Garmin Fenix 8 Pro watch review: “Garmin’s first watch with built-in satellite messaging and connectivity”
Garmin’s most advanced Fenix yet delivers staggering features, satellite communication, and a price tag to match. Expert reviewer James Witts puts it to the test...
220 Triathlon Verdict
Undoubtedly a superb watch but cheaper, more appropriate watches around for high-level triathletes. Score: 80%
Pros
- Outstanding depth of features
- Excellent usability and accuracy
- Built-in satellite connectivity
Cons
- Very expensive
Is this the best Fenix 8 triathlon watch yet? Let’s be honest, for that remortgaging price tag, it should be. Then again, I tested the 51mm 8 Pro. The 47mm version is only £1,199.99 ($1,699.99).
That said, if you’re feeling particularly cleared out post-Christmas, there is the Fenix 8 Solar that comes in at a more ‘affordable’ £869.99 ($1,099.99). In short, we’re talking big bucks for presumably big performance.
Standout features
As you’d expect for a four-figure watch, the features list would be endless. So, we’ll stick to the standouts over recent Fenix watches and those that remain of big benefit to triathletes.
The Pro’s USP isn’t actually down to performance but connection, as you can make voice calls and text without your phone. That’s down to this being Garmin’s first watch with built-in satellite messaging and connectivity that also lets you send SOS alerts without needing a phone. It’s an impressive feat of engineering and one that signals where the industry is heading.
That said, typing out texts on such a relatively small interface isn’t the swiftest or most comfortable of operations. Voice messages are much swifter. LiveTrack is another impressive safety feature, so your chosen contacts can track your workout. Disappointingly for such a lofty price, this InReach messaging is another £7.99 per month.
Display and useability
The ultra-bright display is the one used on the recently tested Forerunner 970. It’s impressive, especially on the fly and against winter’s perma-grey backdrop.
Incredibly, there’s an even brighter version, the 8 Pro MicroLed, that comes in at £1,729.99 ($1,699.99). Can you see it from the moon? Maybe.
Its depth is incredible. And, as you’d expect from such a pricey training tool, so is its usability and accuracy. Usability’s been at the heart of Garmin’s rise to the peak of the performance pyramid and so it is here.
Yes, you need to spend some time working out what’s where, but it soon sinks in and stays. No great feat for such a powerful watch.
Advanced metrics
Elsewhere, you have myriad features to satisfy the high-performance triathlete. Advanced metrics include climb and pace guidance, training load, recovery assessment, blood oxygenation assessment (useful when altitude training), sleep score, running economy, projected race time, superb flashlight… In short, it covers every data point you could imagine.
The bottom line
Accuracy of heart rate is as good as it gets for wrist-based analysers, which is good as that data feeds numerous other features like heart rate variability status.
Impressive? Undoubtedly. But unless you hate being weighed down by your phone, there are more suitable Garmins around for the discerning triathlete, namely the 970, which is still expensive but over £500/$400 cheaper.
Garmin Fenix 8 Pro specs
| Price | $1299.99 / £1,199.99 |
| Weight | 3.2oz / 90g (51mm version) |
| Battery life | Up to 27 days smartwatch mode, 78h GPS only mode, |
| Display | 1.4in, 454 x 454 pixels |
James Witts
Freelance sports writer and author 
