Garmin Fenix 8 | WASTE of your money?

[@ActiveIdeas]

This video took a turn 🤣 After so many glitches, bugs and software freezes whilst filming I decided the Fenix 8 definitely feels rushed, 27:00 fair play to Des/Ray for saying it as it is on Fit File 👏🏽

[@Teeemuz]

Rather odd that they saved that chat to podcast and not their video review………….🧐

[@ActiveIdeas]

Nothing but love for Ray/Des ❤️ I do wonder to what extent they experienced signs of software UI limitations.. enough for them to say that explicitly in the podcast 🤷🏽‍♂️ But tbf, their videos are recorded pre-release where you could give Garmin the benefit of the doubt .. the difference with this video’s perspective is that it was filmed post-release where I think it had to be stressed this could be the experience of anyone buying the watch. I have seen lots of other accounts of people having issues. Luckily I’m just reviewing it, but imagine spending $1000 to have a watch behave like this during/post the set up process due to software issues 🤣

[@Teeemuz]

@@ActiveIdeas I do appreciate both of them but this makes question their integrity…. Do you think future updatea could fix the lag and maps etc… Or do we need totally new chip?

[@ActiveIdeas]

@Teeemuz personally, I think we need a new chip. A lot of the glitches I experience are when the chip is being pushed/taxed and it just fails. Much can be improved by software but I think what we’re seeing here highlights the need of a faster chip. Saying that.. maybe faster chips heavily compromise battery life 🤷🏽‍♂️ Not sure what Garmin would say to all this..

[@hassanszaidi9]

As chase the summit observed, Amazfit TREX3 already does smooth/fluid interface along with exceptional battery life so its not impossible.

[@olaseanmann]

Hi there, great video but it seems no one is reviewing the MIP version of this watch. Some of us still prefer our mip display. Thanks and 👍🏽

[@ActiveIdeas]

Stay tuned for the MIP reviews ☺️ I’ll be doing the Enduro 3 first before u touch on the Fenix 8 Solars though ❤️

[@luc7976]

I believe release date is another 3-5 weeks (at least for the US). There are some hands-on reviews you can find, but I assume general availability worldwide is 1-2 months after AMOLED models.

[@ToniTio89]

Good point! I went from Epix to Fenix, never doing amoled again

[@ActiveIdeas]

I’m regretting it, 4 days battery life.. sucks for any one who wants a 43mm 😅

[@luc7976]

​@@ActiveIdeas I guess 7s Pro Solar 42mm is the way to go for now if battery life is important and on sale now. But unfortunately we won't be able to see the solar improvements (mainly clean display since charging rate is close on 47mm model), and updated software from the 8 Solar 47mm :-(. Perhaps Suunto/Polar/Coros can fill the LCD gap but not sure if we'll see less and less passive displays:-(.

[@TRTL]

Amazing video. Showing many small but important details of how Fenix works. As someone who is thinking of switching from Apple Watch, this was very informative.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Amazing comment. Thanks for the support brother!!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Weird, I’ve seen literally zero issues with the bugs you mention in the time I’ve had the amoled model.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thanks for the comment Dave ❤️ Maybe it’s batch related.. I’ve seen lots of people experiencing similar & then some having no issues at all? I’m running software v11.6 my sleep is showing a 333h nap ha, I’m still getting crashes/sluggishness during navigation and the occasional freeze elsewhere in the UI. 🤷🏽‍♂️ Hope you’re well man! 🔥

[@chrisdavies6175]

Great video - really good to show the current wobbly state of the UI. I am surprised you struggled with the Fenix 7 GPS. I have used mine extensively in the mountains of Switzerland, the Cornish coast path and even the mud at Wells - next - the - Sea and it has been excellent at all times (though it isn’t the Pro).

[@ActiveIdeas]

Cheers Chris! This was genuinely supposed to be a “top 10 reasons to buy” video but the UI is just abit too wobbly for my liking. Yeah, I have no idea why I’d seen so many GPS issues .. the common indicators were usually mud, mountains, tree coverage, rain/mist, cloud coverage.. then GPS would struggle. Maybe it was just a Pro thing at the time. Corr it’s only been 4 days.. I’m missing Wells already 🙈

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thoughts on supporting me for a Wells FKT? I’m thinking of going for it 😬

[@chrisdavies6175]

@@ActiveIdeas Why don’t you sign up for the Sunrise Ultra - you can then paddle through the Wells mud at night in December and race the sun (though I think Dan Lawson has the FKT for that, so you would have to go some!)

[@ActiveIdeas]

Just look at the Sunrise/Sunset Ultra Company, apparently they're still not running any events but may be back in 2025? Yeah, I think I'm dreaming a little bit with the pace required to get an FKT. Willing to give it a shot, would need a couple of months to drop to a competitive weight thought haha.. and put down the donuts 🍩

[@wrealestate8778]

Thank you for making videos that are easy to understand for us than never used a sport watch before. When you have the time please consider one on how to make step count accurate. All the best

[@ActiveIdeas]

I’ll include a step counter accuracy section in my next video 😍 Thanks for the comment ❤️

[@cull15]

Finally someone doing an unpaid review that doesn’t hide flaws! (Subscribed!) I think I’ll hold off buying it until people review an updated firmware version, it seems like they’ve rushed it out which isn’t good considering the price 😮

[@ActiveIdeas]

I’ve gone for the “Flossy Carter REAL Review!” Vibe haha! But yeah.. no point beating around the bush on this one.. even post updates, I think this needs a lot of attention to make software more stable and more pleasant to use 🫶🏽

[@ActiveIdeas]

Also… thanks for the sub ❤️

[@ismathem]

Thanks for tge info. I'll stick with the Epix Pro

[@ActiveIdeas]

With the current state of software… You’re making the right decision 🔥 I’m sure over time the scale will tip. Cheers for the comment 👊🏽

[@ironman34561]

thanks for the informative video, how is the watch holding up now? Has there been any updates to address these bugs? Looking to getting one soon. Thanks!

[@ActiveIdeas]

Bugs that are currently effecting me is nap detection isn’t working, metronome is working, it still crashes during navigation/post activities (when you click save) and I’m getting weird battery life behaviour.. it slowly trickles down to about 25% over the course of 3 days. But 25% to 0% happens almost immediately. Overall though, everything is much more stable and there have been frequent updates to stabilise things which is good 🌟 Hope that helps Ironman!

[@ironman34561]

@@ActiveIdeas Thanks for the reply. Thats not good, I'm surprised Garmin released the watch in this state, seems too rushed

[@ActiveIdeas]

It feels like they were rushing to beat the Apple event incase an Apple Watch Ultra 3 came out or something

[@ΠετροςΔαμκαλης-λ2υ]

very good watch , but form my personal test about all flagship watches, i think the better are suunto race and race s. I know the hrm of race is terrible in this time but, the price,the simplicity ,the gps, the alt accuracy and the way it fits in hand is fantastic .I think the race 2 with a better hrm ,it will be very good option!I am not a garmin hatter,the watch i wear now is garmin epix !About coros vertix 2 the most uncomfortable watch for me , the redness of my skin under the watch was something noticeable!Very good presentation, well done!

[@andr3wi77e]

the sound assistant still looks raw. And here are two points: how well does it work with other languages ​​(not English) and if you have a non-standard activity name, will it launch it or not (I have an assumption that the set consists of standard activities, and inside you choose a specific option (run -> run/trail run/*something custom*))?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Keep the comments coming man! 😍❤️ You have some really good questions that I don’t even think about haha.. great ideas for video content, so thank you! Quick answer to your second question.. the ‘hey Garmin’ & ‘hey siri’ features work everywhere in the UI.. so you can activate them no matter what you’re doing. Hey Garmin sucks. Hey siri is great because you get access to your photos smart assistant instead. To your first point with languages.. it already sucks in English. It’s extremely limited in what you say, and how you say it. So I wouldn’t get too excited about other languages.. this feature feels at least a year or two off being useful in English.. let long other languages maybe not supported yet. Hope this helps ❤️

[@GarminPro]

Hmmm I didn’t have any of these issues. It seems to be working quite well.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have no idea how wide spread these issues are tbh. Aside from stability, Loving the features on this watch!

[@dialoguscompany2127]

Thanks, brother, it will be either a Suunto or a Suunto. Obviously based on my needs and experiences! Cheers, mate!

[@ActiveIdeas]

A pleasure brother! I’m still rather in love with the Vertical I won’t lie, life was just easy when testing that. The banes of being a product tester 🤣 I am existed about trying out the Enduro 3.. if I can get my hands on it

[@andr3wi77e]

multitasking is an interesting feature, we need to see how well it works and what limitations it has, because many programs that used to be widgets have become applications, which prevents them from being used while recording activity

[@ActiveIdeas]

Which applications do you mean specifically? Let me know and I’ll put this in my next video 👌🏽

[@andr3wi77e]

@@ActiveIdeas I think it would be right to test several different types of applications, one with access to sensors (for example GPS) and another just an application (which actually resembles a widget). For the first case, you can try Area Calculation from Garmin (never used it because of the reason in the first comment), for the second, EasyCodeWalletApp also from Garmin. I also looked at the update for connectiq sdk (SDK for creating applications, widgets, watch faces, etc.). With the release of the new watch, a new version of API 5.0.1 was released, which only has the new watch, but I did not find any changes in the API documentation from this version. I wrote about this in order to check how Garmin determines which application can be added to multitasking; if the new API does not have such permission (and I did not find any differences in the manifest file 5.0.0 from 5.0.1 except for supported watches), then perhaps if the application has access to sensors, recording in the FIT file or something like that, then such an application does not have access to multitasking. These are all my guesses, you can only check on a real watch, because the watch emulator from the SDK is very limited

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thank you for this in depth comment.. im going to investigate all of this for the full review video!

[@jaroslavsladek3367]

I think multitasking is under appreciated improvement of the new UI. For example, Fenix watches had for ages Project Waypoint app, but it was always kind of useless, because as you said, it can only be used outside of activity. And the only time I was ever interested in projecting waypoint was while in activity. Well, you now can project waypoint while in activity. Just long press Lap button, scroll down to all the apps, pick up Project Waypoint and off you go.

[@andr3wi77e]

another question about multi-tasking. In Fenix ​​6s pro (and probably in other watches) long pressing the Lap button is guaranteed to throw you to the watchface. This is convenient, since disabling the Lap button for activity does not always work if it has steps. How can I now get to the watchface if the Lap button opens the multitasking list? Set a new shortcut?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Great question! So it’s still the same.. it opens multi tasking and then you scroll up or press up once to get to the watchface! Or scroll down or press down to get to multitasking windows 🔥 Hope that makes sense!

[@jaroslavsladek3367]

If you don't like the multi-tasking menu, you can also just change the shortcut so that long pressing lap goes directly to the watch face, as it does in F6. It's all configurable.

[@ActiveIdeas]

👏🏽

[@CharlieO77]

As soon as I took it out of the box I had the lag / glitches too but a quick software update search got it to the latest version and no more issue. Give me a real reason that cannot be changed (design, specs) but nooo, people lose their shit about something that is easily fixed with a quick update 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ActiveIdeas]

It’s much better now tbf! But imagine your new watch being like this for the first 5-6 weeks of owning it.. quite frustrating for $1000

[@JAY.POT.502]

Without bugs looks like a top notch watch 👌

[@ActiveIdeas]

It’s as good as it gets really 🔥 Garmin will iron most of these bugs out pretty quickly a presume 🤞🏽

[@AREDONE]

12:30 Not sure if you are aware, but the recovery advisor is time between HARD workouts not "recommended" time to your next run. E.g 72hrs after race means you should avoid tempo runs/ intervals for that time. It actually works really well and it's extremely accurate if you train with HR strap only. It's been nailing how I feel for almost 2 years now

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thankyou for this mate! Tbh, I always thought the recovery advisor was abit vague but you’ve explained it perfectly here. You learn something new every day, that definitely makes much more sense! Can’t wait try it out now haha.. could do with a second opinion of when to actually take it easy 🔥

[@brum293]

I think Garmin should do a better job explaining this directly on the watch without having to go to the manual. It’s easily one of the most confused features from all the posts I see in different Garmin groups, reddit etc.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Definitely support this idea. How could they do this in an effective way do you think?

[@brum293]

@@ActiveIdeas I think they could start with a simple text after a hard workout: “Recommended recovery time is 3 days until doing the same hard workout again. Do easy workouts in the meantime around 20-45 min in length and 130-145 bpm to improve aerobic base and speed up recovery” or something similar. When going into the Recovery widget they could show more details, for example how many minutes of exercise in low-, high aerobic and anaerobic respectively you are currently “recovered” doing today. Then show today’s workout from DSW as an example. :)

[@ActiveIdeas]

When you put it like this.. it sounds so simple and a perfect way to integrate it into their software. If I get the opportunity in one of of my new videos to mention this improvement I will! I'm convinced Garmin pop in occasionally for a quick look with these videos so hopefully they see that suggestion ☺️

[@Sinasi08]

I didn't know I could hold a data field on the main watchfface and get directly to that widget! Awesome. 😊

[@ActiveIdeas]

And that’s why you come to my channel 🙈 Plenty more to learn at A.I ☺️

[@carloscssr]

You can do that on the epix pro gen 2 as well. It's not a new thing

[@Sinasi08]

@carloscssr I have one for a year and didn't know that 😅 it is much faster to go directly to the details indeed. Thanks

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hahaha, tbh. I do love this about Garmin. Always finding out something new that the watch can do 👏🏽

[@luc7976]

@@ActiveIdeas Sadly they didn't add this feature to the forerunner series. There's support for touch in garmin watchface builder, but I tried and it won't register. Hopefully future Forerunner watches will get it as well. I guess there must be some reason the Fenix/Epix series are more expensive...

[@electrictreacle]

Great video. Thanks. When you did your 20 miler, were the navigation audio / vibration turn prompts working? I can’t for the life of me get them to work on my Fenix 8. I’ve seen it flagged by users as a bug on the Garmin forum, but I’d be interested to hear if it worked for you.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Do you need to turn this feature on? It definitely dudnt have audio turn by turn features unfortunately (sounds cool if it works 😍) but the auto-lap mile reminding me of every mile does work sometimes (usually only when I press the lap button.. not automatically I’ll get the voice come through) 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@luc7976]

Excellent walkthrough video. Question on new Countdown event 14:00 : I assume when you are in watchface and the event triggers you hear an alarm? I think it's configurable but I wonder how that looks like and how you see the text. Perhaps a top popup panel. I requested this feature while back and fortunately they added something like it (e.g. allow date alarm with text). Programming this is tough since the SDK does not allow alarms from the watchface directly.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Super appreciate your comment mate ❤️ You bring out a fantastic point., I’ve not actually seen the countdown timer go off.. I can imagine it vibrates and plays the tone sound similar to the timer demonstration in this video. I’ll record a finished counting timer in my next video (uploaded on Sunday) ❤️

[@luc7976]

@@ActiveIdeas Thanks very much for replying. Right must be similar. Manual says there is "event reminders" so I assume you can choose type of alert. PS appreciate you are showing these details since DCR etc. don't show many details anymore incl. the various watchfaces and neither goes into any countdown event settings.

[@ActiveIdeas]

An absolute pleasure, I have my full in-depth Fenix 8 video dropping later this week.. hopefully touching on more of the nitty gritty features that other reviewers have missed ❤️

[@liiiinder]

Drinking game: Take a shot every time he refer to the 20 mile run.

[@ActiveIdeas]

🤣🤣🤣 I hope you’ve booked tomorrow off work

[@eric-running-to-chamonix]

While I'm waiting for my Fenix 8 to show up, this video showed me a bunch of features on my FR955 that I didn't know I had.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Happy to help mate! ❤️ have you ran to Chamonix yet?

[@eric-running-to-chamonix]

@@ActiveIdeas Nope. I failed in the OCC lottery for this year with 5 running stones. I'll try again for CCC next year with 12 stones, supposing I don't DNF the Kodiak 100k in a few weeks. Which is why I'm getting the Fenix 8. I need the battery, flashlight, and the audio notes would be helpful during the race.

[@ActiveIdeas]

12 running stones? 🤣 What a joke! I’m getting all excited about the idea of doing UTMB next year but I only have 3 running stones so I guess my chances are unlikely. Don’t suppose you can fly me out to Kodiak 100.. I’ll get us both to the finish line 🙈🤣 Sounds like a great watch for you! Bare in the mind the flashlight burns lots of battery, you’re using the features this heavily I’d recommend getting the 51mm solar MIP version 🔥

[@eric-running-to-chamonix]

@@ActiveIdeas Thanks for the warning. The flashlight is for when my headlamp starts to go out and I need to rummage through my pack for its replacement and plugging into the battery pack. I went through this at the Grindstone 100k last year -- in pouring rain -- and lost a bunch of time fussing with it. Live and learn (and buy fancier watches)

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hahaha, honestly, this is exactly what I used the Fenix 7 Pro in the spine race for 🤣 Saved my life on multiple occasions

[@tuohy1234]

Is it worth buying the Fenix 7 pro or Fenix 8?

[@ActiveIdeas]

If you can get a fantastic deal on the 7 Pro, I’d honestly recommend getting that at the moment!

[@markhill8590]

Thanks for the review ill stick with my 965 👍

[@ActiveIdeas]

Don’t let go of that Gem 💎 Still a fantastic buy that!

[@markhill8590]

@@ActiveIdeas absolutely and half the price!

[@ActiveIdeas]

Bring on those holiday sales too!

[@stevekemp9893]

Brilliant video ! Really informative! One of the best Garmin reviews out there! Question, I’m coming from an Apple Watch. I get voice feedback via the Apple watch to my headphones over music on a run, from the Runna app, if I play music from my phone do I still get voice feedback from the watch as well over the music ??

[@ActiveIdeas]

Yes Steve! This video is going to be like marmite ❤️ People are either going to love the honesty.. or hate it, I’m glad you liked it! This is a great question. Tbh.. I know a lot of people are experiencing voice feedback bugs at the moment so probably can’t give you a conclusive answer until I understand how it “SHOULD” be behaving and what’s just glitching. Stay tuned. I have another video dropping Sunday, so I’ll try and touch on this ❤️

[@stevekemp9893]

@@ActiveIdeas AMAZING ! Keep up the awesome work! 👊🏻

[@ActiveIdeas]

Cheers boi! 🔥👊🏽

[@andr3wi77e]

Yes, you get feedback from the watch over the music. But I noticed this weird thing, if the music is produced in Spotify, then the voice information is played over it, but if you play a podcast in Spotify, then the feedback completely covers the podcast (nothing is heard). Maybe Spotify uses some other stream to play podcasts, and Garmin is designed for "music"

[@ActiveIdeas]

Cool observation!

[@P.I.D.27]

Great video and nice information mate ! What is in your opinion best sport watch for the price 400-600 euro 🤔 I have small wrists and 47 mm bezel is max for my preference. I have Garmin Fenix 8 and return it so I think take 7 pro SS or something other for 500-600 euro . I never use another sport watches , only Garmin …

[@ActiveIdeas]

If you have to stick with Garmin get the Epix Gen 2 Pro or the Fenix 7 Pro deepening on which one you can get a better deal on 🔥 I’ve also been testing the instinct 2X Solar.. a great watch which you can configure to have unlimited battery life 🫶🏽

[@user-fi3uu2ry8i]

The flash light would be good for 2am when you wake up to go to the bathroom. Not sure it would be my first priority if being attacked though.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Haha, the attacked thing is said in jest 🙈 but yes, it is fantastic for things like 2am bathroom trips.

[@leonpatrick5606]

I'll stick to the Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Yeah! No need to rush into the Fenix 8, I’m sure over time things will level out but for now.. you’re winning with 7X Pro.

[@leonpatrick5606]

@ActiveIdeas Yeah, I almost lost a wife, too 😄 🤣

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@leonpatrick5606 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Maybe for the Fenix 10 X Pro

[@karotechyt]

I have a question about multitasking, when I press the back button longer like you do while running it only turns on the lap, how do I make it display the whole menu with music, sunset - sunrise, notes etc?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hey Karo ❤️ Have you tried holding it down.. this is different from pressing, hold for 3-5 seconds. Let me know if this works? If not we’ll continue to trouble shoot! All the best 🌟

[@karotechyt]

@@ActiveIdeas It doesn't do anything, if I press longer, nothing just happens. Do you have some shortcut set up under this button or should it just work?

[@ActiveIdeas]

It should just work, but it might be work checking your short cuts! What watch are you using? Feel free to message me on instagram, send a video so I can see if you’re doing anything wrong :)

[@karotechyt]

@@ActiveIdeas unfortunately I don't have instagram :) but somehow I will fight it since it should work :) gives Subscribe :)

[@ActiveIdeas]

You will figure it out ❤️ Thanks for the subscribe 👊🏽

[@Roddy767]

Awesome video. But what's the watch face you use?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thankyou my man! Go to 14:25 to see how to add this watch face. I show it all. Hope this helps ☺️

[@Roddy767]

I have an EPIX Pro and I was thinking this one was from the IQ Store. Thanks for the reply!

[@ActiveIdeas]

They do all look so similar these days tbf!

[@mikelsidler5821]

Mine should arrive today, single incident and Im returning it, didnt know it was this bad for some people.

[@ActiveIdeas]

I’m always going to keep it real brother! Fingers crossed yours is okay 👊🏽

[@ruisantos5746]

Great video. What watch size were you wearing?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Heck yeah! This is the 43mm, highly recommend 🔥 (it’s the best size)

[@ruisantos5746]

@@ActiveIdeas looks bigger . What is the length of the box measured from straps “link” to the box? Is also 43mm … I have small wrists, not sure which size to buy…

[@ActiveIdeas]

I used to be on the fence about sizing too. I have a small wrist which is why this probably looks big. The 43mm is incredibly comfortable, feels lightweight and really feels like a spy gadget on the wrist! BUT I have noticed I’ve struggled to see data.. the maps does feel cluttered/squeezed in and the battery life is terrible (3-5 days). Despite having a small wrist I have used the 47mm Fenix 7 Pro. It did feel surprisingly comfortable and was worth the battery advantages at the time. You do get used to the feel of it. Conclusion: decide what’s more important. Battery life OR Comfort.. and then pull the trigger. You won’t regret it 😍🔥

[@Tha-King-Arthur]

I do have a number of bugs such as; when I connect my music to my Samsung earbuds pro 2 and I play music, the watch plays music through the earbuds and a beeping sound through the watch speaker (does not happen constantly, but regularly). The sound with calling also sounds very soft. When I open the weather widget and I swipe down to view the weather from day to day, the weather widget app crashes (this is also not constant, but regularly). I had a lot of trouble connecting the watch with Bluetooth to be able to make phone calls. As soon as I put the battery on standby mode, calling is also disabled and when I then switch it on, the watch often (also not constantly but regularly) does not find the Bluetooth connection with the S24 Ultra. The watch is laggy when swiping through the watch faces. I also do not get the correct measurement of how high I am above sea level, measurement with GPS constantly shows incorrect values. A big disappointment is that I can't download KZbin Music in the Connect IQ store (probably needs to be made compatible with the Fenix ​​8). App store also has apps available that are really worthless and the appstore looks like a store made in 1995..

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thanks for sharing all that mate! Sorry to hear you've been having a hard time with it too! You made me laugh about the Connect IQ store being from 1995 hahaha.. I get it. But also.. I was born in the 90's so you're making me feel old 🤣 Are you going to return your Fenix 8 or wait for more software updates to smooth things out bit? 🙈

[@panzer948]

I got my fenix 8 last week and havent seen any glitches at all. Might have gotten a lemon...

[@ActiveIdeas]

This ain’t even a Lemon mate, this one’s a Lime 🤮🍋‍🟩🤣

[@panzer948]

@@ActiveIdeas Ok, I hate your having problems with yours as I really love mine.. but this is also my first Garmin and actual watch for several years. So really digging all the new tech and features, which is why I am watching all these channels to learn more! I think I found a good one to enter into the lifestyle though, but yeah if I had a Fenix 7 I would have waited a couple more models before buying a replacement. Still doesnt take away from the features of this year's model!

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@panzer948 heck yeah man, enjoy it! We’re so lucky to live in a world with all this technology. 🔥 Good luck with your Fenix 8 journey 👊🏽🌟

[@thomasusheriii971]

Just got mine today and it reset itself once so far

[@ActiveIdeas]

Welcome to the club! 🤣 I’ve just had a second update pushed today “version 11.6” hopefully this stabilises things abit

[@robhunt8378]

Bugs will get sorted out eventually but it's not a good look for a product of this price.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Completely Agree 👏🏽

[@henryl9958]

Great video.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thanks so much for dropping by Henry 🔥

Suunto Vertical is rock 😎

[@ActiveIdeas]

🤣 Some would say.. bulletproof 😎

[@awall287]

I live in the US. Is there anyway to get a detailed map of Spain?

[@ActiveIdeas]

The basic Europe maps that Garmin offer for free are fantastic and showered cover 90% of people’s needs. For more detailed maps you can play for Garmin’s “plus” maps or you can download “talky toaster maps”. Which cost like $15, no subscription, and just as detailed as Garmin’s Premium maps. You didn’t hear this from me 😉

[@lhzsdgsfbvv]

It should be included via Garmin.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Yeah, you’ll get the basic maps covered for free ☺️

[@awall287]

@@ActiveIdeas yeah I’m just trying to figure out where to download it through Garmin. Someone explained it before but I can’t find the video haha. Great review. I “upgraded” from a tactix 7 amoled.

[@Dnserror88]

@@awall287 You connect the watch to a computer using usb, and using the Garmin Express software you can enter the Map Manager and manage maps there. You can also do it all from the watch itself, but downloading maps over Wifi is sloooow. Better to use a computer.

[@mohammedsalmaancharolia0786]

Hi, great video I just want to know some more feature regarding receiving calls. Normally i wear wireless bluetooth, so if i answer the incoming call from the watch, so the voice of the other person will come from the watch, mobile or my connected wireless bluetooth? If, by answering the call from the watch, the voice of other person comes from the, so does the watch has the option to switch the voice of other person to my connected bluetooth from the watch itself..? Please make a detail video of it Thanks....

[@ActiveIdeas]

I’ll go into more detail about this in my next video ❤️ but you can switch where the audio is being pushed and pulled from seamlessly from the controls on the watch. I’ve tried with my iPhone playing out loud but never with headphones on. Stay tuned for this weekend 🔥

[@mohammedsalmaancharolia0786]

Thanks I really appreciate ​@@ActiveIdeas

[@ActiveIdeas]

No worries bro 👊🏽

[@mohammedsalmaancharolia0786]

​​@@ActiveIdeaswill be waiting for detailed video regarding accepting calls from the watch with bluetooth headset or earbuds connected to your phone Please Thanks

[@mohammedsalmaancharolia0786]

Just want to see from where the audio source comes out from and whether we can switch the audio source to the connected earbuds bluetooth, watch & phone seamlessly from the watch itself or not, or do we need to pull out our phone from the pocket to do so. Thanks...

[@mrgalvinable]

Am I wrong, or, is that not a Fenix 8? I don't see the notches in the bezel and I don't see the two screws in the bezel by the straps. There should also be numbers (5, 10, 15, 20, etc) around the bezel and I don't see those either. This doesn't pass the smell test to me

[@ActiveIdeas]

This is the Fenix 8 43mm Amoled. This might be why you don’t recognise it. This smaller model is mostly pitched for women or men with smaller wrist sizes. But yeah.. check my other videos if you want but it clearly says “Fenix 8” on the back of the watch. I also have the brand new Enduro 3 by Garmin which I’m testing :)

[@ActiveIdeas]

Also.. watch this video at 23:30 😅🤣🤣 Your comment doesn’t pass the smell test to me.. are you undercover Garmin? 🙈

[@user-ij8no5zw6u-]

Is the stock timer still able to loop automatically and go off for example every 15min?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Yeah, timer is still loops, just checked ❤️ It still has “auto restart” in the runner settings too 🔥

[@user-ij8no5zw6u-]

@@ActiveIdeas Thanks, no other brand has that! Even WearOS watches you can't find such app in the wholes store...

[@ActiveIdeas]

Such a simple thing but massive if you need it! I get it, lots of options with Garmin like this 😍

[@ryuhayabusa9]

Wow really?!? Or am I that lucky? I have the watch for three days now, and it runs very smooth. I have not experienced one of the problems you mentioned. 🙏🏾

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hey Anly!! I always seem to get unlucky with Garmin’s quality control 🤣 Convinced it’s a curse at this point. Glad you’re not experiencing any problems, hope you enjoy your new Fenix 8 ❤️

[@ryuhayabusa9]

@@ActiveIdeas Booooh haha tough life bro! I can feel your pain!😂 Nice video by the way, keep up the great work!❤️ And thank you!

[@ryuhayabusa9]

Oke.... here I am again... found/experienced some errors at this point: -the hourly chime, when activated, only works for a couple of hours and after that it doesn't work anymore.... so I need to restart my watch to make it work again -After a contactless payment, the watch doesn't show a checkmark, but instead of that I can make another payment.. So my watch isn't perfect afterall😅

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thanks for lovely comments Anly! Oh man, seeing some bugs too then! Abit worrying the contactless payments one 🤣 Apart from that you enjoying it? 🙈❤️

[@ryuhayabusa9]

@@ActiveIdeas Haha aaah huh! But yeah! Apart from that.. I love the watch! I ditched my Apple Watch Ultra. It was always like: When I wore my Apple Watch, I missed my Garmin and vice versa... But now I'm considering selling my AWU😯😯

[@anthonyrampino7734]

Do you know if the Enduro 3 has the weather over lays on the map like the fenix 8 or is that just with amoled?

[@ActiveIdeas]

I think it does yet! Mines being delivered on Monday x

[@anthonyrampino7734]

@@ActiveIdeas ok, will you be doing a comparison video? I’m trying to decide on the enduro 3 and the fenix8. Do you think that because of the buttons on the fenix being waterproof will they be more durable than the orings on the enduro? Because spending this much money I plan on having it for a long time.

[@ActiveIdeas]

It will be the first video I do, I’ve been wanting to do a comparison on these watches for weeks!!! Durability on both will be fine, but I’ll dive more into this in the comparison when I’ve had my chance to use the Enduro 3. I already know how I feel about the Fenix 8 😬🤣

[@anthonyrampino7734]

@@ActiveIdeas sounds good! I’m curious to see what you think about the display on the enduro compared to the Coros vertix 2. I purchased the coros and sent it back because the display was dark even with the back light. And I’m curious about how the maps look on the enduro vs the amoled on the fenix.

[@ActiveIdeas]

@anthonyrampino7734 thanks for all these ideas ❤️

[@stkchi1028]

Hello, if i put down my iphone and run on treadmill， will the step count by garmin upload to Apple Fitness?

[@ActiveIdeas]

I just checked. YES. Garmin will transfer steps to Apple health which is really cool for these treadmill scenarios ❤️

[@stkchi1028]

@@ActiveIdeas Good to know that! Thanks!

[@ActiveIdeas]

@stkchi1028 a pleasure bro 👊🏽

[@satvikchopda5166]

If my phone is connected to the watch and I start Google navigation on my phone, will it reflect the similar navigation on the watch? Or no navigation at all? Let's say I am riding a bike and want navigations to my destination can I get directions like that like on a galaxy watch from Google maps.

[@Fozzee.1970]

Not by default no. There are 3rd party apps that provide this function. You can navigate using the inbuilt Garmin Maps though.

[@ActiveIdeas]

I second what @Fozzee.1970 said ☺️ hope that helped

[@qrajr]

Do FW update before you record :D i got day 1 watch in poland and dont see any of that glitch. Only 3-4 randoms reboot after install unofficial map so i remove it and back to normal

[@ActiveIdeas]

This was filmed post update except from the few clips at the beginning where the watch was unusable. Glad it’s back to normal bro.. out of curiosity, what maps did you install.. Talky Toaster?

[@qrajr]

@@ActiveIdeas In Poland we have rly nice VasaM maps pack. They work and look rly nice on Fenix7

[@ActiveIdeas]

are they free?

[@qrajr]

@@ActiveIdeas VasaM maps and they are free to use

[@ActiveIdeas]

@qrajr thank you

[@Ripper218]

Hey great vid. Can you turn step counting off whilst leaving heart rate monitor still on?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hey Ripper! This is a wild question 🤣 One second. Let me check It seems you can turn the HR off while leaving the steps on. I don’t think you can do it the other way round. Tbh i don’t think you can turn off steps at all? Hope this helps buddy 🫶🏽

[@Ripper218]

@ActiveIdeas That's a shame because I drive for a living and it gives me thousands of steps when not taking any lol. My Fenix 6 can turn them off in battery saver and leave other things on. Was hoping this would do same. Thanks htho

[@ActiveIdeas]

You should have said! 🤿 So this Fenix 8 has dive mode.. which I’m sure will automatically disable steps. You’re in luck 🔥 You won’t be able to manually turn off steps but you can select “auto dive” which I assume will deactivate steps. This is probably the perfect watch for you if you do diving for a living 😍

[@Nelman_beer]

Is it same for MIP ?

[@ActiveIdeas]

I’m not sure.. I feel like some of this is chipset related and the Amoled screens probably have higher graphical demands. Stay tuned! 🔥

[@lhzsdgsfbvv]

It's not. The 47mm is simply the best all-rounder sportwatch in the market. I like the smaller bezels and the 1.4" in a 47mm case.

[@ActiveIdeas]

I must admit.. 3-4 days battery life on 43mm has not been great. I do like 47mm but it still just feels slightly large on my wrist but I eventually get used to it. I’m still hoping Garmin make an Enduro 3 45mm.. it would be my perfect watch 🙈

[@lhzsdgsfbvv]

@@ActiveIdeas 965 is lower and lighter then the 47mm Fenix series. Max 7 Days with AOD and 21 days with standard settings. Batteries just take space. I would also be fan of a high end 45mm watch from Garmin

[@ActiveIdeas]

If I ever talk to Garmin, ill let them know about our 45mm dream haha

[@Ryzn322]

Is it poss to compare the 43mm to the 965?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Unfortunately Garmin don’t send me products mate. I have reviewed the 965 on my channel so check out how the 43mm Fenix looks on my wrist and then check out my 965 video. Unfortunately I had to sell the 965 in order to afford the Fenix 8 🤣 Cheers for the comment 🔥❤️

[@Ryzn322]

@@ActiveIdeas how do you like the 43mm size compared to the 965? I find the 965 too big, hoping three 43mm fenix 8 is more compact and better feel on the wrist

[@ActiveIdeas]

It’s a tough one.. I believe the 965 is flatter so he a low profile on the wrist. The Fenix 8mm is slightly thinker but is much more comfortable with its 43mm casing. The trick is.. to get one of the nylon bands (links in the description). Pair it with the Fenix 8 and you’ll be laughing. 👊🏽

[@BenBensen293]

Forerunner 965 or even 955 for under 300 Dollars sometimes can do nearly the same 😅

[@ActiveIdeas]

You’re not wrong 🤣 Depends how much you need that speaker and mic 👊🏽

[@tambikhout9310]

Hi, how u get the compass red indicators on . In 7:39 . I trying to navigate a way point in map , I did add compass screen but no indicator. ?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Unfortunately you can’t do this in an activity if you add compass. This is one software issue I’m surprised that hasn’t been improved yet. To get the red indicator you’ll need to multitask during navigation. Hold down back button. Press up button once to go to watch face. Press down button until you find the widget compass. On the widget compass select “lock heading” and then set your bearing. You can now press back button to get back to your navigation running in the background. The red indicators should now be showing 🔥 Hope this helps ❤️

[@tambikhout9310]

Thanks to respond. Your way is kind of sight N go. The directions is totally wrong from ur way point. I wish that they get reference point mode back soon . Thanks

[@ActiveIdeas]

No worries man!

[@derksenjenny]

i,ve got it on release day, and hadn't any issue yet. that's a shame you had that

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hey! 🌟 Glad you’ve had no issues yet! What are your favourite features so far?

[@derksenjenny]

@@ActiveIdeas I love the new UI, and the ability to set a timer with voice comments. the thing I missed most from my Apple Watch. also to pick up a phone call when my phone is out of reach, one downside is that the speaker for calling is way to soft. otherwise it would be perfect for me.also the the interface for strenghttraing workout is improved, its easier to use. hope your software improves its a great watch !

[@ActiveIdeas]

Love your insights, thanks for sharing them! ❤️ Yeah, the voice notes feature is fantastic! Looking forward to my first call with the watch.. that would be pretty cool out on a bike ride taking a call; I'm going to test that actually 🙈 I guess it's time to try strength training too! Thanks for the comments 👊🏼

[@fak1rro]

Hi what is your wrist size?

[@ActiveIdeas]

I believe I’m like 15.6cm or something. Wearing the 43mm in this video x

[@MartinGraham-wt3lh]

Sent mine back today rebooting regularly final straw was yesterday during great north run when it rebooted. Rubbish product software terrible

[@ActiveIdeas]

Oh man. Sorry to hear that, the great North Run is a fantastic event 😍 What was your time? I think I’ll be sending mine back too.. I’m on the latest software and it’s still crashing/glitching like crazy

[@MartinGraham-wt3lh]

2:16 I think probably lost a couple of mins while the thing restarted. Tried calling their support line this morning and that’s doesn’t work either

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@MartinGraham-wt3lh well don’t on your 2:16 🔥 yeah.. you used to be a me to get straight through but I’ve found there’s quite a wait now to get through. No sure what time their lines open? I cancelled an order nearly 5 days ago and still haven’t had any money returned 😬

[@olivierafflatet5287]

The main problem with this one is the autonomy. It’s very bad in real word, a basic 7s (non solar) is better ! And the 7s is almost 3 year old

[@ActiveIdeas]

I agree with what you’re saying I guess. Basically you neeeed a phone to update the Fenix 8 (multiple times) to fix the many issues because it’s sold to you borderline “broken”. (Lord knows how long this will take Garmin to complete). But with the Fenix 7s, and tbh many of the Garmin watches much older the Autonomy is there. You could buy the product and use it. Maybe connect it to your computer for map updates if you wanted. But you didn’t neeeed to 👏🏽👊🏽 thanks for the comment Oliver ❤️

[@Mowikan]

Light and strobe is also on fenix7….maps also…..

[@ActiveIdeas]

Very true.. the Fenix 7 also has far superior battery life. Infact, unless you like Amoled, speaker, mic or the new UI .. there’s no reason to get the 8. Also, it’s pretty cheeky that Garmin have said with a “hard no”, if you listen to the fit file podcast, that they won’t bring this new UI software to Fenix 7 & Epix Gen 2. The Pro’s only come out last year.. I’d be fuming to find out they’re not bringing these new updates to a watch barely a year old just to adhere to planned obsolescence 🤣

[@jjfc37]

They will change it really quickly, great CS at Garmin, it is my experience.

[@ActiveIdeas]

This isn’t an isolated problem, I’ve seen many other people post pictures of their brand new $1000 Garmin going the same thing. The software just generally needs more touching up. I have to agree though.. usually experienced great CS at Garmin 👏🏽❤️

[@georgegiannopoulos]

how many mm is this F8?

[@ActiveIdeas]

This is the beautiful 43mm.. I highly recommend 🔥

[@leavventurediandrea1482]

suunto race s fantastic

[@ActiveIdeas]

It’s the bees knees! 🔥

[@davidvitez9357]

I advise everyone who wants amoled and doesn't want to pay €1200 for a watch to go quickly and buy epix pro because soon they won't be available anymore. They are still better and cheaper than Fenix ​​E. For 1000+, if I wanted a watch with phone calls, I'd rather buy a 2x second-hand AW ultra and and change them every day if 1is on charger 😂

[@ActiveIdeas]

🤣🤣🤣 fantastic advice which I can’t argue against here 👏🏽

[@lhzsdgsfbvv]

The issues with that Epix2/Fenix watch are - bigger bezels - smaller screen - less battery-time - old code, with no harmonisation on models which won't be updated with new features

[@davidvitez9357]

@@lhzsdgsfbvv Just go and check FENIX E , same screen 1,3inch , same size of bezel, and same chip probably and new latest UI .

[@davidvitez9357]

@@lhzsdgsfbvv When garmin was able to use "old" parts, rebrand epix to fenix E, with new software, I don't believe they would use a new chip. They are too greedy for that. It would be possible. But then no one would buy the fenix E anyway. It's just their marketing. In terms of hardware, it's 99% possible from the sources I've heard it from.

[@richt3993]

Agreed. The white Epic Pro 51 is, or was, £525!

[@michaelkohut8037]

Hey I like your content, but might I ask you to edit or somehow scramble the hey siri/google phrases, it called my dad, and I'd like to do that on my own time, thanks :D

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hahahahaha, that’s completely cracked me up! 🤣🤣 … glad my secret mission worked 😈 Hopefully there are more “Hey Google” victims 😝

[@Running-j5v]

ok, it's good, but Garmin has gone too far with its prices, i.e. when the next ones will come out on the market, how much will they start at 1500 euros, there are other options too Garmin, don't look for a joke because for someone who was a purely amateur runner and gave them, sorry then it's really dumb and with a cheaper one you can comfortably do your running or some other sport

[@ActiveIdeas]

I have no issue with premium products. But I do have an issue with premium products that glitch, bug and freeze when you get them. It’s a joke really 🤣 Like you said.. I really see the tide turning with how cheap Suunto watches are. The $350 Race S can do 80% of what this $1000 Fenix 8 can to. It will be interesting to see how Coros & Polar respond. Polar just need to drop their price. But Coros are in desperate need of an amoled offering. With the Suunto Vertical and the Garmin Enduro 3, Coros can’t even claim ‘battery life king’ right now.

[@carloscssr]

I don't see anything that will make me switch from my epix pro gen 2 51mm sapphire to that. Would never use the speaker, don't dive... The software is generally the same, love the epix pro gen 2 watchfaces much better. I really don't see a point to change. Garmin missed on this one, just my opinion

[@ActiveIdeas]

Yeah, for the price.. it makes little sense to me too. In the UK you’ve been about to get an Epix Gen 2 for nearly half the price of what these Fenix 8s cost. The Enduro 3 though… THIS I can get excited about 🤭

[@Tha-King-Arthur]

When u walk to the kitchen to do the ditch or need to poop on the toilet, taking a shower, walking to your car outside and you forget your mobile it's pretty usefull to take the call from the watch.

[@carloscssr]

@@Tha-King-Arthur you cannot take any calls if your mobile is not in range. So ,it's pretty useless to me anyway

[@ActiveIdeas]

I agree mate. ❤️

[@ActiveIdeas]

Yeah.. I need to test the range tbh.. my guess is that it's around 15m if in buildings with walls etc and probably about 50-60m outside with direct line of sigh.. will have to test this

[@jamesbinderman5626]

Garmin and their less than perfect OS.

[@ActiveIdeas]

😬😬😬🙈

[@thinkingface3880]

How big is ur wrist

[@ActiveIdeas]

Buy me dinner first 🤣 .. I think 16cm, something like that. Small men’s, large females measurement

[@thinkingface3880]

@@ActiveIdeas If you have 47 mm version you should do a comparison video how each one fits etc..

[@ActiveIdeas]

Great idea, I’ll do this. Got the Enduro coming first

[@scriptosaurusrex]

The first couple minutes are exactly why I would not buy any garmin. They are so, so unreliable. Sure they have all the features. But they are stupidly expensive and simply cannot be trusted. I don't know if it's just a lottery, where some people buy units and they actually work, but the forum (and reviews - except always dcr) just show so many malfunctioning units.

[@ActiveIdeas]

I honestly thought the forum photos were just fake until I opened mine up and mine was glitching out in the same way.. I’ve had a few “just update it” comments.. I can’t explain how hard it was to set up this watch and update it when it was glitching out like this.. much worse than what I’ve shown here (was too in shock to remember to film) 🤣 Not a great unboxing experience for anyone parting ways with $1000 .. I have the latest update installed now.. the watch is reporting I’ve slept for 333 hours 🤣

[@markc1844]

They will iron these issues out, I had the odd issue with my Epix Pro in the beginning, but it was ironed out early, and the watch has been rock solid reliable, and never messed up any workout storage. Its ended up being the best watch ive ever had.

[@ActiveIdeas]

@markc1844 yeah, a shame it come out the box like this.. the set up experience was super rough. Trying to select the right language, connect it to my phone, update it with the screen going all inverted and glitching. I’ve updated to the latest software version and thing things seem more stable. It’s still reporting 333 hours of sleep though hahahaha

[@scriptosaurusrex]

@@ActiveIdeas ooft. That is awful. Just unacceptable that an item at that costs that muc comes out unfinished. It is bad enough when a £100 watch needs time to bed in, but at that cost. Hard no.

[@scriptosaurusrex]

@@markc1844 my fenix 6 was so bad I returned it for a full refund as Not fit for Purpose after 6-7 months. They never fixed any of the stuff and it just got worse. Never again garmin for me personally. Good yours is working well!

[@milanpintar]

mine has never crashed

[@ActiveIdeas]

This is great news! 🔥

[@milanpintar]

@@ActiveIdeas only thing the crashes is the weather app

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hahaha, so it does crash. Hopefully it gets fixed soon mate ❤️

[@pavement422]

Voice commands is a complete waste of time.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Hahaha, I was going to cut it out this video.. for time saving purposes.. and then thought. You know what.. no one’s actually showing how much this needs improvement 🤣🙈 THE PEOPLE DESERVE to see

[@pavement422]

It baffles me why everyone is jizzing over the torch/flashlight. Seriously, how often does someone need a torch? And there’s one on your phone anyway. Strange.

[@ActiveIdeas]

Chuck me in that category 🥵 haha. I think the issue with the phone is usually.. you have to hold it. Where’s this is handsfree. It was amazing for multi-day ultra-marathons that run through the night when I was testing the Fenix 7 Pro for the Spine Race. Particularly when I needed to change headtorch batteries. And was saving phone for emergencies (and selfies). Also when scrambling on mountains in the dark .. I liked to switch this on as well as my headtorch for more light to feel safer on the cliffs. It really does help in those scenarios where you need your hands🌟

[@ActiveIdeas]

I genuinely used it for safety in that race too when I knew was heavily sleep deprived (days without sleep) and was on a road section probably about 180 miles in during the night. I didn’t have the usual control over my body so I put the strobe-beacon feature on to let cars know where I was 🙏🏽🌟

[@richt3993]

Isn't It pronounced Fee-nix?

[@ActiveIdeas]

Officially, yes I believe! 🤣 I have family from a northern part of the UK, it’s hard not to get influenced by their accents 🤭

[@ActiveIdeas]

Thanks for the comment btw ❤️

[@richt3993]

@@ActiveIdeas I wasn't sure myself! 😂

[@ActiveIdeas]

🤣 I don't even know who to ask to confirm this 🤣

[@CHICKPEAPIE]

ToMAYtoes ToMARtoes Take your pick then stop picking :)

[@milannikolic8880]

Wow, of all the things why someone should buy this watch you said great flashlight! As if there is no one in almost every phone. And one more silly sentence is you have blinking and strob light, if someone attacks you, you are good. Embarrassing...

[@ActiveIdeas]

Read the room dude, it was a joke 🤣 I’m not expecting the strobe to change anyone into Bruce Lee. It’s called being ironic ☺️ As for the flashlight.. there’s a reason Garmin are market leading right now. And it’s because people obviously love these sorts of features. If you don’t like the flashlight, that’s okay.. but you’re in the minority 👍🏽 Bear in mind you have to hold a phone. The light on the watch leaves you hands-free. The Fenix is built for extreme sports enthusiasts & being hands-free has many use-cases for when out in the mountains/camping or other activities that the watch is designed for.. but hey “just use your phone’s flashlight” 🤣 Also, show some love dude.. the world needs more of it…

[@curtis397]

The flashlight is awesome to have. I use it every day..

[@ActiveIdeas]

Let's goooo 🔥

[@Flobert16]

More like Dumb ideas channel

[@ActiveIdeas]

Haha, cheers Sir! You get a 10 out of 10 for authenticity, lacking a bit on the originality scale though 🙈