Garmin Instinct 2 In-Depth Review: 12 Things You Need To Know!

[@deantreloar]

I have the Instinct 2 Solar, I love it, but I think the solar charging feature is not nearly as effective enough to justify the price increase. For average users, going in and out of doors, full and dappled sun exposure, it's just not enough. I bought this when I worked outdoors and whatever I gained through solar, I lost with the first workout. Personally, I would strongly encourage folks interested to go with the non solar model and save money.

[@DUCzillaMonster]

Do you got the 40mm size?

[@deantreloar]

@@DUCzillaMonster I have the 45mm

[@postdorian]

But Garmin pay is on the solar edition only

[@deantreloar]

@@postdorian true, but unfortunately my bank does not participate in Garmin pay, so it still wasn't worth the upgrade for me.

[@postdorian]

@@deantreloar sure, however here in Ukraine 90% of transactions are cashless plus when I had my phone broken or had to pay for the pool, that feature was really handy. Also the solar edition seems a bit better for the service in the military

[@TUBEDOUT07]

I've had this watch almost a year and love it- use it as my primary watch. As long as you don't need to make phone calls and texts on a watch, it's great.

[@idahoman325]

I think they now charge more For NOT being able to do such annoying things 😅

[@worldwide32441]

We can receive call or massage notifications in this watch?

[@NegarSigma-q8x]

Damn I can't buy it if I don't get my massage notification

[@dasfreutmich1]

Ever try it on a dress shirt as well... How does it look ? Am planning to buy and am that sort of a person who would want to wear the watch all activities and occasions:))

[@potholeinsurance]

My family and I just got this for my dad's 50th this Monday, hoping he likes it! He's had the Garmin forerunner for like 6 years now and his strap recently broke.

[@b3hulk]

Honestly the level of detail you put in your videos are unmatched. Whether its a garmin watch or your gopro enduro batteries, I am so thankful that I stumbled upon your channel.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - very much appreciated!

[@b3hulk]

@@Dcrainmaker I am assuming the comment below is a scam?

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@b3hulk Indeed, thanks for the heads up.

[@pietrmuffei8874]

As always: thanks for that much data. I still rock the original instinct and battery life is still good for charging every 2 weeks. Only feature that might push me would be Garmin pay, as the instinct is my daily and I usually have my phone to pay with me. Rocking the 645M for sports

[@alexcrow1856]

Great work! Very thorough review! I would be happy to see a little update later (if it's possible) in regards to: 1) software updates (whether they dealt with existing bugs and whether removed restrictions for uploading your own corses, 50 points for a good hike/bike ride is a joke, it's 2022 for God's sake!) Garmin positions Instinct as a good outdoors watch, but instinct 1 solar sucks at dealing with uploaded routes (you either lose half the amount of the points you so carefully planted on the map or get nothing at all) 2) whether their claims for unlimited battery with solar live up to their claims or is it another marketing BS. In terms of new colours I am very disappointed with Garmin's policy to lock specific colours for specific sizes/specifications. For example I want to buy Electric lime + 45mm + solar, but it's only available as non solar option. Annoying!

[@inakilrg]

Thank you Ray, your publishing tons of content these last weeks! I’m looking forward the inReach 2 review 😊

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! Me too!!!

[@wallyocho]

I literally just bought the 1 on Monday... of course a new version dropped :( Update: thanks to this in-depth I made the plunge to turn in the original version for the 2 solar. Thank you!

[@sammy8270]

An easily missed feature you didn't mention on the tactical, Its a military feature but also a great safety feature. The tactical can display current location in UTM and also grid reference system. If i needed help id love to give an 8-10 figure grid reference to mountain rescue.

[@williamchase5698]

Does it have the jump master ?

[@farisikhsan925]

does the instinct 2 normal can't display the coordinate in UTM?

[@ThorSkin69]

Or just carry a Garmin in reach or plb

[@chrispewkreme]

I was mainly interested in the surf features. But the first instinct was absolutely awful for surfing and I’ve realized I just want to surf without worrying about any stupid gadgets or wave count or speed or anything. Nifty, but doesn’t seem worth the upgrade if you already have an instinct. But for a new watch, this is a badass little setup.

[@jandrex007]

Why you need a watch to surf? 😂

[@unicornL]

The entire essence of surfing is to be one w the ocean. ❤

[@ballisticdan9135]

Menstruation app......literally wtf.

[@christrejbal3787]

Great review! I got the OG instinct for black Friday 2021. As someone who enjoys the ruggedness, adequate HR monitor, body battery, and basic activity tracking, it doesn't seem like I need to upgrade. But those extra features look awesome!

[@jaydevkadem6051]

Hey! How did you get it for Black Friday?

[@roxstarrestorationllc6438]

Today I just bought my Garmin Instinct 2 solar. Super happy with it! I returned a Suunto 9 Peak and I'm glad I did.

[@VerdeMugurel]

If they also reset the encryption key after the delete it should be safe enough (I guess the data is encrypted so it would be quite difficult to break a good encryption key in a life time, and this way you'll need to guess it first too). Awesome content by the way, I recently ordered the instinct 2x solar after a while of researching the Garmin watches and your videos helped.

[@retusrieben6487]

Finally, they bring running dynamics to the instinct!! That was the only reason I never bought them.

[@rabomarc]

Same here! I'm using my Fenix 5 which will be replaced sooner than later and now Instinct seems like a great option!

[@alessandrorossi2164]

@@rabomarc me too and i have too the fenix 5

[@Snabonen]

@@rabomarc 7i

[@JaredandTasha]

What features come with running dynamics?

[@1kr1sb]

Can’t have asked for a better review. Great work. Thank you!

[@reyskidude]

i actually like the Casio-esque design of the Instinct... when the Epix 2 rumours started, i actually thought they'd come out in the Casio rectangle form factor 😂

[@DCNewsom42]

I’m so glad I found this video. I had no idea there was a S version. I have smaller wrists and the full size was a bit too big.

[@frenchiemak5]

Thanks for the overview Ray! Great info. I just got my updated Instinct 2 Tactical Solar and love it!

[@Eric_Casteel]

I appreciate your content. It has helped me pick 3 different wearable. Instinct a while back, a 5x plus about 4 years ago, and I just got this one after this video. Been watching for a LONG time.

[@fitgearhunter]

I love love love the blooper in the middle - well done. And incredibly great review and summary all around

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks man!!

[@maxmeier532]

@@Dcrainmaker Hi there, thanks for your review! Since you pointed out the Kill Switch for the tactical version: Do you know if the Stealth Mode is also only available on the Tactical version? Or also on the base solar model.

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@maxmeier532 No, only the Tactical variant.

[@andychow2151]

Damn I feel I need a new watch now!!! This is like my dream watch with everything I need! Thanks so much for this video. Very helpful!

[@ianduckett9135]

Hah - I knew you and Des would have reviews popping up. Really appreciate your guys dedication! I love my Garmin Instinct but I was really curious how this one stacked up.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!

[@christrejbal3787]

Think you'll upgrade from your OG instinct?

[@ianduckett9135]

@@christrejbal3787 Probably not this year - but the addition of power meter connectivity would help with indoor training, so perhaps for next winter!

[@regstoy]

Finally, audio prompts available on this watch, lack of this which I find really useful when running (particularly intervals) made me steer clear. Could never understand why the Venu SQ has music, garmin pay, yet no audio prompts during runs.

[@patriotvet5569]

I literally just bought one online... Really good deal $100 off for the standard if purchased on Wal-Mart's site. All I want is the compass, and the ability to do heart rate training.

[@kimwarner6050]

All I wanted was for it to be smaller, but Garmin did so much more. It like a fenix Jr with better battery life. I'm in love

[@b2f2]

Bro, I just got the Instinct for Christmas... Oh well, I couldn't be happier. The only new feature that seems interesting is the wireless payment option. The better solar charging sounds nice in theory, but I have no complaints about the battery life on the current Instinct.

[@Ajajambo]

Anyone noticed that DcR is hyper & super excited 😆 so many watches to play with. Boys toys. I would be that excited too if I had all of those watches. Another great breakdown and review. Keep it up 👍

[@kimbruns2084]

Just stumbled upon your page DC, thanks what a great review! And WOW, you are a high energy guy!!

[@TheAntiGrammarLeague]

thanks for this review, i just bought the garmin instinct 2 surf solar edition. this video was very helpful.

[@darkstepwarrior88]

what a deepdive, and good point about the killswitch option. Good that you debunk some functions that sounds good but are actually not that effective.

[@mlegrand]

Is Ray’s channel going to slowly morph into a world traveling/sports product review channel? I’m stoked about these views! I hit the like but three times already! 👍

[@ChaseTheSummit]

07:29 I feel this lol. Great work Ray! Nailed all of the points!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hahaha…thanks Dave!

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

I just bought the 2S! It was hard to decide on the color. Can’t wait to get it

[@o0260o]

Ray is the best. Kudos!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!

[@gbullock2598]

Im not sure id want the 2 over the 1 based on me just being a hiker. I can hike anywhere and not get lost with the 1. That was the main reason i got it👌🏾

[@onlyonelens]

Great updates to the Instinct but frustrating with lack of reliability continuing. I've had countless problems with general use of the OS and GPS issues requiring many factory resets. My father's had quality control issues with a button straight out of the box - shame as I really like the model at this price point and what it offers.

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

Wow that’s crazy I had no problems with my original solar instinct

[@BleakVision]

Multisport, Power Meter? Wow, never expected this. Gonna have to takes a hard look at this one!

[@Huanglon5]

Great review, I have a question. Do we able upload maps on it(Instinct 2)?

[@butcher34]

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?

[@GreyJedi17]

You're amazing Mr Rainmaker

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!

[@MichaelTrouw]

thanks for the great in depth review Rainmaker! loved seeing the Amsterdam maps as I live here. How can I throw a beer your way? Cheers!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Haha, thanks! I love living here. Simply say Hi next time we cross paths out on the streets!

[@icesystem7]

Great Review! Any idea what happens when the battery goes bad? Thanks!

[@mauritano]

Bought the Solar version about a week ago. Worked fine for 5 or 6 days, was loving it. Firmware update yesterday, and my battery suddenly is draining itself from 100% to 0 in about 5 hours. I've tried a soft reset and a hard reset after that, to see if it would fix it, but nothing. Terribly disappointed.

[@eatyourvegetables1449]

Seems like some sort of huge defect. Send it back.

[@piast99]

That's a load of updates! I'd go for the old stock Fenix 5 despite the lack of the lack of the last generation pulse meter. If you manage do buy one it costs like the new Instinct.

[@grantkisling2757]

Looks like 2 huge firmware updates have dropped since the original review. Just curious to see if there would be an updated review as you mentioned it being more unstable than other Garmin watches?

[@nathan55000]

Would you recommend this watch to someone that lift weights and does interval sprints majority of the time?

[@derekbonevelle]

Your reviews are on another level. Thanks bud!

[@RichardsWorld]

I just got the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar today from REI. I'm kind of surprised by how light it feels compared to my Fenix 5 Plus.

[@JCBike32]

Awesome stuff .. great info as usual … what’s the quick answer for best Garmin watch WITH a wheel sensor for my mtn bike… ??? That’s 99% of what I use it for. Thank you!!

[@takanawatrishia7296]

That Was the best review that I have seen online! Thank you :)

[@williamsmillie4357]

Why can't Garmin just build a super tough surfing watch that is thin, (think paddling) has an extra long band (think wetsuit), and has a LARGE time only display (think water in the eyes and sun glare). Once in the water, most surfers just want to know, what time is it?

[@yogiyoda]

Love the battery life on life Instinct series!

[@stefan.schlag]

What type of mapping is there on the watch? Can I load a course onto the device and then follow it ? If yes, what does the interface look like :) Thanks for your reviews. As always 💪👍👍

[@triabit]

thanks for the great review and detail. its worth noting the combo of monochrome, small size and low pixels on the "S' version means the display is terrible. you cannot run a data screen with 4 fields and expect to be able to see it while running.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! It actually has better resolution and screen size than many other Garmin's over the years. Neither my wife or I had any issues with the Instinct 2S running and visibility. But of course, it'll depend on your eyesight.

[@dready74]

Great reviews as usual!! I already have the old instinct solar and I don't know if it's worth the upgrade as I don't practice running or cycling. My main activities are Crossfit, skiing and hiking and from what I understand almost all the new features are for running and cycling only and not for other activities. what do you think?

[@phisme]

YES MULTI-SPORT MODE FINALLY

[@minervali631]

Damn, I just got my Venu 2s and this launched. This has power meter support all the training metrics that are absent on the Venu 2

[@MimiMimi-sl4fc]

Yes 👍

[@barrysung9733]

Great review and I really want to get one instinct 2 solar, but the price is out of my budget. I only can wait and hope that there is a special offer at Amazon's Prime day

[@lokimetalhead123]

Great video as usual. Thanks. I am considering buying this, but evaluating it against Forerunner 745. Would you recommend that in 2022?

[@brianbailey7128]

Wondering if those little issues are fixed by now.

[@SyntheticFuture]

10:38 I now see you doing these tests with 5 watches on your arms and all sorts of bands and trackers 😂 Awesome review, very in depth. Still wondering if this is the one for me though xD

[@alexrublev5383]

Ray, thanks for the long-awaited video! A couple of questions if you do not mind 1. Does it have RACE PREDICTOR like Epix? (according to official site it does not though) 2. According to specs I2S has 156 x 156 pixels vs 176 x 176 for I2. Are there visible differences? I mean maybe I2 can handle more visual elements/icons in some scenarios than I2S.

[@jeremysart]

My last watch was an Instinct, and I loved it. Lost it a couple weeks ago while hiking. I'm just not sure I'm wild about the new design or if I want to go back to something so basic at that pricepoint.. I'm thinking the amoled screen on the Epix is looking mighty fine, along with worldwide topo maps.

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

It looks exactly the same to me

[@jeremysart]

@@MyLifeInTheDesert no way, the new model has a more rounded look, especially on the right side. The I liked the boxier angled edges on the previous model. Though they release a smaller size model this time so they probably tweaked the design just a little to make it slightly more unisex.

[@WristWatcher]

I just can't fathom charging every 5 days On epix. It's amazing, if you don't mind that, especially people coming from the Apple watch or Samsung watch. Epix will blow them away. Fenix 7x sapphire is amazing too, but I just don't need all those features for $1k. I have the venu 2 plus, but it literally stopped working after 1 week. The screen went all green, then it went to black screen. I have an instinct 2 solar on the way just for those times you may be stuck outside and having the solar is really cool that you don't ever need to charge it. I'm not a fan of charging batteries so that's incredible, even without solar the instincts 2 battery is still phenomenal . Just make sure if you're buying one you are actually ordering an instinct 2 and not the old instinct. A lot of ebayers are selling the regular instinct for a decent price and they put 2 day fedex, so it shows up when people type in instinct 2. Just make sure you know what it looks like, that is the new instinct 2. It's visually a bit different than the old instinct. Goodluck and have fun!

[@jeremysart]

@@WristWatcher I ended up going with the Instinct 2 solar afterall. Got the mist gray color, which is indeed actually just white haha. But it looks sharp and is a definitely improvement from the first model. Sharper text resolution and better buttons are nice!

[@WristWatcher]

@@jeremysart I ordered the black. I appreciate you letting me know it's basically white aha. I like the discreetness of the black, but also wanted some color as well, ended up going with black. The blue doesn't look the color I'd prefer. Anyway, rad, how are you enjoying your watch sir?

[@joshtripp8485]

Great reviews. How easy and quick is it to pull your location information? Thanks

[@slawekziolkowski3453]

Hope you are enjoing you time on Teneriffa :) Bought version 1 solar because nice price/value ratio. Greets

[@TonyYarusso]

While the Instinct gets great battery life for just smartwatch usage, I'm curious why the Instinct 2's listed battery life for GPS usage is only HALF that of the Fenix 7. They're almost the same case size, so what gives there?

[@redm85]

Would you pick the instinct over the polar grit X?

[@bacchim]

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!

[@sanjaymohandubey1532]

this is unusual, for me dropped 4 days in 2 days but with little tweaking on power manager showing 34 days on mixed low power mode

[@Zeno7741]

This review has EVERYTHING I was looking for

[@EricBurcham27]

Great video. Subscribed. Anyopinion updates on the overall performance

[@adriangabba]

Great work DC. I bought the original a week ago and for the first time ever i don't have FOMO for a new iteration. A couple nice new features but nothing that makes me think i should have waited given i got mine at a discount.

[@jandrex007]

Whats FOMO?

[@adriangabba]

@@jandrex007 fear of missing out

[@MTB4RNR]

I’m assuming this would be a pretty solid upgrade from a Venu for mountain biking, hiking, and military applications?

[@phisme]

okay I'm very happy with all the new features so far

[@ovu850]

Hi DC, really helped with the detailed review.

[@worldwide32441]

We can receive call or massage notifications in this watch?

[@Cheergym1315]

What is the watch face ? Looks really fun but can't find it in the settings

[@Grnditout96]

I have the instinct 2 base. Love it so much, however when I first got it the battery life maxed out at “30 days” now it’s only 4 days

[@y4k052]

How long have you had the watch?

[@Grnditout96]

@@y4k052 1-2 years

[@myChannel-lk7bx]

@@Grnditout96can we replaced the battery?

[@natthawuthlimpanitivat3057]

I had insitnct 1 camo solar, My elevation gain throughout activity is my main problem(very inaccurate). Did some research on google, many people said that the reason behind is the placement of the sensors. Will this intinct2 be better? I really love the instinct series.

[@arshadarifek7351]

Huwaei GT4 prices £199 and Garmin instinct 2 standard for £185 .Among these 2 watches which is compatible for i phone and accurate health monitoring

[@openbruno]

Thank you Ray! Amazing review as always!!!

[@MNRKR74]

Hello Sir, fantastic review once again. I have just ordered an Instinct 2S as I'm hoping it's small enough for me wear and to still wear a conventional watch on my other wrist without looking weird. Can you tell me whether the Instinct 2 is an always-on display or can it be switched off?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's an always-on display. The only watch it turns off is if you power the watch off entirely. Cheers!

[@krishnakumarkr3893]

Hello there! Thanks for the great review. I have the instinct 2s. Should I still get the Running dynamics POD? All that the RD tracks, my watch shows on the app. Thanks in advance!

[@Max.527]

How's the vibration motor, Ray? Thanks

[@Dcrainmaker]

Seems pretty much the norm/fine to me.

[@garand556]

A very nice and good video, good job Ray!

[@arronpalmer2773]

Hey! Just checking in to see if those bugs have been taken care of? Any updates? Thanks for any help.

[@yuanyuanintaiwan]

Any chance you'll review the descent G1? It's too bad that it's only reviewed by scuba divers when it's basically the same as instinct 2. And therefore a better choice than the instinct 2 for occasional divers. I'll assume that's an instinct 2 with underwater features :)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, working on it. Got a few more dives I want to get in this week, and then be done with what will end up as a 2-month long review process. The review will cover fitness aspects too. But yeah, in short, it's just an Instinct 2 with dive features/hardware.

[@yuanyuanintaiwan]

@@Dcrainmaker awesome!! 🙏 I'm getting the watch today but will definitely watch your review (no pun intended). Thanks for the hard work!!!

[@miclonas]

Another great review!!!Any news about a Forrunner 255?

[@MateHegyhati]

Just fyi: Solar tactical/surf pricing is off on screen. back to watching :-)

[@m.g.6182]

So much fun to watch your videos :)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!

[@ScottKent]

Fantastic...but, umm...does it finally work with the larger Garmin Inreach or still only the Inreach Mini?

[@chefnicoprestia3914]

Hello DC.. great video as always... I have a question... I have a fenix 5 and I want to change it for a instinct 2 solar... You think is a good change? Or should I keep my fenix 5? Cheers

[@toureweaver6713]

What sport mode would be best to track playing soccer?

[@himanshuanand9048]

At 1:11 there is a typo on the screen. Both the 2 solar (regular) and 2 solar (special editions) are listed as 449. :)

[@vothry]

A crazy good update

[@supotube]

I thought there is no way to don’t have that phone base configuration in older Fenixes, when it is now available in Instinct units.

[@javierlopezruiz7300]

Is it able to run spotify?

[@greigmitchell5989]

Hey, great video. I was recommended to look at Instinct 2 over Garmim swim 2 and wondering what is better. I only do pool swimming just now and wanted a watch for that. Any advice would be appreciatted. Cheers

[@Graham_Rule]

Far too often there were bits of text or data that were obscured by that cicular inset or even just off the edge of the screen. I think I'd lose patience with that very quickly. Was that on the standar Garmin built-ins or were these downloaded 3rd party apps?

[@fendermon]

Standard for sure.

[@hanley247]

Great video I made purchase first Garmin made it much easier

[@jhernandez125]

Awesome video guide. Quick question. How did you get that last watch face ?

[@Dcrainmaker]

The Connect IQ watch face is called ActiFace - cheers! apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/7ef071c3-4a14-4eb3-aca9-e3a531262711