More than three features are new on the Fenix 9 and 9 Pro. At least ten are now confirmed, six covered in detail below, with the rest, Ski Erg indoor profile, Dynamic Battery mode naming, inReach satellite weather, Rolling GAP, the on-device watch face editor and Field Tools, listed in the full rollout breakdown linked below.
- ArcheryX — A dedicated activity profile that gives archers real-time shot-timing and aim-stability data. Full details here.
- Garmin Epic — compiles photos, health data, and performance highlights from a multi-day trip into a single shareable recap once the adventure’s done. Full details here.
- Rowing FTP and VO2 Max — estimates aerobic fitness and sustainable power specifically from rowing sessions, extending FTP and VO2 max tracking beyond running and cycling. Full details here.
- Stamina Curve and Stamina Zones — predicts how long you can sustain a given pace or power, then turns that into five personalised effort ranges for real-time pacing. Full details here.
- Garmin Locate — lets a designated contact request your location on demand via Garmin Messenger, without a LiveTrack session, on Fenix 9 Pro inReach models. Full details here.
- Rucking update — calorie breakout by pack weight, mid-activity pack-weight changes, a dedicated report, multisport support and structured GoRuck workouts. Full details here.
For the complete list of what’s new, and which of it also lands on existing Garmin watches, see Fenix 9 features will pass to existing Garmin watches.
Garmin’s own Newsroom confirms today’s launch event is genuine, even though an official feature-by-feature list hasn’t been published there yet. Background on the wider Fenix line, and how its display and durability options have evolved generation to generation, is on Wikipedia.
Garmin Fenix 9 range
Every Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro model, including AMOLED, Solar, and inReach variants across all sizes. One link to the full range.
Further reading
- Garmin ArcheryX explained
- Garmin Epic explained
- Garmin rowing FTP and VO2 Max explained
- Garmin Stamina Curve and Stamina Zones explained
- Garmin Locate explained
- Garmin Rucking update explained
- Fenix 9 features will pass to existing Garmin watches
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: Full Features List
- Garmin Fenix 9 vs Fenix 8: which to buy
- Garmin Fenix 9 specifications
- Garmin Fenix 9: Everything We Know and Expect
- Garmin August 25 Livestream: What We Expect
Quick answers
Is ArcheryX a new activity on the Fenix 9?
Yes. It’s a dedicated archery mode giving real-time shot-timing and aim-stability data, something no earlier Garmin watch has offered at this level.
Does Garmin Epic need a Garmin Connect+ subscription?
No. Garmin Epic is a free feature, confirmed in the official press release. It compiles multi-day trip photos, health data, and performance highlights into a single shareable recap.
Does Rowing FTP and VO2 Max need a power meter?
Yes. Garmin estimates rowing FTP and VO2 max only when paired with a power-meter-equipped rowing machine. Without one, these figures cannot be calculated from your rowing activities.
Is ArcheryX, Garmin Epic, rowing FTP and VO2 Max, Stamina Curve and Zones, Garmin Locate, and the rucking update the complete list of new Fenix 9 features?
No. At least ten features are confirmed new. These six are covered in detail so far; the rest, including a new Ski Erg indoor profile, Dynamic Battery mode naming, inReach satellite weather, Rolling GAP, an on-device watch face editor and Field Tools, are listed in the full rollout breakdown.
Last Updated on 3 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
