Garmin Instinct 2x vs Fenix 7

[Mikedlaw]

Looking to upgrade from my first gen Garmin Instinct which has been a fantastic watch but the battery life is somewhat declining. The Fenix 7 can be had for about $430 right now and the Instinct 2x is about $350. For those that use the Fenix, is the maps feature very useful at all? It seems that's about the only benefit other than the touchscreen and I'm fine with the buttons on the Instinct.

 

[copenmechanism]

I have a 2x and love it (upgraded from original instinct as well). I haven’t used a Fenix but I can’t imagine you’re getting too much use out of maps on a tiny watch screen (better off just pulling out your phone). And personally, I have no interest in a full color screen — the simplicitly of the instinct is a bonus for me.

 

[Trldad]

I have the Instinct 2 X, also upgraded from the original Instinct solar. Fully charged it says it will give me 40-41 days. Because I work outside, In the summer I have gone 60 days between charges and it still had a "4" day charge left. I am very brutal to watches and I can't believe how well this watch keeps on going.
I can't compare to the Fenix, never having one. Good luck.

 

[MuleyFever]

I went from the original Instinct to the Fenix 7. While you are correct that Fenix doesn't do a lot more in terms of features its just a much nicer watch. The face is nicer to read. The features you do like you can shortcut to the face for access easier. I was really hesitant on paying more for a Fenix as I thought the same thing, that I didn't really need it, but I am glad I got it. I haven't used the maps on it but the golf feature is awesome. The face isnt recessed like on the Instinct though so if you order a Fenix order screen protectors.

 

[Mtnmilsurp]

The map on my Fenix 5 got me and my boys 3 miles back to the truck when the batteries suddenly died in -20 degree weather on a moonless night in a new-to-us hunting area. All we could see on the Fenix map was a road which was enough. That was my first experience with iPhone batteries going from 50ish percent to zero in just a few minutes due to the cold and definitely a lesson learned.

 

[Windblown907]

I’m trying to make this exact same decision and it is quite difficult because reviews for both seem mostly positive. I wish I could use each for a while and decide without the hassle of trying to sell the one I didn’t like as much. @Mikedlaw what did you end up getting and are you happy with that choice?