so, i did an impulsive thing. as i was anxiously waiting for a Forerunner 975 to come out since January 1, i decided to pull the trigger on a Fenix 8. it's ridiculously expensive, even at the combined 23.5% discount (20% off + stacking some cash back stuff), but i really was tired of forgetting a headlamp and trying to use my phone for a flashlight to pick up the dog's poop at night.
i'm only a day into this experiment; i have a 30 day window to see if i like it enough (price notwithstanding) or if a Forerunner 975 drops.
i'm hoping i can share some experiences here and potentially answer questions some of you might have if you're thinking about a seismic shift like i am and/or wondering if the rumored (?) upgrades to the 955/965 are of any value.
Background: i've been a Forerunner user since 2011 (FR210) and wearing one as a 24/7 device starting with a 935 in 2017. i appreciated the light weight of these devices that managed to include almost all the Fenix software bells and whistles). i also have been a huge fan of the MIPS face. very subtle yet usable in low light and outdoors. i have historically only used the backlight using the gesture setting between sunset and sunrise. i've been reluctant, like many here, to get on the AMOLED train since i don't need my watch "screaming at me" with it's brightness.
all in all, my 955 Solar does everything i need it to do for my active lifestyle of running, hiking, cycling, and backpacking. (with random sports in the snow and kayaking thrown in on occasion) the GPS accuracy has been awesome and the Elevate 4 sensor is good enough for most scenarios except spotty for running at times where i have usually used a chest strap, but after getting some wonky results during cold runs (in CA! haha) this winter, i went strapless for several weeks and realized how freeing it was in spite of the mediocre HR data.
So, why would i even upgrade or consider a FR975 (yet to be released), let alone a Fenix 8? Three things: 1. slightly larger screen in the 47mm size (which the 965 has) which is good for these 56 year old eyes, 2. the flashlight -- not for running/hiking per se, but for toilet adventures in the middle of the night and picking up dog poop, 3. the potential of an improved OHR sensor.
Obviously, these a "privileged" desires, not absolutely necessities.
anyway, it's way too early to give a verdict, but here are some initial thoughts:
1. as i suspected, the flashlight is life changing. obviously, i could use a headlamp going to the toilet or walking the dog, but having it on my wrist is so convenient.
2. i've only done one run, but the Elevate 5 sensor, for my skin/arm is a definite improvement. it seems to respond more quickly to slight changes in effort and while it did do the wonky drop in HR (by about 10 beats) midrrun, unlike my 955 (which would do the same thing regularly), it corrected itself after a minute whereas the 955 would keep at the at lower HR.
3. the AMOLED screen: while i still need to get used to the brighter screen, setting it at 1/3 brightness has worked well and i daresay, the AOD dimmed mode is perfect for my indoor uses of glancing at the time/data without having to move my wrist (while typing this, for example).
moreover, the screen size and pixel density is a game changer for my old eyes. i find the "5 data field" screen is much more readable while running. i think this is a combination of not just the higher pixel density and 0.1" bigger screen, but also the font utilized by Garmin on the Fenix 8 vs the 955. i am guessing one would see this similar improvement on the 965*.
4. i'm using the Fenix 8 with an ultrafit band (same one as my 955) and it is comfortable, but the extra 17 grams of case weight is noticeable. i'm a day in now, and i'm noticing the weight difference less even after only 24 hours. thankfully, i didn't think it was uncomfortable to sleep with which was my initial concern.
5. build quality: most people say the Fenix series is so much more robust. while i think the materials are more premium (and heavy!), i would argue that cosmetically, the FR series may be more tolerant of abuse (case, not screen): none of my previously mentioned FR's looked significantly beat up after many years of use and banging into walls or while working on the car. i'm pretty sure i will scratch the titanium on the Fenix 8 before i know it although such blemishes can be polished out. the FR series to me are very durable and impervious to getting blemishes in time to the casing.
6. battery life looks like it will be consistent with what reviewers have suggested. i am guessing that with my low brightness setting and AOD turned off while sleeping, it is good for 10 days of smart watch usage, or 7 days with my typical 6 hours of GPS activity + 3 hours of strength training (no GPS). i'll likely charge every 6 days or so to keep the battery level above 20%.
anyway, those are some initial thoughts. i'm not 100% convinced i'll keep the watch. if a 975 with an Elevate 5 sensor and flashlight comes out in the next 1-2 weeks, i would seriously consider returning this Fenix and going for the lighter watch at what i would anticipate being a lower price, even accounting for the significant discount i bought the F8 at.
are any of you in the same place i've been recently? hankering for a flashlight and newer HR sensor? if so, shoot me questions here or directly. happy to share my experiences and answer any questions.
*ps. i never gave the 965 serious consideration because i couldn't justify the lateral upgrade for just the screen (which i wasn't sure i would want to adopt after years of MIPS use) and i didn't like the domed screen not being able to take a flat tempered glass protector.
