Last year, Garmin introduced Pro version which includes inReach’s savvy satellite communications. Not only does it cost at least $400 more than the Apple Watch Ultra and $200 more than the regular Fenix 8, but you also have to pay inReach subscription programwhich has several tiers and ranges from $8/month to $50/month depending on whether you want features like unlimited texting or picture messaging.
What you get for this amazing price is a sports watch that can do anything and everything. It has excellent battery life (each Fenix can last a week on a single charge, and up to a month on a solar charge) and features like a depth sensor from Garmin’s Descend line, which means this watch doubles as a fully powered dive computer for snorkeling and free diving. It has a microphone and speaker for basic voice commands (though no cell phone connectivity), a surprisingly useful built-in LED flashlight, and Garmin’s signature advanced topographical maps, 24/7 health monitoring, and tracking for over a hundred different activities.
I’ve taken the 51mm version to every outdoor sport—snowboarding, trail running, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Every time I use it, its power exceeds mine. I’ve annoyed many of my fellow hikers by trying to keep track of route difficulty, time, and falls while hooking up Body Battery Tests and so on. The risk is that you’ll spend more time fiddling with your Garmin Fenix 8 than you do with your actual game. I have the sapphire crystal face version with a titanium bezel, and I’ve smashed it on rocky surfaces with nary a scratch. If you’re willing to pay the price and want a great-looking watch that will last forever (I have friends who still wear their Fenix 5 and 6, and honestly, they’re fine), this is the one to get.
The Best Running Hour
The Garmin Forerunner series launched in the early 2000s and has become the ultimate runner’s watch. Like all Garmins, the Forerunner comes in a variety of price points, each offering different features. Last year, Garmin released a version of the Forerunner 570 ($550)a mid-range model without an LED flashlight or on-board maps, and Forerunner 970 ($750)which is the premium version. Before I go into detail about why the Forerunner 970 is the best choice, I should also say that I’ve tried many Garmin Forerunners at different price points. If you’re not a triathlete, the old Pioneers are still worth considering, with an entry level of $200. 165 Forerunner it’s clearly aimed at runners, rather than including triathletes like the more expensive models.
