Garmin Fenix 9 has launched, so I went hunting for deals on the Fenix 8 and other older models — here’s what I found
Garmin has launched the latest models of its flagship Fenix adventure watch, with the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro set to go on sale on Friday, August 28.
Both look fantastic, with upgrades to the design and software that include the largest screen ever on a Fenix with the 51mm models, full titanium cases on the Pro models, and a faster mapping experience.
While the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro might be the best Garmin watches available, you may get better value by opting for an older model, with the Garmin Fenix 8 and Garmin Fenix 8 Pro both reduced right now. The Fenix 8 Pro is down to $949 at Amazon, while the Fenix 8 is down to $849 at Amazon.
New features are rolling back to the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Pro
These deals are especially interesting because according to DC Rainmaker, Garmin is going to bring almost all of the new features from the Fenix 9 line-up to the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Pro.
Last year Garmin updated its software platform to make it the same across a wide range of models, and that means it’s easier for new features to be rolled back to older watches.
Some of the flagship features launched on the Fenix 9, like the Epic tool for grouping activities and upgraded Stamina feature for judging your effort during long activities, will be available on the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Pro (along with the Garmin Forerunner 970).
Older watches also get the updated rucking and rowing features, including VO2 max based on rowing activities, and the improved grade adjusted pace stats during runs.
The Fenix 9 still has some exclusive upgrades
Naturally there are still some reasons to opt for the new watch, such as the design upgrades — the all-titanium case on the Fenix 9 Pro is attractive and the 1.5in screen on the 51mm models will be exciting for those with big wrists.
The Fenix 9 line-up also gets mapping upgrades that will make it faster and smoother to pan and zoom on the maps, and archery features that will be nigh-on essential if that’s your main sport.
As always, you can expect future software updates to come to the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro for longer than they will on the older watches too, and the new Pro models also have a green light mode on the built-in flashlight that’s exclusive to them.
However, if you don’t need to have the latest and greatest device on your wrist, I think there’s certainly better value to be had by opting for a Fenix 8 right now, especially the Fenix 8 Pro which has Garmin’s LTE and satellite connectivity.
To get those features, you pay a minimum of $1,199 for the Fenix 9 Pro InReach model, and the standard Fenix 9 starts at $999 compared to $749 for the Fenix 8 in the sales.
For those who don’t mind going for an even older device and just want a rugged Garmin adventure watch with maps and an AMOLED display, the Garmin Epix Pro is $519 on Amazon right now, down from $999.
