Garmin aims for ultra endurance with its Enduro 2 solar multisport watch

Already intended for trail running, the Garmin Fēnix and Epix sports watches cover most of the needs of sports enthusiasts for long-distance outings. However, there are some who expect even more, accustomed to pushing the limits both physically and technologically: the followers of ultra endurance, in other words the ultra trailers. It is for them that Garmin has developed the Enduro 2, a sports watch with even more autonomy.

The Enduro 2 is to the Fēnix 7X what the Enduro was to the Fēnix 6X, that is to say a kind of boosted version of the Fēnix with some specific functions and a more generous autonomy. We thus find the same design as the 7X, with an imposing format of 51 mm, a titanium finish for the bezel and the caseback and a transflective MIP LCD screen of 1.4 inches (280 x 280 pixels) protected by a Power Sapphire glass. The latter incorporates solar sensors to recharge the battery of the watch and thus extend the autonomy. Although Garmin does not communicate the battery capacities of its watches, we can assume that that of the Enduro 2 has been increased, which would also explain the slight extra thickness of the watch (+ 0.7 mm, at 15, 6 mm) and the 3 g more of its case (64 g).

Over a month of battery life and up to 110 hours with GPS

Still, without being revolutionary, the result is there. We go from 28 days in connected watch use for the Fēnix 7X, to 34 days for the Enduro 2, and from 37 to 46 days in solar (for a minimum of 3 hours of charge per day in direct sunlight under 50,000 lux). The operating time with active GPS increases from 89 to 110 hours without solar and from 122 to 150 hours with. An Expedition mode extends the endurance of the tocante up to 77 or 172 days in solar, compared to 62 or 139 days respectively for the Fēnix 7X. Compared to the Enduro, we gain even more, since this first version could only work up to 70 hours with GPS (80 hours with solar). However, it lasted longer in connected watch mode (50/70 days), according to what is mentioned on the technical sheet.

The progress made in autonomy is also explained by the use of SatIQ, an automatic GPS selection mode using the Enduro 2’s multiband GNSS. switch from a multilink to several satellite networks. The GPS signal is used both to record the route traveled and for navigation, thanks to the TopoActive maps (and SkyView, for ski slopes) that the watch can store in its 32 GB of internal memory. Synchronization is done directly via wifi from the watch.

In terms of comfort and wrist support, Garmin provides a 26 mm wide UltraFit nylon strap with its Enduro 2. Lighter, it allows the watch to display only 70 g on the scale, in addition to allowing better evacuation perspiration compared to the more classic QuickFit silicone bracelet – also included – which usually accompanies the manufacturer’s multisport watches.

Everything for the trail, including at night

The Garmin Enduro 2 watch is of course full of functions adapted to ultra endurance: ClimbPro mode to keep an eye on the climbs ahead of us, PacePro mode to manage our pace according to a given race strategy, NextFork mode indicating the distance to the next intersection and the name of the trail ahead, speed adjusted to the slope, automatic pause to take into account aid stations, Stamina function to provide a pace recommendation based on previous runs and the state of runner’s shape, Adventure Race profile approved by the ARWS to use the watch during ultra competitions (recording of biometric and GPS data, use of stopwatches, altimeter and compass, but no GPS navigation)… L The Enduro 2 seems ready for all eventualities and even offers modes dedicated to mountain biking (MTB Dynamics), cross-country skiing and ski touring.

As on the 7X, a flashlight function is included, the integrated LED in the Enduro 2 being announced as twice as powerful. We find the strobe mode synchronized with the cadence, as well as a red light in addition to the white light.

Health parameters are all the more important in ultra-highly physically demanding races. Also the Enduro 2 uses its heart rate and SpO2 sensors to provide different metrics: heart rate (HR), HR variability (measured during sleep), SpO2, breathing, stress. Data grouped under the Health Snapshot function, which gives a quick overview of our physical condition on a daily basis.

As on the Fēnix 7, the Enduro 2 also offers connected functions with display of smartphone notifications, payment via NFC (Garmin Pay) and storage of music in internal memory (with Spotify and Deezer synchronization). Always useful if you wear the watch on a daily basis.

Ultra trailers have an interest in having a well-filled wallet, since, as efficient and durable as it is, the Enduro 2 charges dearly for its services, displayed at the recommended public price of 1100 €, i.e. 100 € more than the Fenix ​​7X Sapphire Solar.