@@user-sd5wy9cm1p I've had the 2X tactical since the day it came out. Every so often I find myself self saying.... "I can't imagine not owning one of these anymore it's so useful". In terms of price and what it's worth I feel that's probably down to you as an individual. I think it's priced correctly :)
Thanks for the review! One question: could you test the brightness of the flashlights on their lowest settings? Usually my problem is that a light is too bright rather than not bright enough. Thanks!
Thanks for the compliment! And actually it's the opposite! The flashlight on this seems more focused, and on the Enduro two seems more broad, which makes the Enduro two probably even brighter, but they both work exceptionally well!
Thanks! I think it's been shown that the stages aren't as accurate as others but the sleep score I've found to be very accurate w how I feel - more so than any others
I became VERY wary about the lag in the instinct line. While this watch ticks all my boxes, you only slightly mentioning the lag makes me back off the device. Could you comment on whether the watch feels any snappier than the previous versions?
@@fitgearhunter that's the quickfit 26 band. Instinct 2x uses quickfit 22 bands. Garmin doesn't make that band in quickfit 22. So it must be a different brand.
@@mmafighter077 just so you know - the band I had on it is the literal Garmin 26mm QuickFit tactical nylon band that came with the tactix 7 pro! So the link is right!
@@fitgearhunter great to know. Another RUclipsr who has lots of followers said it used quickfit 22. But you actually changed it out so I know you know what you're talking about! Thank you. This is better for me since I already have lots of quickfit 26 bands. Thanks
Holy hell - just did. Awesome! It's funny I had no idea and I need to figure out how to subscribe to a HUAWEI newsletter or some thing. That looks like an awesome watch. Thank you so much for alerting me!
The only thing keeping me from the instinct 2x is maps and looks. I’m fine without topo maps. Can you load trails onto the instinct 2x? If I want to hike a trail in the mountains, can I download the trail to the instinct 2x? It just won’t be topographical right? I mean, if that’s the case the instinct 2x is a no brainer and would save a cool $600. I’d get all the features of the enduro lol. Can you also load strength exercises onto Watch? For example, I go to the gym and want to do legs. Can I load my workout onto the Watch and follow what’s next?
Good question! And no maps can be downloaded other than what's called a breadcrumb Trail which doesn't show a map just shows a GPS location line that you can follow. And yes you can create custom strength workouts and upload them to the watch to follow when you are in the gym
really like the flashlight feature, I was wondering if you ever did a brightness test on the 7X as I am now curious if it really is 50% of the enduro 2. Great video.
How would you rate this vs the Fenix 6 Pro? I watched your other video on the older Instinct 2 vs Fenix 6 pro but now that this new version is out, would you still recommend the Fenix over the Instinct?
Tough question. It is closer and the I2X offers a better HR sensor. Will you need the mapping capabilities or the music? Almost either way I would say go for the I2X
The 955 and now really the 965 are absolutely the most feature packed best all around! I would take the 965 over the 955 for sure now too. The I2X just dominates the instinct line now in my opinion
@@fitgearhunter Thanks for your quick response. I am between the 955 and the Instinct 2X. I’m just worried about the 955’s durability with strength training/CrossFit
I do have a question about Instinct 2 solar battery sustenance though, in my case, it only goes up to 7-10 days (at a very basic setting) while recording normal strength training and nothing fancy (GPS tracking activities like cycling or running) I was doing research and while going through articles and RUclips videos, I found that no one has provided a genuine review of this watch (either paid reviews or presented the facts which look good on paper but not in real life). I came across your channel to know the answertof my question and hence wanted to understand the actual battery backup (not what Garmin has quote on their website or via RUclips influencers). I found your reviews to be straightforward as it is in reality (genuine ones) hence, I really want to understand the above: the battery backup of Garmin Instinct 2 solar (not 2s). Is it really 7-14 days without solar exposure (max) in smartwatch mode, or I have a faulty unit. Looking forward
WTF, go to around 15:28 into this video and watch the time change on the 2x. It changes from 9:09 back to 9:09. What kinda fucked up bug is that. lol. The watch that can't tell time.
This bug is not new, I2 had it already - except I2 had it in battery saving mode. Not only did they never bother fixing it, looks like here Garmin went one step further and added it to regular watch face. As for telling time - technically these are wrist computers which can display approximate time since they don't have the crystal which makes a watch watch.
I own an instinct 2 solar tactical and on a full charge my watch states that its good for 43 days until it needs to be recharged. I rarely charge it though since i work on a flightline. The 2x is cool but it still doesnt have maps and its a dinner plate compared to the original instinct 2.
I suppose they don’t because it is an old tech and people already know how it works and what to expect. You see: they also don’t discuss Watch timekeeping accuracy, because it is old tech by now, and it is supposed to just work.
I am interested in a smart watch to track my sleep, indoor running, pool swimming, indoor biking, bodybuilding, Pilates and hart rate in the sauna. I could choose from GARMIN INSTINCT 2X SOLAR TACTICAL (2500 RON), GARMIN FORERUNNER 265 (2500 RON), POLAR GRIT X PRO (2470 RON), SUUNTO 9 PEAK PRO (2400 RON) or COROS VERTIX 47MM - all are kind of the same price in my country. I like the 15 ATM of the COROS VERTIX 47MM and the 10 ATM of the instinct, grit x pro and 9 peak pro compared with the 5 ATM of the forerunner 265. I have no idea which one would suit better my needs. Please help. Thank you!
hello, does anyone know if the instinct 2X has tides in the same way as the instinct 2 surf solar? so that you can see it on the home screen as a widget. Have the precision problems in the tides been solved? thank you!
I’ve found the battery estimate to be a let down! After almost 7 full days (only a few non gps activities) with using the flashlight a bit each night, my battery is at 41%. I charged it to 100% almost a week ago (11 hours shy of 7 days). It’s about the same true battery life as my instinct 2 solar. Kind of a let down with the battery. I haven’t even done 1 gps activity mind you!
@@fearless5533 hey! Mine did great (imo) bc I keep the backlight up beyond the factory settings. I was getting just under 12 days on average w minimal sun exposure, which again was much better than the I2 solar because the screen is much brighter and bigger. To compare the significant difference with the I2 solar turned to 100% brightness, which was still much dimmer than the I2X, I was just getting about six days!
I’m not sure if you need to remove it or not, but someone’s phone number popped up…and they might not want their full name and phone number for others to see :) but excellent review otherwise man!
@@fitgearhunter one thing that may be interesting to check is to see if the original strap versus the quick variant have a difference in HR accuracy measurements. Thanks for posting the in-depth review
I would really appreciate if you’d create a comparison video of Instinct x2 vs Instinct 2, more specifically about the display seen from very shallow angles in the dark. My current Instinct Solar 2 is really bad at that. I am considering to upgrade to 2X Tactical after just 18 months. Solving this visibility issue is my main concern. Thanks! @fitgearhunter
I wish I could but I don't have an I2 on hand to do so. I would check out chase the summits review for some really good visibility comparisons. I will say it's much more legible though!!
Huge difference. I had the Instinct 2 and now the 2X. The 2 had this weird blue-ish hue to it, horrible. The 2X doesn't have this and instead has more of a white backlight. Looks much crisper and more readable. Visibility is also better when looking at the watch from an angle. Hope it helps.
Yes completely get it - in the past I have tried to with every review I can, but with this one it is on the heels of the 265/965 release, which made it impossible to do it all, and I feel that the difference between the devices (I2 vs I2X) is enough to make the I2X seem to be almost in its own category. I completely hear what you're saying though.
You talk about everything EXCEPT this one bloody thing that we are all interested in: BATTERY LIFE... Gezzz, I want 18 minutes of my life back! WARNING: THIS REVIEW IS USELESS, SAVE 18 MINUTES OF YOUR LIFE!
Sorry - initial reviews are always just the first 24 to 48 hours with a device summarizing the specs and comparing them to other current models by feature set and size/weight. It's not enough time to test any kind of real world battery life details! That will be in the final review
Great insight into the new 2x especially against the instinct and enduro. Much appreciated Sir.
Thanks so much!
@@user-sd5wy9cm1p I've had the 2X tactical since the day it came out. Every so often I find myself self saying.... "I can't imagine not owning one of these anymore it's so useful". In terms of price and what it's worth I feel that's probably down to you as an individual. I think it's priced correctly :)
15:30 I love that moment when the time changes from 9:09:59 to 9:09:00 on I2 - typical Garmin.
Yes - so weird
Thanks for the review! One question: could you test the brightness of the flashlights on their lowest settings? Usually my problem is that a light is too bright rather than not bright enough. Thanks!
Brilliant review thank you, it looks damn solid with the Nato bands.
Great video! The flashlight is the same it's just spread out a little more I think than the Enduro because of physical design.
Thanks for the compliment! And actually it's the opposite! The flashlight on this seems more focused, and on the Enduro two seems more broad, which makes the Enduro two probably even brighter, but they both work exceptionally well!
Great review well-done! How accurate is the sleep data?
Thanks! I think it's been shown that the stages aren't as accurate as others but the sleep score I've found to be very accurate w how I feel - more so than any others
I became VERY wary about the lag in the instinct line. While this watch ticks all my boxes, you only slightly mentioning the lag makes me back off the device. Could you comment on whether the watch feels any snappier than the previous versions?
Nope. Not any snappier. Def brief lag at times - sometimes more (specifically when starting the morning report)
Another great review. Very useful info. What is that nylon strap you swopped out to. Do you have a link . I want it :)
Yep! It's unfortunately not cheap though - but it is also built like a tank and will last 100 years
amzn.to/3A6FDZj
@@fitgearhunter that's the quickfit 26 band. Instinct 2x uses quickfit 22 bands. Garmin doesn't make that band in quickfit 22. So it must be a different brand.
@@mmafighter077 2X actually uses 26mm!
@@mmafighter077 just so you know - the band I had on it is the literal Garmin 26mm QuickFit tactical nylon band that came with the tactix 7 pro! So the link is right!
@@fitgearhunter great to know. Another RUclipsr who has lots of followers said it used quickfit 22. But you actually changed it out so I know you know what you're talking about! Thank you. This is better for me since I already have lots of quickfit 26 bands. Thanks
I really like the Nato stap on this!
Great video.
Did you had a chance to look in to huawei watch ultimate?
Holy hell - just did. Awesome! It's funny I had no idea and I need to figure out how to subscribe to a HUAWEI newsletter or some thing. That looks like an awesome watch. Thank you so much for alerting me!
The only thing keeping me from the instinct 2x is maps and looks. I’m fine without topo maps. Can you load trails onto the instinct 2x? If I want to hike a trail in the mountains, can I download the trail to the instinct 2x? It just won’t be topographical right? I mean, if that’s the case the instinct 2x is a no brainer and would save a cool $600. I’d get all the features of the enduro lol. Can you also load strength exercises onto Watch? For example, I go to the gym and want to do legs. Can I load my workout onto the Watch and follow what’s next?
Good question! And no maps can be downloaded other than what's called a breadcrumb Trail which doesn't show a map just shows a GPS location line that you can follow. And yes you can create custom strength workouts and upload them to the watch to follow when you are in the gym
really like the flashlight feature, I was wondering if you ever did a brightness test on the 7X as I am now curious if it really is 50% of the enduro 2. Great video.
Thanks! Yes I wonder too - I did not test it initially as it was the only one of its kind!
Useful info! In the final review I want to see the ABC widget, the baro/alti graphics etc.
Will do! Thanks!
Does screen protector reduce charging ability?
How would you rate this vs the Fenix 6 Pro? I watched your other video on the older Instinct 2 vs Fenix 6 pro but now that this new version is out, would you still recommend the Fenix over the Instinct?
Tough question. It is closer and the I2X offers a better HR sensor. Will you need the mapping capabilities or the music? Almost either way I would say go for the I2X
You once said the Forerunner 955 was the best all around watch to buy. Based on your initial impression, how does this compare to the 955?
The 955 and now really the 965 are absolutely the most feature packed best all around! I would take the 965 over the 955 for sure now too. The I2X just dominates the instinct line now in my opinion
@@fitgearhunter Thanks for your quick response. I am between the 955 and the Instinct 2X. I’m just worried about the 955’s durability with strength training/CrossFit
@@CurrentlyNude sure thing. The I2X is def more durable, but a friend has been wearing the 955 for training for months now w no issues!
Could you please post video showing builtin watch faces ? Thanks
Yep! Good idea. Thanks!
Clock time data updated by gps. This is why the time may jump on occasion.
Such a comprehensive review and comparison!!! Please continue!
Thank you!
Hi, from where you bought these NATO-style OR nylon bands? This looks super comfortable to me...
Sure! Tactical (expensive):
amzn.to/3NUTFFt
Nylon:
amzn.to/3PBZBo3
Full watch band options review:
ruclips.net/video/KDCIIKNudko/видео.html
@@fitgearhunter Thanks for letting me know
I do have a question about Instinct 2 solar battery sustenance though, in my case, it only goes up to 7-10 days (at a very basic setting) while recording normal strength training and nothing fancy (GPS tracking activities like cycling or running)
I was doing research and while going through articles and RUclips videos, I found that no one has provided a genuine review of this watch (either paid reviews or presented the facts which look good on paper but not in real life).
I came across your channel to know the answertof my question and hence wanted to understand the actual battery backup (not what Garmin has quote on their website or via RUclips influencers). I found your reviews to be straightforward as it is in reality (genuine ones) hence, I really want to understand the above: the battery backup of Garmin Instinct 2 solar (not 2s). Is it really 7-14 days without solar exposure (max) in smartwatch mode, or I have a faulty unit.
Looking forward
@@JoyDasjoydasofficial hey again and thanks! Yes - I got 7-14 w my testing too w backlight turned up!
WTF, go to around 15:28 into this video and watch the time change on the 2x. It changes from 9:09 back to 9:09. What kinda fucked up bug is that. lol. The watch that can't tell time.
Ha! So weird, you're totally right! So bizarre. Although it's been keeping time just fine otherwise!
This bug is not new, I2 had it already - except I2 had it in battery saving mode. Not only did they never bother fixing it, looks like here Garmin went one step further and added it to regular watch face. As for telling time - technically these are wrist computers which can display approximate time since they don't have the crystal which makes a watch watch.
I own an instinct 2 solar tactical and on a full charge my watch states that its good for 43 days until it needs to be recharged. I rarely charge it though since i work on a flightline. The 2x is cool but it still doesnt have maps and its a dinner plate compared to the original instinct 2.
Yes that is exactly the only obvious issue, the size! That's great that you are getting such long battery life, that's incredible.
Drives me crazy that reviewers don't mention step count accuracy
I suppose they don’t because it is an old tech and people already know how it works and what to expect. You see: they also don’t discuss Watch timekeeping accuracy, because it is old tech by now, and it is supposed to just work.
I am interested in a smart watch to track my sleep, indoor running, pool swimming, indoor biking, bodybuilding, Pilates and hart rate in the sauna. I could choose from GARMIN INSTINCT 2X SOLAR TACTICAL (2500 RON), GARMIN FORERUNNER 265 (2500 RON), POLAR GRIT X PRO (2470 RON), SUUNTO 9 PEAK PRO (2400 RON) or COROS VERTIX 47MM - all are kind of the same price in my country. I like the 15 ATM of the COROS VERTIX 47MM and the 10 ATM of the instinct, grit x pro and 9 peak pro compared with the 5 ATM of the forerunner 265. I have no idea which one would suit better my needs. Please help. Thank you!
Go with Garmin Instinct 2X best overall activities and health watch
hello, does anyone know if the instinct 2X has tides in the same way as the instinct 2 surf solar? so that you can see it on the home screen as a widget. Have the precision problems in the tides been solved?
thank you!
Yes, according to Garmin webpage it has tides. Don't know about the precision issue, though.
I’ve found the battery estimate to be a let down! After almost 7 full days (only a few non gps activities) with using the flashlight a bit each night, my battery is at 41%. I charged it to 100% almost a week ago (11 hours shy of 7 days). It’s about the same true battery life as my instinct 2 solar. Kind of a let down with the battery. I haven’t even done 1 gps activity mind you!
Final summary review out tomorrow and I talk about this! I'm still getting twice what I got on the I2 solar though. I hear you!
do you still using them how they perform with battery life now?
@@fearless5533 hey! Mine did great (imo) bc I keep the backlight up beyond the factory settings. I was getting just under 12 days on average w minimal sun exposure, which again was much better than the I2 solar because the screen is much brighter and bigger. To compare the significant difference with the I2 solar turned to 100% brightness, which was still much dimmer than the I2X, I was just getting about six days!
@@fitgearhunter tbh seems not that much especially with that specs (
vs the Crossover?
Hey! Yes the crossover should compare to all of the same features as the I2, other than the analog watch function.
I’m not sure if you need to remove it or not, but someone’s phone number popped up…and they might not want their full name and phone number for others to see :) but excellent review otherwise man!
Thanks so much! No that was an automated number for an app - no worries!
Yeah for that price they could have went sapphire glass..break your heart scratching they watch at that price
Actually alll of the watches in that price range do not have sapphire glass! Thankfully the 2X has large bezel for protection!
Prefer the original strap, it helps with improved fit instead of these inferior quick straps
Yes I could see that. I just like the ability to change it up on the fly. Thanks!
@@fitgearhunter one thing that may be interesting to check is to see if the original strap versus the quick variant have a difference in HR accuracy measurements.
Thanks for posting the in-depth review
@@Cenot4ph yes I wonder! A little too nuanced to test, but I'll think about it. Thanks!
I would really appreciate if you’d create a comparison video of Instinct x2 vs Instinct 2, more specifically about the display seen from very shallow angles in the dark. My current Instinct Solar 2 is really bad at that. I am considering to upgrade to 2X Tactical after just 18 months. Solving this visibility issue is my main concern. Thanks! @fitgearhunter
I wish I could but I don't have an I2 on hand to do so. I would check out chase the summits review for some really good visibility comparisons. I will say it's much more legible though!!
Huge difference. I had the Instinct 2 and now the 2X. The 2 had this weird blue-ish hue to it, horrible. The 2X doesn't have this and instead has more of a white backlight. Looks much crisper and more readable. Visibility is also better when looking at the watch from an angle. Hope it helps.
You need to invest in your videos to get success .
You should have bought instinct 2 and made the comparison
Yes completely get it - in the past I have tried to with every review I can, but with this one it is on the heels of the 265/965 release, which made it impossible to do it all, and I feel that the difference between the devices (I2 vs I2X) is enough to make the I2X seem to be almost in its own category. I completely hear what you're saying though.
Good video but horrible mic quality
I know. I'm sorry - I used a magnetic attachment and realized after it totally distorted the mic
Why hold the watch to show us while you are talking.... you're hand is moving so much I can't take good look....
Press pause
@@loppa1337 😂😂😂😂
You talk about everything EXCEPT this one bloody thing that we are all interested in: BATTERY LIFE... Gezzz, I want 18 minutes of my life back! WARNING: THIS REVIEW IS USELESS, SAVE 18 MINUTES OF YOUR LIFE!
Sorry - initial reviews are always just the first 24 to 48 hours with a device summarizing the specs and comparing them to other current models by feature set and size/weight. It's not enough time to test any kind of real world battery life details! That will be in the final review