Hey folks! Thanks for watching, don't forget to check out the full in-depth review, including all the detailed GPS accuracy testing, HR sensor testing and more: www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/10/garmin-instinct-gps-watch-in-depth-review.html
I followed the link and its the same video here. I am curious does the gps also upload the data to the internet, to show me that lets say i walked 400 feet at 5 oclock etc?
I never liked smart watches because almost all of them look really bitch like and so never got one but saw this and I was like damn cause I was originally going to get a g shock ani digital watch and this came up with the gps heart rate rugged techy shit it looks awsome sounds awsome able withstand 300 under water which is crazy
I've been a gshock guy for years. Love the rugged durability of them. The gshock look is what drew me to even look at this. I haven't bought a smart watch because I seem to wreck watches for some reason and gshocks have been the only ones I havent somehow busted. A smart watch with gshock durability is something I'd be interested in
It seems like the smartwatch style features of this are pretty barebones, but if you're looking for a running watch that has G-Shock durability this is definitely the watch for you. It looks like this is military spec durability, similar to G-Shock.
Absolutely! I've had a G-shock since 2013 it's been on a tour to Iraq, operating heavy equipment, banged against chains, beat around in an asphalt shingles manufacturing plant, I'm extremely tough on it and the damn thing still hasn't broke or even needed a new battery yet! Highly debating on buying the instinct though.
I really don't get people disliking this megawatch because it doesn't has Garmin IQ. It has so many customizable features. Who needs third party designs if the original is perfect. Love the ruggedized look and the bold figures. Pre-ordered. Can't wait. Thanks for this review
Seriously thinking about getting one of these. I always was hoping to find a watch designed like the G-shock I had from when I was in the Marine Corps.
I have seen a few videos of your reviews in the past. I am currently thinking of purchasing this and I find your pros and cons in the article as well as demonstrations helpful. Thanks for the great work and detailed overview
I actually like the simplicity of this watch. I have the Fenix 3 and sure it has connect IQ but the less complex the OS the better for stability. I hate, HATE when the watch bugs out if I’m going through different widgets or fields while recording an activity and I lose everything. The price point is debatable but definitely going to wait and see how others like it.
Thanks for the review. I've been researching this for about a week now. Still deciding. My two hang ups are lack of Connect IQ and biking. Thanks for commenting on those topics!
@@americanboondocks the non-solar was about 2 weeks the solar I charge once every 8 weeks ish. To be fair I dont wear it every day but when fully charged the display will tell you how many days it will last based on usage and it always starts at 24 days after a full charge. Im really impressed with both of them, REALLY like the solar version though.
@@ashyyyk8098 good question I’m not too sure. Ive never used it for that but I have used it for walking, hiking, motorcycles, quads and it’s always been really accurate and rugged.
I appreciate you showing how to customize the screens, as someone who is looking primarily for a running/biking watch, that answers a lot of my questions about what data fields I can show simultaneously.
Thanks for the detailed review. And for the informal drop test. I'm not a touch screen fan and somewhat hard on my stuff so this seems like a good deal for me. It might be a bit big on me but I currently wear a men's Timex expedition watch so I think it will be fine.
Ive bought this watch after researching multiple garmin watches and checking my wallet. Its been 6 days and I love it. Its a fitness tracker watch with great battery life and toughness of a g shock.
Hello, I wanted to ask you a question about the swimming app. How many fields are displayed simultaneously on a screen? Can you have multiple screens like on the fenix? Can I ask you some pictures if possible? Thanks a lot!
Cool. Did you experience any issues with the altimeter: I heard that the sensor is on the back of the watch and that the sweat is impacting how the sensor reads the altitude. Thanks.
Love mine!!!! My awesome boyfriend just bought me one of these cause my Garmin Forerunner230 finally broke after being on my wrist everyday for the last 4 years!!!!
I've been on quite the watch adventure. In this order over many years - Fenix 3 HR 3 days and returned, Fenix 3 refurbished 1.5 years and sold, Fenix 5x a few months and sold, Fenix 5x Plus a few months and sold, Casio Protrek current. This new Garmin might be my perfect mix. Not too smart, not too dumb. None of the junk people highlight as key features but there is no way they actually use them. I loved the simplicity of the Protrek, but missed a few of the Garmin Fenix features. Should have the watch by Tuesday!
I've been rocking a Timex Ironman for a decade now and I always wanted to get a smartwatch/fitness tracker but hated the complexity. This is so simple and it's going for $170 now so it's a no brainer
I've never been a big fan of Connect IQ. I have other Garmins and I barely use anything except the Line watch face. Being 68 now I'm more into hiking than running and this seems the perfect fit.
I used mine for years, absolute beater. Climbing, swimming, biking, camping, you name it. But also as a daily watch as a medic. I was very reluctant to depart from it but the flashlight id the 2x tactical got me. (That and that would not be using any of the features including the app) gave my instinct to my younger brother, crystal unscratched, battery holding like new, the case worn (or "weathered" if I may say it). And still think about it sometimes.
Thanks for the video, it made my mind up. Annoyingly the instinct is the watch I needed a year ago when I bought the vivoactive 3. I have barely used it as it felt to delicate.
Thanks for the review, it helped me settle on this watch. Just thought I’d say I’m the person who used the area calculation function. It read slightly less than an etrex30 when walking the same garden.
Never use the area calc eh!!! Volunteer firefighter....... this was one of the main reasons I bought this watch to enable easy calulation of the fire ground, works a treat..... :)
Have you done anything with the tactical version? I am in the military and wanted to know if this would be a decent alternative to the Tactics line Garmin has.
This is a crap watch for the military... to use the temp feature you have to buy an accessory that you then have to connect with the watch. If you want temp, you have to carry that temp device everywhere with you. IMHO... useles as a military watch... how do I know this... because I bought one. Complete and utter false marketing/advertising! I know I Will not waste my money on Garmin products anymore!
@@justinsmith8161 in their website it says you need the other part. It is a nice watch though with its night vision and jump master feature but that's a pretty niche market since not everyone jumps from planes.
This is the design that the fenix range should have always been, i was excited when i saw this announced until I've watched your video and read the specs. If it would have had the running dynamics (vo2 max etc) i could have forgiven the poor screen with the same pixels as the forerunner 35, i would have even swapped it over my fenix 5. Dont care for the connect iq or garmin pay or music, they should have just added that little bit extra. Oh and it does come with open water swimming unless Garmin have got that wrong on their website.
@@KrazyKrzysztof Canadian Rockies, eh! ;) It gets mind-blowing after just 1hr drive west from Calgary. Look up Lake Louise, Icefield Parkway. Canadian Dollar is pretty low now, foreigners with USD or EUR get almost 50% boost in their spending power. Visit Canada, we're friendly ;)
That's my dream watch. That's the case i want the Fenix 5 plus to come in.
6 лет назад+37
I don't get why you don't like it. Screen has elevated bezel, so It's harder to scratch while climbing, also on direct sunlight it's has way better readability than Fenix 5. I can't find any function that I would miss, as for the outdoor activities it has them all, they don't forget to add barometer for altitude and storm alarm and as for the fitness I'm happy with basic running and biking I don't need anything else.
Bought an unboxed/refurbished Instinct as a first smart watch step. Was hoping to see the start sequence with this review but this is omitted. The watch I have will not boot up to get to the menu options so I’m returning it. Probably need to find an “unboxing” version just to make sure I’m starting this correctly. According to the instruction manual I am, but video instruction is much more valuable.
I think your video just convinced me that this is the watch I'm going to get. I work at a camp with a lot of hiking and climbing. I'll also be doing a bit of swimming here and there.
Hey guys, i bought garmin instinct, i really loved it as i need something sturdy for my work environment. My question is, can i add any sensor/ hrm chest straps to get pulseox or vo2 max ? If yes, how? . I really dont want to replace it with another watch. Thanks
I just got one of these; very nice review! It’s weird how Justin Timberlake sneaked into your playlist; must have been a glitch. Hopefully Garmin fixed that in an update.
Apple Watch is overpriced/overrated crap. I could test one for quite a few weeks and I got exhausted from it. Personally, The interface is useless for running activity, nothing compared to Garmin or Suunto. It grabs the satellites fast though but the rest is a non-go for me.
I already have a 935. Although this doesn't have recovery time nor training load, TrueUp will sync it to 935 for calculation. I will most likely use 935 for the routine workout anyway, while keeping this as daily beater. Since I committed to fitness tracking, my G-shock has been on the desk. Would love to have the old school looks on my wrist again.
The VO2Max stuff was probably left out because the ability to process vertical running data on the basis of the altimeter, in terms of filtering in the "reliability" phase, most likely requires computational complexity several orders of magnitude higher than what is actually being done in the cheaper wearables. The omission of Garmin IQ may have something to do with the way the screen customization is being done at the watch level... so allowing apps to take control over that could have specific problems that are not present with simpler wearables that require the use of phone-apps to do any kind of screen customization.
If you're a marathoner you should probably go Garmin instead of Apple Watch. Apple Watch battery life is way lower than Garmin's. For just basic GPS run tracking up to like 2 hour runs, they function pretty much the same. Apple Watch obviously has much better smartwatch / non-fitness features.
Hey I really like how this looks.....and though it has no iq store , it’s got loads of data screens/ widgets with all the data you need.....very interested.......thanks for this great in-depth review...... Cheers.
A good vid but what is being pressed with finger during Navigation mode (halfway through the vid) is unclear. A first impression is that there may be a further button above GPS button - when there isn't. Maybe this specific button selection is easier understood (for the purpose of the video) if one finger is used rather than two (which does show ease of use). i.e It is not absolutely clear which button is being pressed at times. A profile pic of the device (side shots) would also be good. Thanks for the Vid.
Great review. Your video helped me a lot. I just got my watch for Christmas and love it. Quick question. I seen the dog tracker. Have you tried to use it? I have a working K9 at home and might try it.
You made me wanna buy it at telling me it had no golfing mode 😂, nah i have this watch , absolutely love it, its no preppy frills and all outdoor business
Hi, I'm a new subscriber to your site and UK resident. Also new to smartwatches. Very impressed with the depth of your Garmin Instinct review. I am an iPhone user, and wonder what you would recommend as the best smartwatch with the best features for IOS. As an 81 year old man, I am not into all the outdoor activities, just want something to play with, particularly during the virus lockdown. I am a keen G Shock user, so that may help you with your answer. Many thanks, and sorry if this is outside your scope of response.
Thanks for the review, great as usual! I’ve had a Fenix five before but I returned it after big problems with the altimeter... I now use the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and it works just perfect. The watch I use now is a Casio G-Shock which I like a-lot but i miss some of the nice smart watch features, so when I saw the instinct I started to think about Garmin again.. Now two questions that I should be very glad to get answered. 1: How is the visibility of the display in low light conditions compared to the Fenix 5 (no display light on)? 2: How good is the connection to the phone and external sensors ( distance and obstacles in the way) ? The Fenix 5 had big problems to keep connected to the phone when i was mountain biking when I had the watch on the handlebars and the phone was in the back pocket. All the best, Carl
Hello! Is it possible to turn off: 1. Ant+ 2. Bluetooth 3. GPS Directly from the watch? I would like to have a “full flight mode /airplane mode” on it...(similar to that on the Apple Watch). Thank you in advance for your reply and Best regards
Excellent review! I am thinking of getting a sports watch and I am not sure which one to get. If you had to choose between Coros pace 2 and Garmin Instinct (not the solar version) which one would you choose? Thank you very much!
Great review, I have watched it a couple of times and read your very thorough article. Thanks. Do you have a view on the Instinct Solar with revised power management and the O2 monitor etc? I can get an Instinct Solar and a Fenix 5 Plus (47mm) for a similar price. What is your view on the choice for a hiker? O2 to monitor load ( with long battery) vs. Topo maps should you go off piste and more features? One last question. Everyone shows the watches in bright light so the figures look very clear. How do the Instinct and Fenix 6 go in dull light, inside or at night? Thanks
Thanks for the videos they are really helpful. Between Garmin Instinct , Polar Vantage M and Forerunner 735xt, which one will be good for long distance runner?
This is a great looking watch! I have the current fenix 5 series, and so do not need this, but I think it was a good move on Garmin’s part to come up with a device with this mixed feature set for a reasonable price. In hindsight, that might explain their decision to move the fenix series a little up-market. And, actually, it may not be a bad idea to have one of these for those times you don’t want to bash the fenix around (or just don’t want the extra weight).
I had high hopes when I bought the Instinct... Generally it is pretty good, but there is 1 huge flaw with mine and that’s the altitude measurement which are *WAY* out. I compared routes I know really well and the garmin over-reads but a totally unacceptable amount. Runs with 260m of gain we’re showing me well over 400m... my local 8km is around 90m of elevation gain and the garmin showed my 165m... almost DOUBLE. Took it back to garmin and they replaced the watch. 4 runs with the second watch, same issue. Took it back again and they replied saying they tested it and it’s fine. Let’s see when I run with it again, but not impressed so far.
This was the comment I was looking for as barometric altitude would be one of the key reasons for me to buy this watch. I just read that the sensor is on the back of the watch. As a result, the sweat (and dirt) can impact the sensor and lead to wrong altitude reading. That is a real bummer. I don't understand why Garmin designed it that way as they placed the altitude sensor on the side of other watches (Fenix, Vivoactive 3, FR 645)... I mean this is supposed to be an outdoor watch that you would use for hiking in the mountains etc. So altitude matters. Thanks for confirming that this is an issue. I won't buy this watch then.
Garmin instinct or suunto spartan trainer? I own the suunto spartan trainer but have been considering the Garmin instinct for its longer battery life, more rugged design, compass, and weather alerts. But no VO2 max is kind of a bummer. Also the watch face on the Garmin instinct has way more information and customization in comparison to the suunto spartan. I mainly use my suunto for running, hiking, swimming, and martial arts.
Great review. Would I lose many functions if I didn't want to pair it with a smart phone? And can you turn pairing off on this watch or is it always 'searching'? Thanks!
Just bought one and so far I hate it. The good news it can only get better. I am an old guy. My main activity is cycling. I bought it because I don't always sleep well and wanted to monitor my sleep (one of the selling points). I can't figure it out. The manual that came with it doesn't say much. I am hoping I don't need to bring a phone with me while out on my bike or it is useless for me. It might take a while to figure it out. It is complicated. This is coming from a retired engineer. This is my first activity watch. The cherry on top was that it buzzed a few times last night while I was sleeping. Not connected to my phone so I have no idea why. Needless to say, a poor nights sleep only got worse. Question. Is it functional without a phone?
I've always considered this one when I was ready to move from an old 230. And I watched this when you 1st posted it - but I somehow missed that it didn't sync w/ Connect IQ (for forgot). How does that even make sense? How do you export analytics? Do it to a diff platform? Feels like a huge deal breaker.
Does this watch have anyway for someone to track you. Like for example u get badly hurt in the wilderness is there way for someone to look up your gps location?
Hi, thanks for the great video, very informative as always. Can you please clarify 1 point? Does this watch support open water swimming? In this video you suggested it doesnt, however in the in-depth write up on your website you state that open water swimming is supported. Thanks.
Good job on the video! Perhaps you could advise me in a purchase? I currently have the Non-Heartrate Vivoactive, I work as a landscaper and it has taken it's fair share of beating, while still doing great. (Trying to say I am rough on my watch) How much better is the Instinct in durability? (This would be a deal breaker for me if it is not better) I am really interested in the HR aspect of the Instinct, for aerobic activities. This seems like a decent watch, I don't use Connect IQ a lot, but if I waited to buy a later model, would Garmin add the Connect IQ feature?
João, não sei se você é brasileiro ou português, mas parece saber sobre os relógios da Garmin. Posso tirar algumas dúvidas com você? Me ajuda aqui. O que é e para que serve esse IQ que ele disse que não veio neste relógio? Quais são os prós e contras desse relógio? Qual o melhor um forerunner 735xt ou esse instinct? Vou entrar na polícia do DF agora no início de 2019, e como nosso treinamento será bem pesado (terra, lama, fogo, trepidações, sol, água, etc.) eu havia pensado em comprar um g shock military, mas como eu também costumo correr, preciso de um gps.
So for a normal guy (who's not an adventurer or military) who just wants a good training partner. Is this overkill or do you think it's worth it? It's a huge sale right now so I'm thinking of getting one.
The list of functions that you say are missing from this watch is actually intended, because Garmin designed this watch aimed to those who don't care about those functions and are more for ex military people... If you want all the missing functions, you would go for the VivoActive or Fenix... There is no need for Garmin to make another one if these watches, and if it does, this watch would cost what it cost.... This watch is perfect for those who do not need the extra... Just the bare minimum.... There was a complain about the barometer being stuck underneath, was it a problem for you ?
Hey folks! Thanks for watching, don't forget to check out the full in-depth review, including all the detailed GPS accuracy testing, HR sensor testing and more: www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/10/garmin-instinct-gps-watch-in-depth-review.html
I followed the link and its the same video here. I am curious does the gps also upload the data to the internet, to show me that lets say i walked 400 feet at 5 oclock etc?
Can the current GPS location display be changed to display in MGRS format instead of lat/long?
Is there an airplane mode so that Bluetooth is not always on?
Can you do me the biggest favor and tell me if I should get this or a Fenix 5 original
miha188 No airline cares if your watch is on.
"I don't know why Justin Timberlake was playing on my Spotify" ssuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrreeeeeee
😂
caught that too :-) no guys wants to get that on film haha
digging the G-Shock looks though
This!!
As a gshock wearer for 15 years this is definitely the smart watch for me
Me too!!! Finally found a smart watch I can wear
Perfect Father’s Day gift
I never liked smart watches because almost all of them look really bitch like and so never got one but saw this and I was like damn cause I was originally going to get a g shock ani digital watch and this came up with the gps heart rate rugged techy shit it looks awsome sounds awsome able withstand 300 under water which is crazy
Are g shocks good for white water kayaking?
I've been a gshock guy for years. Love the rugged durability of them. The gshock look is what drew me to even look at this. I haven't bought a smart watch because I seem to wreck watches for some reason and gshocks have been the only ones I havent somehow busted. A smart watch with gshock durability is something I'd be interested in
GymJunkie23 same.was so close to buying a gwg mudmaster but my head turned when I heard about this one.
Same, wished g shock would get smarter
Wierd, only watches iv manage to destroy is the Gshock 🤭
It seems like the smartwatch style features of this are pretty barebones, but if you're looking for a running watch that has G-Shock durability this is definitely the watch for you. It looks like this is military spec durability, similar to G-Shock.
Absolutely! I've had a G-shock since 2013 it's been on a tour to Iraq, operating heavy equipment, banged against chains, beat around in an asphalt shingles manufacturing plant, I'm extremely tough on it and the damn thing still hasn't broke or even needed a new battery yet! Highly debating on buying the instinct though.
I really don't get people disliking this megawatch because it doesn't has Garmin IQ. It has so many customizable features. Who needs third party designs if the original is perfect.
Love the ruggedized look and the bold figures.
Pre-ordered. Can't wait.
Thanks for this review
Well said. I love mine.
Thanks for showing the "Do Course" feature at 11:51 which is what I was after. Cheers!
Thank you for the details and physically showing the features available on the watch's screen. Best and most detailed review I have found so far.
80s RULE! I need one of these! ;) Oh, and FIRST!
😳😂😂😂😂
Seriously thinking about getting one of these. I always was hoping to find a watch designed like the G-shock I had from when I was in the Marine Corps.
They have a different Camouflage limited edition. You gonna love it.
I had one in the corps and as a patrol man, it was definitely a good investment.
Thank you, this is exactly what I'm looking for when I look up reviews/demo on gear like this.
I have seen a few videos of your reviews in the past. I am currently thinking of purchasing this and I find your pros and cons in the article as well as demonstrations helpful. Thanks for the great work and detailed overview
Thanks!!
I actually like the simplicity of this watch. I have the Fenix 3 and sure it has connect IQ but the less complex the OS the better for stability. I hate, HATE when the watch bugs out if I’m going through different widgets or fields while recording an activity and I lose everything. The price point is debatable but definitely going to wait and see how others like it.
Thanks for the review. I've been researching this for about a week now. Still deciding. My two hang ups are lack of Connect IQ and biking. Thanks for commenting on those topics!
So did you decide? These are my hesitations as well.
What was the issue with biking.?
2 years after this was made this is still my favourite smart watch.
I’m getting one now lol
How's the battery life?
@@americanboondocks the non-solar was about 2 weeks the solar I charge once every 8 weeks ish. To be fair I dont wear it every day but when fully charged the display will tell you how many days it will last based on usage and it always starts at 24 days after a full charge. Im really impressed with both of them, REALLY like the solar version though.
@@Packinheat1175 is it worth it to buy in 2022 for a cyclists?
@@ashyyyk8098 good question I’m not too sure. Ive never used it for that but I have used it for walking, hiking, motorcycles, quads and it’s always been really accurate and rugged.
I appreciate you showing how to customize the screens, as someone who is looking primarily for a running/biking watch, that answers a lot of my questions about what data fields I can show simultaneously.
Could you pop in some time chapters please? Makes it easier for when I come back to check something.
Cheers
Robin
No offense, how do you only have 112K subs? I've watched your videos for years, they're always great.
love this comment . says "no offense" then proceeds to complement the person xD.
Small target group. Not many people use watches these says.
Most people do more sit on their butts or run at the gym 😂
Again love the detailed comparison with other models. placing a product in a context makes it just so much better
Part of me died while watching you throw it on the rock
i died laughing
Hisham Ghosheh (k
I would hope it wasn't that flimsy and fragile. Appeared to be a fairly careful drop.
Gently dropped from 3 feet and you died🙄
Hisham Ghosheh 🤣🤣🤣
Love mine! Battery life is amazing. Rugged good looks and has all the functions that I wanted.
Thanks for the detailed review. And for the informal drop test. I'm not a touch screen fan and somewhat hard on my stuff so this seems like a good deal for me. It might be a bit big on me but I currently wear a men's Timex expedition watch so I think it will be fine.
skip to 7:02
Ive bought this watch after researching multiple garmin watches and checking my wallet. Its been 6 days and I love it. Its a fitness tracker watch with great battery life and toughness of a g shock.
Hello,
I wanted to ask you a question about the swimming app.
How many fields are displayed simultaneously on a screen?
Can you have multiple screens like on the fenix?
Can I ask you some pictures if possible?
Thanks a lot!
Cool. Did you experience any issues with the altimeter: I heard that the sensor is on the back of the watch and that the sweat is impacting how the sensor reads the altitude. Thanks.
Love mine!!!! My awesome boyfriend just bought me one of these cause my Garmin Forerunner230 finally broke after being on my wrist everyday for the last 4 years!!!!
This seems to have everything I love about the fenix 5x, minus topographical maps. Might be worth a downgrade!
An upgrade ;)
Wow, this thing is perfect, finally Garmin makes a watch that does not look like a computer! The baby of a fenix 5 and a Casio Protrek!!! Love it
Agreed. I like it
I've been on quite the watch adventure. In this order over many years - Fenix 3 HR 3 days and returned, Fenix 3 refurbished 1.5 years and sold, Fenix 5x a few months and sold, Fenix 5x Plus a few months and sold, Casio Protrek current. This new Garmin might be my perfect mix. Not too smart, not too dumb. None of the junk people highlight as key features but there is no way they actually use them. I loved the simplicity of the Protrek, but missed a few of the Garmin Fenix features. Should have the watch by Tuesday!
I've been rocking a Timex Ironman for a decade now and I always wanted to get a smartwatch/fitness tracker but hated the complexity. This is so simple and it's going for $170 now so it's a no brainer
I've never been a big fan of Connect IQ. I have other Garmins and I barely use anything except the Line watch face. Being 68 now I'm more into hiking than running and this seems the perfect fit.
Great review, just ordered it as my belated birthday gift to myself!
Its a year later, and i just did the same for myself! Ha
How do you like it, 2 years later?
“Say Something” is a great f’ing song, btw.
I used mine for years, absolute beater. Climbing, swimming, biking, camping, you name it. But also as a daily watch as a medic. I was very reluctant to depart from it but the flashlight id the 2x tactical got me. (That and that would not be using any of the features including the app) gave my instinct to my younger brother, crystal unscratched, battery holding like new, the case worn (or "weathered" if I may say it). And still think about it sometimes.
Thanks for this. I just bought one and wanted a short rundown, this was perfect!!!
Thank you for this video, very informative. I just got one of these for my birthday and this video is very helpful.
If it had Connect IQ, I’d pick one up! My Fenix 5x is for sure my go-to but it would neat to have this one.
Yeah, this is an awesome alternative to the Fenix series, it's like 85% of the features for half the price.
Thanks for the video, it made my mind up.
Annoyingly the instinct is the watch I needed a year ago when I bought the vivoactive 3. I have barely used it as it felt to delicate.
*too delicate
Thanks for the review, it helped me settle on this watch. Just thought I’d say I’m the person who used the area calculation function. It read slightly less than an etrex30 when walking the same garden.
Never use the area calc eh!!! Volunteer firefighter....... this was one of the main reasons I bought this watch to enable easy calulation of the fire ground, works a treat..... :)
Have you done anything with the tactical version? I am in the military and wanted to know if this would be a decent alternative to the Tactics line Garmin has.
This is a crap watch for the military... to use the temp feature you have to buy an accessory that you then have to connect with the watch. If you want temp, you have to carry that temp device everywhere with you.
IMHO... useles as a military watch... how do I know this... because I bought one.
Complete and utter false marketing/advertising!
I know I Will not waste my money on Garmin products anymore!
@@justinsmith8161 in their website it says you need the other part. It is a nice watch though with its night vision and jump master feature but that's a pretty niche market since not everyone jumps from planes.
This is the design that the fenix range should have always been, i was excited when i saw this announced until I've watched your video and read the specs. If it would have had the running dynamics (vo2 max etc) i could have forgiven the poor screen with the same pixels as the forerunner 35, i would have even swapped it over my fenix 5. Dont care for the connect iq or garmin pay or music, they should have just added that little bit extra. Oh and it does come with open water swimming unless Garmin have got that wrong on their website.
Is the gps signal really strong like the handheld devices? I’m looking for something I can use on a dirt bike while in the deep woods.
Just wanted to say,,, nice background view
That's what I thought the damn second I saw the video. HOLY SHIT I WANNA BE THERE
@@KrazyKrzysztof Canadian Rockies, eh! ;) It gets mind-blowing after just 1hr drive west from Calgary. Look up Lake Louise, Icefield Parkway. Canadian Dollar is pretty low now, foreigners with USD or EUR get almost 50% boost in their spending power. Visit Canada, we're friendly ;)
That's my dream watch. That's the case i want the Fenix 5 plus to come in.
I don't get why you don't like it. Screen has elevated bezel, so It's harder to scratch while climbing, also on direct sunlight it's has way better readability than Fenix 5. I can't find any function that I would miss, as for the outdoor activities it has them all, they don't forget to add barometer for altitude and storm alarm and as for the fitness I'm happy with basic running and biking I don't need anything else.
sunlight readability of the fenix 5 is fine? it has the same style display just the fenix's is higher res and has colour.
@@RobertWeatherall you can find already a comparison and the diference is rather big.
Vojtěch Míček Ive owned a Fenix 5 for almost 12 months and I can assure you that you can easily see the screen in direct sunlight
@@RobertWeatherall ok thanks for information
Except I’ve had 2, and on both the elevations are waaaaaaaay out.
Bought an unboxed/refurbished Instinct as a first smart watch step. Was hoping to see the start sequence with this review but this is omitted. The watch I have will not boot up to get to the menu options so I’m returning it. Probably need to find an “unboxing” version just to make sure I’m starting this correctly. According to the instruction manual I am, but video instruction is much more valuable.
In case anyone is interested in purchasing this anytime soon, Cabela's has it on sale for $200 free shipping.
I'm from the Philippines does they send it here also?
@@sanchotongco4881 maybe, not sure
Big fan. I can't afford a casio rangeman and this device far exceeded my expectations.
I still haven't mastered all the features on my Casio G Shock that I got in 2011. Maybe I'll wait awhile before I get one like this Garmin.
Your G shock won't die. I wore my last one for 12 years straight till I got bored of it.
I think your video just convinced me that this is the watch I'm going to get. I work at a camp with a lot of hiking and climbing. I'll also be doing a bit of swimming here and there.
I love my Garmin Instinct. Its rugged as hell, and simple. More than enough features i need. The Fenix is for rich folk that think they are active.
Hey guys, i bought garmin instinct, i really loved it as i need something sturdy for my work environment. My question is, can i add any sensor/ hrm chest straps to get pulseox or vo2 max ? If yes, how? . I really dont want to replace it with another watch.
Thanks
I just got one of these; very nice review! It’s weird how Justin Timberlake sneaked into your playlist; must have been a glitch. Hopefully Garmin fixed that in an update.
Why you dont put affiliate link to amazon in the description?
Hey guys
Want to buy one of these today & as a runner, I want to be sure that this Instinct is more useful than Apple watch 3.
Thanks for sharing 🙌🏻
hey man! Me too! I wanna make sure its good for running as well. Let me know how it is once you get it!
Apple Watch is overpriced/overrated crap. I could test one for quite a few weeks and I got exhausted from it. Personally, The interface is useless for running activity, nothing compared to Garmin or Suunto.
It grabs the satellites fast though but the rest is a non-go for me.
I forgot. I am a life-long user of Apple but enough with the watch and phone. I'll stick to just the computers. ;)
I already have a 935. Although this doesn't have recovery time nor training load, TrueUp will sync it to 935 for calculation. I will most likely use 935 for the routine workout anyway, while keeping this as daily beater. Since I committed to fitness tracking, my G-shock has been on the desk. Would love to have the old school looks on my wrist again.
The VO2Max stuff was probably left out because the ability to process vertical running data on the basis of the altimeter, in terms of filtering in the "reliability" phase, most likely requires computational complexity several orders of magnitude higher than what is actually being done in the cheaper wearables. The omission of Garmin IQ may have something to do with the way the screen customization is being done at the watch level... so allowing apps to take control over that could have specific problems that are not present with simpler wearables that require the use of phone-apps to do any kind of screen customization.
Dammit gonna buy one now watching that. Thank you extremely helpful review for making me buy it!
Hey guys
Want to buy one of these today & as a runner, I want to be sure that this Instinct is more useful than Appl e watch 3.
Thanks for sharing 🙌🏻
I've had mine for about a month now - definitely FAR better for running than an Apple watch.
@@antonvanderbijl6754 but only for running. In other things apple is best.
If you're a marathoner you should probably go Garmin instead of Apple Watch. Apple Watch battery life is way lower than Garmin's. For just basic GPS run tracking up to like 2 hour runs, they function pretty much the same. Apple Watch obviously has much better smartwatch / non-fitness features.
Hey I really like how this looks.....and though it has no iq store , it’s got loads of data screens/ widgets with all the data you need.....very interested.......thanks for this great in-depth review......
Cheers.
I have the instinct tactical and it’s a great watch. The watch is easy to use and very hard wearing.
There is actually some whimsy involved with the small display. I hope Garmin keeps going that direction, some of their stuff feels very utilitarian.
A good vid but what is being pressed with finger during Navigation mode (halfway through the vid) is unclear. A first impression is that there may be a further button above GPS button - when there isn't. Maybe this specific button selection is easier understood (for the purpose of the video) if one finger is used rather than two (which does show ease of use). i.e It is not absolutely clear which button is being pressed at times. A profile pic of the device (side shots) would also be good. Thanks for the Vid.
i don't know how justin timberlake got here, hahahahahah! great review by the way!!!
I really like the look of this watch, and I am seriously thinking about purchasing it. Thanks for the excellent review!
Graham Archer Hope you got something else?
@@Showmetheevidence- why it looks like a nice watch, hope he got it.
Great review. Your video helped me a lot. I just got my watch for Christmas and love it. Quick question. I seen the dog tracker. Have you tried to use it? I have a working K9 at home and might try it.
You made me wanna buy it at telling me it had no golfing mode 😂, nah i have this watch , absolutely love it, its no preppy frills and all outdoor business
Hi, the temperature sensor is from the watch or phone information.
Great video
Hi, I'm a new subscriber to your site and UK resident. Also new to smartwatches. Very impressed with the depth of your Garmin Instinct review. I am an iPhone user, and wonder what you would recommend as the best smartwatch with the best features for IOS. As an 81 year old man, I am not into all the outdoor activities, just want something to play with, particularly during the virus lockdown. I am a keen G Shock user, so that may help you with your answer. Many thanks, and sorry if this is outside your scope of response.
Just grabbed it for $63 at GameStop on clearance. Still good in 2022/2023?
How do you like it?
Thanks for the review, great as usual! I’ve had a Fenix five before but I returned it after big problems with the altimeter... I now use the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt and it works just perfect. The watch I use now is a Casio G-Shock which I like a-lot but i miss some of the nice smart watch features, so when I saw the instinct I started to think about Garmin again.. Now two questions that I should be very glad to get answered. 1: How is the visibility of the display in low light conditions compared to the Fenix 5 (no display light on)? 2: How good is the connection to the phone and external sensors ( distance and obstacles in the way) ? The Fenix 5 had big problems to keep connected to the phone when i was mountain biking when I had the watch on the handlebars and the phone was in the back pocket. All the best, Carl
Hello!
Is it possible to turn off:
1. Ant+
2. Bluetooth
3. GPS
Directly from the watch?
I would like to have a “full flight mode /airplane mode” on it...(similar to that on the Apple Watch).
Thank you in advance for your reply and
Best regards
Yes to all 3.
You can turn the watch off
Excellent review! I am thinking of getting a sports watch and I am not sure which one to get. If you had to choose between Coros pace 2 and Garmin Instinct (not the solar version) which one would you choose? Thank you very much!
Great review, I have watched it a couple of times and read your very thorough article. Thanks.
Do you have a view on the Instinct Solar with revised power management and the O2 monitor etc? I can get an Instinct Solar and a Fenix 5 Plus (47mm) for a similar price. What is your view on the choice for a hiker? O2 to monitor load ( with long battery) vs. Topo maps should you go off piste and more features? One last question. Everyone shows the watches in bright light so the figures look very clear. How do the Instinct and Fenix 6 go in dull light, inside or at night? Thanks
Found your Solar video. ruclips.net/video/nUgu804j-cI/видео.html Thanks
Could you compare Instinct with Fenix 6, please?
Thanks for the videos they are really helpful. Between Garmin Instinct , Polar Vantage M and Forerunner 735xt, which one will be good for long distance runner?
735👍
This is a great looking watch! I have the current fenix 5 series, and so do not need this, but I think it was a good move on Garmin’s part to come up with a device with this mixed feature set for a reasonable price. In hindsight, that might explain their decision to move the fenix series a little up-market. And, actually, it may not be a bad idea to have one of these for those times you don’t want to bash the fenix around (or just don’t want the extra weight).
I had high hopes when I bought the Instinct...
Generally it is pretty good, but there is 1 huge flaw with mine and that’s the altitude measurement which are *WAY* out. I compared routes I know really well and the garmin over-reads but a totally unacceptable amount. Runs with 260m of gain we’re showing me well over 400m... my local 8km is around 90m of elevation gain and the garmin showed my 165m... almost DOUBLE.
Took it back to garmin and they replaced the watch. 4 runs with the second watch, same issue.
Took it back again and they replied saying they tested it and it’s fine.
Let’s see when I run with it again, but not impressed so far.
This was the comment I was looking for as barometric altitude would be one of the key reasons for me to buy this watch. I just read that the sensor is on the back of the watch. As a result, the sweat (and dirt) can impact the sensor and lead to wrong altitude reading. That is a real bummer. I don't understand why Garmin designed it that way as they placed the altitude sensor on the side of other watches (Fenix, Vivoactive 3, FR 645)... I mean this is supposed to be an outdoor watch that you would use for hiking in the mountains etc. So altitude matters. Thanks for confirming that this is an issue. I won't buy this watch then.
If you know what the altitude changes really are, why are you so worried about the watch being able to confirm what you already know?
@@GleCow for the unknown
Garmin instinct or suunto spartan trainer? I own the suunto spartan trainer but have been considering the Garmin instinct for its longer battery life, more rugged design, compass, and weather alerts. But no VO2 max is kind of a bummer. Also the watch face on the Garmin instinct has way more information and customization in comparison to the suunto spartan. I mainly use my suunto for running, hiking, swimming, and martial arts.
nice review! can I add my own gpx trail so i can follow the map on the watch?
same question
Omg thx so much I want this watch and I had no idea what it did thx
does this watch have a backlight so i can analyze my run at night?
excellent review, thanks. At exactly the same price point, would you choose the Instinct or the Fenix 3 HR for outdoor use mainly?
Alejandro Martello Get a polar instead man
there is a new model esports model can you check if it offers the same features?
can you import maps or routes? like a specific hiking trail so that you know if you get off course?
Daaaaammmmm, Garmin just out Casio'd Casio
Pretty much.
Lol this is spot on
Pretty much but that's it. Without ConnectIQ, this is a non starter.
@@JY1199-y1t is that the same thing as Garmin connect?
connect and connect IQ is different, connect IQ for wallpaper, widget etc instinct not need these
Great review. Would I lose many functions if I didn't want to pair it with a smart phone? And can you turn pairing off on this watch or is it always 'searching'? Thanks!
Can you compare the size of the fenix 5x to the instinct, I know the measurements, but is the instinct much smaller in person. I like the size of 5x
Hi! Would you recommend the Instinct or the Fenix 3 HR? My main focus is on every day use, hiking and search and rescue. Do both show coordinates?
Just bought one and so far I hate it. The good news it can only get better. I am an old guy. My main activity is cycling. I bought it because I don't always sleep well and wanted to monitor my sleep (one of the selling points). I can't figure it out. The manual that came with it doesn't say much. I am hoping I don't need to bring a phone with me while out on my bike or it is useless for me. It might take a while to figure it out. It is complicated. This is coming from a retired engineer. This is my first activity watch. The cherry on top was that it buzzed a few times last night while I was sleeping. Not connected to my phone so I have no idea why. Needless to say, a poor nights sleep only got worse.
Question. Is it functional without a phone?
I've always considered this one when I was ready to move from an old 230. And I watched this when you 1st posted it - but I somehow missed that it didn't sync w/ Connect IQ (for forgot). How does that even make sense? How do you export analytics? Do it to a diff platform? Feels like a huge deal breaker.
You can connect it to Garmin Express. I have one and I have the Garmin Express app on my computer.
Does this watch have anyway for someone to track you. Like for example u get badly hurt in the wilderness is there way for someone to look up your gps location?
Hi, thanks for the great video, very informative as always. Can you please clarify 1 point? Does this watch support open water swimming? In this video you suggested it doesnt, however in the in-depth write up on your website you state that open water swimming is supported. Thanks.
It is supported. When I shot the video it wasn’t originally.
@@Dcrainmaker thanks, that's great news. That looks like the watch for me then! I take it you haven't had chance to test it out in open water?
Great video! I'm still stuck between the vivoactive 3 and instinct. No IQ sucks.. but I assume it will still sync with Garmin connect on my phone?
Cape Nelson I’m in the same boat, I can’t decide
Good job on the video!
Perhaps you could advise me in a purchase?
I currently have the Non-Heartrate Vivoactive, I work as a landscaper and it has taken it's fair share of beating, while still doing great. (Trying to say I am rough on my watch)
How much better is the Instinct in durability? (This would be a deal breaker for me if it is not better)
I am really interested in the HR aspect of the Instinct, for aerobic activities.
This seems like a decent watch, I don't use Connect IQ a lot, but if I waited to buy a later model, would Garmin add the Connect IQ feature?
Does it bother you that the garmin instinct battery is irreplaceable?
Not really. Really no smartwatches have that.
@@Dcrainmaker
Thanks for replying.
Indeed. After 3 years of wearing it. It has to go
I just got my garmin watch love it
Casio should have done this, hell they still should. Does it sync with Strava?
Yes. If it syncs with Garmin Connect, it syncs with Strava. But i'm sure it does not have live segments
techcrunch.com/2018/10/08/the-casio-rangeman-gpr-b1000-is-a-big-watch-for-big-adventures/
João, não sei se você é brasileiro ou português, mas parece saber sobre os relógios da Garmin. Posso tirar algumas dúvidas com você? Me ajuda aqui. O que é e para que serve esse IQ que ele disse que não veio neste relógio? Quais são os prós e contras desse relógio? Qual o melhor um forerunner 735xt ou esse instinct? Vou entrar na polícia do DF agora no início de 2019, e como nosso treinamento será bem pesado (terra, lama, fogo, trepidações, sol, água, etc.) eu havia pensado em comprar um g shock military, mas como eu também costumo correr, preciso de um gps.
@@apoa334 .I.
So for a normal guy (who's not an adventurer or military) who just wants a good training partner. Is this overkill or do you think it's worth it? It's a huge sale right now so I'm thinking of getting one.
Excellent Video! Can you customize the bottom for sunrise and sunset like the instinct 2 or can you only have one sunrise or sunset? Thanks....
The list of functions that you say are missing from this watch is actually intended, because Garmin designed this watch aimed to those who don't care about those functions and are more for ex military people... If you want all the missing functions, you would go for the VivoActive or Fenix...
There is no need for Garmin to make another one if these watches, and if it does, this watch would cost what it cost....
This watch is perfect for those who do not need the extra... Just the bare minimum....
There was a complain about the barometer being stuck underneath, was it a problem for you ?
Excellent watch for the price! The instinct tactical is worth the dosh.
What’s dosh?!