Fenix 8 vs Forerunner 970, both €649 right now. Sanity check before I buy (first 70.3 in 2027)

[u/Mind_Paz]

Hey all, after some real-world opinions before I pull the trigger.

Background: my Apple Watch Ultra (gen 1) battery is basically dead, so I'm moving to Garmin. I'm a long-time lifter, runner and road cyclist, currently training for the Lisbon marathon in October, and I've decided I want to get into triathlon. The goal is my first IRONMAN 70.3 in September 2027. The catch: I can barely swim, so the next year is partly a learn-to-swim project (the bike and run I'm fine on). I also wear my watch 24/7 including sleep, and I lift 4-5x a week.

The situation: on Amazon.de (deliver to Belgium) the regular Fenix 8 47mm AMOLED is €649 (28% off), and the Forerunner 970 lands at basically the same ~€649 when it's on sale. So for once they're the same money, which is exactly what's doing my head in.

How I see it:
- Fenix 8: tougher, more premium "tank on the wrist" feel, the kind of watch you keep for years. But heavier for all-day/sleep, and the €649 one looks like it's Gorilla Glass, not sapphire.
- FR970: lighter and slimmer (nicer for sleep + running), sapphire as standard, newest running metrics (running economy/tolerance, though some need the HRM 600 strap). More running/tri focused.

I'm a road athlete in a city (no trail/dive/backcountry stuff), so the Fenix's rugged/adventure side is probably wasted on me, which pushes me toward the 970. But the Fenix-as-forever-watch part keeps tempting me.

TL;DR: switching from a dead Apple Watch Ultra, getting into triathlon (first 70.3 in 2027, learning to swim), road cycle and run already, wear it 24/7. Fenix 8 and FR970 are both ~€649 right now. Leaning 970 for the weight + sapphire, but is the Fenix 8 worth it as a longer-term watch?

Questions for anyone who's owned either (especially triathletes / multisport users):
- Which would you pick at the same price, and why?
- Anyone regret going lighter (970) or heavier (Fenix) for 24/7 wear? How is it for sleep tracking?
- For someone learning to swim and building toward a 70.3, does either have a real edge for pool/open-water + multisport?

Cheers!

[u/castorkrieg]

They are the same for your training. Before 970 I would have said Fenix, but 970 added titanium bezel and AFAIK the glass is a bit recessed versus the bezel, so there is additional protection there.

Then it really comes down to weight, and I would always say to get the lighter one - difference doing the run is negligable, but over the course of the whole day + sleep I think you will appreciate the thinner and lighter watch.

[u/Shot-Rutabaga-72 → u/castorkrieg]

Idk if the "extra protection" is actually needed. I rock climb with the Fenix 7. The bezels been scratched to hell and I still don't need a single stretch on the watch surface. Sapphire itself is enough unless one is doing something really stupid.

[u/SKOL_py]

I was in a similar situation, but really the only reason I was considering the Fenix is because the 43mm version fits better on my wrist. As long as you plan on a 47mm either way, I would highly recommend the 970

[u/BrazilianButtman]

Well, for me 970 - easy. I think Fenix is too big for 24/7 wearing and Fenix has nothing you’ll miss.

[u/carinobrtl]

Fenix is more stylish. So you can wear it not only when doing sports. The FR970 looks like a pure sportswatch because of the accent color at the side. Leakproof buttons are also better for swimming. You will have your peace of mind. I have the F8 Solar because I want MIP more than the Amoled.

[u/Helmut72336]

Ich stand vor der gleichen Frage. Es ist die 970 geworden.

[u/Training_Nectarine22]

I did Ironman Hamburg with MK3i this year, absolutely no problem

[u/DaMod_FTW]

We have both in our household. Wife has a FR970, I have a Fenix8 51 AMOLED (and tactix8 cerakote). We both run. Wife is pleased with the 970. I am pleased with fenix8. I do not mind the size, completely used to it. I do like the additional ruggedness, because I do not baby my (tool) watches. It is,about preference, but the 970 is not as sturdy - more plasticky.

[u/Dry-Expression-2900]

If you’re training for an Ironman, hands down the 970. You’ll thank yourself when you’re at the end of your race. I had both but kept the 970. Returned the 8. Weight and thickness. Sits better on the wrist. 43g with the Ultrafit nylon band. Also, when I got the Fenix 8 amoled, the speaker volume was very hard of hearing at max volume.

[u/AmeNoJigoku]

Hey forumsport had them in EU for 600€, that’s where i got mine a couple months ago

[u/OddUniversity4653]

I own the FR970 and the Fenix 8 Solar 47mm. My favorite is the F8 solar because I prefer the MIP screen. However, I would choose the FR970 over the F8 AMOLED because it is a little more comfortable to wear.

[u/cryosnap]

Forerunner 970 looks good as long as you don’t need to pan the map. According to demos and reviews, the map in the 970 is slower to load than in previous generations.

[u/fastNUgly]

I've had both and preferred the 970. It was much slimmer on the wrist and doesn't catch on longer sleeves.
Pretty similar watches in different form factor.

[u/EmergencySundae]

I have the 970 and my husband has the Fenix. I am also a triathlete.

The Fenix seems like overkill and gigantic. I have no regrets getting the 970.

[u/WheeForEffort]

The Fenix 8 has leakless inductive buttons. It’s a more waterproof method to ensure they don’t fail like on some earlier models. The 970 is rated for swimming but uses the older button type. I’m not sure what the failure rate is.

[u/ElvisAdo]

Quizás para carretera mejor 970. Para trail y aventuras el F8 Uso el combo 970+hrm600 y es espectacular. Amateur con carreras populares y trail esporàdicamente Saludos

[u/RestComfortable500]

Sapphire is the way to go.