Which Garmin sports watch should you buy and how much should you pay for it? Because Garmin offers so many models of watch, it’s difficult for a newbie to tell which ones do what and how much they cost. We’ll go through the differences between the Mach 1 vs D2 Air X10 vs Epix 2 in this article. You can also get an idea of how much money you’ll need to spend on the features you want.
Mach 1
For aviation enthusiasts, the Garmin Mach 1 is the company’s newest smartwatch. The Mach 1 is essentially an Epix watch, now with aviation elements added to its already impressive set of health and fitness activities (2nd gen).
Among the many capabilities available on the Garmin watch for pilots both in and out of the cockpit are weather notifications and an HSI (horizontal situation indicator). An integrated heart rate monitor and support for different frequency bands and GNSS systems are also included in the Garmin Mach 1’s feature set.
Pricing and availability information for other locations have not yet been released for the smartwatch.
D2 Air x10
The D2 Air X10, which is oriented at pilots but can also be used as a sports watch when worn outside of the aircraft, was also revealed by Garmin this year.
The D2 Air X10 is the latest in a series of wearables developed by Garmin, one of the world’s top aviation equipment manufacturers, for commercial and recreational pilots (the Garmin Marq Aviator also has pilots in mind).
A database of preloaded locations is available on the D2 Air X10, which may be used to calculate a path to an airport or waypoint. The course needle on the horizontal situation indicator (HSI) can also be used to show whether you’re flying too far to the left or right of the planned flight path.
You can see all your data as it would be displayed in a cockpit with Aviation Units, you can set alerts for Barometric pressure changes with the smartwatch’s altimeter, set fuel tank reminders, and set your Favorite Airport. Your watch also connects seamlessly to the Garmin Pilot App.
From the app, you can access global weather updates, calculate fuel burn estimates, route upcoming flight plans, and file the old flight plan. These are all helpful to have right on your wrist for any pilot, but especially any pilot who frequently flies the same route(s).
When you take off, the watch immediately starts recording your flights and sends data like date, duration, total flight time, and route to your flyGarmin.com logbook.
Epix 2
An AMOLED touchscreen display provides brightness and clarity to the new Garmin Epix 2, which incorporates many of the capabilities of the recently announced Fenix 7 (read our comparison of the Fenix 7 vs Epix 2 here). An excellent sports watch has received a last layer of polish, with clear graphs and maps that are simple to see in any light.
It’s not only the price of the watch that’s prohibitive but the battery life as well; this is Garmin’s most costly watch yet. We were able to get two weeks of use out of the Fenix 7, however, the Epix 2 only lasted six days.
For an AMOLED watch, that’s not bad at all, but if you prefer off-grid activities, it’s absolutely something to keep in mind. Garmin, on the other hand, claims that the Epix is best suited to folks who prefer working out in the gym with a few outdoor workouts thrown in.
Price comparison
Let’s start by comparing the Mach 1 vs D2 Air X10 vs Epix 2 on price. The Oxford Brown leather strap version of the Garmin Mach 1 costs slightly less than $1,200. The Vented Titanium Bracelet, which costs $1,300, is the priciest option.
The D2 is currently available for purchase directly from Garmin in the US for around $550 (approximately £400 / AU$770).
It was released on January 18, 2022, as the second generation of the Garmin Epix 2. (the same day as the Garmin Fenix 7). A model with a stainless steel bezel and Corning Gorilla Glass covering the face costs about $900 / £800/ AU$1,399, while a model with a sapphire crystal lens and a titanium bezel costs almost $1,000 / £900 / AU$1,500.
With a sapphire crystal and titanium bezel, as well as a chestnut leather strap instead of the normal silicone band, this variant costs a little under £1,000/AU$1,550 in the UK and Australia.
Design
Mach 1
The Garmin Mach 1 looks similar to the Garmin Epix. It has an industrial style thanks to the sapphire crystal lens, titanium bezel, and exposed screws on the lugs. Oxford leather straps are less expensive than vented titanium straps for about $100, but both look amazing.
On the 1.3-inch AMOLED display with a pointer and 24-hour clock around the bezel, there are also seven configurable data fields. On the side of the watch are traditional button controls that may be used to navigate the controls. The new touchscreen interface makes it simple to access menu menus and map functionalities.
D2 Air x10
The Garmin D2 Mach 1 sports a sapphire and titanium body and a 1.3-inch (416×416 pixel) always-on AMOLED display.
The first thing you’ll notice about the D2 Air X10 is how light it is. This is a big difference from some of Garmin’s other watches. The large size and weight has always been one of our complaints about the otherwise excellent D2 Delta.
Aside from being lighter and thinner, the D2 Air series also maintains the same screen size while being virtually halved in weight and thickness (less than 2 millimeters). Because it’s a typical watch size, wearing it all day was no problem for us. Garmin’s quick-disconnect design makes changing bands simple, and it comes with a silicone band for sports use (white or ivory).
AMOLED technology, comparable to that seen on high-end smartphones, is employed in the D2 Air’s screen, which is the second thing you’ll notice. In terms of resolution and brightness, it’s a substantial advance over the D2 Delta and Charlie. The color-changing watch displays are more vibrant and easier to read in a variety of lighting conditions due to their sharp text and wide spectrum of colors.
Perhaps the most notable design feature on the D2 Air X10 is the smartwatch’s touchscreen. It is notable because not every Garmin smartwatch offers this; in fact, few actually do offer a touchscreen. The verdict is mixed on this, as some do prefer button controls on their watch. No problem, though, as you can enable button controls and turn off the touchpad.
In order to protect your vision, there is a night mode option that darkens the watch. The screen can also be left on all the time. As long as you plan to charge your watch every night, this is a viable option. The screen will turn on if you don’t tap it or raise your wrist.
Epix 2
The sturdiness of the Garmin Epix is similar to that of the Fenix 7 at first glance. Metal surfaces and screws on the lugs give it an industrial feel. With a fiber-reinforced polymer core, it has a metal front and back shell made of either stainless steel or titanium for added strength. This watch’s sandwich design keeps it lightweight while still ensuring its durability.
The Epix 2 watch is only available in one size, unlike the Fenix models. At 14.5mm thick, it’s a little thicker than most sports watches, but it’s still a standard size. The 76 grams (70 grams for the sapphire/titanium variants) weight isn’t excessively heavy for a tiny wrist, despite the size of this Garmin watch.
Bands for the Epix 2 may be swapped out by pressing down the plastic tabs on the band’s bottom, which makes it easy to detach and reattach the band.
Garmin’s conventional five-button arrangement is included on the case, with the start button in the upper right corner highlighted in red and protected on both sides by a slight bump (a smart touch since this is the only way to pause an activity in progress).
However, the stunning AMOLED display is the real star here. Because of the blue lighting, the color memory-in-pixel display of the Fenix 7 had poor contrast and was difficult to read. It’s not a problem for the Epix 2, which will be just as impressive as the Garmin Venu 2 in 2021.
The Epix 2’s screen wakes up rapidly by default, so it’s worth spending some time adjusting the settings before wearing it all day. There’s no need to worry about the battery being drained by the smallest movements.
Double-pressing the backlight button causes a sequence of concentric circles to emerge on the screen, which produces a substantial quantity of light. By touching the up and down keys, you can alter the brightness, and you can also switch to a red mode if you want.
GPS Capabilities of the Mach 1 Vs D2 Air X10 Vs Epix 2
Mach 1
A comparison of the Mach 1 vs D2 Air X10 vs Epix 2 on GPS capabilities reveals that each of these watches is strong in this area, particularly the aviation-focused ones. The Mach 1 has access to GLONASS and Galileo, as well as other global navigation satellite systems, in addition to GPS.
There are also alternative frequencies provided by navigation satellites that the watch can reach in regions where GNSS signals are insufficient, allowing for greater position accuracy.
The program also includes TopoActive maps, which show elevations and terrain contours, as well as coordinates for your position in two alternative forms.
Stealth mode blocks wifi connection when you need it most and stops the device from saving or broadcasting your GPS position. Meanwhile, the device’s kill switch has the ability to delete all user memory. It may also be used in conjunction with an inReach device to send an SOS signal, enable tracking, and send pre-programmed messages to friends and family.
D2 Air x10
Because it has a built-in GPS, the D2 Air X10 can function as a stand-alone backup navigator without the need for a connection to your phone, tablet, or avionics. You may see data fields such as distance, time spent traveling, and so on, or utilize the HSI screen. This isn’t ideal for everyday navigation, but it might be useful in an emergency or as a backup to situational awareness.
Epix 2
The Epix 2 can access a variety of global positioning satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO), making it an excellent Garmin GPS watch. Access several navigation satellite frequencies for increased location accuracy in places where GNSS signals are reflected, weak, or do not generally penetrate.
The Mach 1 vs D2 Air X10 vs Epix 2: Health and fitness tracking
Mach 1
In the battle of the Mach 1 vs D2 Air X10 vs Epix 2, which wins on fitness? Well, Garmin has added an accelerometer and a gyroscope to the Mach 1’s array of sensors. Pulse oximetry (SpO2), as well as the ability to monitor heart rate and battery life, are also featured. This non-medical gadget cannot be used to diagnose or monitor any health concerns.
You can use the app to log your aerobic activity, cycling, swimming, and yoga sessions.
D2 Air X10
Garmin’s Body Battery feature, which shows how much energy you have during the day, is featured as well as sensors for respiratory tracking and breathwork exercises, stress tracking, and sleep monitoring.
Use the Health Snapshot tool to gain an overview of your current health indicators, which includes a full assessment of heart rate, heart rate variability, pulse oximetry, stress and respiration over two minutes. Afterwards, you can either keep the data to yourself or share it with others.
Numerous sports monitoring modes, including both indoor and outdoor activities, are accessible on this device, as are pre-programmed regimens for varying your workouts.
Epix 2
The Garmin Epix 2 is substantially comparable to the Fenix 7 in terms of fitness monitoring, with the exception of the slimmer design. That’s a great heart rate monitor and GPS tracker for the money.
There are a lot of different ways to track your workouts with the Epix 2, even for a high-end Garmin. There is no need to keep track of each stage separately for sports like triathlons and duathlons. Designed with athletes’ needs in mind, including those of runners, cyclists, and swimmers.
It is possible to use a graph to show how the expected race times for half marathons, and 5/10-kilometer races are affected by their training efforts to help runners keep track of their development. Additionally, data formerly available only in the Garmin Connect app may now be seen on your wrist, such as your VO2 Max and training load.
The on-wrist stamina meter, which shows how much energy you have remaining during a race or training session, is another revolutionary new feature. For the time being, the app only supports running and cycling, but that could change in the future. You can use this tool to rapidly adjust your effort so that you don’t go too low or too far back.
A good balance between exertion and recovery is achieved by this watch, like many other new Garmin models. Training and fitness-related recommendations can be provided using the standard Body Battery score (which assesses how successfully you “recharged” overnight and follows your energy levels during the day).
Epix 2 supports a mix of activities at varying levels of intensity and ample rest and recuperation in between, rather than focusing on one type of exercise.
You might want to use the Epix 2 to monitor your progress in the gym, the pool, or even on the golf course. Preloaded course maps from across the world are available with the Garmin Golf app.
Battery life
Mach 1
To make our comparison of the D2 Mach 1 vs D2 Air X10 vs Epix 2 even more confusing, one way of describing the Mach 1 is as an Epix 2 for pilots. The battery life has been impacted by the additions. For instance, the battery life of the Epix 2 is 16 days, whereas that of the aviator version is just 11 days (4 days always-on). There is no change up to 42 hours.
D2 Air x10
The D2 Air X10 is a little less powerful than the likes of the Venu 2 in terms of battery life. The watch’s battery lasts seven days when used as a smartwatch, or 20 hours when used in full GPS mode with SpO2 monitoring in flight. In comparison, the Venu 2 has a battery life of up to 11 days when used as a smartwatch and up to 8 hours while using GPS and music.
Epix 2
Typically, you’ll get 16 days in smartwatch mode (though, note, only 6 days if using the always-on feature). In GPS mode, 42 hours (again, less with always-on, around 30). But, if you’re frugal and opt for battery-saving mode, you can enjoy up to 21 days. In fact, there are different ways to use the watch and the ultimate answer is that it depends on what you’re using it for, and how long.
Smart features of the Mach 1 vs D2 Air X10 vs Epix 2
Mach 1
It is possible to use the Garmin Mach 1 with either the iOS or Android operating systems. There are built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options.
Both variants are now available in the US with the Garmin Pilot software pre-installed.
When coupled with a compatible smartphone, you can get emails, messages, and alarms directly on your watch.
Playlists and music from your Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music accounts may be downloaded (a subscription may be required). Wireless headphones can be used for phone-free listening.
Garmin Pay contactless payments are available at participating retailers.
When coupled with a compatible device, the Connect IQ Store lets you download watch faces, data fields, and applications and widgets.
D2 Air X1
To make and receive phone calls or to operate your phone’s voice assistant when it’s within Bluetooth range, the new watch, like the Venu 2 Plus, features a built-in microphone.
It can store up to 650 songs, but you can also use it to stream music from services like Deezer, Spotify, and Amazon. Using Garmin Pay, you can make contactless transactions and pay for public transportation right on your watch.
Notably, the D2 Air X10’s battery life is a little less than the Venu 2’s. Seven days in smartwatch mode, or 20 hours in full GPS mode with SpO2 monitoring when flying, is the watch’s battery life. However, compared to other smartwatches, the Venu 2 has a battery life of up to 11 days or eight hours in the GPS mode with music.
Epix 2
Our comparison of the D2 Mach 1 vs D2 Air X10 vs Epix 2 should note that in addition to being an outstanding smartwatch for sports, the Garmin Epix 2 is a great all-around watch. Despite the lack of a microphone for answering calls, Android users have the option of immediately rejecting a call with a text message thanks to the AMOLED display. There is a distinct difference between AMOLED displays and LCD displays in terms of clarity and detail.
You can save up to 2,000 songs on the watch’s memory, stream from services like Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music, or use the watch’s remote control to manage your phone’s music player.
For speedier data transfer, you may connect the Epix 2 to a Wi-Fi network. There is no cellular connectivity. Use the Garmin Connect smartphone app to set this up if you plan on using the Map Manager or downloading applications.
There’s also Garmin Pay, which can be used to make contactless transactions and get on public transportation, as well as other services. If you’re in the United States, you can probably count on it being compatible with your bank.
Third-party applications are accessible through Garmin Connect IQ, but there are fewer possibilities than you’ll find in Apple’s App Store, and most of those on sale are geared towards sports rather than everyday productivity.
If you have time, you should have a look at all of the various ‘data fields’ that are available as well. These are displays that pop up while you’re working out, and they provide quick access to the data you care about most.
Comparing the Mach 1 Vs D2 Air X10 Vs Epix 2
Garmin’s GPS-enabled smartwatches, which combine fitness monitoring with strong navigation functions, have carved themselves a thriving niche while Apple and Fitbit have received most of the media attention. Because of this, they’re ideal for pilots, who can put them to good use both onboard and in their own homes.
Last Updated on April 15, 2022
Maygen is a multifaceted writer, proofreader, and experienced smartwatch industry writing and editing professional.
We appreciate her work, contribution to our blog, marketing skills, editing, and expert writing abilities which are second to none.
Truly adept in content strategy and content creation which has immense contribution to our blog.