Garmin Instinct 3 50mm Solar and AMOLED

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

Hey Roksliders,
Good stuff coming from Garmin. The upgraded Instinct 3 is on its way with 3 models, 2 of which will be in our shop in the next few days. Here is the rundown.





Garmin Instinct 3 50mm Solar and AMOLED Display models

Both have:
GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo navigation.
Tracks heart rate, sleep, and activity.
Military-grade durability for water, shock, and heat.

AMOLED
High-resolution, bright, easy to read display.
Customizable watch faces.
Good battery life.
Shipping at the end of this month

Garmin Instinct 3 50mm

Follow Yours. Anywhere.The Garmin Instinct 3 is the ultimate rugged GPS smartwatch designed for adventure, fitness, and everyday life. With two incredible models to choose from—AMOLED and Solar—you can pick the one that matches your lifestyle and needs. Explore confidently with advanced...

sandsarchery.com

Solar Edition
Solar charging extends battery life.
Same features with a MIPS display for crazy battery life
Shipping later this week.

Garmin Instinct 3 50mm

Follow Yours. Anywhere.The Garmin Instinct 3 is the ultimate rugged GPS smartwatch designed for adventure, fitness, and everyday life. With two incredible models to choose from—AMOLED and Solar—you can pick the one that matches your lifestyle and needs. Explore confidently with advanced...

sandsarchery.com

We really like the 50mm models but can order the 45mm if anyone is interested. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Rob

 

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

Roksliders! We just got these in and this new amoled instinct is really nice. It has all the features you need, great battery life, and this display is sweet! All under $500. Its definitely replacing my Fenix 8.

 

[Jason Snyder]

Do you think the battery life on the AMOLED model is sufficient for general hunting/outdoor use that it’s a clear winner over the solar?

Have you had a chance to test the accuracy of the HR monitor?

 

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

Do you think the battery life on the AMOLED model is sufficient for general hunting/outdoor use that it’s a clear winner over the solar?

The biggest hit on battery life on the AMOLED is "always on" Drops from 9-12 days to 5-6. I personally will keep the display always on, and then switch it to gesture mode while in the backcountry. In my mind that far and away justifies the AMOLED screen. If i were going to be in for longer than that, i would probably consider the Enduro 3 for the insane battery life and addition of maps. ( i have honestly never used maps on my watch while hunting because my phone lasts quite a while in airplane mode)

 

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

For what its worth, im on day 2 with "always on" display and i still show 8 days remaining.

 

[Jason Snyder]

Any idea how using the Garmin tracking collar widget affects battery life?

 

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

Any idea how using the Garmin tracking collar widget affects battery life?

Sorry Jason, I do not know. The just haven't been out long enough to know.

 

[JF_Idaho]

I'm waiting a bit to see what other models drop, etc.

Is there a reason that solar isn't/can't be added to the AMOLED model?

Still running an original instinct so I'm sure I would be happy with the step up to the solar model, but in no rush.

 

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

I'm waiting a bit to see what other models drop, etc.

Is there a reason that solar isn't/can't be added to the AMOLED model?

Still running an original instinct so I'm sure I would be happy with the step up to the solar model, but in no rush.

The only other Garmin watch that has not been released is the new Tactix. No other instincts coming. (famous last words) The AMOLED display does not allow for a solar panel screen. The MIPS solar model does and the panel is large enough that it has a noticeable benefit.

 

[Wrongside]

So the Instinct 3 lineup won’t including a Tactical model like the 2x did, Rob?

 

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

So the Instinct 3 lineup won’t including a Tactical model like the 2x did, Rob?

Its def possible. Garmin has recently been EXTREMELY tight lipped regarding new products. My thought is that this 50mm 3 has some of the "tactical" features already. It does have the red shift, and the larger face. The only thing it does not have, that i know of, is the quick kill and jumpmaster modes. Both could easily be done with a firmware update. So short answer is, IDK... sorry!

 

[JF_Idaho]

The only other Garmin watch that has not been released is the new Tactix. No other instincts coming. (famous last words) The AMOLED display does not allow for a solar panel screen. The MIPS solar model does and the panel is large enough that it has a noticeable benefit.

As the poster above I meant more Instinct models. Tactical, AB, colors, update HRM, so on and so forth.

I mean, seriously....how am I gonna operate if it doesn't say "tactical" on it?

 

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

Ha! Right! A problem we all struggle with....

 

[Jason Snyder]

Is this the sapphire crystal?

 

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

Is this the sapphire crystal?

nope. its "Chemically Strengthened Glass"... so, glass. The bezel does protect the glass much more so than the fenix just because it rises up higher than the glass. Less chance of any scratching.

 

[Wrongside]

Its def possible. Garmin has recently been EXTREMELY tight lipped regarding new products. My thought is that this 50mm 3 has some of the "tactical" features already. It does have the red shift, and the larger face. The only thing it does not have, that i know of, is the quick kill and jumpmaster modes. Both could easily be done with a firmware update. So short answer is, IDK... sorry!

No apology necessary! Thank you for all the info you were able to provide. I was hoping for a Tac model, maybe with AB. These Garmins are getting mighty tempting!

 

[S&S Archery (Rob)]

Hey guys, just wanted to get you an update after using the Instinct 3 AMOLED for a few weeks. Battery life is much better than i expected. 2 full weeks WITH always on display, and that includes 2 strength activities and 2 hiking activities. This honestly feels a lot like my Fenix without all the extra stuff i never use. Includes all the tracking that i enjoy, like sleep, calories, and naps...... not sure why they added that. And the smart watch features are just as good as the Fenix 7. Pretty darn happy so far!

 

[WSMHNTR]

I wonder how the 3 compares to the 2x tactical with some of its upgraded features? Those are the two I'm stuck between. I definitely want the shift light and having the ability to have applied ballistics on my wrist seems nice with the tactical but not a necessity.

 

[Wrongside]

I wonder how the 3 compares to the 2x tactical with some of its upgraded features? Those are the two I'm stuck between. I definitely want the shift light and having the ability to have applied ballistics on my wrist seems nice with the tactical but not a necessity.

I was going back and forth between those 2 as well. The sales on the 2x Tactical finally convinced me to purchase. I’ve been using it a few weeks now and really, really like it. The battery life/solar charging is awesome- it’s still at 29 days/84% and always been in smartwatch mode. With some messing around in GPS mode. Spend a day in the sun and it’ll gain 3-5%. Battery saver extends it out to 85 days at current charge levels. The light is a great feature, I use it regularly.

You’re probably aware, but it’s $300 USD to unlock the AB Elite app. It would be a nice thing to have, but I would rather put the money toward upgrading my rangefinder to a unit with onboard AB.