Garmin Instinct II Solar Tactical Review - Compared with Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- Garmin Instinct II Solar Tactical - amzn.to/3Plljd5
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I picked up the Instinct II Solar Tactical to complement the 7X Sapphire Solar for times when I wanted a lighter and less bulky watch for hitting the trail. This review takes a look at some of the functions and features of the Instinct II, while looking at some of the differences between the upgraded Fenix 7x. Please leave any questions in the comments section below.
00:00 Intro
00:36 Tactical Features & Details
00:58 Shortfalls vs Fenix 7X
01:19 Battery / Solar Details
01:47 Menu Options
03:08 Navigation Functions
04:58 Workout Functions
06:03 Backlight Comparison
06:22 Conclusion
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#garmin #solar #gpswatch #instinct #tactical 
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Excellent review, young man. Just pulled the trigger on coyote Instinct Solar 2. As a retired Marine and LEO, and lifelong G-Shock wearer (with some Timex Ironmans along the way), I've put off getting a "smart watch" for many years. But this one seems to check off a lot of boxes, so I'll try it. Thanks in good part to your great vid. Keep up the great work. Subscribed.
Thanks for the comment and appreciate your service. I’m right with you there! The G Shock was also my go-to for years, but there’s something to be said for the easy conversion of MGRS into lat long & the motivation you get from the workout tracker heading into a PT test haha.
So how did it Work Out for you?
@@BlackStarMulti - Tried it, did not like it. First, it feels really flimsy. For that amount of coin, it should feel more substantial than any of my G-Shocks, but even the cheap ones feel better made. Second, it was always something - not tracking this, not tracking that, getting unpaired, whatever. Third, it began to feel more and more like a prison-monitoring bracelet the longer I kept it on. It just wasn't for me. Perhaps for someone, it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Or perhaps I'm too much of an old dog trying to learn new tricks. Whatever the case, it's back to the G-shocks (and Ironmans) for me, for a fraction of the cost, and triple the reliability, and quadruple the durability.
I like the tactical but I also have the Enduro for non-military use though the Enduro seems to last a bit longer. The tactics were just fine I don't need some of the other features while on base or working
@@jadedoldguy5233 you’re probably an old boomer bad at technology
Nice watch! I like the look of the Tactical version. Thanks for sharing!
Agreed! The overall design is great and there were a lot of great color options across the instinct line when I was checking them out. Thanks for watching!
Thanks, this helped me decide on buying a black Instinct 2 solar tactical. Had it for a week and been very happy with it.
Absolutely! Glad it helped out, good choice on the purchase!
how good is the battery life with smart watch feature, pulse ox and heart rate on all day? how long does it indicate on your i2 tac-sol?
i only went for the tactical version because i wanted black not graphite! the regular watch only came in graphite...
Dammit i should have watched some of these reviews before buying the Fenix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar! I could've saved me a thousand dollars. But i love the beast i have now and suits me down to a T. And what an awesome review, mate. Thanks
Thanks! Yeah I also normally wear the 7x pro sapphire on my day to day and utilize a lot of the convenient features that come with the high price tag. I could probably get away with the features on this one as my day to day, but having the 7x would miss a lot of the upgrades. This one is still a solid go-to when I want something lighter to bang around on the trail.
Just received this watch. Very pleased with it so far. Only addition: the torch is green instead of red, for no apparent reason.
Thanks for watching! the 7X Pro Ballistic does have the green light, which was interesting to get used to, going from red. From what I can tell lower level green light can help to preserve night vision, like red is primarily known for and could have some advantages of viewing distances with the shorter wavelength of light as compared to red.
Green is for nvg
Red is for night time use
good stuff! I have one coming soon. I’m excited for it.
Awesome great choice! Thanks for watching!
I've got the non tactical version and love it. I wear it more than my fenix. I use this one for my walks, mountain biking and working out. Fenix gets wrist time only when I go hiking.
When I first got the Instinct I thought it was going to be a mediocre gps watch but I was so wrong. This thing is awesome.
Agreed! The instinct is nice and light / low profile, which makes it an easy daily wear. My Fenix does get some extra use for running as well, especially when I comes to tracking some of the specific stats. Thanks for watching!
sir do you have problem saving activities?? like lagging almost 20 sec for 40mins run??
Excellent job and thanks for the clear description and test of those Garmin's
Thanks for the comment and for watching! Glad it helped, have a great day!
thank you for this video with great information
Absolutely, thanks for watching! Glad it helped!
thanks for your thoughts, worth it
Glad it helped, thanks for taking the time to watch!
Just bought the same one your showing. Really liking it!
That’s awesome! This and the Fenix are my first Garmin watches and I’ve really been getting a lot of good use out of each… it would be hard to find a reason to change up, especially as they are nearly identical in function which makes quick transitions between each easier. Thanks for watching!
That’s awesome! This and the Fenix are my first Garmin watches and I’ve really been getting a lot of good use out of each… it would be hard to find a reason to change up, especially as they are nearly identical in function which makes quick transitions between each easier. Thanks for watching!
great video mate
Thank you!
I initially had an instinct tactical, first version, I loved it. But the GPS and the HR sensor was somewhat worse than the fenix 6 sapphire and ended up returning the instinct.
Now, I upgraded to 7x SS (really liked the touch screen and flashlight), but feels way too heavy and big for my wrist. Sold it and got the instinct 2 tactical. Garmin definitely improved and HR sensor is way better, but not as good as the 7x still.
Yeah I totally agree. The size and weight of the instinct 2 are great… it would be quite an offering if the could condense the features of the 7x SS down to something like the instinct with touch color and flashlight… especially the flashlight, which I seem to use all the time when I am wearing the 7x. Thanks for checking it out!
So how bad is the HR on the instinct 2 vs the fenix. I thought they both had the same
@J.Allen_Fit According to the specs on the garmin website they both have the same HR monitor. A huge upgrade from first generation of Instinct.
I'm thinking I may have went with the wrong watch after looking into this. I spent way to much on my current garmin lol. oh well. love the watch either way.
There are some nice features on the more expensive options, but this certainly still holds a lot for the price. Thanks for checking it out!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop I treated myself and with doing a whole lot of research into other options. I bought my first garmin watch and got the tactix delta with ballistics. I loved how long the battery life lasted. However for what I ultimately use the watch for. I think the instinct with unlimited battery life, might have been the better option ultimately. But great vid and great review sir.
I have the original instinct solar (and love it). Was thinking of upgrading to the instinct 2 solar or fenix 6 solar pro. Any thoughts?
There is not a massive difference between the instinct and instinct 2. The 2 year design is a little slimmer, slightly higher resolution, increased storage, recovery, training effect, VO2 max, and garmin pay from your watch. The Fenix 6 solar will give you these upgrades past those listed above such as detailed gps topo map, color screen and additional workout functions on the watch. I wear the 7x sapphire solar everyday and love all the additional features in the Fenix line, which are only a few more on top of the 6 (I also have a review comparing the 7x sapphire solar to the 6 solar if your interested in seeing more details on the Fenix! I really like the Fenix for the features but if you don’t mind black and white and limited gps loaded maps, the instinct works great for the cost savings.
One quick question, I have a garmin 64s handheld gps and wondering if the instinct 2 will link up with it so I have the same coordinates and waypoints on the gps and the watch? Thanks for your time
From what I understand I don’t think they like up to work in tandem, however you should be able to load the same map files to each so they display the same coords and waypoints. Thanks for watching!
how good is the battery life with smart watch feature, pulse ox and heart rate on all day? how long does it indicate on your i2 tac-sol?
It holds up to the battery expectation very with all smart features active in the background. I can see it is constantly recording ox / hr details. Still getting 26-27 days per charge. It takes about 30 seconds to run the pulse ox on demand but I have found the numbers in history are pretty accurate. hR can show in real time right from the widget depending on how you set up the display. The only thing that really puts a heavy drain on battery is active gps nav. Even daily workouts don’t effect the battery life too much. Hope that helps!
This video was great and helpful as I'm looking at purchasing the Instinct 2 solar. Question for anyone, do you find this is watch works well for doing 3-15 mile runs? My old Garmin watch used primarily for running tracked what I needed (mostly distance, time, intervals) and that's what I'm looking for as well in the Instinct 2. Thanks
Thanks! I would say if you’re looking for a solid basic watch that tracks a lot of your statistical data, This is a good one to go with. But if you’re looking for more advanced features and specific route tracking, this probably isn’t the ideal one. There are a lot of better options for running, but this is a great blend between ruggedness / battery life / basic sport tracking. if you’re just looking for distance time and intervals, this should definitely be good enough!
Great video
Thanks for watching!
Looking for a tactical sports watch. I am over the Apple Watch. But I do prefer touch screen over buttons only. This watch is in my price range vs the Tactix 7 Pro $1300!
If your goal is tactical sports watch, this one will probably be all you need rather than spending more money to get up in to the thousand dollar range with the colored touch screens. You will definitely lose some features going from Apple, specifically those related with texting and phone calls. I made the switch a few years ago and haven’t looked back. The battery life alone makes it worth it. The Fenix 7X Sapphire is great if you want a little more features for less than the Tactix. Most of the features I use day-to-day are all on the instinct as well, so I don’t think that will let you down. Thanks for watching!
Hey ☺️ I got my Garmin today, it's the identical version in the same color. I love the optic and given features but never used it cuz it's for my birthday in 2 month. Is this watch capable to switch on only by solar energy for a couple of hours if the battery is completed empty and you get it in sun exposure? Greetz 🙋🏻
The watch does charge while turned off… usually more efficiently than when it is turned on, so it should be able to power from just the solar charge after a couple of hours after the battery hits 0. Garmin says there’s hours of direct sun per day should keep it running only off Solar charge. I have not personally tried to drain down to zero but if it is in fact charging while powered off as advertised it should be capable of powering back up. Thanks for watching!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop Hi 🙋🏻Thx for your quick reply and good to know, that this masterpiece can even revive by solar energy - that fact makes this great watch even more desirable and unbeatable to me!!! 😍👍 I'd like to use this watch for obstacle runs next year which also can mean diving in muddy water 💪😅 One last question: Can you tell me if the use of screen saver for additional protection reduce the induction of solar power? I've red, that the solar-energy is collected 1. by the outer ring around the screen and 2. by the powerglass...Thxs for further reply and keep on doing this kind of great videos! 😉👍Greetings 🙋🏻
Watching this because i own the fenix 7x saphire solar and don't really think it's worth the extra $500. Don't get me wrong, love the maps, love the touch, the led utility light, and the pretty screen. But is that worth more than twice the price? I don't think so. Unless you have the extra cash.
Yeah this is defiantly feature packed. When you look at the two, it really does come down to how much you use the additional luxury features. I really like the maps but can’t say I use them enough to be the thing that justifies the additional cost. I start getting much more utility when it comes to the dim red light at night and some of the workout and sleep tracking features on the 7X. The ease of use on the workout functions and tracking on the 7x pushed it to be worth it to the point of my daily wear. But if it was just the core features I was looking for the instinct would absolutely make sense. Thanks for the comment and watching!
Does it need to be connected to your phone for the Nav Maps to work?
Nope, you just need to download the maps right to the watches built in memory and it will utilize that when accessing map data… great for when you don’t have your phone or service.
Thank you
Thanks for watching!
It looks like it would be good for Tough Mudder. I would want a 2s.
Absolutely if interested in taking any kind of smart watch in the Mudder, this would probably be the best choice!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop I got a cheaper Camo solar refurbished version which lacks Vo2. If I get on with it, I might upgrade.
I want the tactical version but like the red light on the regular 2x!! 🤔 Decisions!
I do like the red a lot more for using at night… doesn’t affect my night vision and at a dim level it’s perfect for not waking others while still having enough light to move around. Thanks for watching!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop now I’m leaning toward getting the non tactical haha 🤦🏻♂️ thank you for the input and great video !!!
Thanks!
Can I trace route with the gps if I have stealth mode activated?
Nope, you can still see your stats like time / elevation / location. It just doesn’t save your location data to the watch, only shows real-time data.
Got mine for free, can’t complain about this little dude
Defiantly a solid basic watch!
Cant decide which one to get.... Instinct solar or instinct solar 2. Will the extra money be worth it ?
The ~$100 difference will get you a few upgrades like recovery, training effect, and VO2 max stats. I have heard that the display is a little nicer both in daylight and with illumination on the 2. I don’t think you will find too much difference otherwise when it comes to size, weight, design, and functions. So it just comes down to whether or not the upgrades are worth it for the extra money. Hope you enjoy!
Does this require a subscription for the GPS?
Nope gps is built in, free, and ready to go out of the box. Just get to an open space outside for the calibration
Would this watch be able to give me good enough navigation though a ultra marathon?
I would not recommend this for navigation during a marathon. I think the Fenix or forerunner would have much more capable navigation features. The Fenix has fully loaded topo maps and turn by turn navigation, which is lacking in this model.
The features are amazing but I am just worried if it's okay for a woman on how big they are and the length of the strap? I have a 45mm apple watch but idk if it would be close to the garmin. Bestbuy does not have a display for it.
If you’re comfortable with the 45 mm I think you should be fine with the instinct II. If you can imagine the 45 mm Apple Watch being just slightly larger on the squared areas and then drawing a circle that should give you a general idea of the size. If you have a Dick’s Sporting Goods near you, you may be able to find an instinct on display as well. If you want to try to see it first before you purchase another safe bet is ordering on Amazon prime if you have that service since most of them seem to be free returns. As far as the strap goes, I don’t think you’ll have a problem with length, but it will be a little bit more bulky than the Apple Watch. I don’t think it’s too bad especially if you’re OK with more of the rugged look of the instinct good luck in your search! if you like the size, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the features. Thanks for watching!
Im a little late to the party but if you haven't already decided they make a 40mm version
Would black or coyote tan be better?
They both look nice. Black would be good if you are wearing it as your primary and still want it to look nice enough for more of a business casual look that you can take right to the trail. Since I have to Fenix 7x in black, this was a great color to mix it up and looks more of a natural color while outdoors. Other than that it’s just personal preference. Thanks for watching and good luck in the search!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop I am an active duty soldier. In terms of design and color, Coyote would be nice, but it seems to have a unique taste in black. thanks for the advice 😃
@@C_IJF-4106 Absolutely! Good Stuff, either should go well with most uniform styles from different branches and are pretty simple in their design (so it wouldn't be too flashy in duty uniforms).
The tactical watch is so sexy! Got one incoming!
Nice - Great choice! Thanks for watching!
Does this have a vibrating Alarm?
Yep! Wakes me up every time I’m on the trail!
Dude I’m a postman on a bike 3-5 hours day you will not get more then 3-4 weeks power!
That was for version 1.
Interesting! Thanks for the info. I’d be interested to see how long it lasts in low battery mode with solar vs normal mode. I’m never in a situation where I can’t charge it within a two week period, so I don’t really have a reason to cut features just to save battery life on the solar Garmin watches. It’s more likely the only scenario where someone would be looking for the extended life past a month would also involve them utilizing it in expedition or low power mode, limiting the GPS power draw and other functions. I’ll have to keep an eye on the longer term reviews in the low power consumption modes to compare to these stats on the garmin site. Thanks for the comment!
Should be great watch for 2-3 years then battery is no more in the bin it goes
I’ve seen a few post that said that. Hopefully it is much longer, however, I certainly get plenty of use out of the watches to make even that lifespan worth it. I have a Gshock solar that has been going strong since 2014, if only modern smart watches had batteries that could keep up with the increased draw and recharging.
Is this watch waterproof?
Yep, it’s water-rated to 100 meters
I have a Garmin watch with a touch screen. Can't imagine I would want to go back to having a watch with buttons to push.
Yeah the Fenix / Forerunner / etc series are great. This is just a more simple and inexpensive option that still offers most of the same features with less aesthetics. Thanks for watching!
Fen ex? Or phoenix?
I always said phoenix… until I saw a review back when I was looking at the 6 and someone said Fen ex, I thought I was wrong and adopted it…. Until I realized it was actually like phoenix. Ever since then it’s a hard habit to kick haha! ē is spoken like a long vowel.. feet - Feenix. Good catch!
Fen ix
This model have sunset sunrise and world time.
No problem! Answer to all: yes. The bottom left ABC button is a quick way to get to your altimeter, barometer, and compass data screens. There are multiple ways to view the sunset and sunrise, either by adding it to your watch case in customization or making it a scroll item when you hit the up and down menu cycle (top left and center left buttons). Chronometer, timer, and alarms can be accessed by holding in the top left menu bottom.Some of the chrono functions are also built into the workouts (top left button). Hope that helps!
Super thanks bro 💪🏻👊🏻 my next buy
Last question have sensor of temperature exterior Celsius and Fahrenheit
@@oscrm1760 Yep, you can do either Celsius or Fahrenheit, just head over to the settings, select system, select units, then you can change anything temp (F - C) to distance (mi - km). Good choice, its a great watch!
If only this model and size was equipped with a flashlight.
Yeah totally agree that would be the number one feature I would like as well, although I’m sure it would significantly limit the battery life since it has a much smaller power draw and capacity than the Fenix 7x
I have the coyote tan version
Great selection! I really like that model color by Garmin. Thanks for watching!
It’s pronounced phoenix
Thanks!
I want the features of the tactical without it saying tactical on the face. Maybe there's a tactical gray man edition 😂
Haha! Great suggestion - I think it could reach a whole different market with that option
Can I shower with this?
Yep, I wore this without taking it off for two weeks straight when I first picked it up to test it. No issues with water both taking it in the shower daily and a couple times to the pool.
It's not "Fen-ex", it's "Feen-ix"
Thanks!
@@TheOutdoorWorkshop Lol. All good 😊
Thanks grammar police! Pronounce it however you like mate👍
@@vc8160 haha I appreciate it and thanks for checking it out!
Tactical is me and this watch aint it!
Maybe next time!
Does it come with chicks ?
Nope, sorry, just a charging cable and instructions