Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition (Detailed Review)

The Garmin Instinct 2x Solar Tactical edition is my best outdoor watch of 2024. It's set the bar for this year on what I expect from an outdoor wrist watch. Fitness tracking, ABC functions, and some smart feature that I can turn off it not needed... Plus the excellent battery life which puts other smart watches to shame
Garmin Instinct 2x Solar Tactical
Tan - amzn.to/3u0HU96
All black - amzn.to/3SqxJ7d
Garmin Instinct 2x Solar
Whitestone - amzn.to/3vJ7uQB
Moss - amzn.to/3S7xIDZ
Graphite - amzn.to/3SrPBh1
Flame red - amzn.to/3SnZqNU
Moorlander EDC - Still worth it in 2022 - Garmin Instinct Solar
• Still worth it in 2022...
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Filming equipment:
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and Rode microphone - amzn.to/2zgdjok
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[@Takethiskeycard]

I am obssesed with this watch, discovered garmin few days ago and I am hooked. Saving money for it

[@jeffreytruong8918]

I just got this so freaken good !

[@Aries-qs8mc]

@@jeffreytruong8918 which color is the best I have an eye for the red!

[@brucelin5842]

@@jeffreytruong8918 what’s so good about it? Can u Iisten to music?

[@jeffreytruong8918]

Everything is good about it its a garmin but tactical and no I dont need to listen to music LOL @@brucelin5842

[@user-xs1yv3kj4b]

@@brucelin5842No, this watch is strictly a survival watch with gps and fitness features. As for music, if you want a “city life watch”, the Apple Watch is the go too.

[@redseamole]

sold my tactix delta to get this. the weight, simplicity, solar capability, and strap is perfect for a lot of running and cycling activity🎉 this review played a huge role on making the decision., so thank you!

[@ProjectSerpo90]

Last week I purchased a GX-56SL-4 and today a Garmin Instinct 2X Tactical because of your videos. Love your reviews, haven’t steered me wrong yet.

[@gearstuffs8007]

Last 2 days I just got one! (Non Tactical) absolutely love this watch!

[@soloman01uk]

Nice review. I sold my Fenix 6 solar and bought the regular graphite Instinct 2X back in November 23. Absolutely love it. Only watch I use. Sleep tracking every night, run 20 - 30 miles a week as well as doing other workouts that's don't use the GPS. Like you, not constantly linked to my phone either. Battery lasts over 2 weeks and that's without the solar as it isn't summer yet and we all know how little sun we get in the winter. Looking forward to see how the solar boosts the battery even further.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Thanks for sharing! Great to heat you're an Instinct fan too

[@3242190]

The all black colour is also only on the tactical version which I picked for the same reason as you. Something fun is the torch has a green light instead of a red ine in the 2x version. I got myself a regular instinct a few years back and it's my favourite watch for edc. Im glad you are enjoying yours, too. These are good tools tbh.

[@HunBassman]

Great review from a great guy... as always. Seems like you always review the stuff I am researching currently. Also the bloopers are a funny extra addition at the end. :D

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MKnife]

I have the 2X solar (non-tactical). As a habit I always charge it the first of every month regardless of battery levels. During the long and dark winter I usually had about 5-10 days left of the battery at the end of the month. Right now the watch says 34 days and 77% left, and I charged it on May 1st. Quite amazing really. Usage is fairly consistent; some flashlight, occasional notifications, some gps, activities and such. The solar thing does work, it's been quite sunny here in Finland lately, and I've been outside a lot.

[@OhshitPositive]

I think the flashlight being relocated to 3:00 would be a massive improvement. Would be fantastic to light up whatever you're working on in the dark. Would make digging through my bag in the dark much easier.

[@M4rs0]

rotate it around your wrist 180°, it will shine down and display is still upright when you check it, you just need to get used looking on the in side of your wrist

[@liverrot]

Brilliant review mate. Loved the outtakes at the end as well. Made my day. Just got a new subscriber. Keep up the epic adventures

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Welcome aboard!

[@hazzardoutdoors]

Already got the version 1 and I have to say the winner for me is the endless battery life. I wear it daily and it is my driver of choice, and recording and plotting hikes are fantastic, my only minor grumble would be the explore app isn't as easy as it could be.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Heck yeah. I will say that I hardly notice any of the differences between the original and this version. There's some epic deals out there for the OG Instinct too

[@hazzardoutdoors]

@MoorlanderEDC thanks for your continued high competition content sir, always a pleasure never a chore.

[@emdblyou]

I've got the Instinct 1 too (non-solar). Absolutely love it. Put a tempered glass screen protector on and there is zero worries with this watch. Charged it on Wednesday night at 8pm, 3.5 days later battery still shows full. Amazing watch.

[@hazzardoutdoors]

@emdblyou I know, and as for smart watch capabilities, serves all my needs plus map guidance when out hiking.

[@nietaki]

I'm looking to get a gps watch to use as emergency navigation, that would last me for years, basically like a casio. How long have you had yours for? I'm worried replacing the battery might be a problem if it ever starts having problems holding the charge...

[@Shifty1050]

I've lots of watches and this my most used watch along with the probably cooler G-Shock GWG 2000. Both in their own way absolute top watches. Cheers for the great vid, mate !!

[@simmo1567]

Love my G-Shock and I’m torn….i have the Garmin Fenix 6X but looking to change to either the Garmin Instinct 2X tactical solar or the G-Shock GWG-1000. Any thoughts on my dilemma. I’m leaning less and less towards most of the features in the Fenix 6X as I don’t utilize them.

[@jamesmcintyre4287]

Great video thanks, just bought the same colour, I have a FR965 and was looking for something a little sturdier for work.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Glad I could help

[@crabgr5084]

I don't know man...every time i want to buy something i always find a review from you...its like you following my mind....before with the 5.11 rush 24 now with the Garmin and lot of other gear reviews. Nice video!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

You're not the first persons to comment that, in fact, it's a fairly common comment. I must have a knack for perfect timing... or... It's clear we all have a very similar taste and I make content on things I like which happens to be what most others like too :D

[@leonpatrick5606]

The Garmin Instinct 2X looks like a beast and would be an awesome addition for a young man or woman who is an active member or plan on joining the military. I recently purchased the Garmin fenix 7x pro sapphire solar and didn't know that Garmin had this watch. I was a G Shock wearer for years, but I found that G Shock didn't really make a good GPS watch, so yeah, here we are. Awesome review, mate thank you

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the content my friend. Yes, I've been a huge GShock fan too however over the last few years their choices in upgrades don't seem to make as much sense to me, or at least the new stuff they're adding seems pointless when they're other tech they could add that would be more useful. The Fenix 7 series as amazing watches. The last one I has was a Fenix 5 however I got priced away from the Fenix line as the costs increased. The beauty of them is you can still pick up a Fenix 6x Sapphire at a great price. Maybe I'll pick one up and do a 'Fenix 6s Pro still good in 2024' style piece of content 😆 All my best

[@Army4Runner]

I currently have the Tactix 7 AMOLED, and I’m thinking of returning it to purchase this model. Huge savings…

[@salmanmohammed6606]

It's amazing and very useful and beautiful watch that show you many nice and good functions on display that never happen on Casio and others brand watch. I love it.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Couldn't agree more!

[@matthewstopint8852]

...i am amazed how often i use the flashlight...very convenient...just a brilliant watch overall ...

[@simmo1567]

Great video! I’m torn, I love G-Shock and looking at this one. I currently have the G-Shock GX-56BB and the Garmin Fenix 6X. Looking to get a Casio Mudmaster or Garmin Instinct Tactical 2x Solar…would you still pick the Garmin?

[@kevinDG7]

Timing couldn't be better. I want one for mine birthday to wear everyday as a mechanic to replace mine Gshock, also for working out and to wear during mudmaster. But still on the fence to buy it.

[@karabum01]

Your bloopers is lit😂

[@phoenixmux]

I've been using for more than an year now. I have to say it's the best budget watch. Looks great on the wrist. You won't need charging for 70 days on power saving mode.

[@TXH1138]

I really want one but like the touch screen and swipe function of a smart watch better than having to push buttons and scrolling thru screens.

[@alanathey4678]

Hey, enjoyed the content today. I’ve never really been into Smart Watches even though I can see advantages to owning one. This tan version comes in at +/- £300 (as it had 24% off) and so I guess its good value. I guess for walking it could be useful and if I were to be training for a 40 / 63 mile challenge walk I could use the smart features to help navigate through the night for sure. Well as I said enjoyed the review, plenty of things to mull over in my wistful hours. And, maybe I’ll consider buying one.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

That's a bargain at that price. Rambling with the Instinct is brilliant. There's several walks I've tried for the first time and having it there just to prompt for turns in fairly unbeaten tracks is great. There's also a bread crumb trail feature so you can retrace your steps. Saved my bacon a few times and even Mrs Moorlander appreciated it Thanks for watching

[@E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

Great review! Thx

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Thanks for watching! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend my friend 🤙

I have the 1st model (also Solar) since lil less 2 years now and I am happy with it Just having a medical problem, I have irritations cause of the strap (strange because I have not same problem with all my G-Shock). I tried to clean it all times I take my shower but it seems not a 100% solution :/

[@ericg649]

I just got the Instinct 2x solar. I don’t plan on sky diving or needing a kill switch so didn’t see any reason for the tactical but gotta say, as a guy that did not “need” a smart watch, I love this watch!!!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

😄 Definitely the features I'll have less of a chance of needing as well. Glad to hear you like the watch

[@xORLOCKx]

Had the tactix charlie. It finally died. Was outdated anyways. Took a hard look at the features that I actually used.. hiking and marking spots I fly my drones was it. Health tracking and messaging was second. This watch fits that bill without some extras. So I picked one up. Hoping it's as awesome as everyone says. Didn't want a touch screen as I'm really active and just don't need it. I don't jump or dive anymore. This seems like a perfect watch for what I actually use and need

[@FreakzDontSleep]

great looking watch

[@Mugwumps107]

I’am old school in my choice of time piece, I want simple, rugged, reliable and legible. A field watch- Citizen Pro Eco Tough, CWC G10, or on a really tight budget a Lorus Lumibrite. I am admittedly despite it not being my style intrigued by this Garmin though 👍🏻

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Being a watch geek I 100% get you. Outside of digital watches I'm a huge fan of a classic field watch. One of the things I forgot to mention this in this content is how much this watch enjoys being on my wrist... which means some of my other watches get worn less 😆

[@hikerd5391]

I'm with you. I wear either a Citizen Pro Eco Tough or a G-Shock 5610. But I fancied treating myself to a new watch and after checking out several reviews I went for the Instinct 2 Solar. I've never had a smart watch or one that can navigate. Have to say it's very good and has replaced both my other watches. The mip display is brilliant and always very legible no matter what the conditions. And it is completely tailorable to whatever your needs are.

[@TomSP9TL]

I don't know how the newer versions, but I've had the 1st Instinct, and apart from looking good and feeling great on my wrist, it had the most terrible user experience out of all electronic watches I've ever had! Setting up any option, function, field etc. was a pain in the back side. So I've sold it off after a very short while and just got a standard Garmin sports watch (Vivoactive 4) which was incomparable to Instinct.

[@emdblyou]

I find it easy to use. Especially with the buttons if it’s raining out or I’m wearing gloves. Setting it is easy once you go through the menus you’ll know what you’re doing. It’s much more customizable than an Apple Watch. Not to mention the battery lasts what seems like forever.

[@postdorian]

Awesome review, will probably get a black tactical one because of the color and getting enlisted here on Ukraine 😅

[@danieldavis2292]

Great review. Very detailed love it. I just wish someone would review this watch who would actually use the tactical features though. Like what does it look like through nods, or even through basic hunting nvgs. Does the Stealth feature work easily when going through airports or overseas. Does the AB app work effectively down range? How accurate is HAHO/HALO even for like base jumping/ sky diving? Everyone who gets this watch is like "oh I like the colour" which is fine but I still have yet to see the actual purpose of this watch work. You don't have to be in defence for the tactical features to be useful. So I'd love to see that side of it too 😊

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I wish I was able to test them for HALO/HAHO. I did test them whilst flying to Germany last weekend. Although not a perfect test in a pressurised plane we got to 2500m up and you could see the fluctuations in altitude by the meter as the plane flew. Coming down to land and referencing the height above sea level it was spot on within a few meters. Kept me thoroughly entertained

[@danieldavis2292]

@MoorlanderEDC oh that is very cool!! Thanks for the reply and update. I've just recently found your channel and have been binge watching all your videos. Awesome stuff, please keep up the great work 👍

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

Great review...well done!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Thanks Jim. I hope you're well buddy and having a great weekend

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

@@MoorlanderEDC Yep....packing for extended canoe trip - wearing my Garmin Instinct solar....love that watch...

[@vaguelyspecific9955]

Does anyone have any history with Garmin products? I'm concerned about longevity. How long did they last? I've had 2 fitbits that lasted a total of about 5 years. I vowed never to buy another. Idk about everyone else but these things are too expensive to keep replacing. If I were to spend $300+ on a regular watch I would expect to able to hand that down to my kid! Any kind term experience with Garmin??

[@NarleyAdventures]

My tactical 2x in the same color will here tomorrow. Great explanation on all of the settings/options though my brain started bleeding towards the end ...🤣 Edit: Subscribed w/notifications enabled when you got to the apps......👍👍👍👍👍

[@RagnarHoff]

Easily the best tactical choice to replace your G-shock collection if you want to trim it down.

[@tcwhite0104]

also has ballistics mode

[@FiremanFrach]

My new grail watch. Hell, I’d be happy with the standard 2x

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I have faith you'll get one

[@FiremanFrach]

@@MoorlanderEDC 🤣 But thanks for the positive vibes.

[@FiremanFrach]

@@MoorlanderEDC At least I have an original Instinct solar. 😉

[@Ante-FlorianBoras]

Can you please check how bright your green torch is? Mine watch is fresh new and it is more a glimm than a torch. Thanks

[@MoorlanderEDC]

The light isn't super bright. It's nothing compared to a dedicated flashlight. The light mine puts out is more like a key chain light with a low power LED. Perfect for finding your keys if you've dropped them but I wouldn't go walking through the woods at night with it alone

[@ytfeelslikenorthkorea]

I still have Fenix3 somewhere in a drawer, but over the last 2 years I've been wearing Apple watch because Garmin went completely of the rails with prices. Maybe the next gps watch should be one of their lower tier watches? On the other hand... We all got duped into thinking that we need to have a fancy watch at all times because otherwise 'it doesn't count'... I find myself thinking that if I'm in the mountains I would rather have a dedicated GPS device (maybe with SOS functionality) and on my writst I might just as well have a mechanical watch :D

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Weeeeeeeeeeeeell... I'm definitely going to agree with you. I think you're spot on with the price issues. The last Fenix I owned was the Fenix 4. The way the prices went up from year to year after that is crazy. I think other brand came out with a high price so Garmin realised 1. they could charge more & 2. they had to increase the price to show they're a similar tier. There's some amazing watches with similar features that are way less than half the price. The extra £50 for this colour way is strange as the only difference is cosmetic and a software update I think the likes of Garmin, Fitbit and others will have to reduce their prices as people don't have as much expendable cash these days

[@ayda2876]

I have pretty small wrists and i think of getting the solar tactical edition and was wondering what is the list of things that the 2x has over the 2. I know about the size but is there anything else ?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

From what I understand there's every little between the two. Features wise they're identical. The only real differences comes down to the larger watch has a slightly larger battery, larger solar panel and therefore slightly better battery life.

[@ayda2876]

@@MoorlanderEDC ok thank youuu

[@Hugo-py2ce]

What do you think of the 7x solar?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

The last Fenix mode I had was the 5. Garmin priced me out of their more higher end watches a few generations back. From what I've read the 7x is an amazing time piece. Other than maybe the Epix, it's the top of there models. You get the extra robust features like all mental body and and sapphire crystal, however, the features between the 7X and the Instinct 2X on paper are pretty much like for like

[@BlackRedThief]

is an amazing watch

[@masteroffreedom]

HALO high altitude Low opening (parachute jumping used by military forces) HAHO high altitude High Opening usually with civilians and leisure

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Yes, that's it 👍 Thanks for the heads up. It's the joys of not scripting my content. Sometimes my brain doesn't work as imagined 😆 Hope you're well fella

[@veronicaaaa3953]

Can u allow for notifications only from 1 or 2 ppl? Parent, spouse etc

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hi Veronica. I'm not really sure. Generally the options are receive text notifications, Yes or No. Receive email notifications, Yes or No. The watch has limited access to your contacts. The only way would be if there was a way to limit this on your mobile rather than on the watch itself

[@haztriffitt]

Can you copy the stealth option on the other garmin watches?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Not sure. I think if you're technically minded I'm sure you can change the firmware and have the future on there. I'm 99% sure the watch hardware is identical. I'm sure it would be the same as reflashing the firmware on a mobile or smart device. You'd have to source the firmware from a third party though. I don't think you'll be able to get it from Garmin directly. I hope that helps

[@bibicreationsCH]

Is there the Ballistic application available ?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Yes, there's an app you have to connect via your mobile phone available in the Garmin Store. That does the computing. Your watch can talk to the app to keep thinks (kind of) hands free

[@bibicreationsCH]

@@MoorlanderEDC Thank you for your answer! ;) have a great day (or night) :)

[@MoorlanderEDC]

You're more than welcome 👍 it's just turned 16:00 here. Hopefully tea time soon

[@RocketFallout]

I like you but you have to script it better and get the facts right That is the 2x Solar TACTICAL v the other versions that are 2x Solar. The glass itself is also solar, not just the panels. In the USA in average weather I get infinite use with it using heart rate and applied ballistics. The band is not designed for being worn outside the jacket, the band for that is a separate purchase. The quick attach bands used on the Taxtics 7x and the like work with this. They must be 26mm quick connect.

[@mwb5987]

Any update on a instinct 3 release?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Not yet. Haven't heard anything about it

[@mwb5987]

@MoorlanderEDC I've got a good idea on a video for you Where do you think the Technology can and will go in the smart watch industry just curious on your take on how much more tech could they get in a watch and what the future of smart watches could bring

[@1968hvr]

Nice watch, but very expensive

[@Army4Runner]

Not really. Look at the other Garmin offerings. Or, just about any other Swiss automatic watch.

[@GrimRepair]

Haha you said 5:09

[@skotas]

Shower with a (being pc) partner not the watch😅

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I've been happily married for 20 years. The chance of Mrs Moorlander sharing a shower with me are zero 😂🚿😉

[@user-xs1yv3kj4b]

The garmin instinct 2x is literally garmin biggest mistake. Get it while you can while they don’t check the price lol. 500$

[@fruitycoconut]

12:30 - 12:35 😂

[@tonyalvarez5815]

Looks very flimsy and not a watch that can take a beating.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

They rubber in the strap definitely has more give in it than something like a GShock. Other than that it's built like a brick outhouse. It's definitely a tough watch for sure. Have a read through some if the comments here that others have left 👍 Thanks for watching buddy