Fenix 8 sequence: Has Garmin pushed pricing too far? – Uplaza

We noticed as we speak the official unveiling of the Garmin Fenix 8 sequence, Fenix E and Enduro 3 earlier as we speak. You may verify all of them out on Garmin’s web site. Whereas these new choices carry a couple of upgrades to the desk, in addition they include a value enhance that has caught our consideration.

To recap, the enhancements just about boil all the way down to barely bigger shows for some fashions, the gadgets are a bit thinner, they’ve a dive score and improved water-proofing of the buttons, together with longer battery life. Additionally, you now get Garmin Share assist, a brand new coaching function known as Exercise Benefit and a Course and Climate Particular Race Predictor. So some good upgrades however probably not something revolutionary.

Worth factors: A noticeable shift

What’s barely worrying, although, is the pricing. The brand new Fenix 8 sequence begins at $1,000 for the bottom mannequin, marking a $200 enhance from the entry-level Fenix 7 Professional.

MIP (Reminiscence-in-Pixel) followers have been thrilled the corporate opted to retain that show choice. Sadly, the value hike is most evident within the fashions that includes MIP screens.

Not like the Fenix 7 Professional sequence, which provided non-sapphire show choices, the Fenix 8 MIP fashions all include sapphire shows, which provides $100 to the price. This implies, essentially the most reasonably priced Fenix 8 with a MIP show—the 47mm Photo voltaic mannequin—begins at $1,100. Yikes!

For these thinking about AMOLED shows, the Fenix 8 AMOLED variations are priced $100 greater than their Epix Professional Gen 2 counterparts. Which isn’t as unhealthy. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless a value hike.

I keep in mind a few years again when the Forerunner 955 was launched. What impressed me was that, regardless of the upgrades, Garmin stored its pricing equivalent to the Forerunner 945. And it prompted me to improve my watch. Maybe the corporate has reconsidered this technique and is changing into extra aggressive in pricing?

Important studying: Finest health trackers and well being devices

Retailing for $900, you could possibly even say that the Enduro 3 is now the price range mannequin! However with a single 51mm diameter dimension, you want enormous wrists to put on that one. So it’s clearly not for everybody.

In fact, there’s additionally the Fenix E which begins at $800. However this mannequin makes use of an older coronary heart charge sensor, lacks a couple of options and is simply obtainable with an AMOLED show. Plus it doesn’t supply a MIP variant.

Availability: Different ready occasions

The provision of the brand new Fenix and Enduro fashions varies considerably:

• Fenix 8 47mm AMOLED: 1-3 enterprise days
• Fenix 8 43mm and 51mm AMOLED: 2-3 weeks
• Fenix 8 47mm and 51mm Photo voltaic MIP: 5-8 weeks
• Fenix E 47mm AMOLED: 3-5 weeks
• Enduro 3: 1-2 weeks

These timelines counsel that some fashions, significantly the MIP variations, might face preliminary provide constraints.

Right here’s a desk with all the small print for the Fenix vary.

Implications

So what are we to make of all of this? The elevated pricing of the Fenix 8 sequence might lead some shoppers to contemplate alternate options. Then again, earlier era fashions just like the Fenix 7 Professional and Epix Professional Gen 2 sequence ought to see some good value reductions, providing good worth for individuals who don’t want the newest and best machine.

And let’s not neglect. Regardless of the upper costs, Garmin watches are identified for his or her sturdiness and complete function units. For these prioritizing a top-tier multisport watch, the funding could also be justifiable. No matter Garmin watch you purchase, you may relaxation assured it should serve you reliably for a few years. However you do have to have deep pockets.

Like this text? Subscribe to our month-to-month e-newsletter and by no means miss out!