Recently, my faithful Garmin Approach S70 unexpectedly bit the dust. It was a peculiar and somewhat saddening moment. Yet, as one chapter closes, another begins. This incident paved the way for me to get my hands on Garmin’s premium Fenix 8, and I must admit, it was a delightful turn of events.
First things first—the Fenix 8 does not come cheap. It positions itself above other top-tier sports watches like the Apple Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch Ultra. However, after spending a solid month testing it, I firmly believe the myriad of features justifies the high price tag.
Now, I’m not saying you must rush out and buy it, or even consider it. But if unparalleled smartwatch functionality, coupled with advanced golf GPS capabilities, is what you seek, the Fenix 8 stands unrivaled.
While there are plenty of competent GPS watches out there, including some budget-friendly models from Garmin itself, none offer the seamless daily performance that the Fenix 8 brings to the table.
Let’s dive into my top features and, of course, a couple of minor gripes.
1. Garmin Golf
Starting with its golf capabilities, the Fenix 8 excels with on-course features. It matches the award-winning Approach S70 with green maps, precise GPS yardages, and shot tracking, among other functionalities.
2. On-board Flashlight
At first glance, an on-board flashlight may seem gimmicky, but it’s surprisingly useful. A quick double-tap on the upper left button illuminates a practical flashlight, perfect for those midnight sprints downstairs to prepare a bottle for my nine-month-old.
3. Feature-packed Fitness
The Fenix 8 is truly a powerhouse for fitness enthusiasts. Whether it’s rapid GPS tracking for outdoor cardio sessions or an impressive range of sports-specific workout modes, it’s got you covered. Add in sleep tracking and V02 max monitoring, and you’ve got a watch suited for both elite athletes and fitness novices.
4. Durability
Boasting a sapphire crystal screen and titanium bezels, the Fenix 8 is built to withstand the rigors of daily wear. I’ve unintentionally put it to the test against walls, and it remains scratch-free. Plus, it’s water-resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet) and offers a remarkable 16-day battery life.
So What’s Not to Like?
There are a couple of drawbacks to consider. Firstly, the operating system. Navigating the menu can be challenging due to its cyclical nature, which isn’t as intuitive as a linear setup. Secondly, the price point. While my extensive use of the watch has shown me its worth, potential buyers might find the $1,000+ price difficult to justify without firsthand experience.
For anyone serious about fitness and golf, the Fenix 8 is unmatched. However, if you can compromise on durability and battery longevity, an Apple Watch or a more affordable Garmin option could be a wise choice.
Check Price
For pricing details, make sure to check out Garmin’s official site.
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