My favorite smartwatch is $100 off this weekend, and time’s running out

Due to my position right here at ZDNET, I’ve the chance to guage an in depth variety of wearables, from ones made for outdoor adventures to ones for golfing. Naturally, it is at all times robust to determine — with a brand new watch on my wrist each different week — which is my go-to wearable. 

Assessment: Watch out, Apple. Garmin’s Enduro 2 is the ultra sports watch to beat

That modified with the Garmin Enduro 2, which was launched final summer time and continues to be one of many very uncommon gadgets that I’ve used each day for a whole yr. 

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Garmin Enduro 2

Garmin’s flagship watch of 2022 remains a worthy competitor in 2023 with its solar display, LED flashlight, superb battery life, and software updates that keep it updated with the newest watches.

A yr later, the Enduro 2 nonetheless squeezes out longer-rated battery life than most rivals, due to its GPS mode, getting roughly 110 hours per cost, typically extra. It stays the battery champ for Garmin and I actually love trying on the estimated battery remaining and seeing weeks accessible whereas solely charging the watch about as soon as a month.

Additionally: Coros just made the most comfortable heart rate monitor I’ve ever tested

In the event you spend time working stadium stairs or climbing mountains, then you might also be thinking about incomes Expedition badges with the Enduro 2. I may even earn badges by skipping the elevator in favor of the steps on the workplace. There are badges for elevation modifications and step rely, however you possibly can solely work in the direction of incomes badges with one hike or climb at a time.

The colourful lime inexperienced begin/cease button and inexperienced bezel highlights on the hour markers attraction to me and I might truthfully pay the additional $100 value of the Enduro 2 over the newer Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar for the colour scheme alone. I bought a inexperienced and grey elastic loop band to accompany the Enduro 2 and it seems improbable.

Take into account that the Garmin Enduro 2 is a really giant watch, however with the elastic loop band and my wrist measurement, I barely really feel it hooked up to my wrist. I am positive I may need felt it at first however after a yr of carrying it each day. it has change into part of my physique. 

Additionally: You basically don’t need to charge this Garmin smartwatch

Many new Garmin high-end watches have vibrant AMOLED shows, however by selecting this show know-how you need to compromise with battery life and photo voltaic charging. As a lot as I like the intense screens, the massive numbers on the Enduro 2 look simply positive on the memory-in-pixel show. And when taking part in outside actions, this show will get a lot brilliant.

The LED flashlight on the Enduro 2 set the usual final yr and continues to be top-of-the-line in 2023. I take advantage of the flashlight each day and have not been in a position to return to utilizing a watch with out the characteristic.

I’ve had the chance to check out a Garmin GPS sports activities watch with the perfect of each worlds, an LED flashlight and an AMOLED show, however nonetheless discover the Enduro 2 a barely higher match for my way of life. The one factor I can consider that Garmin may add to the Enduro 2 is built-in mobile assist for emergencies and sharing my location with relations as I take part in wilderness actions. 

Additionally: Why my Garmin Enduro 2’s LED flashlight is my favorite feature

We noticed such a characteristic come to the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE and I truthfully cannot consider the rest that may make the Enduro any higher. 

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

Garmin launched a number of new watches in 2023 with LED flashlights and glorious battery life, just like the Epix Pro and Fenix 7X Pro. Each supply an identical expertise to the Garmin Enduro 2 and for brand spanking new patrons, one among these two is probably going the higher alternative due to the lower cost tags. 

Nonetheless, the Enduro 2 squeaks out a bit extra endurance, sufficient to warrant a spot on my wrist every single day. In the event you already personal an Enduro 2, get pleasure from it and preserve utilizing it for years to return. Garmin has been actively updating its watches for the previous couple of years and the Enduro 2 has the potential to maintain you shifting ahead for some time.