KIT ZONE

THE LATEST GEAR-TESTED BY EXPERTS

MEET THE TEST TEAM

HELEN WEBSTER

220's editor is also a qualified open-water swimming coach.

ROB SLADE

220's features editor and resident adventure seeker.

KATE MILSOM

220's staff writer and a keen endurance athlete.

MATT BAIRD

Has spent years testing tri kit and accessories for 220.

JACK SEXTY

A strong age-grouper focusing on top-end gains.

JAMES WITTS

He's a published author writing about sports science.

GARMIN FENIX 7 SOLAR

£689.99 Is Garmin's latest Fenix worth the upgrade?

As you'd expect for a smartwatch that's packed with technology, the Fenix 7 is not cheap, with the 'basic' Fenix 7 coming in at £599.99 (without solar). Our test model, the Solar, is £689.99 and comes in two sizes - 42mm and 47mm.

Let's be clear, this is one impressive watch, but what's changed over edition six? Let's start with battery life, which, in the case of your Solar version, is beefed up by the sun. In basic smartwatch mode, you're looking at up to 22 days if the sun shines. Sans soleil we're still talking 18 days. Engage GPS and it's still a mighty 57hrs (or 73hrs with full sun).

Then there's the new Real-Time Stamina feature. Essentially, this predicts how much energy you have left and is based on two key metrics. The first is potential stamina, which is your available capacity at moderate intensity before you start. The second is current stamina, which is what you have left at your current intensity effort.