Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) | Polar - Pacer Pro |
|---|---|---|
| GPS mode | 82 h | 35 h |
| Smartwatch mode | 16 days | 7 days |
| Multi-band GPS | true | false |
| ECG | true | false |
Between the epix Pro (Gen 2) and Pacer Pro, the epix Pro (Gen 2) comes out ahead in gps mode / smartwatch mode, while the Pacer Pro wins on several specs. Overall, the epix Pro (Gen 2) scores 70.9 and the Pacer Pro scores 44.5 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The epix Pro (Gen 2) is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 26.4 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the epix Pro (Gen 2) if you care most about gps mode / smartwatch mode. The biggest gaps in its favor are gps mode, smartwatch mode, multi-band gps, among others. The single most decisive one: GPS mode — 134.29% more. 82 h vs 35 h.
The Pacer Pro similarly does not carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.
Both ship with comparable solar charging, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the epix Pro (Gen 2) is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) or Polar - Pacer Pro?
Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) leads the current Mars Score by 26.4 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare smartwatch mode, gps mode against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) if…
Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) has the measurable edge on battery gps hours, battery smartwatch days, has multiband gps.
Choose Polar - Pacer Pro if…
Polar - Pacer Pro does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) wins
- ▲GPS mode — 134.29% more. 82 h vs 35 h.
- ▲Smartwatch mode — 128.57% more. 16 days vs 7 days.
- ▲Has Multi-band GPS.
- ▲Has ECG.
Why Polar - Pacer Pro wins
- No decisive advantages.
Spec comparison
GPS & Sensors
| Spec | Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) | Polar - Pacer Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-band GPS | truelead | false |
| Barometric altimeter | true | true |
| Heart rate | true | true |
| ECG | truelead | false |
| Pulse Ox | truelead | false |
Battery
| Spec | Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) | Polar - Pacer Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch mode | 16 dayslead | 7 days |
| GPS mode | 82 hlead | 35 h |
| Solar charging | false | false |
Design
| Spec | Garmin - epix Pro (Gen 2) | Polar - Pacer Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Case size | 47 mmlead | 45 mm |
| Weight | 76 g | 41 glead |
| Water resistanceⓘ | 10 ATMlead | 5 ATM |