Garmin Fenix 8: The Truth From a Longtime Garmin User

[@Hikingguy]

UPDATE: I'm trying to do a deep dive "how-to" navigation video and I can't because: - Turn alerts don't work (also for Enduro 3) forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/enduro-3/382597/no-turn-notification-during-navigation - Can't download Topo maps for other regions forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-8-series/386642/fenix-8-topo-maps-not-downloading-over-wifi-or-garmin-express - Having issue routing on trail when navigating using "walk" to a waypoint among other small things And of course don't put it in cold water: www.techradar.com/health-fitness/i-dunked-the-garmin-fenix-8-in-cold-water-and-crash-rumors-are-true-but-a-fix-is-imminent If this was a Garmin Avionics product planes would be crashing. I've been using and recommending Garmin watches for years because they are a dependable tool for navigation in the backcountry. This watch has been the opposite of that experience.

[@MrStirstir]

@@Hikingguy garmin never should have released this watch. It’s like it’s in beta mode still.

[@muhammadjunaidruns]

Sir does this color get scratches a lot ? @Hikkingguy

[@timmycampbell7168]

@@Hikingguy I wonder if your issues are due to a faulty watch? Did you try to see if Garmin would warrant your watch with a replacement? I have zero issues with the previous version of the Fenix, and as Garmin’s flagship watch product, you’d think they would make sure it works flawlessly.

[@Hikingguy]

@@timmycampbell7168 No it's just bugs or functionality that they've left out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZezfaOmrJacl5I

[@gwgrote5]

Thanks for your honest review. Having to pay $5 for a new Garmin watch face is unacceptable, given the price you paid for the watch. You've always been extremely helpful when it comes to us purchasing a new watch. I appreciate your channel!

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you appreciate that.

[@astasuleo]

same here, i really check his honest reviews as it helps a lot to have a better understanding and make the right decision.

[@gwgrote5]

@@astasuleo I've purchased/returned many Garmin watches. I now have focused on Cris's opinion to help guide me. I know we are all different, as are our watch needs. He is my #1 person when it comes to Garmin or any competitor watch.

[@mccask]

This is a problem across the Garmin ecosystem. The OEM should additional, quality watch faces, yet they rely on paid 3rd party developers to monetize. Charging for a Garmin developed watch face is petty.

[@YolandaPlayne]

I think $5 would be fine if they had some kind of trial mode so you could test them out. I don't like the idea you buy one and then it's not any good and oh well, you're out $5 even though that's not much money.

[@jimvicpas]

Thanks for the thoughtful review. The trend that I see in the consumer electronics market is: incremental changes with out of line price increases; consumers keeping older gear longer; suppliers finding ways to force people to buy new models by doing things like dropping support for older, but still useful models.

[@PoppyJr11]

It’s honestly wild, and not like if you trade in a watch that’s even a couple years old will net you much return on your money for a new one. I have a AW Ultra 2, and when I’m ready to get a new watch, I’ll likely sell it on eBay since you can get more of your money back.

[@seanbirss1816]

I think I’ll just update to an older model. I’m on the fenix 5x at the moment the 7 is plenty upgrade for me.

[@David-rb3tk]

I hear ya', brother.

[@mosads2986]

THANKS FOR YOUR HONESTY ... I WAS PLANNING TO PURCHACE ONE ... NOW I CHANGED MY MIND ... GOD BLESS YOU 🙌 🙏

[@5000mrnomercy]

I frickin love your review. Typically reviews fall into a couple of categories. You either get the "Access Review" where Garmin sends them a watch and they are very delicate about saying anything bad (if at all) and then you get the User Review where some poor guy just dumped 1200 bucks on his new Fenix 8 and refuses to give it a bad review because he doesn't want to be judged for wasting money on a bad product. Thank you for being fully transparent with this. I'd love to hear what kind of battery life you're getting from it under real world conditions.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you - and for battery a little better than the spec they listed on the website - overall I can do 60-90 minute workout every day, long 6-10 hour hike on weekend, it goes down low but not on the edge of empty, and then charge it every week or so - enough so that I don't have to think about it much

[@jitterspec]

Thanks hiking guy. I'll keep rocking my Fenix 6 which actually I have zero complaints with.....

[@MRBuDWiZe]

im here because i just lost my fenix 6s ;( after seeing this i think i will grab 7 pro as its half the price on sale atm vs the 8. i could just shy of the 8 price by 2 7s. crazy

[@behindenemylines9033]

Great video once again. I've had the Fenix 7 for a couple years and love it. I will not be 'upgrading', thanks again!

[@Driji]

I totally agree, I got the Fenix 8 47mm. The state the software was in is a disgrace for a watch with that price. I also found the font worse than previous models. The response of the assistant or maps is also very slow. Speaker volume weak and for me almost unusable. Long delay when receiving a call. For me, all the above mentioned innovations are not worth it at all due to the fact that they are not debugged and for me this is the first disappointment from Garmin since the model 3. I returned the watch. Thx for video. I agree with you 100%

[@Hikingguy]

Thanks for sharing that, good (and bad) to know it's not just me. I always try to give gear a fair shake and the F8 was the buggiest and most disappointing new Garmin product that I ever got.

[@noisetin]

@@Hikingguy For someone who was waiting for the reviews before buying and was considering switching to 8, what you write is priceless. It seems that if it was to be Fenix ​​8, you have to wait for software improvements and/or bigger discounts. What disappointment, was not expecting that from Garmin.

[@Hikingguy]

@@noisetin Appreciate that, thank you

[@Dogwalkerdave]

@@Driji returned mine as well. Quite surprised considering Garmin has been very good over many years.

[@donnierrussell]

What really upsets me about Garmin. Is that I paid 2 grand for a Marq 2 last year. And garmin won’t even do a software update for older watches!.. it’s absolutely ridiculous

[@yornavSY]

Great honest feedback. I think those watches are completely overpriced. My girlfriend has a fenix 6 that broke. So we asked Garmin for support… their answer was: “Garmin cannot replace it’s battery anymore. The model is no longer supported. We recommend buying a new one.” Then we asked how much the lifetime of an Garmin watch is to be considered. Their answer: “2 to 4 years.” 😮 We live in an era of maximum exploitation!

[@alexlevy117]

Thanks for the unbiased review. I’m happy with my forerunner 965 and will probably stay with this for awhile. This is my first Garmin watch. I left the Apple Watch Ultra for better battery life with the Garmin

[@Hikingguy]

What do you guys think? Am I being harsh or I am I right in expecting more for the price?

[@SteveHorne]

No, you are right. This is not an Apple Watch, this is for people that need reliability and practical usefulness in the field.

[@thenewpotato61]

Spot on. Garmin is smoking crack asking for that much money. Greedflation.

[@davidbraswell1481]

you are correct I bought the Garmin Epix pro 51mm and all the hype around this watch was ridiculous, slow, maps load way to slow for a 1,200-dollar watch, Then the faces and apps are so under whelming it is just a joke. I'll never buy another over priced hyped up watch so what if it can make a call, my ultra can do everything this watch can do for less money, and I don't have to bring my phone to do so!!!!!!!!

[@gbhummel]

This upgrade is de facto around the price of an iPhone 16 Pro Max and way above an Ultra 2. Bang for the buck falls short. You are on target with your review and I'm not pulling the trigger on it. (All puns intended;) Thank you for your honest and informative review as always!

[@davidbraswell1481]

@@gbhummel same here

[@dliedke]

It is a brand new product, it will take years to stabilize, the Fenix or Epix already have several years and are pretty much stable now. Internet hype is always pushing you to upgrade. Thanks for the honest review, really appreciate it

[@_Rol_]

Great video! I own a Fenix 7 Sapphire, and would never upgrade to a Fenix 8 after 2,5 years only. My Fenix has to last at least 5 years before it get's replaced by an other Garmin watch, and if it don't last 5 years or more, I will probably buy a sport watch from an other brand.

[@davidligon6088]

Thank you for the honest review. Wow! I would expect more for $1200, especially a wide variety of watch faces. I have not used a Garmin, but slow rendering maps would drive me crazy, as I like to pan and zoom to anticipate what is ahead and consider alternate routes, when I am on a hike.

[@twloughlin]

I've never owned a Garmin watch, but from what you're saying, this is following the same trend that's become quite noticeable in technology today - push products out in an unfinished state just to get people to buy them, and then promise they will add the features on "later." All the major tech companies are operating this way now. It's a bad trend, and why people are falling for it left and right is beyond this old man. You buy the unfinished watch, they get your money for their bottom line, and you're left waiting around for promised "updates" at some future point in time. This world just gets stupider and stupider. Thanks for not being stupid, Chris!

[@SteveHorne]

Got it, thanks. I’ll hang on to my Fenix 5X. Love your channel and thanks for your straightforward advice 👍

[@32532jfbk]

Thanks for the review. I’m still enjoying my Fenix 5 Plus.

[@vosch8229]

This "buy a Garmin watch face on top of your overpriced watch" is crazy. You are right about that. I will keep my F7X Pro.

[@sakthi.tv.NU7400]

Thanks for the genuinely honest review. This is an example of what a review should be on KZbin rather than a paid marketing of the specs and features. I was in a dilemma to upgrade my Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire to Fenix 8 or even the superseded Epix series. I mainly use the Fenix for multi-day long distance hiking. Your critical review gave all lot of good points to defer my purchase. Thank you and keep doing what you are doing.

[@h82fail]

Thanks for an honest video. Lots of 'influencers" trying to sell the Fenix 8. Just got an Epix Pro (gen2), still returnable, for $100 it seems like it is a no brainer to upgrade. Bigger screen sounds nice. After reading the forums about broken features, random rebooting, etc... Sticking with the Epix.

[@erikofthesaints]

I was waiting for this kind of review for weeks! I currently have the Epix Pro 51 and was seriously considering the F8 only for the sealed buttons (I don't dive though, it's just a safety feature that I like). I've been restless for the past days cause it's a tough decision due to the price point. Your video made me realize that the upgrade is not worth it for now. Thank you because you saved me a ton of bucks! Please keep honest and practical reviews coming. Subbed!

[@GoandLove]

Same here

[@erikofthesaints]

@@GoandLove glad to have found this video 😀

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you and yea, over the years of having used a Garmin watch without the dive buttons, never ever had a problem with water getting into the watch. These are just sealed to a certain depth level.

[@erikofthesaints]

@Hikingguy I realize that. I'm on fenix since fenix 3, then 5, 6 and 7, and now, epix. I never had an issue once with water coming in. Guess I'm just making an excuse to get the 8 😅 But I'll pass for now. Thanks to you!

[@mikem4215]

Agree. Epix pro 51 is fenix 8 minus dive and speaker. Not worth it at all. Will evaluate fenix 9 in a few years to see if even worth it then

[@FlyWithMe_666]

Fenix should be the tool watch line from Garmin. If I want a nice toy, I’ll go Apple. I couldn’t care less about voice commands etc (and they made it so complicated that it’s basically useless anyway). Its core features should work no matter what. That it crashes during active navigation is unacceptable. I have an old Fenix 6 that suddenly installed a firmware update during a multi hour hike, lost my whole gps track for the day and had to play around with the watch when I least wanted to. They need to get the basic stuff right first, including the mess of different apps for inReach, navigation, devices etc. Not including features nobody asked for. Charging for watch faces has to be a joke. Thanks for your review.

[@astasuleo]

'' Fenix should be the tool watch line from Garmin. If I want a nice toy, I’ll go Apple.'' Exactly!!!

[@pcTyronne]

I 💯 percent agreed. Great video. Not many videos talk about the garmin problems. I also have a big problem with the fenix 8. My sleep score/data keeps replacing with a nap data. So if I have a nap midday, my sleep data will disappear and only thing you can see your nap. That means you only slept 30 to 40 minutes a day according to the garmin. Contact garmin support. But no solid answer from them. one of the basic things missing from a very expensive watch

[@Hikingguy]

Yea for the top of the line watch, that stuff should not be there. If this were the Apple Watch 10, the problems would probably reported on the front page of the Wall St Journal.

[@hillandrewdavid]

So much respect for you and your channel. Thank you for giving us the straight facts. I've used some of your links to buy stuff in the past, and I will continue to do so in the future. Your hiking guides and reviews have been a mainstay in my outdoorsy social media content- thank you!!

[@Hikingguy]

Big big thank you for the nice note and support! Appreciate it

[@canmtb4676]

Great review with no bias. I have Epix Pro Gen2 51mm Sapphire and after watching your video, I decided to stay .

[@kevinaas8634]

This is absolutely true. I was hyped when it released. Then saw the price and very little upgrades. Sold my 6s pro for 200€ and went for a used epix gen 2 @350€.

[@alisavas9526]

I have a 5x, and it still works perfectly. Very happy since day 1. I have to keep it until it breaks. I really fancy the 8, but I can't justify it

[@LOVECATO1]

@@alisavas9526 Same. My Fenix 5 does everything I need!

[@mbirth]

The 5 and 5 Plus series were the last good Fenixes. After that, Garmin started to churn out a new one every single year. Also, you can turn the 5X into a D2 Charlie and the 5 Plus into a D2 Delta by modifying the firmware. The newer watches' firmwares are encrypted - shows you where Garmin's priorities are.

[@Eric-lx8hp]

Still happy with my 3HR!

[@eriktred]

As a long time Garmin/Fenix/Epix fellow user and trail enthusiast, your review was extremely helpful.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!

[@ActiveIdeas]

Join the club my man ❤️ Really appreciate your honest thoughts! I got a lot of criticism for calling this out on my video, nice to to know I’m not the only one experiencing bugs and being honest about it.. especially for the price🔥

[@Hikingguy]

Good to know, thank you, will check your video out

[@ActiveIdeas]

@@Hikingguy cheers man ❤️

[@FloppyWaffle]

WOW, TY for this. I was literally about to order one of these but now I'm going to have to rethink that. Great review!

[@MrWinger1951]

I’m a bit more “forgiving”regarding your mostly accurate and valid criticisms. But I upgraded from a Fenix 5x plus and the Fenix 8 is leaps and bounds better then the Fenix 5. Yes there are bugs still and I found several watch faces on the IQ connect store that are far superior to the Garmin ones. Hopefully Garmin is watching and listening to your and others impressions and will quickly rectify the shortcomings. However I don’t regret buying the Fenix 8.

[@Thomas-np3gi]

This is what I'm saying: Only the super hardcore are replacing a watch every year, so they're bound to be more disappointed than a more normal consumer who buys something every 3-4 generations.

[@ChipGillespieFamily]

Thank you for the real review. I’m still using my Fenix 5S and for my activity tracking does everything I need it to. Living in SoCal I always go to you for the great guides.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you appreciate that!

[@ocideos]

Great review! I have a 7X and was on the fence about upgrading. I will definitely wait.

[@The-Yorkshire-Man]

Great review mate and brutally honest. I have an Epix Gen 2 which I like but have been contemplating an update to the Fenix 8. I'm going to hang on to it for a while longer and see what comes out in the next couple of years. All the best Clive.

[@SilverFoilSurfer]

Thanks for the unbiased review! I was thinking about it, not anymore. We, the average consumers, vote with our money, if nobody buys them, guess what’s going to happen 🎉

[@cyberetto]

Thanks for always being open about what you think and what your experience has been, being realistic, whatever the product. (I've got the Epix Pro, and will stick with that for some time!)

[@frstesiste7670]

I bought a 7X solar when it came out and thought I'd "never" would feel the urge to upgrade. The only way I'd get to try a Fenix 8 is to buy it so I haven't used one but seen a couple of reviews including this video. For me the two (related) new functions that make me want the Fenix 8 is voice commands and the ability to answer phone calls. Better battery life would of course also be welcome if it's only incremental, but the price is high, particularly since my watch isn't three years old yet.

[@Hikingguy]

I haven't found the voice commands / new functions that great, but I'm comparing from an Apple Watch where they're integrated well. You might want to get one, try it, treat it gently, and then return it if the voice stuff isn't doing what you'd like it to.

[@frstesiste7670]

@@Hikingguy Thanks for the reply. I've seen demos of voice commands in some videos and they are not exactly fast in use. But I don't expect Apple watch performance from a Garmin just like I don't expect Garmin Fenix-like battery life from an Apple watch (sadly). To me battery life trumps usability in other areas so for me and Garmin was the first "smart watch" that offered enough battery life and enough functionality to be interesting. My last watch before the Garmin was Casio Protrek with altimeter, compass etc where the battery (or rater capacitor) have worked 15+ years without problems on solar only.

[@Leunis0]

Thank you, this honest review just made me decide against getting this watch 😁 Thanks for saving me the money!

[@THELIFEOFCB]

We need more honest reviewers like this 🎉

[@richquick5941]

Thank You for the insight! I have not started a Garmin ecosystem of products. You just helped me make a difficult decision between the Fenix8 and the T-REX3.

[@-G-Mac-]

I appreciate your honesty. I have an Instinct Solar (v1) and was considering the new Fenix 8. I’ll be waiting until til the bugs get worked out and Garmin realizes that the older watch faces should be included before even considering upgrading.

[@Tha-King-Arthur]

And still then it's not worth above the 1000€ but more like 500€..

[@mrnobody-k3k]

I upgraded from Fenix 7 Solar and so far super happy. The new software is great, it feels that is more refined than what I had in Fenix, Things are where they are supposed to be.

[@1sobitis]

This has really provided an insight. Speaking as a long time Garmin Fenix owner. Thank you

[@aapharmacist]

Thank you for the honest review! It sounds like a product that's definitely not had the bugs ironed out! I refuse to be a beta tester for a product that costs that much! My only complaint with the Fenix 7X is that the MIP display can be difficult to read in low light without the light on gesture feature. I'm very happy I bought an epix 2 as a second watch for day to day use and still use my Fenix 7X for running/outdoor activities, instead of "upgrading" to the Fenix 8. Cheaper too!

[@MurCurieux]

You know the US economy is doing okay when companies be dropping mediocre products for $$$ and people still be buying. Looking at you Garmin, Apple, Google, Sony, etc.

[@Lasershock]

Plus the new $700 PS5 pro...like what

[@dallasdevries9421]

Upgraded from the Epix 2 to the Fenix 8 Amoled. I waited 10 days so I think some of the bugs were worked out. Ive only had it reset on me once and it was when i was changing the watch face. I think its much better than my Epix 2. Flashlight, bigger screen nicer look at feel, better HR sensor I have no regrets. If I had the Epix 2 Pro I likely would not have been compelled. Ive been upgrading every other time...feels like the Pro cycles are always more polished and nice.

[@Rorolap]

Flashlight is better to the Fenix 8 than Epix 2 pro ? wht is change , improuve ?

[@dallasdevries9421]

@@Rorolap dont know, i dont have the pro

[@GoandLove]

Love this, thanks! I LOVE my Epix 2 Pro 51mm and knew I wasn’t going to upgrade to the Fenix 8… but now I definitely know I won’t be. Maybe in a few years there will be a reason to, but I’ll continue to love my Epix Pro for now

[@JeremyMarkel]

Thanks for your review. I have a Fenix 5 Plus that I was considering replacing with the Fenix 8 but now after watching and reading several reviews, I think I'm just going to hang onto to it until it dies.

[@mitchleblanc]

I had* a Fenix 5 and have 7X now, and if you don't want super GPS accuracy, the only reason to upgrade would be the flashlight in the 7 is amazing. Else the differences from the 5 to the 8 are minimal, to be honest. Just keep buying the older ones on sale and you'll be happy, when you finally do upgrade.

[@IamDannyM]

Best advert I’ve seen not to buy. Happily staying with the 7

[@fbonde]

Charging for watch face is a bit crazy for Garmin. This whole Fenix 8 from 7 is just not Necessary, it's at best a 7+.. Thanks for the honest thoughts about this.

[@theronwolf3296]

Mine is an older fenix, but it seems that the faces that have a cost are from independent developers (not from Garmin), in which case it's simply a matter of paying the developer for his product. I don't see a problem with that. I purchased one face that way. (I did have some questions when setting it up, and the developer personally helped me out)

[@fbonde]

@@theronwolf3296 if you look under developer info, it says Garmin.

[@dimi-88]

You have 100% right.I return it back and I buy AWU2.

[@jimmyd4092]

I liked your review. I was thinking about getting one . I have a fenix 6 which I really loved in the mountains in Montana. My problem is . I exercise, I don't hike like I used to and was hoping this watch would cover the everyday stuff like my galaxy watch does. Pics from security cameras, qwerty keyboard, lte and charging without a cable. Plus all the great features garmin watches have. All in one watch. For 1200 dollars I shouldn't even be asking they should be there. Gonna have to wait I guess. The speaker is a good start .

[@mrbyam64]

I thought this video wasn't for me until the end when you showed my Fenix 5 :) . My good old trusty Fenix still works with a cable tie on the strap. In this economy, I'm now compelled to look at competitors like the Amazfit T-Rex 3 at $280 with 90% of the Fenix 8 features, a better screen, smoother UI and great GPS tracking!!!

[@BhavaSindh]

Thanks for the honest oppinion! The gray design intrigued me, but my Fenix 7X is still going strong!

[@JTMinnesota]

8 years ago your videos inspired me to buy a Fēnix 3. That tough watch finally died after the button gasket seal gave out (in fairness, I took it into the sauna a TON), and now it's time for a new watch. After checking this one out, it seems like I might go with the Epix 2 or Fēnix 7x solar. Thanks, dude!

[@Hikingguy]

Ha that's awesome, and big thanks for watching and using the guides. Yea, if I was in your position I'd grab either one of those, better map detail, go Epix, more battery, go F7x, both great watches.

[@JTMinnesota]

@Hikingguy Right on. And I'm like you; not doing any diving!

[@661larry]

Thanks for the honest review I have a fenix 6X pro sapphire and was on the fence … I think I’ll wait!

[@petralian]

This is the best review I read so far! Fantastic ~ I have the Epix Pro 51 and will stick with that one... I felt underwhelmed when the Fenix 8 was announced and I am so glad to see all my suspicions validated by an actual user. Maybe time to consider another brand in the near future. How is it possible that still NONE of the watch makers has been able to create a decent upgrade so far. Even the Apple Ultra 2 is really not much of an upgrade. Apple "could" make the perfect watch, but fails to copy the best things over from Garmin, Polar does the same, etc... come on how hard is it...

[@dodgerlong8358]

Thanks for the review, was looking at the upgrade to the 8. However I think I will stick with my Fenix 6X, I do a lot of short and long hikes in different parts of the world, it has never let me down. thanks again.

[@0938890Erol]

Thanks for the honest review. Coming from a 7x, it seems like the 7x pro is the better option. Especially given the facts that the "feature" jump from 7x to 7x pro is bigger then 7x pro to 8, while keeping the price jumps in mind as well. Thanks again for the confirmation

[@whysosalty]

appreciate the honest review, i was looking at the 8 not to upgrade for myself but for my wife and was already leaning towards the Enduro or Epix for her. I don't understand why they have added the speaker and microphone feature, seems like they are trying to push the Fenix more towards an Apple competitor. The price is ridiculous also, 1200 for a watch plus the same or more for a phone, wonder how expensive the HRM will be for the next gen watches. I jumped from Suunto to Garmin and with the recent improvements in Suunto watches i'm considering jumping back. I use a sports watch for just that, tracking my activities. I personally don't need more features that are next to useless i need better support, more accurate and faster technology, being able to answer the phone whilst out riding is not one of those features.

[@NM-zi2zv]

I 100% agree with this review. And, Garmin NEVER CARED about having customers pay MORE. They are NOT customer focused in this regard. Good unbiased review!!!

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you, appreciate that.

[@BasharNajiYouTube]

I have a 5X that is working just fine but I thought it was time to upgrade as its seen some heavy usage the last 7+ years.. your final comment was the question that I've been trying to get answered since they 8 was released, so thank you for this video... I will not upgrade :)

[@antoninforman6855]

its my first watch from garmin, I took fenix8 Amoled, sapphire 51mm ,because of battery live. First time when I get these watches it was so big, i was thinking about to change it for smaller version, but it takes 2-3 days and i completely get used to this watch. buttons are very fine and a speaker is also good. Accuracy of heart rate is amazing and Greg from running plans is also good. I don´t buy watches every year, so price is also acceptable for this high end. I´m satisfied.

[@grundschul-mathe-profis2773]

That makes me happy for you! May I ask if you are still satisfied or are there too many bugs, difficulties? I'm also thinking of buying an F8.

[@djshenks5281]

Thanks for your honest review, it’s really brought me back down to earth from the excitement

[@TyAtwater]

I always enjoy your content. I really appreciate your honest and “dead-on” review. This is stuff we need to know!

[@AndersLarsson]

Spot on. I have Epix Pro 47 mm. I got it for a really good price 10 months ago (500 euro, new). Will not upgrade to Fennix 8. My epix pro, does what i need and a little more. I use it for running, hiking, cyckling and walking. Love the amoled screen :)

[@jonirlbeck]

Great video just the right length and content. I'll stick with my Fenix 6.

[@alohamochi]

I had a Fenix 6 so I was very happy to upgrade to the Fenix 8. Live the watch.

[@mortengu1385]

Thanks. It is always better to listen to reviews from people who have bought the gear themselves... It´s hard to be very critical if you hope to receive more gear for review down the line... I´m still happy with my Fenix 6, so I will stick with that for now...

[@ericmei1904]

Most useful review I've seen of this watch, thanks

[@iketola]

One thing I love about the Garmin Fenix watches is their durability and long lifespan. Eg. My son is using my old Fenix 3 while I’m using a Fenix 5 sapphire I bought second hand. (Personally I could not justify the hefty price tag of a new Garmin, especially now the retail prices are astronomical.) The upgrades from year to year are good but for my daily use tracking hikes, biking, swimming, climbing etc., there is little added value upgrading the watch. I actually believe I would be happy using the same model for decades and would love to see a product that would not need any SW support or updates.. it would simply just work.

[@jamesharte3342]

@@iketola Fenix 3 and 5 batteries can be changed also. Lots of videos on KZbin. The newer watches can't I don't think.

[@mikec8432]

Thanks for verifying some of my concerns with the watch!

[@johndavidmetcalf]

Good review, still have Fenix 6 Pro and am happy with it. Saw launch of new 8 and thought it might be worth upgrading - won't do it now after watching your clip. Garmin have some rework to do! thanks JD

[@dutch1171]

You just answered the question about whether I should put up the cash for this. Thanks for saving me the 1200+ bucks.

[@helloalysson]

Now we are talking. I was waiting a lot for this. Thanks!

[@douglaslaher2955]

Thanks for the honest review. That’s why people come to your channel.

[@heiser_bill]

Great unfiltered review. The only thing you said about it that I liked is the “week or two” of battery life. As an AW U2 user that’s pretty amazing. I watched this because you’ve compared AW with Garmin and stuck with Garmin, so it’s good to see what I’m missing out on (for future reference when my current watch is due for replacement). I don’t see any reason to switch anytime soon (I’ll just carry a battery bank but I will anyway for other devices). Btw, I used a Samsung watch before switching to Apple Watches. I always found the round face limiting in terms of screen real estate. And seeing your review, the huge border of unused space around the watch face display made the display itself look tiny and would really bug me. I like that I can make a phone call without the phone on the AW. Doing things solo I like that safety net - like say I fall down the stairs to my garage,’or get hurt working on property cleanup outside the house , etc, wouldn’t have the phone with me. That’s one reason I went for (and pay for) cellular connectivity in the AW. It’s not for casual calls (or vanity), rather for emergencies. It’s hard to see what about that watch that makes it worth $1,200, wow… Thanks for what you do.

[@Driji]

If the user experience was the same as Apple's I'm afraid the battery life would be the same. The bad experience with the Fenix 8 disappointed me so much zu I bought the Ultra 2 and I am very satisfied. Even the batteries last less but again they have a much better charging method.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea the battery life is much better on the Garmin and they have all the health biomarkers built in, and play nice with other Garmin devices, power meters, etc. but outside of that, I do like the AW better. Overall it's just faster and way more polished. It's really about what you want and how much battery is important to you.

[@Hikingguy]

Funny you say that, I've been trying out my AWU2 more since finishing this review. Playing around with the vitals app in the new beta, etc.

[@mathieugobeil4619]

Still rocking a Fenix 6 in 2024 no issues. I charge it every 2 weeks, no need or desire to take a phone call on my watch, its a sports watch !

[@pierrehuttin9048]

Thanks, I was considering to buy it, I currently still using a 6+ years old fenix 5 plus. I think I will wait for the next release maybe the 8 Pro... a killer feature for me will be the 4G chip no more mobile required for livetracking

[@henriparianos7827]

Hi, I also return my back for three issues a) dimming the light in dark,b) no way to make a copy of the setting from one fenix to another like your phone for ex. c) No much new to justify an upgrade(from Epic 51mmm). but special point b is a must otherwise spending a half day to do all adjusting is wasting of time !

[@J.Wick.]

Still loving my 6x Pro. Worn it every single day for about 4 yrs now. The battery has always lasted around 12-14 days. It does more than I'll ever need already. I should've probably bought the 5x, but wanted the slightly larger screen at the time. They make good watches, but I say this as a GA avionics tech....they are Garmin through and through lol. Garmin products always have a distinct Garmin..."logic" about them.

[@kamilkurzynowski3836]

This the first Garmin watch I can read in the pool without glasses for that it was worth my money.

[@MrGustavodam]

Thank for the honest review. I am a Fénix 6 user, and I guess I’ll pass on the upgrade

[@Tobby1923]

Fenix 7s pro sapphire solar is my fav garmin watch ever

[@Static-MT]

Garmin got my money with a Fenix 7 Solar and it's an EXCELLENT product. Gonna cherish it!

[@VernL4]

Yep, looks like I'm sticking with my Fenix 7!

[@TheMetaSD]

It's not overly harsh at all. A $1,000 dollar watch should have $1,000 quality. I would return it and try the Enduro 3 instead.

[@1111undici1111]

Very good video! I have Fenix 7 pro and I see absolutely no need to upgrade to Fenix 8. Fenix 7 pro has the exact same sensors that the Fenix 8 has. I don't need diving support, I don't dive. I don't want to use my watch as a phone, so that functionality does not bring any added value to me.

[@zeljkovlaic]

Thank you for this review!! Really helpful. I was going to upgrade my 7x pro solar but now I decided not to. 🙏🙏thanks again

[@Twelvefootpencil]

Right on point great quick concise review. I appreciate your unbiased opinion. Was debating on swapping from my Ultra 1 to Garmin. I will save my $$ and wait for new versions. Cheers.

[@DogDog173]

good review, thanks! sad to hear the negative feedback, though. it was supposed to be a milestone watch.

[@ultravaluetech24]

Thanks for the Honest Review! All of these Recent garmin watches have been Laggy,full of bugs with Terrible Touchscreens ,seems like this one is no Exception! Also those maps are sloooooooow...Can't believe garmin charges $1k+ for this junk and people still praise them! Even Stepcounters they still can't get right & they undercount like crazy.

[@carloscssr]

What a great review!!! Thank you for the honesty. I bought my epix pro gen 2 51mm sapphire 3 months ago, there is no way ,no way at all that i would switched for the 8. There's nothing, absolutely nothing on that watch that will make me even consider any switch.

[@AnnickMoerland-Voorderhaak]

Considering a serious sport watch and was eying Fenix 7s pro because of my small wrist. Fenix 8 dropped the smaller size, that and the hefty price tag is a no go for me. With this review even more. All companies are trying the get to the FOMO inside your head lol, but at the end hardly any new features are worth the insane price increase. Thx for the refreshing review!

[@COR0NAD0]

Great and honest video. Not looking for a watch like this but appreciate the content, recommendation and as I mentioned before, honesty.

[@GeeBeeMike]

Great review. Think you always give great in depth, honest real world assessments of these watches. For me, I had a Vivoactive 4 that was end of life. I was waiting for the Fenix 8 as my replacement but about a month ago found a deal on a Tactix 7 Anoled for under £900 so I bought that instead and couldn’t be happier. I still think Garmin have a long way to go to improve the user experience if these watches. Don’t get me wrong, I would always chose a Garmin over anything else because as a tool watch they are simply the best at what they do. I love the onboard mapping and navigation and battery life, but the clunky UI and processor speeds still need work if they are to continue as a leader in this field.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you and glad you got that deal on the Tactix 7, a great watch. Maybe we'll get some more competition in the space. Hoping the next Coros has onboard maps and routing.

[@barrick4807]

Thanks for the review not one like this out there

[@keninglis1]

Appreciate your review. The helpful content has helped me decide to hang on to my Fenix 6 pro for this year. I adore it for fitness and hiking, but find the map difficult to follow in bright sunshine when running. It looks like many of the new features are not that relevant for me: phone calls on your watch; flash light and iPhone integration are not important All the bugs and glitches you mention are disappointing. They really sour the experience of ownership.

[@Neuntoter58]

Primer review honesto que veo. No solo fanboys y videos pagados. Gracias. Mejor me espero a la ranger Phev