Well my Garmin 945 died today. Woke up and wouldn't turn on. Tried all the tips from Garmin and those didn't work so I guess I'm in the market for a new watch.

What are everyone's thoughts on Forerunner 970 vs Fenix 8? DC Rainmakers review shows he leans toward Fenix but differences are not major for what I use it for (running, cycling, swimming).

I'm partial to the Forerunner series, so I picked up the 970 when it was on sell. Been generally happy with it.

It's durable and other than some software glitches, reliable.

They're pretty much same software / hardware these days (fenix will usually be a tad heavier). I prefer the lighter feel so I'm still on the 965. I also have a Venu 3 I wore for a while (like the appearance slightly better) but the 965 is my go-to.

I love the Fenix but if you aren't going to use all the extra features it has vs the Forerunner then there is no reason to pay the premium for it. If budget and the extra weight is not a concern, get the Fenix.

I went from the 945 to the 970 when I got it as a gift for father's day. The battery on my 945 had degraded to lasting 3 or 4 days. Not bad for a 6+ year old watch.

But I've been really happy with it and the upgrades over my old 945.

I use the flashlight pretty much daily. Didn't expect that. It's also set to strobe on my runs before sunrise (basically all of them).

Thanks yall. Ended up ordering a 970 yesterday after y'all's feedback and a few friends. I like the Fenix but didn't need the extra features and like the light weight of the 970. Supposed to get here on Wednesday so back to using my old 920xt in the meantime.

I always get mine on ebay. Have the 645M now, had a chrome bezel, but this one is gray. I like the "dressy" metal bezels.

Anyone have the Approach watch? Was looking at going from my Fenix 7 to the highest end Approach, just wondering what I'd lose that I'd miss.

YouBet said:

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I love the Fenix but if you aren't going to use all the extra features it has vs the Forerunner then there is no reason to pay the premium for it. If budget and the extra weight is not a concern, get the Fenix.

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+1 for Fenix.

As an older guy who sometimes has to get up in the middle of the night to pee or whatever, the led flashlight is a game changer. I also use it when I'm working on repairing stuff and need a little light, etc... Very handly.

GeorgiAg said:

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YouBet said:

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I love the Fenix but if you aren't going to use all the extra features it has vs the Forerunner then there is no reason to pay the premium for it. If budget and the extra weight is not a concern, get the Fenix.

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+1 for Fenix.

As an older guy who sometimes has to get up in the middle of the night to pee or whatever, the led flashlight is a game changer. I also use it when I'm working on repairing stuff and need a little light, etc... Very handly.

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I have the Instinct with the flashlight and agree. Best feature ever developed for Garmin watch.

If I don't have my watch on for whatever reason, I find myself groping at my bare wrist for light. I use it multiple times per day. I can't imagine being without it now. I'd buy this watch for the led flashlight (or one with one) even if I became paralyzed.

Other watches probably have this sleep feature, but my wife I and I compete each morning on "sleep scores." It helps me hone my sleep. If I have no alcohol, take melatonin about an hour before bed, take magnesium, and wear my CPAP, I get the best scores.

Tried, can't sleep with my fenix on.

Forerunner fanboy here! Does everything I need. Maybe the flashlight on the Fenix would be nice, but I don't need it.