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Garmin Fenix 6: the ultimate in sports watches
A series that will be a hit! First Garmin solar-powered watch
Fenix 6 features
Quick presentation of Fenix 6 and its new features
Fenix 6 in-depth review
Comparison Fenix 6 versus Fenix 6 Pro & Sapphire versus Fenix 6X Solar: the differences
Our opinion on the Fenix 6: should we buy it?
Price and availability
Current offer / promo code: currently benefit from a 5% reduction on Fenix 6 at Lepape with the code 5A15. See below :
Buy Fenix 6
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€ 699 € 664.05 (* 1)
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€ 599 569.05 € (* 2)
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€ 599 € 570
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€ 599 € 521
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599.99 €
(* 1) Discount of -5% on this product with the promo code 5A15 !(* 2) Discount of -5% on this product with the promo code FORM !
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A new series that will (again) be a hit! First Garmin solar-powered watch
It was long overdue and rumors were rife about it: Garmin announced on August 29, at the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc), its new Fenix 6 series, replacing the Fenix 5 series. More. It is available in 9 versions, one with solar charging, a first at Garmin.
You will find below the new features of this model compared to the Fenix 5 Plus, a detailed review of its characteristics and functions, the differences between the 9 models of Fenix 6 and our opinion on this series.
Fenix 6 features
WeightFenix 6S: 58 to 61 gFenix 6: 80 to 83 g (steel), 72 g (titanium)Fenix 6X: 93 g (steel) Fenix 6X Pro Solar: 82 g (titanium)
Music playerOptional 2000 songs
(embed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkxR9dcTH1Q (/ embed)
Quick presentation of Fenix 6 and its new features
The Garmin Fenix 6 in brief: an ultra-complete model designed for all sports
Announced on August 29, 2019 at the UTMB, the Fenix 6 series is the latest series of high-end multisport watches from Garmin, the most complete on the market to date (2019). It replaces the Fenix 5 Plus (2018) and Fenix 5 (2017) series. Garmin adds new products to its watches every year, both in terms of functions and on-board sensors. The design and quality of the screen are also improved.
Garmin offers here a watch available in 3 models (standard, Pro and Solar), 3 case sizes and 2 types of glass (Corning Gorilla Glass or sapphire). The watch incorporates new sensors, a larger and better definition screen and offers an autonomy almost doubled compared to the previous model. Some new products are emerging, in particular a solar model allowing to extend the autonomy from 6 to 50%. We list these new features below and detail them below.
3 versions (Standard, Pro and Solar) and 9 models for the Fenix 6 series!
The Fenix 6 series includes 9 models (compared to 5 for the Fenix 5 Plus) and we could quickly get lost. In reality, things are quite simple. Mapping and the mp3 player are of little use for most top athletes, athletes, triathletes and competitors. They unnecessarily inflate the price of an already very expensive watch. With the Fenix 6 series, Garmin now offers an "à la carte" watch offering these optional functions just like the watch glass (Corning Gorilla or sapphire). Enough to satisfy almost all budgets (the price starts all the same at € 599 and can go up to € 1,100 for the Solar model with titanium bracelet).
There are 3 case sizes (as on the Fenix 5 Plus): the 6S version (42 mm in diameter) for fine wrists, the 6 version (47 mm) for standard wrists and the 6X version (51 mm) for wide cuffs. Nothing new here except the screen and its definition which evolve for version 6 and version 6X of the watch.
Garmin also offers its watch in 3 versions (new):
Fenix 6S and 6: without mapping, without mp3 player, without Wi-Fi, with scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3 glass.
Fenix 6S Pro, 6 Pro and 6X Pro: with maps, mp3 player, Wi-Fi for € 100 more (or € 150 for the 6X Pro version) and a glass to choose between Corning Gorilla and sapphire (another € 100 more). The sapphire resists shock and scratches.
Fenix 6X Pro Solar: with mapping, mp3 player and Wi-Fi (like the Pro version) but with additional solar charging (Power Glass made of Corning Gorilla and integrated photovoltaic cells)
Note that the standard version (without carto and mp3 player) is only available in 2 case sizes (Fenix 6S and Fenix 6). There is no Fenix 6X. People with large wrists will therefore necessarily have to pay the full price and buy the Pro version or the Solar version with mapping and music player even if they do not need these functions.
Below are the differences between these 9 Fenix 6 models.
What's new in Fenix 6 compared to Fenix 5
For this new version, Garmin offers a number of new features that we list below, but no major changes except a solar version of the watch (first at Garmin). It incorporates voltaic cells allowing the autonomy of the watch to be extended from 6 to 50% depending on use. Garmin always offers 3 case sizes (6S, 6 and 6X versions) to satisfy the greatest number (thin, standard and wide wrists). The American firm is also improving the design of its watch (more robust and conforms to the military standard STG-MIL-810, thinner and also more elegant) and adds new bracelets, materials and colors. The screen size and its definition increase on the 6 and 6X models with a gain of 19 to 36% and a definition which goes from 240 x 240 px to 260 x 260 px and 280 x 280 px respectively on the 6 and 6 models. 6X.
The autonomy is also improved and the watch has intelligent battery management, a bit like on the Suunto 9. With these new models, it will be difficult to fall out of battery, even in ultra-long races like the UTMB, provided you opt for the large (6X) Fenix model!
A new PacePro function is born to manage its race according to the slopes. This function will be integrated into the Forerunner 245 and the Forerunner 945.
The Fenix 6 also inherits the innovations of the latest models (Forerunner 945 and MARQ series): optical monitoring operating underwater, pulse oximeter and assessment of acclimatization at altitude and heat, Body Battery functions (assessment of resources available), route generator, ClimbPro function (analysis of the altimetric profile and assistance to athletes).
Finally, as we explain above, Garmin takes into account the fact that the mp3 player and the mapping do not interest all athletes and now offers cheaper models without these functions. The basic model is thus offered at € 599, which is € 100 less than the Fenix 5 Plus.
The main new features of the Fenix 6 compared to the Fenix 5 Plus are as follows:
A more robust, thinner and more chic design with more bracelet colors and woven nylon bracelets like on the MARQ series (in addition to leather, stainless steel, titanium and silicone bracelets)
A new optical wrist heart rate monitoring (3rd generation) that works underwater (already present on the Forerunner 945, the Forerunner 245 and the luxury series MARQ)
A pulse OX generalized to all models for the evaluation of acclimatization at altitude and a more complete sleep monitoring (already present on the Fenix 5X and the Forerunner 245 and 945)
A new, less energy-consuming Sony GPS chip (already present on the Forerunner 45, 245 and 945 series and the MARQ series)
A larger screen and better screen definition on the Fenix 6, Fenix 6 Pro, Fenix 6X Pro and Fenix 6X Pro Solar models. The 3 watches (6S, 6 and 6X) thus offer a screen of 1.2 ", 1.3" and 1.4 "for a definition of 240 x 240 px, 260 x 260 px and 280 x 280 px respectively.
Significantly improved autonomy (almost doubled compared to the Fenix 5 Plus in GPS training mode) and intelligent battery management allowing you to deactivate certain functions and change modes during activity. The display of the remaining autonomy time (instead of%).
Charging the solar battery on the Fenix 6X Pro Solar
Memory going from 16 to 32 GB for models with mp3 player (2000 songs available instead of 1000).
Color mapping (Pro and Pro Solar models only) now includes the ski slopes of more than 2000 stations worldwide (these layers will be integrated into the Forerunner 945 and the MARQ series)
The heat maps used by Trendline Popularity Routing can now be displayed on the watch. Trendline allows you to display the most popular routes from a given location and select one to follow.
A new PacePro function to help runners better manage their pace according to the altitude profile
New functions for golf (in addition to the already comprehensive functions and 41,000 on-board courses)
Voice guidance (with bluetooth headphones) along a programmed route
More data fields per screen (6 to 8 depending on the model)
Integration of the latest innovations in the Forerunner series: Body Battery, stress assessment, training load objective, main benefit, etc.
The Fenix 6 obviously takes all the basic features and functions of the Fenix 5 Plus (apart from the mp3 player, mapping and Wi-Fi now available as an option). We thus find all the useful sensors (barometric altimeter, barometer, compass, gyroscope, thermometer, accelerometer, wrist heart rate monitoring, GPS, GLONASS and Galileo), multisport functions, intelligent connectivity and advanced functions for navigation (geo localization, monitoring of programmed routes, monitoring of other athletes, trackback, etc.) and training (running dynamics, physiological measurements, performance analysis, interval training, segments, Virtual Partner to measure yourself or others, goals and training status, etc.).
It is a true "multisport" in the sense that it records activities that are linked and displays the data for each sport during the race without having to stop recording between activities. It is therefore suitable for triathlon, swimrun, etc.
The advanced functions of the Fenix 6 make it possible to obtain a large amount of information on its state of form (physical condition Review, age of physical form, VO2max, stress, lactic threshold, recovery time, FTP, forecast of the time of race, training load, etc.). It offers smart health connected functions (Smartphone / SMS / social media notifications, control of objects such as the VIRB camera or a Shimano Di2 derailleur.
The watch is robust and beautiful both in terms of design and materials: steel or titanium bezel, silicone strap, leather, stainless steel, braided nylon or titanium to adapt to activity and outfit (casual, city, sport).
Read our Fenix 6 review
Who is the Fenix 6 series for?
The Fenix 6 is a multisport watch designed for almost all sports, whether for leisure, training, competition or professional use. Its instruments allow mixed use (sea, land, mountain). It is particularly well suited to trail and ultratrail, triathlon, cycling, skiing, hiking (on-board maps, cycle tracks and ski tracks) and golf (full functions and on-board courses). It is also very well in town, at work or for an evening thanks to its careful design (metallic bezel, elegant bracelets in leather, nylon, titanium and steel, various colors).
Do you hesitate to buy this watch? Read our review of the Garmin Fenix 6 at the end of the article.
Detailed review of the Fenix 6 and its new features
The Fenix 6 incorporates all the functions offered by the Fenix 5 Plus (read our detailed review) and includes the latest features of recent Garmin watches (Forerunner 945 in particular) in addition to the new features mentioned above which we detail here.
Design and weight: elegant, robust and thinner than the Fenix 5 Plus
The Fenix 5 Plus was elegant, the Fenix 6 was even more so. The chic of the watch is also what makes the difference with the Forerunner 945 (same functions but lighter and with a more sporty look). Garmin has worked on this aspect to make his watch a watch close to a luxury watch that can be worn without blushing on a daily basis, at work, in town or during a formal evening but also 24 hours a day for follow-up of health. The watch is more robust (it now meets the American standard STG-MIL-810), slightly thinner and presents well. Garmin offers a new nylon strap (like that of the Captain MARQ luxury watch) and more colors for its straps.
The screen: larger and better definition on versions 6 and 6X
The Fenix 5 Plus offered 3 case sizes but a single screen size (1.2 ") and a single definition (240 x 240 px). The Fenix 6 retains the same case sizes as the Fenix 5 Plus but offers a larger screen and a higher definition for the 6 and 6X models. We thus pass to 1.3 "in diameter for the Fenix 6 and 1.4" for the Fenix 6X, that is a gain of surface of 18 and 36% respectively The definition goes to 260 x 260 px for the Fenix 6 and 280 x 280 px for the Fenix 6X. We are still far from the Suunto 9 and its screen of 320 x 300 px but the gain is already appreciable.
The number of fields per screen is also increased: we go from 4 to 6 fields maximum on the Fenix 6S and 6 and to 8 fields maximum on the Fenix 6X. It is therefore possible to display more data per screen to see everything in one block rather than having to page the screens during the activity.
Autonomy: almost doubled, a new intelligent battery management mode and solar charging for the Solar version
Garmin offers a record autonomy watch and offers great battery management flexibility to best adapt its use to the needs of its user.
The Fenix 6 inherits the new Sony GPS chip (like the Forerunner 945), more energy efficient than the Mediatek chip. This allows a substantial gain in autonomy: it is almost doubled compared to that of the Fenix 5 Plus! We thus reach 60 hours on the Fenix 6X in GPS mode and up to 120 hours in UltraTrac mode!
The Solar version also offers a solar charger thanks to transparent photovoltaic cells integrated into the watch glass. Even if solar energy is not enough to fully charge the watch or extend its autonomy indefinitely, it would allow, depending on the use, to gain between 6 and 50% more autonomy, on condition of course exposing the Fenix long enough in the sun. The watch displays the strength of the received signal (see photo opposite) to indicate the actual charging times. You can use your Fenix 6X Pro up to 21 + 3 days in smart health connected watch mode, 60 + 6 hours in GPS mode or 15 + 1 h in GPS + music mode. Garmin announces these figures on the basis of an exposure in full sun to 50,000 lux during the activity or for at least 3 hours in the case of use in a smart health connected watch.
For even more autonomy, a "maximum battery" mode (equivalent to UltraTrac) doubles the autonomy. And for even more autonomy, a "Shipping" mode and a "Battery saving" mode make it possible to hold several weeks by recording the GPS coordinates once per hour (adjustable parameter) and by deactivating certain sensors.
Like Suunto and its Suunto 9 or Suunto 5, Garmin adds intelligent battery management, the Power Manager. This function displays the consumption of the main sensors and allows them to be deactivated individually. You can also define a custom battery management mode.
* For daily use 3 hours a day outside and in full sun (50,000 lux)** For use in direct sunlight (50,000 lux)
A new cardio optic that works underwater
The Fenix 6 has a third-generation wrist-based optical heart rate monitoring that works underwater (as on the latest Polar watches) thanks to a new system of LEDs. This sensor is not new since it already equips the Forerunner series (245, 945) and the MARQ series.
The pulse oximeter generalized to all models
Each Fenix 6 is also equipped with a pulse oximeter (saturometer) and the pulse Ox function. Only the Fenix 5X Plus benefited. The oximeter measures the level of blood oxygen. It gives an indication of the body's acclimatization to altitude and heat and is used in the evaluation of the quality of sleep. It is also used to alert the sportsman in case of insufficient oxygenation during diving or mountaineering trips.
The watch displays for this a percentage of oxygen and a graph representing the average of the readings for the last 24 hours based on the altitude curve. The oxygen level should theoretically remain at values greater than 95%. Below 95%, the lack of oxygen (hypoxia) must be taken into account.
The Review is done with a sensor emitting red light and infrared light, as in medical oximeters. Hemoglobin captures oxygen from the lungs and then redistributes it, thereby discharging its oxygen along its route. The measurement made at the extremities (hands) makes it possible to check whether the oxygen level is sufficient. The more oxygen hemoglobin is loaded, the more it absorbs infrared light. The poorer it is in oxygen, the more it absorbs red and lets infrared light pass. The watch exploits this property.
Note that the measurement is delicate. To be done in good conditions, the athlete must be inactive or seated during the measurement and the sensor in perfect condition. The incorrect positioning of the sensor, a scratched sensor, movements or certain pathologies (hypotension, arterial rhythm disturbance, anemia) can falsify the measurements.
Mapping: ski slopes now integrated into topographic maps
The color mapping of the country or continent of purchase (Europe for a purchase in France) and the cycle paths (Garmin Cycle maps) which were systematically offered on the Fenix 5 Plus are now only available on the Pro version of the Fenix 6 ( Fenix 6S Pro, Fenix 6 Pro, Fenix 6X Pro and Fenix 6X Pro Solar). Garmin adds the ski slopes of more than 2000 stations in the world. The tracks are displayed in color, according to their difficulty, with their name. The watch also includes dedicated functions such as counting the number of descents carried out.
GPS navigation: additional voice guidance
GPS navigation is supplemented by voice guidance. It allows you to be steered without looking at the watch, simply by wearing bluetooth headsets and being guided by the voice instructions issued by the Fenix.
The optional mp3 player and double the memory capacity
The mp3 player is now available as an option, like mapping. The watch can store 2,000 musical titles (compared to 1,000 on the Fenix 5 Plus) thanks to a gigantic 32 GB memory, a good part of which is used for cards. The watch allows access (for a fee) to the main online download platforms (Deezer, Spotify, Amazon).
A new PacePro function for runners
The PaceProfeature or PacePro function evaluates the difficulty of the terrain (slope profile) and takes into account the physical condition to assist the runner in his outing. For example, it suggests accelerating or decelerating according to the slope. It also displays useful information for the athlete such as the pace of the race to be reached or the distance remaining to be covered in the segment.
More functions for golf
New functions for golf complement those already very comprehensive in the Fenix 5 Plus:
A "PinPointer" function which assists the golfer when he does not see the green (for example if he is in the forest)
A "PlayLike" function which takes into account the slope of the terrain to calculate and display the exact distance to the green
Display of the score by handicap
Integration of the latest innovations already offered on the latest Garmin watches
The Fenix 6 also incorporates all the innovations of the latest Garmin watches (Forerunner 945 in particular):
The Body Battery energy monitoring (assesses energy recovery and expenditure throughout the day as well as recovery during sleep)
Assessment of acclimatization to heat and altitude and adjustment of VO2max as a function of altitude and heat
Incident detection and assistance in the event of an incident
Defining a training load target
Training Effect labels (main benefit)
Measuring the respiration rate
Indoor running management
Advanced Vector support
The new features of the Vivoactive 4 will also be added later: ski slopes, hydration and sweating monitoring, new PacePro function, intelligent battery management, new relaxation exercises and more.
The basic functions, already present on the Fenix 5 Plus
There are of course the functions already present on the Fenix 5 Plus, in particular:
Round trip itinerary generator (Pro version only)
The popular route generator (Trendline). Note that popular routes can now be displayed on the watch.
ClimbPro for the analysis of the slope profile and assistance to cyclists and runners in their ascent
Pulse oximeter and monitoring of blood oxygenation (SpO2)
These functions are a definite asset for cyclists and runners but also for mountain enthusiasts (monitoring oxygenation).
For a description of these features, see our detailed review of the Fenix 5 Plus.
Read our Fenix 6 review
Comparison Fenix 6 versus Fenix 6 Pro & Sapphire versus Fenix 6X Solar: the differences
The Fenix 6 series is available in 3 case sizes (6S / 6 / 6X) and offers optional mapping and mp3 player (Pro and Pro Solar models only). The Solar version makes it possible to extend the autonomy of the battery thanks to photovoltaic cells integrated into the glass of the watch. Note that the 6X version, for wide wrists, exists only in Pro and Solar version and that the Solar version is only offered in one case size (the largest).
Here is a comparison between these models to help you make your choice. Below is a summary table.
Comparison of basic versions: Fenix 6 versus Fenix 6S
These 2 models do not include mapping, mp3 players or Wi-Fi (used for transferring data to the Garmin Connect application and transferring music. If you are using a PC, you will need to use the cable supplied with the watch to transfer data). The difference between the 2 watches is in the size of the case (42 versus 47 mm) and the screen (1.2 "versus 1.3"), the definition of the screen (240 x 240 px versus 260 x 260 px), the weight of the watch (58 g versus 80 g), the autonomy, the size of the straps (20 mm versus 22 mm) and the colors of the watch and straps.
The 6S model is designed for small wrists and does not offer a titanium bracelet. The 6X model, for wide wrists, does not exist in this basic version.
These models, the cheapest in the range, are perfect for runners, trailers, triathletes who do not need a music player and mapping to practice their sport.
Find out all the details in our comparison table below.
Comparison of Pro & Sapphire versions: Fenix 6S Pro versus Fenix 6 Pro versus Fenix 6X Pro
These models include an mp3 player and color mapping (cycle paths and ski slopes included). The difference between the 3 versions is in the size of the case (42, 47 and 51 mm to adapt to all wrist sizes) but also in the screen (size and definition), the weight of the watch and autonomy. In terms of functions, they are identical.
For these models, you can choose between a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass and, for an additional € 100, a sapphire glass (ultra-resistant to shocks and scratches).
The Pro series is perfect for athletes who like to listen to music during their sport without having to carry a Smartphone, for hikers, cyclists and trailers who like to think outside the box and who need maps to find their way or who want the watch offers them a tailor-made route (generator of routes based on distance and direction, generator of popular routes). Skiers will also appreciate the map of ski resorts to find a piste easily.
See the comparison table below.
Fenix 6 Pro versus Fenix 6X Pro Solar
The Solar version of the Fenix 6 is only offered in one case size, that intended for wide wrists. It offers a solar battery charger which helps to extend the autonomy of the watch but not to fully charge it. The Solar's glass is Corning Gorilla Glass (sapphire glass is not offered). The bezel and the back of the case are made of titanium (lighter). Its weight is therefore slightly lower than that of the Fenix 6X Pro (82 g versus 93 g).
The Fenix 6X Pro Solar is suitable for explorers and adventurers or even ultra-trailers who are looking for record autonomy (provided there is sun and the watch is well exposed!) In a relatively light watch. However, it is only available in one size and can therefore be a bit of a juggernaut on a thin wrist.
See the comparison table below.
6S versus 6 versus 6X
Garmin offers 3 case sizes for its watches to adapt to all wrist sizes (fine wrists, female wrists, standard wrists, wide wrists). The differences between these 3 models are also located at the bracelets (no titanium for the 6S model!), The width of the bracelet but also the size of the screen, its definition, the weight of the watch, its autonomy and, for the 6X model, its higher price!
People with fine wrists will prefer the 6S model but, in return, will not benefit from the more comfortable screen and the record autonomy of the larger models. We can of course choose a larger model but the look will be less pretty and the port a little less comfortable.
Unlike the Fenix 5 and Fenix 5 Plus series, the large model (6X) does not benefit from additional features but remains more expensive than the other models! However, it has the best autonomy and the widest and most precise screen. You will have to pay € 50 more to get it depending on whether you choose a Corning Gorilla or sapphire glass.
Comparison of Fenix 6 models
* For daily use 3 hours a day outside and in full sun (50,000 lux)** For use in direct sunlight (50,000 lux)
Criteria to help you choose between Fenix 6, Fenix 6 Pro and Fenix 6X Pro Solar
Lire notre avis sur la Fenix 6
Notre avis sur la Fenix 6 : faut-il l'acheter ?
Garmin nous a habitués à sortir un nouveau modèle de Fenix chaque année et chaque nouveau modèle apporte de nouvelles surprises, que ce soit en termes de fonctions, de capteurs ou d'autonomie. Le prix est lui aussi ajusté et a tendance à augmenter avec les versions.
En 2018, nous avions été époustouflés par la Fenix 5 Plus (lire notre revue et notre descriptif plus général) qui n'était pas juste une amélioration de la Fenix 5 mais un modèle nettement plus complet proposant de nombreuses fonctionnalités nouvelles et pertinentes. On pouvait donc se demander ce que la nouvelle Fenix allait apporter de plus.
Pas de grands changements fonctionnels mais une montre remarquable qui sort du lot
La Fenix 6 n'offre finalement pas de grands changements si ce n'est la sortie d'un modèle à rechargement solaire (première chez Garmin). Elle reprend les caractéristiques de la Fenix 5 Plus, ajoute les nouveautés des dernières montres sorties (série MARQ en partie et Forerunner 945 entre autres), ajoute quelques nouveautés (dont la fonction PacePro qui sera installée sur la Forerunner) mais surtout des changements de caractéristiques techniques importantes : taille et définition de l'écran, autonomie (presque doublée), gestion de la batterie, palette de couleurs de bracelets. Bref, Garmin a travaillé certains points faibles pour s'aligner à la concurrence et gagner des parts de marché. Afin d'abaisser le prix du modèle de base et le rendre plus accessible, la cartographie et le lecteur mp3 sont maintenant proposés en option. Ces fonctions n'intéressent pas tous les sportifs. Au final, on a à faire à une montre aux fonctionnalités remarquables.
Si l'on regarde de plus prêt, le modèle Pro ressemble beaucoup à la Fenix 5 Plus si ce n'est un écran plus grand, une autonomie presque doublée, la gestion intelligente de la batterie et un prix au final identique avec le verre plus robuste en Corning Gorilla ou un prix de 50 € moins cher pour la version avec verre de saphir.
Quant à la version Solar, elle permet de gagner quelques heures d'autonomie tout au plus à condition de bien l'exposer au soleil. Le gain n'est pas énorme et plutôt aléatoire. Difficile de partir serein lors d'une longue course si l'on sait que l'autonomie sera juste suffisante.
Quel est l'intérêt de ce nouveau modèle ?
La Fenix 6 n'offre au final pas beaucoup de nouvelles fonctionnalités : quelques fonctions de plus pour le golf, une fonction PacePro qui sera de toute façon ajoutée à la Forerunner, le guidage vocal lorsque l'on suit un itinéraire défini, une version Solar apportant un gain aléatoire d'autonomie.
C'est surtout au niveau du confort de l'écran que l'on gagne (sauf pour le petit modèle (6S)), du nombre de champs affichés par écran, mais aussi de l'autonomie qui double. Le modèle 6X est d'ailleurs plus cher que les 2 autres formats pour des fonctions identiques. La gestion intelligente de la batterie représente également un atout pour cette montre : elle permet de changer de mode ou d'activer et désactiver certains capteurs individuellement et de définir des profils personnalisés. La cartographie s'enrichit des cartes des stations de ski, ce qui devrait plaire aux skieurs (ces calques seront également ajoutés aux cartes de la Forerunner 945 et de la série MARQ). La capacité mémoire double et permet de stocker plus de chansons. On a également à faire à une montre plus élégante et un peu plus fine qui pourra donc plus facilement se porter en dehors du sport.
Toutes ces améliorations devraient attirer plus d'acheteurs : skieurs, ultra-trailers recherchant une montre de grande autonomie (alternative à la Suunto 9 qui était jusque-là la meilleure sur ce terrain), sportifs qui veulent un écran plus confortable (on s'approche de la Suunto 9), sportif et non sportifs recherchant une montre complète et chic à porter 24h/24 (le design amélioré le permet).
Pourquoi elle devrait faire un carton ?
Nous écrivions plus haut que la Fenix 6 devrait faire un carton. La Fenix est à ce jour la montre sportive la plus complète du marché. Elle est multisports, embarque tous les capteurs utiles (il ne lui manque qu'un écran tactile, la mesure de la puissance au poignet, comme la Polar Vantage V et une puce 4G comme sur l'Apple Watch), propose des fonctions ultra-complètes pour les sportifs (analyse de performances, mesures physiologiques, dynamiques de course, etc.) en plus d'embarquer des cartes topographiques en couleur, la musique, une solution de paiement et des outils remarquables pour s'orienter, générer un parcours, être guidé et assisté dans son activité.
Les précédents modèles ont déjà remporté un grand succès. Cette nouvelle série n'échappera pas à la règle d'autant plus, comme nous l'expliquons plus haut, que les améliorations apportées devraient attirer encore plus d'acheteurs. Les ultra-trailers qui optaient pour la Suunto 9 pour son autonomie record et sa gestion intelligente de batterie ou encore sa taille d'écran trouveront à présent ces caractéristiques dans la Fenix 6. Les skieurs qui appréciaient la Casio Pro Trek trouveront mieux dans la nouvelle Fenix qui embarque maintenant les pistes de ski, compte les descentes et permet de s'orienter quand on fait du hors piste ou du ski de randonnée. Les personnes qui trouvaient la Fenix 5 Plus trop chère trouveront un modèle de base plus abordable.
Faut-il revendre sa Fenix 5 Plus pour une Fenix 6 ?
Si vous venez d'acquérir une Fenix 5 Plus juste avant la sortie de la Fenix 6, ce n'est peut-être pas vraiment un problème. Vous auriez pu payer moins cher pour la version de base (sans cartes et sans lecteur mp3) et pourriez bénéficier d'un écran plus large (sauf modèle 6S) et d'une meilleure autonomie. Si le confort visuel de votre Fenix 5 Plus et l'autonomie vous satisfont déjà, il n'y a pas de raison de changer de modèle.
C'est surtout pour les skieurs (et encore) et les sportifs recherchant une montre de grande autonomie que les nouveautés de la Fenix 6 sont intéressantes. La Fenix 6 est davantage orientée outdoor et ultra-trail que le modèle précédent. Elle est également plus élégante. Si le passage de la Fenix 5 à la Fenix 5 Plus était marquant et pouvait justifier d'acheter le nouveau modèle, le passage de la Fenix 5 Plus à la Fenix 6 est nettement moins intéressant. La version Solar n'est pas non plus une grande révolution (on ne pourra pas recharger la montre mais seulement gagner un peu en autonomie).
La Fenix 5 Plus devrait maintenant voir son prix baisser et représente donc une bonne opportunité d'achat pour les personnes qui souhaitent acquérir une excellente montre sportive avec cartographie et musique à un prix raisonnable.
Lire aussi notre comparaison entre Fenix 5 Plus et Fenix 6.
Fenix 6 ou Forerunner 945 ?
Le choix entre la Fenix 6 et la Forerunner 945 dépend de l'utilisation que vous voulez faire de la montre. Même si elle peut se porter 24h/24, la Forerunner 945 est une montre prévue principalement pour un usage sportif et tout particulièrement pour le triathlon (c'est maintenant la seule montre Garmin prévue à cet effet, la Forerunner 735XT n'étant pas renouvelée). Elle est en plastique, ultralégère et confortable à porter, donc idéale pour la pratique d'un sport mais moins jolie à porter en dehors du sport. En comparaison, la Fenix 6, plus chic et plus lourde, est un peu moins adaptée aux sports de haut niveau et à la compétition.
Si vous recherchez une montre à porter uniquement pendant le sport et recherchez la performance dans des activités comme le running, le trail, le triathlon, le vélo, mieux vaut opter pour la Forerunner 945. Pour une utilisation quotidienne (suivi d'activité), l'outdoor (repérage, navigation, exploration) et le plaisir de porter une jolie montre, optez plutôt pour la Fenix 6.
Lire aussi notre comparaison entre Fenix 6 et Forerunner 945.
We liked
Richesse des fonctionnalités (outils d'analyse, mesures physiologiques, assistance…)
Complète en capteurs (altimètre baro, compas, thermomètre…)
Autonomie record et gestion intelligente de batterie
Cartographie encore plus complète (pistes de ski) et lecteur mp3 en option
Contactless payment
Elégance et diversité des bracelets et matériaux
We'd have liked
Un écran tactile, surtout avec les cartes topos
Un prix plus abordable (peu de nouveautés mais un prix toujours en hausse)
Price and availability
La Garmin Fenix 6 est disponible à la vente depuis septembre 2019 mais en précommande pour certains modèles (pensez à commandez rapidement pour avoir le plus de chances de recevoir votre montre rapidement). Le prix conseillé du modèle de base est de 599,99 €, le même que la Fenix 5 Plus mais sans la cartographie et le lecteur mp3. Le modèle Pro est proposé à partir de 699,99 € et le modèle 6X Pro Solar au prix de 949,99 €. Pour un verre de saphir, il faut ajouter 100 €. Découvrez la Fenix 6 chez nos partenaires et profitez de nos bons de réduction.
Offre / code promo en cours : bénéficiez actuellement de 5% de réduction sur la Fenix 6 chez Lepape avec le code 5A15. Voir ci-dessous :
Acheter la Fenix 6
Trader
Price (from)
Pope
€ 699 € 664.05 (* 1)
i-Run
€ 599 569.05 € (*2)
Alltricks
€ 599 € 570
Amazon
€ 599 € 521
Rakuten
599.99 €
(* 1) Discount of -5% on this product with the promo code 5A15 !(*2) Réduction de -5% sur ce produit avec le code promo FORME !
Commercial links. Non contractual prices. Please consult the merchant website.
Philippe Baudoin
Reproduction prohibited – Copyright © Sport Passion
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Acheter la Fenix 6 (5% de réduction)
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