GPS watches Garmin instinct

[HighUintas]

Looking at getting a Garmin instinct 2 solar, either the 45mm size or 2x 50mm size to replace my Fenix 5x. I've read the instinct 3 does not have any useful improvements. It sounds like it's mostly the addition of an amoled screen and a very slightly improved battery life on the 45mm size maybe the smaller one too but haven't looked at it.

How's the battery life on the 2 solar 45mm and 2x solar? How's the size? I used to wear my first gen tactix all the time but this Fenix 5x is huge and is a bit intrusive when trying to get tight sleeved cuffs off.

Is the extra battery of the 2x really worth it? Even the 2 45mm should be a huge improvement on battery over my Fenix.

 

[Huntinmechanic]

I have the Garmin instinct 3 solar 50mm and I am a basic user. It is my first smartwatch. I got a great deal through GovX earlier this year. That's really the only reason I went with the 3 over the 2.

I work outside 90% and spend most of my home hours outside or in my shop. The battery will easily last 35+ days for me. As I'm sure you know, any features that continually monitor, significantly reduces battery life.

The size is good for me. I'm a larger than average man and the 50mm face looks proportional. It will cause issue with tight sleeves, button cuffs and gloves.

I bought it mainly for tracking a few biometrics when I hike/train. It seems to do a good job at that. It's also really good at telling time and sunrise/sunset! I wear it daily now, but that wasn't my intention when purchased. I quickly realized wearing a watch was much easier than pulling out my phone to see the time and date.

 

[HOT ROD]

I have 45mm and the battery last 30+ days for me and I am just a basic user and it works for what I want it to do.... Would defiantly buy another one...

 

[Jermh]

I've had the 2x solar for a year and a half or so. Very pleased with battery life. I typically go a couple months between charges but I'm rarely GPS tracking with it and I work outside so that makes a big difference. It's nice that the flashlight isn't gimmicky and is actually useable....I use it far more than I expected to. Very happy with durability. Im a concrete carpenter and never take the watch off so it sees it's share of abuse and is still in very good shape. One scratch on the face and is actually still on the original band, though the band could probably be replaced at this point. I'm really pleased with it overall and would buy again.

 

[406flyfish]

I had the solar 2 for a few years and enjoyed it. If you're outside the majority of the time, the battery will almost last indefinitely.

Pretty disappointed with their solar 3. Marginal updates at best. They did implement a LED light that is pretty handy. They also updated to Multi-Band GPS. I ended up returning for an Apple Ultra. Negative is it only last a few days, but a 15 min charge can get it to 80%. Having the ability to “SOS” was the icing on the cake.

You can probably find the Solar 2 for fairly cheap online, maybe even check Ebay.

 

[HighUintas]

Thanks all. Looking at Garmin page for 2 vs 2x or 2x tactical, I couldn't find any differences in features other than size and battery life and a couple of extra programs on the tactical version.

Does that sound right?

Edit: misremembering that. Significant difference between the standard instinct solar and the x. Not much difference between x and tactical

 

[Wrongside]

I've had the 2x solar for a year and a half or so. Very pleased with battery life. I typically go a couple months between charges but I'm rarely GPS tracking with it and I work outside so that makes a big difference. It's nice that the flashlight isn't gimmicky and is actually useable....I use it far more than I expected to. Very happy with durability. Im a concrete carpenter and never take the watch off so it sees it's share of abuse and is still in very good shape. One scratch on the face and is actually still on the original band, though the band could probably be replaced at this point. I'm really pleased with it overall and would buy again.

Similar experience and opinion here. In the winter I charge it once a month at 20-25%.

Thanks all. Looking at Garmin page for 2 vs 2x or 2x tactical, I couldn't find any differences in features other than size and battery life and a couple of extra programs on the tactical version.

Does that sound right?

Edit: misremembering that. Significant difference between the standard instinct solar and the x. Not much difference between x and tactical

Yeah, the X has some useful features over the standard. The Tactical has a few additional apps/activities- Jumpmaster, AB (expensive activation required), etc- and a green light option.

The 3x Solar has a nicer, higher resolution screen, more powerful GPS, and supposedly better solar charging/battery. It also has the ‘rucking’ activity, which I wish Garmin would’ve added to all the Instinct watches.

 

[twall13]

I just picked up an instinct 3 solar after my Instinct 2 solar died on me. It has a flashlight built in and I've found I use it more than I thought I would. Always conveniently there and easy to deploy.

I also like the rucking activity and wish that was on all garmin watches.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[HighUintas]

Looking a bit more I also see that the 3 solar has the flashlight and gyroscope and improved GPS systems where for the 2 those are only available in the 2x. I may have to go with the 3 despite lower battery life since the flashlight and smaller face is what I was wanting.

 

[Wrongside]

Some good sales on both 2 & 3 lines right now. Good time to buy.

 

[Rjk300]

My garmin instinct non solar is at least 3 years old and still can go about a month without charging while not connected to blue tooth. The metal pins holding the band on can get magnetized over time and mess with the compass so if it won’t work properly when calibrated change them out.

 

[flyinsquirel]

Instinct solar 2: 30 days of battery life if you don’t have the pulse-ox turned on. 20 if you do. This is with little to no use of the gps. Unless you are getting a lot of sun daily, expect the solar to be of minimal help. You can turn the watch off and lay it in the sun to recoup a days worth of juice in a couple hrs or so. No complaints other than the proprietary charge cord instead of usb-c

 

[twall13]

Instinct solar 2: 30 days of battery life if you don’t have the pulse-ox turned on. 20 if you do. This is with little to no use of the gps. Unless you are getting a lot of sun daily, expect the solar to be of minimal help. You can turn the watch off and lay it in the sun to recoup a days worth of juice in a couple hrs or so. No complaints other than the proprietary charge cord instead of usb-c

Not sure they could do USB C and keep it waterproof.

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