and 1mm thinner.
- Straps: Both come with silicone straps that can be easily replaced with leather or nylon bands.
- Water Resistance: Both watches are water-resistant up to 100 meters.
- Display: Grit X2 Pro has a 1.39-inch AMOLED display (454 x 454 px). The Epix Pro offers three display sizes with different resolutions, the largest being similar to the Grit X2 Pro.
Winner: Tie
Features and Capabilities
Both watches are feature-packed, tracking indoor and outdoor activities, providing health metrics and GPS data, and offering training insights and navigation.
Feature Comparison:
- Sensors: Both have optical heart rate, SpO2, and barometric altimeter sensors. The Grit X2 Pro additionally features a skin temperature sensor and ECG.
- GPS: Both support dual-band GPS for more accurate tracking.
- Mapping and Navigation: Garmin Epix Pro has richer mapping and navigation features, including preloaded topographic maps and turn-by-turn navigation.
- Training: Garmin offers a more accessible Training Readiness Score, while Polar’s FitSpark-suggested workouts are well-displayed.
- Smartwatch Features: Garmin supports music playback, contactless payments, and access to the Connect IQ app store. The Grit X2 Pro primarily offers notifications and music controls.
Winner: Garmin Epix Pro
Performance and Battery Life
Performance Comparison:
- Processing: Both watches have similar processing speeds and memory.
- Battery Life: Grit X2 Pro offers up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, while Garmin’s Epix Pro ranges from 10 to 31 days. In GPS mode, Grit X2 Pro manages 47 hours, and the Epix Pro ranges from 13 to 38 hours, depending on the model.
Winner: Garmin Epix Pro
Conclusion
Both the Polar Grit X2 Pro and Garmin Epix Pro are excellent multisport watches, delivering reliable performance, attractive design, and robust features.
Final Verdict:
- For the best mapping, navigation support, and enhanced smartwatch experience: Garmin Epix Pro.
- For a more budget-friendly option with a fine AMOLED screen and stylish design: Polar Grit X2 Pro.
Overall Winner: Garmin Epix Pro
Comparison Table
| Feature | Garmin Epix Pro | Polar Grit X2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | Spring 2023 | March 2024 |
| Price | £739.99 – £829.99 | £649 – £749 |
| Case Sizes | 42mm, 47mm, 51mm | 48.6mm |
| Weight | 70g | 57g |
| Display Size and Resolution | 1.2″, 1.3″, 1.4″ (difference in resolutions) | 1.39″, 454 x 454 px |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | 10 – 31 days | Up to 10 days |
| Battery Life (GPS Mode) | 13 – 38 hours | Up to 47 hours |
| Sensors | Optical HR, SpO2, Barometric Altimeter | Optical HR, SpO2, Barometric Altimeter, Skin Temperature, ECG |
| GPS Modes | Dual-band GPS | Dual-band GPS |
| Smartwatch Features | Music Playback, Contactless Payments, Connect IQ App Store | Notifications, Music Controls |
FAQs
Which watch has better battery life?
- The Garmin Epix Pro, particularly the 51mm model, offers superior battery life with up to 31 days in smartwatch mode and up to 38 hours in GPS mode.
Can I swim with both watches?
- Yes, both the Garmin Epix Pro and the Polar Grit X2 Pro are water-resistant up to 100 meters, making them suitable for swimming.
Which watch has the best navigation features?
- The Garmin Epix Pro excels in navigation features, offering preloaded topographic maps and turn-by-turn navigation.
Do both watches play music?
- The Garmin Epix Pro supports music playback, while the Polar Grit X2 Pro only provides basic music controls without onboard music storage.
Which watch is more budget-friendly?
- The Polar Grit X2 Pro is more affordable, with prices starting at £649 compared to £739.99 for the Garmin Epix Pro.
Which watch offers additional wellness sensors?
- The Polar Grit X2 Pro includes additional sensors such as a skin temperature sensor and an ECG, which are not available on the Garmin Epix Pro.
This buyer’s guide provides a clear comparison to help you choose the best multisport watch for your needs, whether you prioritize advanced features, affordability, or battery life.
