Garmin - fēnix® 8 - 43 mm, AMOLED, Sapphire

All true except advanced metrics. They are also present in Fenix (it has even more features for hiking) and Instinct. Forerunner is not more advanced. The rugedness is mostly about the bezel. In fenix and instinct it has a rim which gives extra protection to the screen. But that means rugged watches are more bulky what can be a problem in the gym. The real question is lightness of forerunner vs battery life of fenix /instinct

I had a Fenix 5 for 7 years, which still works and never had any issues. Bought a Fenix 8 recently, till now also never had any issues. I have no idea how can be charging less convenient, if you have to charge it every 2-3 weeks as opposed to every day, lol

I like my Fenix 8 as I also run 2-3x week, weightlifting 2-3x week and bike ride once a week. I find it fits my needs perfectly.

I use a Fenix 8 but only because I'm not on the Apple ecosystem, at ALL. If Samsung got their shit together, made a rectangle watch like the Ultra and battery lasted 3 ish days, i'd jump ship from Fenix 8 to the Samsung Ultra in a heartbeat.

there's more of us out there than you realize. I'm actually realizing the reason I got the fenix was to have the smallest sports tracker with the highest battery (woman with small wrists) and the best screen (Amoled is visible, wehre MIP is lmost invistible) But I'm finding the overnight data from garmin to be less and less useful or even mentally healthy, so I'm going back to using my analogs more and more. And they are prettier.

There is Garmin Swim (IMHO essentially it is a ForeRunner, but swim has been put in focus; review here https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/10/garmin-openwater-review.html). However, modern Garmin watches are all able to track pool swim as well as gym workouts (you might have to set exercises later in the app if you want to track muscle groups affected). Essentially ForeRunner is for runners mostly, Forerunner 9xx is focused on triathlon, Fenix is mostly for outdoors - but again, all of them can do almost the same. I'd go with Fenix if budget allows.

Fenix 8 owner here-the AMOLED Pro model has me feeling FOMO. $100 increase (from the titanium/sapphire fenix 8) for cellular, satellite, and still 2x brighter screen isn't bad. Not worth switching but if I was in market for a new watch the decision would be easy.

I've been using a Fenix 8 AMOLED for the past year and am getting ready to move back to an Apple Watch Ultra. The Garmin is better looking and is definitely more fitness oriented. However, if you are generally in the Apple ecosystem, you'll be giving up a lot of integration and convenience. The Garmin tries to be a smart watch, but the way things work in that regard is clunky compared to Apple. For me, I find that I miss the easy integration with the Apple ecosystem more than I value the fitness-orientation of the Garmin. I loved the buttons on the Garmin at first, but after a thumb injury realized that the button system can be inconvenient. The Garmin touch screen process is okay at best. Often laggy and unresponsive. I'll miss the battery life, though.

I just switched to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 from the fenix 8. I use an app called WorkOutDoors. That was a one time purchase of nine dollars totally worth it. It does off-line maps and everything. Lots of good data in there. I guess what drove me away from the Garmin line is it's just so clunky. The Apple Watch is extremely smooth. The other thing I like is when I'm jogging I can use my AirPods with it and stream, Spotify or Apple Music. That's just me overall. It's been a pleasant experience. I'm getting about 70 hours of battery life, which is plenty for me.

If you just want to use it for golf, S70. If you want to use it for everything, the AWU. If you want better battery life, with a little less of everything but focused on more than golf, Fenix. I have the S70 and AWU. I only use the S70 on the course, and the AWU for everything else simply because I like the focus better on the S70 and I use the garmin sensors. You will probably have to pay a sub for the gold functionality of a S70 on the AWU, so you have to see if it's worth it.

The only time that I had issues with a Garmin watch they replaced the watch well over the warrant. I got a forerunner that lasted a lot (6 years?) and then I gave it to a friend. I'm sporting an almost 5 year old fenix and I got it second hand. The watches they make are sturdy

I'm with you.... every time a new AW would come out, I'd upgrade, primarily for the better battery life. Last one I had (just sold it) was an AW Ultra 2. The more I used it, the more I realized I was primarily using it for cycling workouts and weekend rides. Did a boatload of researching and picked a Fenix 8 (got a nice deal on a barely-used one of off eBay).... should be hear by Saturday :)) From what I understand so far, there is truly a ton of metrics that the Garmin's track. Sensor, from what I've read, is pretty solid - but like anything, a HR strap would be better if you want the most accurate reading(s) - same goes for any AW. Another you should consider - the FR 970. Definitely a little more stylish than the Fenix lineup. Different strokes for.... well, you know the rest ;) Good luck!

Just a few weeks since my switch, but still in love. ;) 90% of "how the watch works" just suites perfekt to me and my usage. I am just missing a view things like, control spotify via watch or the sync of the focus modi.

Forerunner 970 if you want running specific. 8 will have everything 970 has but probably not necessary. You would be perfectly fine with a 7 but with the new drop, I don't think it makes sense to buy that far back unless you really don't care about future updates. I was just in the same boat and went with the Fenix 8 because I had a %20 off discount

Former AWU2 user, who migrated to a Fenix 8. Battery life is just ridiculous - with all the bells and whistles working, she gives me 2 weeks of lovin'. The AWU? Always ready to die at the end of the day, or barely cover a century ride. Yes, you can likely get some 3rd party apps for the Apple Watch, but most pertinent analytics are built into the Garmin - at least Hanover seen so far (still getting used to it). I also do cycling, with gym workouts / strength training for cyclists. Was also looking at the Epic Pro but then really came down to the Fenix 8 or a FR 970. They are similar yet pretty different - but I would have these as my "finalists".... Happy hunting!

YMMV - I use a Karoo 3 (hate the Garmin computers because the UI is not that friendly, and they are damn pricey (I got a "like-new" K3 for $315 shipped; UI is awesome, and the screen is amazing), a Polar HR chest strap and now the Fenix 8. If you're looking to keep your AW, then I'd use it for casual use, and rock the FR970 / Fenix 8 for cycling or gym workouts. Cheers!

Good comparison! I'll add that my fenix shows exercise demonstrations on the watch. I use it a lot

Garmin really isn't that good for the gym, as they outright refuse to sync with ANY lifting apps, such as Hevy. I have a Fenix 8 and I went ahead and manually made lifting routines in the app on the phone, which then carries them onto the watch. It isn't that hard to do, but it does annoy me that they refuse to allow third party lifting apps to work as if they actually have a good lifting platform. I personally alternate between two different lifting workouts, so I just select the one I'm doing and go from there. I hate rep detection, so I have it set to where I click a button on the watch to start a set and then when I finish the set to start a rest period, unless I have something set as a superset. I still use Hevy while also running this, as I just find the interface and tracking as a whole to be superior, especially if you want to modify something mid-workout. My main reason for still bothering to also do it on my Garmin is so that it factors my lifting sessions into the overall health picture. My Fitness Pal and Strava are the only apps it sync with.

Yeah I feel like apple sleep tracking is similar to its specificity with fitness tracking. Instead of in depth (and maybe somewhat disappointing data) it gives you the positive fluff version to encourage general day to day health. I compared whoop vs. AW vs Fenix and Apple was the only one that just skipped my mini awake times. Found that strange

For most a garmin a more than enough and that battery is a huge win. I went from galaxy watch to fenix and would not go back. Sounds like we are aligned :-)

FWIW, I just went on a week long hike. I ended up recording each day as individual activities, because the risk of a big/crash binning the whole hike was too high for me. Regarding battery life, I was fine on a single charge with my Fenix 8 (it was pretty low towards the end). I recommend a portable solar panel. They are pretty cheap and lightweight these days. These will be much more effective than the watch based solar (small surface area) and can charge your other devices as well (phone). Good luck!

Which new running metrics are?I rhink enduro 3/fenix8 have all of them.

I have Fenix 8 actually and I've used ECG once... literally forgot this feature exists until your comment arrived in my notifications. I might take another ECG now, but damn that feature is imo useless. Do a proper ECG at hospital once a year and you will be fine.

there's more of us out there than you realize. I'm actually realizing the reason I got the fenix was to have the smallest sports tracker with the highest battery (woman with small wrists) and the best screen (Amoled is visible, wehre MIP is lmost invistible) But I'm finding the overnight data from garmin to be less and less useful or even mentally healthy, so I'm going back to using my analogs more and more. And they are prettier.

Right on! I went from an AWU2 to a Fénix 8. Battery life is silly....

All true except advanced metrics. They are also present in Fenix (it has even more features for hiking) and Instinct. Forerunner is not more advanced. The rugedness is mostly about the bezel. In fenix and instinct it has a rim which gives extra protection to the screen. But that means rugged watches are more bulky what can be a problem in the gym. The real question is lightness of forerunner vs battery life of fenix /instinct

I just bought a f8 and don't exercise Much, a little bit of hiking and the occasional walk from time to time and fishing, always wanted a Fenix so I did it and not regretting it one bit

I was in the same dilema 3 weeks ago, i dont run that much i go to the gym surfing windsurfing hiking etc. i dont dive but im in the water a lot). Tried both of the on. 970 is lighter and more slik. I went with the fenix after all as i like the rugged look and since i spend a lot of time in the water i thiugh it was a good idea to get something water certified lets say. For you maybe 970 would be the right choice!!

Get a garmin Fenix, doesnt really matter which model as long as it's not ancient, off eBay

There is Garmin Swim (IMHO essentially it is a ForeRunner, but swim has been put in focus; review here https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2019/10/garmin-openwater-review.html). However, modern Garmin watches are all able to track pool swim as well as gym workouts (you might have to set exercises later in the app if you want to track muscle groups affected). Essentially ForeRunner is for runners mostly, Forerunner 9xx is focused on triathlon, Fenix is mostly for outdoors - but again, all of them can do almost the same. I'd go with Fenix if budget allows.

Its the Fenix without speaker/mic and without diving features, but better overall performance as tradeoff (longer battery life, MIP screen, better solar charging, more lightweight...)

Im not an Apple Watch expert, so let me know if I'm wrong with the following: In my experience, Garmin's mapping abilities are more robust. For instance, I can create custom maps on CalTopo and upload them to my Garmin, and it works seamlessly. I don't need any additional apps, and I have full trail detail including ascents/descents, any campsites or points of interest, etc. I can also stitch together multiple activities for multi-day hikes easily. Even the AllTrails "Send to Garmin" feature is super convenient. For instance if I'm going to a national park this weekend, I can upload all of the trails I'm interested in hiking in just a few clicks, sync my watch, and I'm good to go. These types of features and more (along with battery life obviously) sold me on the Fenix. In the backcountry subreddits I see a lot of lamentations about the AW's lack of mapping abilities.

Good choice! I also enjoy the availability of the connectivity but now opt out of the constant notifications. Also why I went with regular Fenix as opposed to the pro. The disconnect is good. Everything I was worried about with the switch from Apple to Garmin ended up being what I appreciate. Apple does many things better but Garmin is for me.

Yeah I mean none of them are perfect but I do think Garmin has been best so far.

Might just depend on the amount you want to spend vs what you are going to get out of it. You could get a less expensive Garmin like a Venu Sq ($100-$150 refurb) that gives you body battery, sleep score, steps, heart rate, etc. The standard run of health metrics that can help with recovery and measuring general activity. I wear a gamin daily and do a lot of weight training. I can confirm that it doesn't do well at measuring anything related to lifting. You'll get a standard heart rate increase, but even intense weightlifting sessions aren't able to trigger the auto activity sensor. I still appreciate the data though. but you don't need a $1,000 Fenix to get helpful data. That is the one thing I wish I would have known before buying a Fenix.

Know a guy who has used his twice for 100k and both times its died around 60km in. Not the speediest runner but easily makes cut off. The gps in it is shocking too, he would routinely get more distance and elevation on almost any run I've done the whole full smart watch in the past and happily have gone back to a fenix now. Im good with seeing notifications and being able to answer calls. Happily run disconnected from my phone and contact