Garmin Instinct 2 In-Depth Review // 2 Sizes, VO2 Max, Unlimited Battery Life, and more!
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- Everything you need to know about Garmin’s new Instinct 2 sportswatches (Instinct 2, 2S, 2 Solar) tested for running, weight training, skiing, and cycling. You can get the Instinct 2 here: geni.us/GarminInstinct2 (Amazon affiliate link that helps support the channel - Thanks!)
Garmin Ski Activity Profile Demo: • Skiing w/ Garmin Fenix...
// Sections
0:00 Intro
1:20 Instinct 2 Model Overview
2:59 New Display
4:06 Battery Life
5:05 New Barometer/Altimeter Location
5:42 Health and Activity Tracking
6:48 New Training and Performance Features
8:17 Real-Time Settings Sync
8:45 Sport Profiles
10:04 Connect IQ Support
10:21 GPS Accuracy
10:49 Heart Rate Accuracy
12:28 Wrap-up
Thanks for watching!
/// Gear I Use (Amazon links) ///
Wearable: geni.us/Q6LJv2y
Bike GPS: geni.us/4cKAVA
Chest Heart Rate Strap: geni.us/hrm-pro
Arm Heart Rate Strap: geni.us/ESAv
Headphones: geni.us/tarahpro
/// Connect & Updates ///
Twitter: / getdesfit
Instagram: / getdesfit
Strava: / strava
Facebook: / getdesfit
Videos may contain affiliate links which can help support and grow this channel with no extra cost to you. Thanks for your continued support. 
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By the way I am wearing the 45mm Instinct Solar 2 in this video. I usually mention the size but somehow it slipped my mind. Sorry about that!
Great video! I like your content a lot. All your videos are simple, informing and are enhanced by your calm demeanor.
Hockey puck size
And that's graphite colour?
You did say 45mm
Must get the 45mm size to get the maximum battery life
This is the first of your reviews I've ever seen and I'm very impressed. Very thorough and detailed while staying to the point. It was nice to not have to skip through tonnes of irrelevant banter that dominates other reviews. Thank you sir, liked and followed 😁🙏
Your reviews are by far the best reviews I've ever seen. Beautiful aesthetic, amazing data, and no non sense professional presentation. Im now just watching your reviews because, they're remarkably satisfying.
Glad the information helps! Thanks!
Absolutely a stellar video! I’m personally still using the fenix 5x and it’s still holding up great. Your durability review on the fenix 5x played a big factor of why I got it. I hope to see more videos like this in the future.
Thanks! To be honest, I hope to not be testing durability 😂
Great review, as always. My timing was off. I bought the OG Instinct Solar just before 2 came out. I was annoyed at first, until I saw the price, then my aggravation faded away…😂 Either way, I love my Instinct. It’s perfect for my needs.
Always enjoying to watch your videos for all the insights that I need before buying my wearables
Thanks Justin!
Always love your video.
Finally, I have just bought a Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical. (May 2022)
FYI, currently it's all Instinct 2 and 2s on market.
Therefore, I was playing a treasure hunt to get an Instinct 1.
However so much improved technology-wise the Instinct 2 is , I still love the look of Instinct 1 and finally decide to make a dumb choice, by heart not by head, to buy the hard-to-find Instinct 1. I chose 1 instead of 2. LoL
By the way, this is the very first real smart/sport watch of mine.
Now I am learning how to use it. Despite not having Garmin Connect IQ, VO2max, or unlimited battery life, I think I can enjoy it.
Thank you for your video. Very nice trails and track you have. Such a beautiful country to live in.
Thank you DesFit for this video which I was eagerly waiting for! I didn't go with the Instinct solar for the reason that it did not have VO2 Max which I definitely wanted for my runs. Now that Instinct 2 solar has it, I will go for it !!
Nice! Enjoy!
I've had mine for about a week now, and it's honestly the best watch I've ever owned. It has useful features I didn't know I'd ever use. Great purchase for any outdoors person.
I've been waiting for this vid since I heard a new Instinct is about to be released, may be 2-3 weeks ago. Good on you mate for showing it!
Here ya go! :)
Great video mate just about to get my first Garmin and I watched the video beginning to end, great pace, good graphics and all the stuff I felt like I needed to know with the added comparisons to other models!
Glad it helped. Thanks!
What a great RetroTech this watch is! Amazing review as always Des!
Thanks HeMan! 🙌
Thanks for the great review. I like the idea of a feature filled and affordable plastic watch with a monochromatic screen. And that neon yellow number makes me want to dig out my Walkman and my Duran Duran cassettes. That is so 80s!
Ha! Love it!
Thanks for the video. I just purchased the Instict 2 Tac Solar and I am satisfied. Came from the Fenix 3HR to Forerunner 435 to Instinct Tac Solar. Can't wait to see all the features in use.
Enjoy!
I’ve had the original instinct for around 2 years and I love it. I’ve actually gotten 23 days on one charge with normal use recently. I’m not going to upgrade until it breaks but the features on the new versions are really nice. I am a little bummed about the color choices (no more light blue or purple) but hopefully that will change in the future.
Same problem is, its been almost 3 years and this watch wont give up, guess ill be waiting a while
Extremely comprehensive. Better than the other video reviews. I own multiple Garmin smartwatches and this convinces me to try out the Instinct 2.
Thanks so much! Enjoy your watch!
I have never owned one but now I am intrested after just comparing it with apple watch 8 ( bcoz garmin has a really long battery life and tons of other features ) I have a budget of around 600 dollars , should I go for the instinct 2 or venu 2 plus ?
SOLAR Charging is very amazing on Instinct 2 @@vishweshbhatt6631
Very detailed and accurate review, the only think I wanted to hear about more, is notifications, answering the phone and etc. basically how does it do the phone related stuff.
Haha - just saw an email about the Instinct 2 - I knew you guys would already have something up about these!
Boom! 🙌
Fantastic overview of all the features - thank you
You’re welcome. Thanks!
THE ONLY creator i watch before i purchase anything smartwatch :)
Thanks so much and enjoy your new watch!
I love my instinct solar! Ordering the new one soon! Thanks for the info!
Sure thing 👍 Enjoy your watch!
@@DesFit just got it Sunday. Love the new features so far!
Nice!
Just brought this 😊 mainly will be using for walking/hiking and biking. Great review 😊
Thanks and enjoy your new watch!
Thank You for explaining the information about Garmin watches
Sure thing 👍
Yes! Can't wait for this. They added Golf! Great info Des.
Thanks, Jesse!
Ya, the golf is very appealling. I have a va4 and love the golf app. Now the only thing I'd miss would be the touchscreen
I've used the white & blue surf edition Instinct for a super long time for surfing, but it found its way on my wrist 24/7. I'm glad they're doing an Instinct 2 of the same edition. To be fair, I use MARQ's Captain now with a titanium bracelet, but I still have my surf Instinct and wear it occasionally.
Are the tide times accurate on the Instinct 2 surf?
What a great thorough review!!
the camera u use outside when skiing has sick quality!wow!
🙌
Nice review as usual thanks Des..
Thanks Dusty!
Smooth, impressive report done efficiently.
Thanks!
YOU ALWAY HAVE THE GREATEST INFO!
Thanks!
I was looking forward to see your review of New Instinct2. Your work is very good as always. thanks Des.
Thanks so much, T!
As a thinner guy Garmin making a solar and smaller watch just makes me want to say, "take my money already!". This is something I hoped they would make one day and well it's here.
Thanks for the review, just ordered it.
Enjoy!
I like your review ! Thank you very much bro!
You’re welcome and thanks!
great review like always!
Somehow I managed to get unlimited solar charging on my Instinct Solar 1, during vacation in sunny Portugal. It charged up to 100% several times with all wrist sensors on (no GPS)
I don't think Garmin wanted to necessarily advertise that with the original since you'd have to have quite a bit of sun to get the unlimited symbol, but it's pretty cool that you can achieve that with the original! Thanks!
I shows up tomorrow and I can't wait!
Enjoy!
This might just get me to finally change. My fenix 3 HR have a bad battery, and never really was satisfied with the HR sensor, and had it changed 4 times due to bad altimeters.. but other than that I feel like the F3HR was so much ahead when it came out that nothing really seems to be an upgrade till now :)
absolutely love my original instinct and still use it as my daily wearable as i have a manual hands on job and this thing is built extremely well and just generally love it. i have though recently bought a fenix 6s pro as the only thing i would say is that im starting to struggle with the data screens on my runs (eyes are getting worse) i have to say having the bigger screen and better resolution and colour is so much easier for my early 0500 runs in the dark or my weekend mid morinning runs in the sun the screen is so much clearer. but overall i would highly recommend the instinct
Thanks for sharing your experience! 👍
Over fenix series? What difference
Well, this is the upgrade for my vivoactive 4 I was waiting for.
Thats how you do a review! Well done sir!
Thanks!
YES FINALLY CONNECT IQ WITH GARMIN INSTINCT 2
👍
I have been very happy with my original Instinct Solar, but watching this video definitely makes me want to upgrade. I would have hoped that Garmin would have included some of the fitness projections, even if only through the app, but then that might cut into their sales, I guess I understand their decision. Either way, thanks for the content.
Sure thing, Ben 👍 Thanks!
I was able to get my Instinct Solar for $300 a few months ago, so am happy with that. Seems like what I am missing out on is probably in line with that $150 premium.
I got my instinct solar tactical gently used for $120 in December and I absolutely love it. I got it for a steal, and don’t see any drastic features that would make me want to upgrade. Good video regardless!
Yes. It doesn't worth to upgrade from version 1 to 2.
got mine yesterday and found this video today. One thing I wanted on the original solar was acess the tide information, without getting the solar surf edition
I am very happy with my Instinct Solar...except that I had to exchange it early on because the battery failed. Getting the Instinct 2 with the additional capabilities such as Vo2 and respiration rate is very tempting though.
Not only that, you are also get running dynamics with instinct 2 which was not available in the previous instinct. Obviously you need additional accessory to get that data.
Thanks to the master for the helpful material
Thanks Konrad!
thank you I'm pretty sure I'll be intouch. Thanks again
Hey There!!! Greetings from Brazil. Again, thank you so much for all the content you put together. Incredibly detailed and excellent to follow through. So, I got my Instinct 2 Solar and have a question: when you follow a Daily Suggested Workout a preset of fields and data are displayed at the data screen. Can you edit that specific screen? I know we can edit the Data Screen for the different activity profiles, but differ they from the Daily Suggested Workout ones. So, anyway we can edit the Daily Suggested Workout ones? Thanks in advance -
Appreciate your work 👏🏻👍
Thanks!
great detailed review. thank you.
You’re welcome!
This new instinct so much better than my old instinct. Love it. My next new watch. Gonna get it. Again.😂😂 Awesome video Des as usual. 😁😁👍🏼👍🏼
This is a substantial upgrade, for sure! Thanks!
Thank you 😊 Great review
Thanks!
Excited to upgrade from my Instinct non-solar V1. I live in Phoenix and work 2-5 hours outside each day and do GPS activities about 10-15 hrs a week. I don't think I'll ever have to plug it in.
Nice!
I have the same as you. And i work in Wildland Firefighting so i think the new Solar might be nice. But Idk if I would get this or a Fenix 6x
@@aleclopez-rodriguez4532 For your line of work, I think the advanced map features on the Fenix series would prove useful. That is, unless you already have access to a handheld GPS map.
Moving the sensors to the side alone is the reason I want this!
It’s worked out well! 👍
Definitely getting one even tho i purchased Instinct Solar couple of months ago
It will be a nice upgrade! Enjoy!
Just ordered instinct 2 solar surf sooo keen!
Enjoy!
nice review ate, looks great can replace : the sleep ring / strava / heart rate monitors and love that it ha solar (the reason ive ben uninterested in smart watches is the charging).... i didnt see compass function, does it have that? If so would replace my tissot touch which is quite awesome as an adventure watch and looks cool (shame garmin dont make a cooler looking titanium or alloy version of this watch)
Great watches. Love it ❤
You are the boss Des, such good/fun reviews and informative at the same time! Cheers to that, thanks!
I have a question tho, do you find it worth it that I should upgrade from my Forerunner 245 Music to the Instinct 2? My activities are mainly 90% MTB and 10% running where I use the music function. But with the new MTB Grit and Flow function in combination with much better GPS it is really tempting :)) Also is the navigation good enough for occasional longer rides through Komoot?
Thanks!
Do it because of the altimeter. The 245 doesn't have it. I did swapped my 245 for the instinct and didn't regret it so far. I'm also a mtber.
I went from the OG instinct to a fenix 6. Now I want an instinct again!
EXACTLY my predicament!
Same I have the 6s. If I can get two weeks battery life I'll be happy. Got to wait for the custom color to be launched on Garmin. Also this is much cheaper
My arm is not long enough to read the display in the morning But along the day when my eyes are getting adapted I can read it!!
Great video as usual. Thanks. I am considering buying this vs. Forerunner 745. I do more of strength training with occasional hikes. I am just concerned that Forerunner 745 is an old model and may have the older generation heart rate. What will you recommend in 2022?
Dang I should have waited. I got the Instinct Solar Surf in November. This 2 version is way more comprehensive.
Some features could be brought to Instinct Solar 1 with a simple firmware update, if they want to. I would appreciate the ability to edit out the watch face from the phone.
the battery life is just great, unlimited with enough solar power :)
🙌☀️
Once again - thanks for the great videos. So, I got the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar version and have a quick question: Once I fully charge the watch it shows a 28d battery life expectancy. But I see a massive battery drop from day 1 to day 2 of usage. Day 1 shows 28days, day 2 (with not much activity) shows 9 days... and from day 2 on is less one battery life day per day (expected). But the initial 28d to 9d is really unexpected. Did you experience that as well? Thanks for the excellent videos!
thx i just bought the instinct 2 solar i had the instinct and the instinct solar the instinct sold now the solar it for sale. some video a see and like u said the heart rate sensor not very accurate but on what i see with my test it pretty all accurate but now i see whay u mean about not accurate but at hard activity like weight trainning and yes on that time the old generation heart rate sensor are pretty mess up... thx for this reviews really useful.
Thank you great review, i will by the Instinct 2 45mm Solar.
You’re welcome 👍
Des, another wonderful video for the people who wants int insights and the data. Thanks a million.
Again, does the Garmin app sync data to Google Fit using Google's Health Connect feature?
Or better, do you have one app that you consolidate all your health tracking data?
Perfect time to finally buy Instinct or Instinct Solar 😁. 2nd edition is great but for my needs it is too much.
Good point!
Wow, this became better than anticipated :-O One question: does it also support that waypoint thingie in navigation that came with the F7? That would also be super useful.
Marco is correct - it does not support the Up Ahead feature.
Hey Des, I have a question about the Solar Surf edition. I'm finding it difficult to figure this out just Googling around, so I thought I'd ask an expert who has access to the tech. Can you view the current tide while recording a surf activity? This is pretty much the only thing surfers want from a watch, and it seems like the watch may not be able to do it. It's fine if you can download the tide data with your phone connected, as long as it can display the current tide while you're surfing (obviously without your phone). I suppose if this watch can't do it, maybe the Fenix7 can?
Hoping you can help this surfer out!
I need one of these, had my original instinct solar since it was first launched
It’s a nice upgrade with the Instinct 2 👍
@@DesFit Took the plunge, it's arriving on Tuesday
Enjoy your watch!
Excellent, thank you.
You're welcome 👍
Very good review. I hope a review of Huawei gt runner
Thanks for another great review! Which watch is your daily driver now? :)
Thanks Alex! Switching back and forth between Epix sapphire and 7X Solar.
I have the Instinct Solar Surf, Pipeline. Going to order the Instinct 2 Surf.
🤙
Great video and review!
I do have a question about your personal take on music feature. Do you think, given what instinct's been marketed as (durable, long lasting), would it ever receive the music option in the future? Since that would cut the battery time it seems unlikely but you tell me. Please :)
Not sure of what is in store for the future but interestingly wasn't an option with these. Music playback does indeed take a huge toll on battery life.
Amazing review as always! If the watch supports running power, does it mean it also reads running dynamics from HRM Pro? If yes, then the Instinct would be the full sports package. And it looks like in a few years’ time there’ll be just the Epix for people wanting sport, mapping and smart features and Instinct for people wanting just sport features. In that case, very little space is left for Fenix or possibly 955.
Website says yes the HRM pro is supported.
Not everyone wants a fancy light up screen. Fenix will always be around for cops, military, firefighters and other jobs that need battery life and no nonsense screen that does not light up like a pinball machine at night.
@@JB-hq9yj but you’re describing the exact people that would make the most of the Instinct. Instinct now in terms of sports features is no worse than Fenix and has much better battery life while being significantly cheaper. Epix user experience, especially with maps is much better than Fenix. Of course the battery life is worse but it’s not by a huge amount. So now Fenix would be essentially for people wanting a little bit more battery life and significantly worse screen than Epix at almost the same price. Not a huge group. Garmin did a similar thing recently - Vivoactive and Venu were initially released together and now there’s just Venu. A similar thing will happen with Fenix and Epix. Maybe next generation, but it eventually will.
@@fitdude thanks, I’ve seen it now too. Thanks.
What a watch!
Awesome video Des! Quick question, what watch are you wearing in the video? Fenix 7?
That was the Fenix 7X Solar I was wearing. Thanks!
Awesome & Thanks :)
You're welcome!
Instinct solar user. Wishing garmin improves advanced sleep tracking accuracy and add sleep widget.
My favorite color was the sunburst. Sadly there isn't any bold colors in the Solar line. I hope Garmin will release a sunburst or orange watch.
Great review. I’m not sure I’d upgrade my instinct Solar though. I should mention in the UK Solar charging never really did anything even in mid summer. Also seems somewhat over priced
Solar charging has improved a bit but in your region definitely not a compelling reason. Software additions are pretty massive though. Thanks!
I had a Solar instinct but only during the winter months, it never went up in percentage even in the rare full sun in the winter. Did it ever go up in battery percentage in the summer?
Garmin pay also looks pretty crap with the 4 digit pin entry required by the few buttons available before payment and with limited card support. Not sure if there is a point of going for the solar model this time around....
Agreed about the price, seems way overpriced. You can get a Fenix 6 pro or 6x pro for less money right now.
Hello super great video... Just need a help deciding if I keep my fenix 5 or change for the I2 solar? I love the instinct but idk if is worth the change... Cheers
Great review, does it have Jump Rope in the activities list?
Thank you!
It doesn't but you can create a custom activity profile if you'd like and call it Jump Rope 👍 Thanks!
Great information provided by your product reviews.
Which one do you think is better between forerunner 245 and instinct 2?
Instinct 2. Thanks!
One thing you didn't cover in this review that feels quite important is: what do you think of the device? The other reviews like Chase the summit and the DC guy from the Netherlands take the time to list pros and cons, what they wish it did differently, how it compares to alternatives, who it's for etc. I find that type of information very useful in addition to just the feature walkthrough that you're focused on. I'd probably call this a walkthrough rather than a review. Hope that makes sense and thanks for taking the time!
Quite like it and was very happy to see the improvements from the Instinct 1, especially the re-location of the barometer. Super impressed they packed in this many features as well which makes this Garmin's least expensive watch that can track triathlon.
Great review! Has the rep counter for lifting been improved at all? I have the Instinct Solar and it’s essentially unusable even for simple lifts let alone olympic lifts. Also, how is the quality of the plastic vs the original Instinct Solar? I thought the original was fine, but it definitely could be tougher (doesn’t take much to mark the plastic or scratch the face). Thanks!
Rep counting for me has always been fairly good - most sets were accurate with some that were one or two reps off. That said, occasionally would have a set every so often where it lost its way though. I think it's the same material as the original so similar durability. Thanks!
Have you seen in your testing that the instinct crashes and reboots like in rainmakers video . I had the instinct solar and I believe because of the lack of memory 32mb that it would constantly crash and reboot during a long activity.
Thanks des ! Always awesome videos
The one I tested for the video was a production unit and I experienced zero crashes. I saw two bugs but those were resolved. However, I also have a pre production 2S and had a couple crashes with that one. I obviously trust Ray’s testing and conclusions but I only report on what I experienced.
This watch hits the mark.
🙌
Hi, I have bought Instinct 2 Solar 45mm and the watch is great, the only problem I have is the battery. I have have Pulse Ox manual, HR auto, baro/alti auto, backlight 20% on only after sunset general use, 5% during sleep, 4 sec timeout for all. I stopped all notifications and I enable phone connection only to sync 2 times per day, sounds off, vibration on, moveIQ & Move alert off, all alarms off. I also don't do anything at all on the watch just to check the max I can get. This is the most battery saving I can think of and it drains 4-5% (1-2days) per day on track for about 22days after full charge. I already drained the battery once and fully charged. I think that if I use it as an actual smart watch 24/7 phone connected + notifications I will get no more than 18-20days which is nowhere close to 28 garmin claims. Anyone else with the same issue?
Garmin does a good job of making outdoor watches and a good job of overpricing, you really have to buy these when there's some kind of discount on them.
Just to note there is no other watch on the market that has this kind of feature set with solar charging. There are others that are close like the Pace 2 from COROS but still not there, so it can be a bit challenging to call them overpriced.
Just wait a year and then buy them, or buy a used one
@@DesFit You can buy the Fenix 6 pro and Fenix 6X pro for less currently (brand new) so seems overpriced IMO for a monochrome watch. I don't really mind the monochrome but I'm sure many people do. Also no maps vs the Fenix or "premium" metal build. All things I don't care about but I don't think I represent the majority at all.
Great video. I’m considering on selling Fenix 5X plus and get the instinct 2 tactical. Not sure if it’s a good move. I’m just doing running and a bit of Ciclying
The Instinct 2 Tactical would be a bit lighter and more comfortable than the 5X. Most of the training features are similar but there are a few new things like the visual race predictor for running. Thanks!
Amazing reviews, just subbed! Trying to decide between the Instinct Solar 2 & GBDH1000. Im a gym/cardio guy, although a lot of the fit features are overkill. Solar, GPS, and the basics are more important to me. Any thoughts?
If you’re interested in fitness metrics, I’d shy away from the GBDH1000. Thanks!
IF you just need step tracking, not much gps and hr, then you dont need to charge your watch ever, like forever, as long you get enough light exposure everyday on solar panels, I use mine always 24/7 even during sleeping even when going to swim on beach, BUT if you need more training features then H1000 is not for you. I love my GBDH1000, its like a survival watch for me, cant go to the wild without it.
Damn, I just got my Instinct Solar V1 yesterday. Had no idea they were releasing the V2 or I would've waited:(
Can you return it?
@@DesFit sadly I can't. But I do like. And I bought it for $280 off Amazon, guess that's why they had the discount.
@@channul4887 bra, I don't reside in the US so returning it would cost me a lot of money
Great review! I am curious how did you compare different devices for gps and heartrate? Were you wearing 4 watches at a time?
For running I wear one watch on each wrist and then carry a watch in each hand (having devices too close to each other can throw off HR/GPS accuracy). For cycling I'll have bike computers rather than the watches in my hands. Thanks!
Another awesome and very timely video Des! I am very much considering taking the plunge and buying the Instinct 2 but wondering if the glass on this new solar version is the same as on the first solar instinct. What I didn't like on the first solar model was the glass seemed to smudge quite easily and didn't seem very strong as well.
It appears to be the same, and also tends to smudge the same too. I guess good thing it’s not a touchscreen! Great watch overall though - packed with features. Thanks Kevin!
@@DesFit thanks Des. I suppose the only thing I could really wish for would be an Instinct 2 Sapphire Solar edition! I doubt that's coming down the pipeline though.
Yup, doubtful
I purchased a screen cover for my original Garmin Instinct. No problems with scratches. Thanks for the great review.
i love the instinct version
🙌
the best thing about the review is that you just film the watch from the front en keep it at one spot. that is what i wanna see.
🤙
Hi. Thx for the review. Im curious, Is it easy to read during night time? Auto light during dark? Thank u