Garmin Fenix 8 vs Epix Gen 2 | Should you upgrade?

[@mybrokengoldwing]

Great review. I have the Epix Gen 2 and my biggest complaint is the lazy HR sensor. It will read low during workouts and cardio, until I raise it or take it off to clean and put it back on. I would personally be inclined to purchase the Fenix 8 only in hopes that I would get better and more consistent reading.

[@gabrielme9062]

Just got the Epix pro g2 on discount, is basically the same watch

[@ivancho7058]

Me too. I got Epix Pro Gen 2 51 mm at 800$.

[@chamdeawis]

This is the way to go. These watches last for years.

[@adyton]

The best time to upgrade is 1.5 years later when Garmin Fenix Pro will be presented and regular Fenix 8 is heavily discounted; till then we will stick with our beloved Epix Gen 2.

[@cull15]

I honestly don’t understand why anyone would hypothetically wait that long for discounts. By the time you wait for the Fenix 8 to significantly reduce, the Fenix 9 will be announced and you’ll want to wait another 1.5 years for that one. It’s a never ending cycle of waiting for discounts and not buying anything.

[@adyton]

@@cull15 New Garmin watches are way too overpriced. Not everyone wants to spend a thousand bucks every 1.5 half year.

[@F_isfor_Fish]

Over a £1000 to upgrade for very little in the way of an upgrade. This might be a generation I straight up skip and wait for the 9

[@ChazUBCS]

@@adytononly a clown would buy these every 1.5 years I’ve had my Fenix 5 for 6.5 years

[@benluff6079]

Epix Pro 2 51mm... more rugged looking than the Fenix 8, great battery and sensors, proper buttons...

[@matthewstopint8852]

yes will stick with my epix gen 2 ...

[@Tmacademia]

Fenix 8 pricing is insane for what you get. No reason to upgrade from Fenix 7, Enduro 2, or Epix 2 level and above

[@DannyCruzCreations]

Right. But I was just looking around and an Epic 2 Sapphire is only $100 less than a Fenix 8 sapphire.

[@DannyCruzCreations]

Well, discount yet another $100 if you find one for sale. That's a little better. $200 less.

[@Tmacademia]

@@DannyCruzCreations be patient, wait a little longer, the prices will drop. Black Friday would be a great time to look

[@Telekonate]

Looking to jump ship from an Apple Watch Series 6 later this year, any recommendations for which Garmin?

[@DannyCruzCreations]

​@@Telekonate I'll tell you I've been researching this for months, waiting for the F8... and now that it's out, I went AWU2. Why? I didn't want to buy an older Garmin because of the possible lack of support due to the new OS. Though I'm sure they are great of you already have one, I didn't want to START there. And then I wanted AMOLED and don't want to be a test pilot for the new F8 and its new firmware with all the bug reports. I would've have gone Enduro 3 since it's been getting better reviews, but not being able to see them in person side by side I decided not to take the risk. So, I went Apple. In the future I'll revisit Garmin when the F8 is a bit more mature. So maybe next September when the F8Pro comes out.

[@saradtomlinson764]

I went from a Fenix 3 (holding on for dear life)… to the Fenix 8 I just picked up. Definitely an upgrade. But if I had a newer watch I probably wouldn’t have upgraded

[@ugursayan238]

Bir sorum olacak. Bilen arkadaşlarda yanıtlarsa sevinirim. Örneğin telefonumuza whatsapp dan bir konum geldi ve konumu açtım. Bu esnada saat telefona bağlı iken otomatikman gittiğim güzergahı saatin ekranında görebiliyormuyum ? ( aw saatlerde bu şekilde )

[@chamdeawis]

Wow. Fenix 3? How long did you use it for? Did you replace the battery?

[@Ariozo111]

The Epix Pro Gen2 is a durable choice that will last a long time. I've ordered both the Fenix8 for its minor upgrades and the UI, which I believe is the standout feature. If it's within your budget, new gadgets are always exciting. However, for the average consumer, the Epix Pro Gen2 represents the best value this year, especially if found at a great price. :)

[@DanielHKhalid]

I just picked up an EPIX Gen 2 (slate steel) for under £400 and couldn't be happier.

[@ajinkyabodke_]

Where did you get it from?

[@stevenpotter534]

I’m looking at the epix gen 2…, found it for £325

[@ajinkyabodke_]

@@stevenpotter534 what website

[@chamdeawis]

This is what I'm going to do too.

[@meduzha2346]

@@chamdeawis better take with sapphire

[@2312dean]

Good review thanks. There are only a tiny few people on the planet that would upgrade from a watch only 12 months or so old - so why so many videos asking if it worth an upgrade from a nearly new watch? - then so many comments saying an upgrade isnt worth it? Of course its not haha. You keep what you have until the generations (generation plural) make an upgrade worth while. The days of radical improvements every 12 months are gone - I mean what is left to re-invent and I'm sure the intended market for the 8 isnt people who purchased last years model. There are plenty of people with 6's or 5's or even older that would see the 8 as quite a major upgrade.

[@sentry_rider2573]

I just picked up a new epix gen 2 for £324 new. Sticking with the gen as it’s more then capable

[@trustedreviews]

At that price - stunning value.

[@MrAndemob]

Whether one "should" upgrade is entirely up to them, obviously. The new F8 is markedly better at some things, however I wouldn't think it's worth it, compared to e.g. the Epix 2 Pro (Sapphire). We'll see how much the latter is during the upcoming Black Friday and X-mas/New Year's sales...

[@gianlucavalentini2259]

Well, I really enjoyed and loved my epix Gen 2. I didn't fall in the "pro trap" for one reason: the pro didn't have the only thing that, IMHO, was missing: the answering call feature! Now the fenix 8 has it and so I've got myself one. So far I don't regret it at all also because I found it through a friend at 200 euros less than the current retail price. Still expensive, but it's my only watch, so it's justified for me.

[@dbgfwbe1497]

from F7X to 8/51Amoled, absolutely worth the upgrade from my humble point of view, great investment,, improvements in terms of interactions with all applications, amazing display, all details (hardware and software) comes with much better quality, probably expensive, no discussion about that, but it is not the same watch!

[@diegochaput3536]

Awesome review !! I have an EPix Pro 2 Saphire and the upgrades to the 8 are not compelling at all. Ill keep the older UI, the functions are the same ( Except for diving and mic ). One question, what's the grey band you have there ? It looks great ! More reviews like these please !!!

[@trustedreviews]

Heya! Sorry for the late reply - been a real busy week or so. It's the Garmin UltraFit Nylon Strap (22mm) - they first launched it on the Enduro, but you can now buy it in multiple colours and sizes.

[@dutchgiant9846]

I currently have the Original instinct tactical, so basically anything is an upgrade from that. Im thinking the Fenix 8 is the best option for me since im not just coming from last years model. Might as well get all the latest features. Hopefully by the time I get it the bugs are worked out though.

[@carloscssr]

I bought my epix pro gen 2 51mm sapphire and i would never trade it for that 8,never. Even the watchfaces are horrendous

[@stefanconstantinescu1576]

I was about to buy Epix Pro but Fenix 8 has speaker and i can take calls, it is very usefull

[@DavidDiez-n7g]

​@stefanconstantinescu1576 Guess what other device you have with you allows you to take your calls...

[@alejandrolinares4104]

Same here epix pro gen 2 sapphire 51 m , never for a Fenix

[@U9092100]

Mine is EPIX2 also I just cannot decide to upgrade to fenix8 just for its flash light and speaker/mic that attracts me..

It is worth mentioning that the EPIX GEN. 2 51mm at always on display offers 11 days of battery life. This is significantly more than what the EPIX 8 offers

[@1981Benj]

13 days for Fenix 8 51mm...

@@1981Benj really? With measuring SPO2 at the night? How many days training with GPS?

[@6re881]

Maybe not but I upgraded mine from fenix 6x 51 mm to 8 51mm and yeah this is an upgrade.

[@jeffbramble1401]

I did the same. Sad that the 8 51mm is a bit more bulky than the old 6X. Will take some time to get used too

[@radoslavstoev4550]

@@jeffbramble1401 Did you get MIP version or amoled?

[@elitetrainer84]

@@radoslavstoev4550I’m assuming the amoled, I’m hearing about the bugs and lagging issue, this is why I’m hesitant to upgrade from the 6X Sapphire

[@bonn1771]

I am looking at getting epic2pro 51 min over Fenix 8. Due to cost.. As. My fenix3 died last month

[@liquid_metal]

You're comparing the Sapphire/Titanium Epix Gen 2 to the standard Fenix 8, which is stainless steel and Gorilla glass. Subtle, but important when making the decision to upgrade.

[@Sinasi08]

Garmin went mad with their prices!! (Except the new Enduro 3)

[@davidvitez9357]

No one telling you go to saphire titan , there is still the same version steel gorilla glass for 999, its just 100€ more expensive than was standard epix pro after release .

[@codysnickel]

when will fenix 8 ship 51mm oled its been over 2 weeks :(

[@GoPro-TV]

I’m new to garmin but want one to track my walks and MTb rides… how does this work with google maps when I want to play back my journey

[@maciejtekieli8268]

Hello. Really good review. What is the strap which you have on F8?

[@trustedreviews]

Hi! Sloow reply here, apologies. But that's the Garmin UltraFit Nylon Strap (22mm).

[@shyrahman4506]

A few months ago I brought the Epix pro 51mm should of I have waited and got the Fenix 51mm ??

[@carloscssr]

@@shyrahman4506 no !!!! Unless you dive, and like to take calls from the watch, but even for that you have to have your phone next to you. Your watch in my opinion is the best watch garmin's ever made. And it's one and a half year old,meaning it's a also a new watch

[@2312dean]

The epix pro is an incredible watch at likely a much less price that the 8. I had a first gen 7x solar and still keep it for multi day cycle trips where gps is on all day for many days so did get an 8 for the amoled - but the new features on the 8 are not whole pile of difference to an epix pro at all. Enjoy your epix pro for years to come and look again when there are significant improvements you actually want (or like in my case I was tired of years and years of a black watch and wanted a titanium bezel and amoled haha)

[@shyrahman4506]

@@2312dean thanks for this great information I use my watch for running that’s why I brought it for I use it along with the Garmin heart rate monitor

[@trustedreviews]

No, I'd say not. It's pretty much the same watch, I don't think you're missing anything significant.

[@2too]

How strong is wibrate fenix8? Epix have weak wibrate, rubbis. I return it in the shop. Now I use my old fenix6x pro.

[@elitetrainer84]

If I have the fenix 6X Sapphire, is it worth it to upgrade to the 8 51mm Sapphire DLC? I’m hesitate also because hearing about the bugs in the Operating Software.

[@illegalwayz1]

From the 6, yes, it's a decent upgrade. Any newer though (7, epix, etc) it's hardly worth an upgrade.

[@trustedreviews]

Hey! Yeah, I think from the 6 series it's a pretty significant upgrade, definitely in terms of sensors/performance. I've been wearing mine for a few weeks now, and haven't experienced any bugs, anything specific you've heard of?

[@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 watch, 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....

[@jeffbramble1401]

On your watch when answering a call an option pops up the sane way it dies on your phone where you can select speaker, Bluetooth device, and phone. There are other videos out there showing the feature.

[@mohammedsalmaancharolia0786]

@@jeffbramble1401 can you please make a video of it..?

[@文凱-d2p]

Will it be worth upgrading to fenix 8 from a forunner 955?

[@HotWasabi-ql]

Only if you want an amoled screen and a heavier clock, otherwise keep it and wait for a 975? Also since you are asking then no its not worth it, better save for the next forerunner. I believe the 955 still do the jobs you want it to do for you.

[@pietro4836]

I switched from the 955 to the epix pro 51mm and I'm very happy. the very accurate V5 sensor, wonderful AMOLED screen, the flashlight is used a lot even when you run in the evening, crazy autonomy and some new functions absent on the 955 ..

[@文凱-d2p]

@@HotWasabi-qlthanks for ur advice!

[@文凱-d2p]

@@pietro4836I switched to fenix 8 and it’s been awesome for past 2 weeks, probably just adjusting to the weight difference in the wrist but everything else is great

[@АндрейНиколаев-ъ7ь]

Взял себе epix pro 2 51mm, по основному функционалу он накой же, даже экраны одинаковые, а стоил вдовое дешевле.

[@WE-R-EVERYWHERE]

Where did he get that watch band?

[@trustedreviews]

The Nylon QuickFit band? Bought it direct from Garmin when I was using the Epix, and just switched it over to the new watch.

[@Real_Matt]

I've just bought the epix pro 2 for £500 - bargain compared to that fenix 8

[@romanmclean5425]

Both watches have the same heart rate sensor, not sure why your Fenix 8 would be more accurate than the Epix Gen 2, not unless i heard you wrong.

[@dan5g931]

I think he's got the non pro version. That one has the older sensor.

[@trustedreviews]

It's not the same sensor, like I mentioned in the video - this is the standard Non-Pro version. The Pro model came later, with the upgraded sensor.

[@romanmclean5425]

@@trustedreviews thanks

[@LouisStephans]

Why not 965?

[@Stevenwalks]

yes..lighter, cheaper and all the rest is the same.

[@OGCody]

Not worth 1k but youll finance pr buy an apple watch for 7-900$ lol that gives half the features and you gotta charge every 2 days lol

[@black79montecarlo123]

$1000 for an entry-level Fenix? 😂😂😂 I'll stick with my 965 and Galaxy Watch Ultra.

[@Tha-King-Arthur]

The only thing that's good on the Fenix 8 is the flashlight..

[@oray.gungor.]

epix pro 2 has it already.

[@carloscssr]

@@Tha-King-Arthur epix,fenix 7,tactix, instinct 2x, etc have had it for more than a year already.

[@901pics]

Overpriced tech that is outdated far to fast for the price...especially since there are many reasonable options in ruggedness/tech that are far less expensive...the Ultra samsung and Apple are half the cost....and the Samsung will give you 50% the value after several years....thats the way to go. Screw these companies overcharging for disposable tech. Garmin is offering subpar customer service at the highest price point...screw that too!

[@kwadventures5724]

The Fenix 8 is a ripoff!!

[@michaelbrookes-tm5lx]

🎉😂

[@Sarin2024.]

garmin CPU is joke , laggy laggy