Garmin Instinct GPS watch

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Jordan Budd

Jordan Budd

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Download the Garmin Expolorer app, I haven’t tried it but believe this is what your talking about.

Yep that’s what I have. Just waiting for the maps to download to play with it.


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tdhanses

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Yep that’s what I have. Just waiting for the maps to download to play with it.


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It’s very similar to Earthmate, I like Earthmate better but all I used it for was to initially see what it was like and make a waypoint which was my house so can’t say I’ve really tried it.
 

CLibka

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So I currently own the fenix 5x plus. and like others have said, I rarely use it to its full potential. So I am interested in the instinct. The one functionality I did find myself using often was the calibrate altitude via GPS function on the fenix. Does the instinct have that ability or does it just rely on its barometer? If it is the later I am going to find it hard to part with my fenix as a barometer only calibration is less than ideal.
 
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Received my Instinct for Christmas and it’s been pretty great so far. Battery life is excellent and navigating around the watch is fairly easy too. (Been wearing a Fenix 5x for over a year now has probably helped with my easy navigation though). Much lighter weight than my 5x and the screen is very easy to read in any condition light. Pairs right up with my chest strap and tracks HR and workouts well. Started playing with navigation features and follow me features. Tracks seem to look pretty consistent with each other on the known routes I take. Haven’t found any complaints yet and for the price and features it offers I can’t see it being beaten. Looking forward to JB’s more in depth review.
 
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So I currently own the fenix 5x plus. and like others have said, I rarely use it to its full potential. So I am interested in the instinct. The one functionality I did find myself using often was the calibrate altitude via GPS function on the fenix. Does the instinct have that ability or does it just rely on its barometer? If it is the later I am going to find it hard to part with my fenix as a barometer only calibration is less than ideal.
Instinct will cal using GPS.

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ChrisS

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I picked up an Instinct after my vivosmart HR+ was stolen. I really like it as a day-to-day watch. The HR-sensor looks to be pretty spot-on compared to the bar sensors on the treadmill. But I don't need a ton of accuracy on that anyway, just as long as I know which HR zone I'm in for. Like others, I haven't been able to get out and use the GPS function, but that will change.

Between ONX, Gaia, Garmin explorer, my RINO, Basecamp, and Google Earth, I shouldn't have trouble figuring out where I am, I'm just going to have to figure out how to get them to all play nice together.
 

boom

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I wish the instinct had the O2 saturation monitoring. I think that would be great interesting data at high elevations.

You Fenix 5X plus folks. Does it work? Is it accurate?
 

Joseph08

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Hey sliders! Hope everyone had an awesome Christmas.

A couple days ago I received the new Garmin Instinct watch sold by S&S Archery and wanted to give an initial impression. I also wanted to open a discussion on this thread for questions and specific things you’d like to see for the final review in a few months. Here is a link to the watch: Garmin Instinct GPS Smartwatch – S&S Archery

For the review I will be doing some comparisons to the Suunto Traverse Alpha watch that I already own and have used this year. While it’s not an apples to apples comparison I wanted to approach it for the backcountry hunter, but also as a regular day to day watch for when we aren’t hunting.

Initially my thoughts after opening the box were holy cow this thing is light and the wrist band is really stretchy, it should be comfortable. Which it is very comfortable. After turning on and playing with it yesterday I’m super impressed. I haven’t dug into the GPS functions yet, but for the menu layout and features I’m sold on it for a day to day watch. I’m a bit of a techy, so being able to pair with my phone and read new texts, alerts and have control over the music I’m playing is pretty cool. Adds value to how I look at the watch because it won’t only be a backcountry tool for me, it’s going to be a tool for everyday use. So far between the two for everyday use, I see the Garmin being more user friendly with more options over the Suunto.

I’m really excited about this watch, especially at the price point. Rokslide members are eligible for a discount over at S&S so if it interests you, send S&S Rob a PM on the forum.


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Can you please elaborate on the features?
 

NDGuy

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I bought the watch and love it so far! Has anyone been brave enough to test water resistance? I am still too nervous to jump in the shower with it ha
 
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I bought the watch and love it so far! Has anyone been brave enough to test water resistance? I am still too nervous to jump in the shower with it ha
I've showered with it every day since receiving it for Christmas. You're good.

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twall13

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I bought the watch and love it so far! Has anyone been brave enough to test water resistance? I am still too nervous to jump in the shower with it ha
I've also showered with it daily for about a month and a half. Also done some swimming in a pool and the ocean without any issues. In the unlikely event you did have an issue, I'm sure Garmin would warranty it as it has a pretty good water resistance rating.
 
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NDGuy

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I saw the water rating was good yesterday just wanted a 1st hand account (y)
 

tdhanses

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I bought the watch and love it so far! Has anyone been brave enough to test water resistance? I am still too nervous to jump in the shower with it ha

I’ve tested that daily for a good 4 or 5 months, so far so good 😂
 

CLibka

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I wish the instinct had the O2 saturation monitoring. I think that would be great interesting data at high elevations.

You Fenix 5X plus folks. Does it work? Is it accurate?
I work in an operating room and have access to accurate pulse ox data ... my fenix 5x plus never gave an accurate reading on O2 sat. It mostly said I was almost dead. And I would compare the OR's Pulse Ox vs the watch at the same time, never matched. I would pass on the tech for now, it seems it has a long way to go.
 

boom

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I work in an operating room and have access to accurate pulse ox data ... my fenix 5x plus never gave an accurate reading on O2 sat. It mostly said I was almost dead. And I would compare the OR's Pulse Ox vs the watch at the same time, never matched. I would pass on the tech for now, it seems it has a long way to go.
Thanks bud. Prob saved me some cash.
 

CLibka

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Thanks bud. Prob saved me some cash.
I should add one qualification. While the Pulse Ox leaves a lot to be desired, all other functions are great. but I think there are other Fenix watches that do every other thing minus pulse ox for considerably less. In the end, the Instinct is perfect for my needs.
 
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