For amateur athletes the sports watch is not a tool. It is part of the body. It is our way of managing the training, but also the daily routine, and many other aspects of our lives. It knows how to warn us that we lack hours of sleep, or that we managed (in extremely rare cases) to rest enough for the body to recover for the next workout - and a lot of other data that a sane person wouldn't even think to check. For example, sadly, what time will the sun rise tomorrow.
Therefore, it was not surprising the excitement in the communities of sports enthusiasts before the release of the eighth generation of Fenix - the flagship series of the Garmin company. The company, which according to estimates holds the largest market share in the field of sports watches in Israel, presented great leaps in the new series. The screen and the battery have leapt technologically. Many upgrades in areas such as audio and phone connectivity were also recorded. However, the price has also skyrocketed.
I tested the Fenix 8 for two weeks, which was loaned to me by the Garmin importer - Ronlight. During these two weeks I performed nine runs (158 km), eight resistance training sessions and several strengthening and flexibility routines accompanied by the watch. This activity is required to create a good impression of its performance.
The versions – Fenix 8
The AMOLED screen version (which is significantly brighter) comes in sizes of 43, 47 and 51 mm. The solar version strengthens the battery time significantly, but its screen is less bright and it comes in sizes of 47 and 51 mm. In this version, they upgraded the solar collector and hid it better under the screen.
The screens come with sapphire glass or gorilla glass. I personally prefer the Sapir based on many years of experience with a long line of models. I run and hike and my watch suffers rough encounters with hard objects. So far the sapphire screens have remained unscathed. Which I can't say about my body. worth the money
The upgrades of the Fenix 8 series
The battery - 29 days. yes. In Garmin laboratory tests, the watch lasts 29 days without charging with minimal use. I, however, tore him out of shape. I enjoyed his abilities as if I lived with him permanently and not just for two weeks. This means: Occasional music while running, 8 training sessions a week that last between one and two and a half hours, using a flashlight and in general I played a lot with the watch.
The running exercises consumed about 10% to 15% of the battery (including the use of music). Which led to a full charge once in about five days. Totally worth it.
- The screen - various display options: A bright and easy-to-read AMOLED display in the Always On Display, or alternatively in the solar version which comes with a MIP screen.
- Navigation - the navigation is more accurate thanks to multiple frequencies combined with SatIQ technology. I activated all three GPS systems at the same time and got accurate data, even when watches from models from only two years ago covered a kilometer in 35 minutes.
In addition, online tools have been added for cracking problematic routes in terms of GPS reception, so that the watch will know how to find our location on them according to a host of other sensors.
Many new navigation functions have been added, including the possibility to share routes with fellow Garmin users who meet along the way, dynamic circular navigation that allows you to change a route in the middle of the road to reach a certain distance even if you have messed up along the way, or the welcome reminder for those who have set a target distance, to turn around when necessary, to return.
An accurate navigation system that includes advanced sensors such as: Triaxial compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter.
- Protection against water - has improved a lot, and the watch itself is inside a protected box. Creates security and enables additional functions for divers.
- Touch - works on all models, plus a touch lock that is activated at the start of a workout, but can be temporarily disabled. This is an important improvement. A lesson learned from previous models with touch screens, that rain (or in most cases, sweat) made it impossible to use the watch during training properly.
- Calls - can be received through the watch, as long as it is connected to the phone via Bluetooth. The quality is reasonable. I preferred to keep this option for short calls, during training or when my hands are busy, and I didn't feel the need to turn the watch into a permanent speakerphone.
- Speaker - you can listen to music (from a variety of services such as Spotify) through a built-in speaker that is protected from water and dust hazards. I was able to hear the music well during the runs (there is still a way to optimal quality), and my partner and partners were also able to hear well in every situation, except when running in the sea with a lot of wind. But understandable.
This is a killer feature for me as someone who needs music or podcasts on the run. For me personally, it allows me to go for a run with friends without headphones, and if we break up, then I won't be stuck without music. PS - Don't worry, the music is not too loud. I promise you won't finish a run with the image of high school students in Kinneret.
The clock's assistant - a nice feature, but it's easier for me to perform the operation by touch. Access to the phone's assistant (as long as it is connected) through the microphone. very nice I don't feel I have to.
Audio and connectivity - a built-in speaker and microphone that allow you to receive calls directly from the watch. Allows users to enjoy listening to music through popular apps like Spotify directly from the watch.
At the same time, wireless payments can be made quickly and easily using Garmin Pay. Moreover, the messages are received directly on the watch.
The flashlight - oh, the flashlight. One of my favorite features. The LED flashlight has become much stronger than the previous generation. Four lighting levels of white light facilitate not only training, but also become a tool for life itself (only two clicks to activate).
Don't forget the red lighting, which makes it possible to collect the objects from the bedroom without dazzling the woman in her sleep. Really happened, and really don't ask what happened, when she woke up.
It is important to note that there is - Fenix 8
Durability - leak-proof buttons and a new sensor protector that guarantees water resistance at a depth of up to 100 meters.
Digital wallet - My Fenix 6 (Pro Sapphire) was in early 2021 the first watch that most stores saw with payment capabilities. Today it's pretty basic, but it's still important to mention - there's nothing like going for a run, when you can stop at a gas station and buy water halfway through. Or order a taxi (not me, of course).
Materials - stainless steel or titanium. The watches look great, and of course they are a sign. They signal to everyone else in the amateur sports community that you are one of their guys. On the one hand, it creates connections. On the other hand, it seems a little strange, when on a first meeting you look at the watch of a new acquaintance and tell him "Oh, you're ours". don't ask how i know
I wish we had
EKG - similar to the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix pro models, the optical heart rate sensor has EKG capabilities. In the meantime, they have only been approved for use in the US. Garmin Israel is in talks to confirm the capabilities in Israel. Apple, for example, is proud that its continuous EKG monitoring detected cardiac events before they occurred and made it possible to obtain medical assistance in a life-saving time. Fingers crossed that it will be approved already.
ESIM – come on, Garmin. The time has come for us to connect to the cellular network. Leave nonsense like downloading podcasts, updating our last workout to Strava without a phone, or just walking around without that pesky device. The important thing is the ability to call for help in emergency situations, when the car phone is 20 km away from us.
Price: The Fenix 8 series costs between NIS 4,600 and NIS 6,000 (official importer Ronlight). There are many who will fly for the upgrades that completely raise the bar. But about a thousand shekels more than previous launch prices for the series, may cause quite a few members of the customer community to wait for the price drop, or for the next generation to introduce the following innovations.
Bottom line, the eighth series of Fenix presents excellent technology in the field of screen and battery and many upgrades in the fields of software, navigation, connectivity and audio. Each will make its own feasibility calculation regarding the purchase. I feel like the watch has become a much better friend of mine as an amateur runner.