Garmin Instinct 2 In-Depth Review // 2 Sizes, VO2 Max, Unlimited Battery Life, and more!

[@DesFit]

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!

[@himanshuanand9048]

Great video! I like your content a lot. All your videos are simple, informing and are enhanced by your calm demeanor.

[@aliveli-hq6zk]

Hockey puck size

[@ajitbabu241]

And that's graphite colour?

[@mantiscity]

You did say 45mm

[@chuckentleutner4818]

Must get the 45mm size to get the maximum battery life

[@user-pe1by4hg1f]

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.

[@DesFit]

Glad the information helps! Thanks!

[@jasmineaswa]

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.

[@SnailedMail]

Same problem is, its been almost 3 years and this watch wont give up, guess ill be waiting a while

[@petyobenov]

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!

[@DesFit]

Here ya go! :)

[@MrCarlobus]

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!

[@brennanwilliams8252]

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 😁🙏

[@ethangold6313]

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.

[@DesFit]

Thanks! To be honest, I hope to not be testing durability 😂

[@RefractArt]

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.

[@ia6980]

I wonder how much radiation your skin gets, that is penetrated 24/7 by these sensors, blood 0xygen saturation and heart rate use infrared waves that penetrate your skin, once in a while its ok, but constant exposure is not a good idea, of course less radiation than all smart watches they have, but still its not good

[@FiremanFrach]

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.

[@tbalci]

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?

[@jtatepdx]

Great review but it’s missing a discussion of the display in low light conditions. My new Instinct 2 is way worse at night or in the shade than the original Instinct model. With the backlight on, even at 100%, the display is washed out and hard to read. This was a dealbreaker for me and I returned this otherwise amazing watch.

[@Zorzek]

Did you try the solar or the regular version of the new Instinct 2?

[@201s]

All those are solved by Instinct 1. The battery is also unlimited.

[@jtatepdx]

@@Zorzek it was the solar version

[@jtatepdx]

@@201s Instinct 1… “the original Instinct model.”

[@dcorman]

How long does the watch battery last? Is it replaceable or is the watch a brick when the battery has reached it's max charging cycles?

[@giovannibeattie1988]

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.

[@bobby4500]

the battery life is just great, unlimited with enough solar power :)

[@DesFit]

🙌☀️

[@Deep_Tern]

Is there any way to have tides information/chart without the "surf" version? I was really disappointed that Garmins business model intentionally excluded tides information/chart from the regular watch so far. In a smartwatch (!), at that price, in those days, it seems a ridiculous joke to me that they intentionally exclude that from regular watches. One is also deprived from choosing amongst all the colors - if you want tides infos. Even if its simply for a chilly seaside walk and you would love to know if the sea is coming up or going down. Ach... Really worth the dollars by excluding this? The watch feels incomplete and amputated. And you think: "Arg, no! Can't possibly be true!!" 😕😕😕 (Otherwise: Thanks a lot DesFit. After thoroughly watching your reviews and those of "Chase the Summit" I bought a Solar Instinct (1) and I'm happy - except for the missing tides ;).

[@av4464]

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.

[@DesFit]

Nice!

[@aleclopez-rodriguez4532]

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

[@av4464]

@@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.

[@jesusmtz29]

is this watch (2 yrs later) still a good choice?

[@_vladas]

Following

[@ОлегНикитюк-ф3н]

Добрый день! Спасибо за Ваши обзоры! Напишите пожалуйста есть ли такие функции как у более старшой модели Garmin tactix Delta Solar, а именно: функция неведимки и екстренного удаления данных.

[@TheConservativeHunter]

I love my instinct solar! Ordering the new one soon! Thanks for the info!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing 👍 Enjoy your watch!

[@TheConservativeHunter]

@@DesFit just got it Sunday. Love the new features so far!

[@DesFit]

Nice!

[@matthewmackay3354]

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!

[@DesFit]

Ha! Love it!

[@tobiasstaermose]

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 :)

[@RolandoNispiros]

Dang I should have waited. I got the Instinct Solar Surf in November. This 2 version is way more comprehensive.

[@hunterterrell9930]

i wish it had a flashlight like suuntos. Im upgrading to this from a traverse alpha, almost entirely because of battery life, but I am gonna miss the flashlight.

[@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?

[@larsstougaard7097]

Thanks for sharing, I'm considering an Instinct 2 solar. How has the last 2 years been with this watch plus battery 🔋 life. Does it change enough on a sunny day and how is display at night, easy to read ???

[@sinewaymusic]

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!

[@DesFit]

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.

[@mbudden]

Awesome video Des! Quick question, what watch are you wearing in the video? Fenix 7?

[@DesFit]

That was the Fenix 7X Solar I was wearing. Thanks!

[@baselmahardawi]

I wish you could make a video later on how it performs with normal sun exposure (not the 3-hour, direct sun light thing). I have the instinct solar, and it's completely useless when it comes to getting use of the solar charge. I get 0 days from it, knowing that I spend a good portion of my day outside. also, the watch doesn't reach the 24 days as advertised. you barely get 20. so I really hope that this new version will give you at least a couple of days with normal sun exposure. please let us know. much appreciated

[@DesFit]

The solar charging seems to be more effective. Just driving in a car a couple days ago, for a few hours with my wrist in the sun, it gained about 1.5% per hour. That was bright, Colorado sun though. So the unlimited battery life claim should hold up for smartwatch mode on the larger model.

[@baselmahardawi]

@@DesFit if you can do some testing for that thing, then please do so. Thanks a lot Keep up the great work.

[@DesFit]

I’m not sure how to do “normal” sun exposure when I live in CO. 😉

[@baselmahardawi]

@@DesFit 😅 I meant just wearing it day-to-day doing your stuff normally, without focusing on exposing the watch to sun light on purpose 😄. Anyway, thanks a lot for all the info!

[@Facewest]

Thank you great review, i will by the Instinct 2 45mm Solar.

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome 👍

[@christiancoeletmathiasen62]

Instinct 2 solar vs fenix 6 solar.? Which is the the one too get.

[@Dozer-je8bg]

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

[@DesFit]

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.

[@ajpepski]

Thanks for another great review! Which watch is your daily driver now? :)

[@DesFit]

Thanks Alex! Switching back and forth between Epix sapphire and 7X Solar.

[@mlegrand]

@Des, we going surfing some day? Skydiving?

[@DesFit]

Absolutely two things on my to-do list! 🙌

[@mblegedhesbenz3877]

What do you think of gshock g squad compared to this? Thankyou

[@pasteyboi9918]

YES FINALLY CONNECT IQ WITH GARMIN INSTINCT 2

[@DesFit]

👍

[@carlospagos89]

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

[@DesFit]

Thanks for sharing your experience! 👍

[@Justgambleit]

Over fenix series? What difference

[@BenKickert]

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.

[@DesFit]

Sure thing, Ben 👍 Thanks!

[@BenKickert]

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.

[@SashaKruchinin]

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!

[@201s]

Yes. It doesn't worth to upgrade from version 1 to 2.

[@leodomingox]

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

[@costantinobarro295]

I was really looking forward to hear about sensors cause I'm currently using a Garmin Instinct and I'm considering upgrading to an istinct2 cause the elevation is way off (2400m instead of 400), and that happens because sometime the gps get lost and the altitude drop to zero. I'm hearing that this problem occusr also with other models (forerunner). Have you ever experienced something like that? Do you think it is a faulty watch or it is a common problem?

[@DesFit]

The barometer/altimeter port on the original Instinct was placed in an unideal location, close to your skin, which can result in the port being clogged by sweat or debris. They adjusted the location of the port on the Instinct 2 to resolve this issue.

[@Jharries1971]

Hey Des, you seem to be the go to man for Garmin stuff, I have a question 😄 I have the fenix 6x (just about to swap for 7x) but when I cycle I use my Garmin Edge 530 and broadcast the heartrate from my Fenix to the Edge. My question is, how do I measure my VO2 when doing this?

[@DesFit]

VO2 max for cycling is calculated when you are collecting heart rate as well as power data from a cycling power meter. If you have an interactive, smart bike trainer, most of those transmit power so you could get VO2 max estimates from your indoor rides if you don't have a power meter on your bike. Thanks!

[@Jharries1971]

But that would mean recording my ride (road bike with power meter) only from my watch and not the Garmin Edge right? Is there not a way to get this measurement while using the Edge to collect other data?

[@DesFit]

You can record from both devices while still broadcasting your HR

[@Jharries1971]

@@DesFit Finally got round to recording the watch and Edge at the same time on a ride, and now have a duplicates of the ride. Yes I have the VO2 max reading and training status, how do I merge it with all the info recorded from the Edge?

[@oddon96]

Calling UNLIMITED battery is just marketing, 50.000 lux are A LOT

[@DesFit]

Marketing a real feature. I live in CO and was on a 3 hour drive the other day with my wrist in the sun and it gained 3-4%.

[@LaurenceGough]

Yeah, Unlimited only in sunny countries in direct sunlight for 3 hours a day :) not here in the UK haha

[@bacchim]

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 -

[@abdipakendek5686]

Thank You for explaining the information about Garmin watches

[@DesFit]

Sure thing 👍

[@codywright3958]

Do you know if it will be compatible with the stryd footpod?

[@Raynman87]

Yes! Can't wait for this. They added Golf! Great info Des.

[@DesFit]

Thanks, Jesse!

[@timmccarthy4424]

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

[@METEORA_47]

garmin instinct 2 featuring alot of new function more then garmin instinct...oh no...need to chance it again.can you make a comparison between instinct 2 vs fenix 6/7?

[@DesFit]

I'll see what I can do 👍

[@knick0820]

Ugh, I axctually just grabbed the Venu2 Plus! I always wanted the Instinct, but it was too big for my wrist and now this one has come out! I honestly only swapped the Venu 2s with the plus due to the fact that this one chimes when I have lost it! Any Advice? Should I switch up to the solar 2s or keep my venu plus? HELP! hahah

[@DesFit]

The Instinct 2 also has a Find My Device feature that beeps, but doesn't sound as nice as the Venu 2 Plus since that one has an actual speaker, vs a beeper on the Instinct 2.

[@knick0820]

@@DesFit That is very helpful, thank you. I do love how sleek the venu 2 plus is, but I love how rugged and how long it will last, especially with that solar feature. I really need to make a pro/con list! They both seem to have everything I want in a watch, I just need to figure out which one is right for me!

[@TheNerdArmory]

Is the heart rate instant/always on screen and ON? And is it continuous and accurate? I find my fibit doesn't show my heart rate right away sometimes, sometimes it doesn't even show it at all and it frustrates me. I see the 2S Solar and i'm very interested but I don't want to be bothered with waiting for my HR or come to find that it's not accurate if I can help it.

[@hman2912]

I just want to know that it measures my distance and time when I run. 5 plus hours would be good for long runs and heart rate monitor would be handy too.

[@markus8222]

No sunburst colour 😐 45mm solar version has super boring colour options

[@kimwarner6050]

I know I was like wtf Garmin. I'm waiting for the custom watch

[@buggiesandboars]

Can this watch alert you if you are receiving a call or message on your phone? I live to have my phone on silent and have my watch vibrate to notify me.

[@thiaguinhooitodois2211]

Unlimited battery life is impressive. 48 hours of gps is a what sells for me

[@DesFit]

👍

[@WillemExplores]

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!

[@DesFit]

Glad it helped. Thanks!

[@he-man-music]

What a great RetroTech this watch is! Amazing review as always Des!

[@DesFit]

Thanks HeMan! 🙌

[@darkstepwarrior88]

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.

[@DesFit]

🤙

[@anujphadke9785]

Hi ...just want to knw does Garmin instinct 1 or 2 track mid day naps also ? Coz many even cheap Chinese watches as well as fitbit watches also track mid day naps ..coz i track those mid day nap .. m planning to shift from fitbit ionic to instict for better battery life.. it's just I love sleep tracking of fitbit .. so expecting good tracking from more expensive watch than my current fitbit

[@natalijapetrovic4224]

Hope you’ll see this, because i need your help… I’m in a search for sport smartwatch, needed to guide me through my activities. For now I’m doing kickboxing and CrossFit training, and I’ve started working out on my running skills. So I was thinking of buying Suunto 9 Peak at first, but thanks to these videos I found out about other watches and now I’m confused and don’t know what watch would be the best fit for me… Can you give me some suggestions? For now, I’m thinking about Garmin Venu 2 Plus, but I’m willing to hear other options if you have some. Ps. I’m using apple phone for now, but I don’t want Apple Watch since I’m not happy with the daily charging….. Thank you so much in advance!!!

[@1989Tod]

Definitely getting one even tho i purchased Instinct Solar couple of months ago

[@DesFit]

It will be a nice upgrade! Enjoy!

[@pointsnorthgisuav8661]

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.

[@sb_hs988]

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.

[@mrrod3004]

WAY OVER PRICED FOR WHAT YOU GITTING THIS IS A JOKE SMART WATCH LMFAO NO ITS NOT PLAYA NO MUSIC NOTHING. This is an 80$ watch max...

[@gavypants100]

I like my new Garmin however I am puzzled because I tracked my last pickleball activity where I played for 2:42 minutes with some breaks where I forgot to pause it but at the end only recorded .12 miles which is impossible because my friend tracked 5000 steps or like 3 miles so why is it not accurate?

[@Kilevra77]

Hello Guys, I’ve just got my Instict 2 Solar but I cannot manage to find the HIIT activity and I cannot manage to change the data field using the phone. Software is updated to 5.21. Does somebody have the same issue?

[@Gmar69]

I have two Instinct Solar watches here in Idaho. They work well in the Spring and Summer when the sun is out. I turn them off during the Winter, not because I don't want the time, but they just don't charge in the low light. Yeah, I could plug them in, but that defeats the purpose of the solar aspect. I'll still wear them though, and will buy the Multicam model also because I value the product. Garmin did not pay for this product review.

[@abghg66777]

I wish they will upgrade the instinct 2 solar build for stainless steel buttons and back opened with small screws and stainless Basel in the front. Like the Casio Potrek prw 3100 which has great case . The solar is huge since as a normal watch you do not have to use external charger which is a major major major yes why to buy it instead of the solar protrek. If Garmin will copy the Casio protrek prw 3100 case to the instinct 2 solar you will get the best army watch . People then will go with Garmin instead of Casio leaving Polar and Sunto field watches far being also in regard to casing durability . Today the opening of the Garmin instinct 2 is not very nice since there are no screws . Though no one will probably open a solar watch still it is nice to know it has screws for opening as a standard .

[@Bigmarcouk]

I like your review ! Thank you very much bro!

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome and thanks!

[@sanderscholtens391]

Hi! In general I love the watch, however I notice some strange behaviour and I'm curious if you(or anyone else?) recognise this : when I go to the "activities" page by pressing GPS there is a stall and delay of 3-5 seconds. The seconds stop counting, the page switches and then everything is back to normal. This happens daily (usually the first time of the day) and on other times during the day the watch switches instantly. I've wiped all activities and reset the watch, issue persists. Any tips? Thanks in advance

[@VKumar-by2jt]

I am not able to deselect bluetooth on my Instinct 2 solar tactical. Also when i try to put the stealth mode on, it says that it can't be done while an activity is on. What to do? Any suggestions please. Also during initial days one day battery just dropped from 8d to 18h on its own. And without charging it resumed to 7d. It all happened within a span of 4 hours in evening time during my travel. Any body any comments or suggestions?

[@DigitalSamTV]

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)

[@Harry-sk6vy]

Does any of the new instinct models come with Spotify music storage?

[@DesFit]

Music storage isn’t supported on these new Instinct models

[@erman0006]

is the straps changeable?

[@DesFit]

Yup

[@BIMNerd]

THE ONLY creator i watch before i purchase anything smartwatch :)

[@DesFit]

Thanks so much and enjoy your new watch!

[@kimwarner6050]

For me this watch is perfect. I had the instinct solar, but it was to big for my tiny wrists. Also I didn't think the solar did much. I live in Florida so plenty of sun. I got the Fenix 6s sapphire. I don't use the mapsnor music. P.S. Garmin the Instinct 2S needs better colors. Please stop with these girly colors that don't match my cloths. The only good color is the orange. I would love lime green in solar

[@Wastelander13]

Thank you for the great presentation. I have a question, is it possible to register a position, like my car or my camp, and then in case I get lost to navigate back the the registered point? Or do I have to register my entire track to make this possible? Thank you.

[@ensom]

you can save a point / waypoint, and then turn gps recording off, and if you decide later to return to that waypoint, the watch will help you navigate back to it, the original instinct / solar watches do this, although i can't speak for the instinct 2, i still have an original instinct solar. if you want a breadcrumb trail to follow back the way you came, you would need to register the whole track obv.

[@Wastelander13]

@@ensom Thank you very much for your reply. To be able to save a point only without the need to register the whole track is a nice feature. Cheers. 👍👍👍

[@1234567895182]

Hello! I am wondering how this watch has performed for you after some time. Particulary how has battery life been. Is the unlimited solar power a realistic thing go acheive? Meaning do you need to be in the sun 5 hours a day or maybe a couple hours every other day? And can it track heart rate and still achieve unlimited battery with enough sun? Thanks!

[@sture007]

Great review. Do you think this will pair with Polar H10 sensor?

[@DesFit]

Yup!

[@jtcber]

Do you recommend getting a temple glass protector? I am not doing anything crazy with the watch.. just day to day wear to work to track HR, step. Is there a way to charge the solar version without the actual sun? Not going outdoor much now that it is winter in the northern atmosphere. Will the watch die without charging?

[@chefnicoprestia3914]

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

[@LaurenceGough]

Have they finally fixed notifications so that messaging apps and SMS can display/preview the latest messages when there are two or more unread messages? This was so bad on the Instinct and Instinct Solar. You had to click into it on every single new message coming in until you mark it as read on your phone which defeats the object of a smartwatch to make life more convenient. Garmin told me this ridiculous behaviour is intended - but I see no reason why other than it not being tested correctly - why would anyone want to know about same same oldest message every time a new notification comes in? I've used 5 different smart watch brands and none of them operate in this backwards way.

[@samueldekruijf2305]

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!

[@mihaszna66]

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.

[@marbendeleon3502]

How was you battery life? I got mine on pulse ox all day and auto pulse rate. The battery does not go up more than 4 days? Wondering if i need to set the watch right or i have a defective device. Thank you in advance.

[@MateHegyhati]

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.

[@DesFit]

Marco is correct - it does not support the Up Ahead feature.

[@skibum4022]

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!

[@DesFit]

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!

[@tthyssen]

I went from the OG instinct to a fenix 6. Now I want an instinct again!

[@gregbrown3082]

EXACTLY my predicament!

[@kimwarner6050]

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

[@marcinlacfik8813]

As always great insights. Can someone confirm HRV stress option on it. Not snapshot but HRV 3 minute reading. Can’t locate it. Thanks

[@andreaforcella1094]

I have a 132mm wrist,40mm looks small,45mm feels big. Decisions,decisions,decisions…

[@mitchellstein8911]

Extremely comprehensive. Better than the other video reviews. I own multiple Garmin smartwatches and this convinces me to try out the Instinct 2.

[@DesFit]

Thanks so much! Enjoy your watch!

[@vishweshbhatt6631]

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 ?

[@Al-hudaa250]

SOLAR Charging is very amazing on Instinct 2 ​@@vishweshbhatt6631

[@torbjornhb]

I'm so confused why that Silver Button on the background still hasn't turned in to a Gold Button 🙄🥇

[@DesFit]

Hopefully one day! Thanks Torbjørn 🙌

[@torbjornhb]

@@DesFit it better do! If not, I'll find out who's in charge for those prizes, call for some Liam Neeson-backup, and hunt that person down...

[@choukchoukj]

Is the instinct 2 solar worth the extra 150$ ? I am doubting between the Instinct Solar or the Instinct 2. I don't use the VO2 Max feature

[@ritchieorlando2155]

Hi. Thx for the review. Im curious, Is it easy to read during night time? Auto light during dark? Thank u

[@anthonyrampino7734]

Since you can get a 945 for around the same price now, which would you recommend for trail running, hiking and weight training?

[@METEORA_47]

kiwak btl kua instinct 2 pulak dh...im wearing instinct solar already and now instinct 2? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@raghavkakker9419]

Need help pls. Confused between instinct 2 solar, forerunner255 and fenix 6s. Suggestions?

[@n057828]

Original only 2-3 weeks Solar I was out each day for 3-5 hours I’m a postie! This well… will see

[@jadzlevo]

May i know.. can i replace instinct 2s strap band with longer strap.. i like 2s size but strap on 2s too short.. any suggestions?

[@DavidJonesbt45]

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

[@DesFit]

Solar charging has improved a bit but in your region definitely not a compelling reason. Software additions are pretty massive though. Thanks!

[@LaurenceGough]

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.

[@Witcherworks]

Des, would you recommend this as a all day watch vs thr venu 2 if you dont care about the oled screen and have the fenix 6 already?

[@DesFit]

Out of curiosity, what makes your Fenix 6 not an "all day watch"?

[@Witcherworks]

@@DesFit Well i love the fenix 6. I just want to see if the new heartrate sensor is worth it and to provide more life towards the fenix by only using it for workouts.

[@DesFit]

I find the 4th gen Elevate HR sensors to be much more accurate than the previous generation which is found on the 6.

[@danielshannon7215]

What tides come preprogrammed with this watch, can I truly pick any tide station near me i.e northport, NY?

[@zlatko.ristevski]

what is the number on the back of the watch (that was blurred on the video)? Is it serial number or something?

[@papaschris]

the camera u use outside when skiing has sick quality!wow!

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@ValOzuna]

I dont like how you can see the solar panel on the watch. Would be nice if it was black and blended in with the black background. I'll still to battery for now

[@jameslagr78]

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.