Garmin Instinct Crossover vs Instinct 2 // Design, Size, Watch Faces, and More...Compared!

[@PhilLau]

Just bit the bullet (of the high price) and got mine. No regrets and the physical hands are just something else. It looks great for all occasions and my run today was tracked perfectly as expected. Using the hand(s) as HR gauge is really fun for my zone training. i also enjoy being able to tell the time in the dark without having to wake the backlight. This watch is highly recommended (just have to get pass the high price)

[@MD-tr1yv]

Same, planning on selling my Apple Watch ultra and just ordered my instinct crossover! I had first and second Gen. Instinct solar, so looking forward to this one!

[@SuzukiKid400]

Just got my crossover. Expensive but worth it. It’s classy enough to wear to work with a dress shirt on and then cycle or go for runs or hikes later on in the day. Well engineered piece of tech.

[@saintjmv04]

Another cool perk on the crossover is that the solar widget tells you how many luxhours of lights the solar panel has absorbed throughout the day… Instinct 2 Solar just gives a bar graph. Another note is the glass on the Instinct 2 Solar is domed and can have issues with flat-glass screen protectors. The Crossover Solar does not have a domed glass… it is flat and can use regular flat glass screen protectors.

[@tcwhite0104]

The instinct 2x solar tactical does as well.

[@Boreduntilnow]

I think I looked up every video trying to see reviews. None out yet. Glad you made one. These watches are like detox for smartwatches

[@DesFit]

👍

[@christianewerner4755]

I love the look as it looks more like a classic watch and you can check the time much easier. I’m just afraid that it could be too big for my small wrists. 🤷‍♀️

[@BlissBatch]

G-Shock-style watches like this are supposed to look chunky. I have super small wrists, and can rock the 2X, which is way bigger than this!

[@jimhine]

happy Instinct Solar Surf owner and 20-year Casio GShock+ProTrek collector here. The functional execution of the this ‘digi-ani’ by Garmin is fantastic. Styling - like all Garmins - is yawn-yawn. Casio really tried with HRM, WearOS - and MIPs, but all of them missed sonmewhere. Casio is such a great company, but this new Instinct is the watch they should have built - but with Casio design aesthetic.

[@WStar4Life]

I just bought the crossover solar for everyday use and the Instinct 2x Solar Tactical for when I’m deployed or in the field. My buddy told me I should’ve just saved another $500 and got the Tactix 7 pro but I like the simplicity of the Instincts and prefer the displays on the Instincts

[@jermainesmith1052]

I did the same thing.

[@BradSimsCPT]

I really dig the look of this watch I've owned four garmins so far but I've always had a soft spot for analog digital watches such as the Casio G-shocks but the G-Shocks don't do anything special and are ridiculously priced for offering next to nothing (other than durability), whereas this offers true functionality / health stats / mil-spec durability / plus the slightly classier look of an analog watch. The timing is awful for me as I just bought a fenix 6x just 2 weeks ago and now this just dropped 😤 Once the solar Crossover drops under $500 I will totally snag one of these!

[@jimhine]

I’m with you Brad. Wish Casio would step up. I love Garmins feature set and decent interface. Garmin cost and boring styles may miss with young buyers. Casio needs a kinda-smart MIPS Solar GShock that displays configurable Phone app-data without another App Store price it at $150-199 in 20 colorway feels doable for Casio.

[@matrhein]

Totally in your camp as well, Brad (and Jim). Casio hasn't got the Hardware and Software knowledge in the Health sector to pull this off, let alone maps. So Garmin will remain the one provider to bring you the G-Schock of your wishes ;-). I am not sure I will wait for the price drop; it's too much into my ballpark. I am currently on a Fenix 7 and would love to exchange it for the crossover. Let's find out when it's available around here in Europe...

[@jeh9690]

Have you ever used an Instinct crossover in the winter? Moisture is created between tempered glass and the main display...Maybe it's caused by the difference between the internal temperature of the crossover and the cold temperature outside...I wonder if it doesn't cause any problems with the watch.

[@DaveCober]

I'm very interested in this watch, but cannot justify the high cost. I'm waiting to see if there will be some holiday sales.

[@funnyberries4017]

haha same! I like to put it as a prize if I complete a goal. I will get this once I'm able to do a 25 min 5k. I'm currently at 28 mins

[@ZacharyTech7]

On a watch that was just released doubtful. Same with any new products released this close to holiday

[@33scottyp]

@@ZacharyTech7 Yeah, I don’t think it will be discounted for at least another 6-9 months. The Instinct 2 has been out for a while and still hasn’t had a sale that I’m aware of.

[@quadrolizer]

Same!

[@blitzer25blitz62]

compared to Casio, this is a great value/function watch nonetheless..Casio only got u ABC Master of Gs..or at least their newest GSW-H1000.

[@33scottyp]

I’m glad to hear the Solar panel isn’t as visible with the crossover, as that’s one thing I really didn’t like in the Instinct 2. I came from the original Instinct to the Instinct 2 solar and it really bugs me seeing that reflective edge.

[@DesFit]

It was something that was an unexpected surprise for me too to when I compared them side by side. 👍

[@33scottyp]

@@DesFit Cheers mate.

[@serafinski_com]

At first I thought it was a quirk but now I know that I will very much want to exchange my Instinct 2 for a Crossover version, especially since I love analog watches.

[@mohamedshankiti548]

I think there is large customer segment that would like a premium hybrid watch with health analytics, and not geared towards outdoor enthusiasts. Many of us keep healthy through gym workouts and good nutrition, and have little time for outdoor activities. Would like to see the vivomove series upgraded 👌

[@DesFit]

👍

[@sergeant_dornan_]

People from that segment would go for Fenix/Tactix, buy a separate leather/titanium band/bracelet and download an analogue watchface if they dress in a tuxedo. Crossover looks goofy (IMHO, of course!), reminds me of some models in Casio Aviator lineup - same sports like looking case, digital screen plus regular arrows. It just doesn't look fitting... Instinct lineup was always a utilitarian, plasticky feeling, light, full digital watch. I'm not digging this experiment, but that's just me.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

I still like the original better. I don't like that the hands cover the display beneath. And call me weird, but I like the little circular defined display window on the old one.

[@Roof1028]

Awesome information, looking forward to the full Crossover review

[@DesFit]

Thanks! Coming soon 👍

[@hardmtnbiker]

I think it looks great! Kinda like a military Luminox watch with tech.

[@RigiLiquid945]

I've been wearing the Instinked for a few years. I like it for the durability low cost and GPS functions. I'm not sure I would like the addiontal thickness with the glass up there and moving hands that can be in the way sometimes. I'd rather have the hands as digital hands as a watchface option.

[@josejr.8671]

def 20 steps above GShock . great Review !

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@DavidDeLuge]

I think it looks really great. If they did a titanium version, that would definitely grab my attention. I am currently wearing a Fenix 6X Sapphire, which I've had for two years and, maybe becaue of the titanium bezel and sapphire crystal glass, it has absolutely no scratches or marks on it anywhere. However, I am looking for a change and the Amazfit Falcon is certainly looking like a compelling option. The Instinct Crossover would too if only they did a titanium version. Maybe in the future... Great video👍🏻

[@DesFit]

Thanks David!

[@ericsisk1]

Nice comparison Des! Great video!

[@DesFit]

Thanks Eric! 🙌

[@Garyyx24]

I've been using the instinct 1 since 2019. It is a great watch but after 3 years battery is pretty bad, and it takes forever to lock on GPS. Looking for my next upgrade, it will probably be an instinct 2, or forerunner 255

[@lennygarrison6836]

Is your Instinct the Solar version?

[@Garyyx24]

@@lennygarrison6836 nope, the regular one

[@juliavonzollstock3734]

How bad is bad? I just purchased the I2 and I’m so happy about the battery.

[@lennygarrison6836]

@@juliavonzollstock3734 I think he was referencing the battery being bad due to 3-4 years of use. Plus, he has the non solar version. I would expect the solar version battery to last upwards of 10 years.

[@Garyyx24]

@@juliavonzollstock3734 charge it every 2 runs now

[@logandutton]

I am looking for my first Garmin. Having a hard time between the crossover and the fénix 6 sapphire.

[@fmercado]

Nice video Des !

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@eagleye74]

Great video, thanks!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@alexjohnson668]

Just by looks. I like the crossover.

[@UziG]

For most people the Fossil hybrid is a better choice for a smartwatch with physical hands, tho it does hv sum issues

[@rockel83]

I believe the orriginal Instinct 1 and 2 have actually 3 GPS systems? GPS, Galileo and Glonass. Although the last 2 are combined with GPS itself.

[@arturm.4538]

Great thanks a lot. I will buy it

[@papagoja]

Can you invert the background system-wide on the crossover? I.e. like the instinct 2 look at 5:55

[@Ju_Johnny_]

A question on all of you having the Crossover... Are the hands moving away, when you become a notification, or are they showing the time, unless you click to see the notification?

[@33scottyp]

I’m so excited for this. Unfortunately here in Australia we won’t be able to buy it in retail stores until mid December. I’ll definitely be getting the tactical version.

[@DesFit]

Enjoy!

[@flawedhypothesis]

Why does it need analog hands though? If anything the instinct should remove the smaller day/date window and have a larger, less cramped digital display.

[@roberthoniball7489]

Great video! Looking forward to the full review. Is the Crossover Solar variant in the video the Graphite colour? or is it the Tactical edition?

[@DesFit]

Yup, this is the Solar graphite variant, non-tactical. Thanks!

[@gilghost]

would love to see updated model same size as 2x

[@ottoc.5071]

Hi, if you’re in an activity such as workout, running or swimming do the hands actively tell time or do they freeze until the activity is done? Thanks

[@DesFit]

They won't actively tell the time during an activity since it could block portions of the screen. Even on the "time of day" data page during an activity the hands have a horizontal orientation with the time displayed digitally.

[@ottoc.5071]

Very helpful thanks, great review

[@Memmaao]

I think it's absolutely worth the extra money! I'm a mega hybrid watch enthusiastic. Otherwise, I have no idea why they rushed with the release of this one?!?! Tactical version on USA website: ready for shipping: 5-8 weeks?! It won't even come to Hungary in this year! I'm so disappointed. I would wear it yesterday! Your contents are top notch by the way!

[@splatmatt]

Des @5:47 is that a seconds complication on the left (re: instinct crossover)?

[@DesFit]

Hey Matt, just wanted to get clarification on your question since the Instinct 2 is on the left at that time marker. But the Instinct 2 does have the seconds in the cutout window at that time.

[@splatmatt]

@@DesFit the watch on the right (crossover) the left complication on that watch @5:47

[@DesFit]

Ah, gotcha. Yup, it is a seconds complication.

[@splatmatt]

@@DesFit thanks! Does it stay active on the watch face or does it time out after a period of time?

[@DesFit]

Looks like it stays active 👍

[@jamescurti9804]

I had the instinct 2 Solar. I found it very hard to use and the display was poor to read. Now I like the hands. But they should have just left them digital in the display. The display and watch design is so much better then the instinct Solar 2. Maybe poor sales on that and they discontinue ? I sold mine on eBay and got the Fenix 7 which I like. I would consider this as a back up watch. 600$ is steep though considering not a touch screen or sapphire crystal.

[@JB-hq9yj]

Garmin is high selling this for $600

[@geopapa80]

They should have included an 'ultra ultra' battery saver mode with only hands moving when you turn off the watch

[@DesFit]

I asked them about that but nothing at the moment. Hopefully something that they can look into!

[@tjgregs]

4:14 This Instinct 2 screen visibility situation seems like a glaring design flaw to me. Too bad Garmin refuses to admit this and says it's all normal.

[@anncho-berardi2417]

This was great, would really like to see a review or comparison with the tactix 7 series…

[@mikegags9115]

I just picked up the Garmin Crossover watch from Cabela’s. The sale price was $299 (200 off) plus an additional 10 percent off and free shipping. Not a bad deal for my first Garmin watch. Thanks for the great reviews, they helped me with my decision. One question, where did you get the screen protector for the watch. Thank you.

[@helmutkrusemann9194]

How accurate is the step tracker in general and compared to other step trackers like other Garmin watches, Apple Watch, Fitbit and especially Casio G shock GBD H 2000 because I’m thinking about buying either a Garmin instinct or g shock GBD H 2000. any Tipps or suggestions are much appreciated. thank you very much

[@bradleyterpstra4202]

I have a questoin DesFit. Back when you reviewed the Garmin Venu SQ, could you do see the time on the watch while recording a workout?

[@DesFit]

Yup, you should be able to have a data page/data field set up just for time of day if you'd like

[@ajitbabu241]

Good review as usual from you, Des ! This crossover looks good but the data is not large enough to read i assume. I'm very happy with my FR 255 !

[@DesFit]

There's certainly a compromise with having the analog hands where it obstructs the display a little bit. Even so, I'm a pretty big fan of this watch from an aesthetic standpoint! Thanks!

[@_samurai_744]

FR255 has huge black borders around screen which makes the watch look cheap actually.

[@a.b1266]

Last year I went from my old Fenix 5x Sapphire to a Venu 2.... (HATED IT).. returned it for an Instinct 2. In my mind this is the pinnacle of Garmin (least for now). The crossover does nothing for me.

[@Motawa88]

I want a crossover with an amoled display and smaller size/more classy

[@Ppareja1976]

Are these watches tough and durable like the g-shock?

[@heavyd9154]

Not even close.

[@heavyd9154]

as much as i wanted the crossover as an upgrade to my original instinct I just couldnt do it. Instinct 2 Solar for the win

[@jashanr5765]

its a great watch, but i would like a sapphire glass on my rugged x watch, i suppose i will wait for the next gen;)

[@mobylv1369]

It should of had sapphire screen.

[@larsstougaard7097]

Yes the cross version, that would be my concern more easily scratched

[@josejr.8671]

@@larsstougaard7097I own a gshock while doing construction and it never scratched . I doubt this one will.

[@dasbose4962]

The price just killed me. Ridiculous!

[@jashanr5765]

agreed, the new price is insane and depreciates like crazy from the purchase of the product to 2 the years donw the line and yet alone the battery cannot be replaced

[@regstoy]

Garmin watch features sometimes really confuse me. Venu watches have Garmin pay, music playback from the watch, downloadable training plans, but then lack audio feedback. Why when your watch can play music, would it not have audio prompts? Then they bring out the Instinct series of watches, with again the ability to download training plans, this time they do have audio prompts, but lack music playback. If the Instinct 2 had music playback it would have been the perfect watch, closely followed and maybe even passed out by, the Venu 2/sq music if they had audio prompts. Now this crossover watch, looks great, but at its price, why not have music?

[@Luisxviiii]

Do you know if the instincts band fits the Fenix 7?

[@adimperial]

How is readability during an activity with 5 fields compared to Instinct 2 Solar? Is the font smaller and do the hands obstruct view?

[@pirateunder40]

What about the Tide widget?

[@fmercado]

Waiting for the crossover to get to Argentina!

[@DesFit]

Hopefully soon!

[@andre90693]

Your wrist size in the video with crossover? Thanks

[@DesFit]

Oops! Sorry about that…185mm circumference

[@andre90693]

@@DesFit thank you!

[@fallingwickets]

can't wait to buy one...thanks for the great reviews. for curiosity, is the band quick release?

[@DesFit]

It's not a quick release band (if you mean QuickFit like the Fenix series). Thanks!

[@fallingwickets]

@@DesFit thanks..i stopped being lazy and checked the spec sheet: quickfit....works for me!

[@sfpg1]

Is there a watch face that has the seconds display?

[@JohnSmith-tz4on]

Will this give latitude /longitude coordinates?

[@democracy9102]

I love this watch but its big oversized

[@TheSemser]

Это выглядит круче чем Instinct 🎉

[@adimperial]

It looks like the backlight is brighter on the crossover. Can you confirm? On my Instinct 2 Solar sometimes I can’t even read display in the dark with backlight. Also, can you customize the main watch face to show seconds on one of the little sections?

[@adimperial]

@@DeletedDenizen Yeah I keep mine at 40% as well. Probably just my aging eyes

[@odessamarieclay6199]

Do we think this watch will get morning report?

[@addie7043]

hi mate, thx for the informative video - as always. Does the crossover have the Tide Graph like the Instinct Solar Surf ?

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome!

[@Uuttsjs]

Side note - The watch face on the Instinct 2 looks quite different from the options I have available. Date and time are in the upper left. Mine just has a large time of day in the middle. My software is up to date ... what am I missing?

[@DesFit]

What do you have for watch face options when you go into the settings?

[@Uuttsjs]

@@DesFit Just 4 digital (x 2 for flipping the dark and light background) and 3 "analogue")

[@Uuttsjs]

@@DesFit #1 The one that comes when you first get the watch (graph upper left digital time in the middle) # 2 Large hour, over large minute on the left, some data fields to the right and # 3 Smaller hour over minute with some data fields to the right, # 4 Large graph, heart, altimeter etc. Then The 2 "analogue" and again with the reverse dark / light.

[@DesFit]

That’s strange…checked two different Instinct 2’s (one solar, on non-solar 2S) and both have a total of 16 faces (8 x 2 inverted). I don’t have an original instinct to check to see how many that has though. I’m even running some very old firmware on the 2S and it has all those faces.

[@Uuttsjs]

I only have 6x2 in total. Running V18.10 and I think that is the latest. Tried looking in the Connect IQ app but it won't recognise my watch. Reinstalled the app, re-booted the phone, dropped and reconnected the watch on Bluetooth, paired the phone again but nada. Garmin Connect works fine, syncs stats etc. Thank you very much for helping. I'll open up a ticket with Garmin.

[@ckat609]

is this thing being sold anywhere? I haven't found it yet. Does it run udisc?

[@DesFit]

Currently sold through Garmin.com. The list of compatible devices for UDisc can be found here on the app info page.

[@ckat609]

@@DesFit thank you des!

[@billscully2521]

Thoughts on upgrading from the instinct 2 solar? And do think an instinct 3 will be released

[@DesFit]

It mainly comes down to looks vs the Instinct 2 vs the Crossover since the feature set is nearly identical. If you’re looking for more accuracy for GPS the Crossover could be a good option but I still found the Instinct 2 to be reliable.

[@lukasbeck5358]

Thank you for the comparison, very helpful. Bur the most important question for me would be: does the crossover tick?

[@DesFit]

They do not tick. Thanks!

[@TheBigBlueMarble]

I was incredibly disappointed to realize that the Garmin watches will not sync with Garmin Connect unless you have internet connectivity. So much for using my Instinct when on long back country trips.

[@athletejmv]

Awesome video! I was hoping for something like this when I saw your other video yesterday questioning "what is this?" Anyhow, I have the Instinct 2 solar... hardly use it, but I like the way Garmin allows cross platform (laptop, tablet, phone, etc) data analysis for workouts, training, etc. I'm rocking the Applewatch Ultra, but Garmin has such a strong place in my heart. Applewatch I use for day to day living (wholeistic) lifestyle and staying intentional with activity/health... I wear the Garmin at times when going on runs, walks, and bike rides. So frustrating that there is always a compromise and I wish I had the best of both worlds lol. One pet peeve of mine with the Applewatch is I can only access workout info from the iPhone. Also, I like closing the rings... performance wise (stats), Garmin gets my attention). Another issue with the Garmin is that I can only compete with activities... I can set different threshholds on the Applewatch when competing with my children or friends... other than that, they compete with my head to head running or biking. One issue with the Garmin though is step count accuracy takes a hit. Garmin said this is because it preserves battery life and the Applewatch does not focus on that. The Applewatch is significantly more accurate. Car drives with a Garmin can give me up to a couple-thousand steps on longer drives. Ultra was a solution to my battery woes from the past, but still greatly appreciate not having battery burnout anxiety when I'm away from a charger for any significant period of time. To each their own and thanks again for another amazing video!

[@helmutkrusemann9194]

How accurate is the step tracker in general and compared to other step trackers like other Garmin watches, Apple Watch, Fitbit and especially Casio G shock GBD H 2000 because I’m thinking about buying either a Garmin instinct or g shock GBD H 2000. any Tipps or suggestions are much appreciated. thank you very much

[@bee_marshall]

Really hoping they remove that little cutout display from the original.

[@MateHegyhati]

Thanks for the video, Des. Are the handles utilized on the structured workout training screen or the straight line back to start navigation screen? I'd generally be interested, how the training screen looks like, as the remaining time of a step is displayed in the little window in the earlier models, which is too tiny for my eyes. I'd love to see a version that is closer to that of the other models.

[@stud_jw]

다이브 컴퓨터 기능이 들어간것은 언제쯤 나올까??? 디센트 G2 로 나올라나?

[@DavidWalker-wz9rl]

Well - like it except for the price - in Canada with the Solar edition you are just a few dollars short of a 955

[@kidsandus8061]

I'd pay max 300€ for the watch. It's overpriced in my opinion.

[@nachot6592]

The hands are think enough that I find them intrusive and the price is way too high.

[@Matheus-ry8jl]

I keep on my Instinct 2x tactical coyote.

[@HipHipKareta]

Need one in steel, like a tactix delta/marq but with real arms. Smartwatch dosnt look smart in a suit.

[@HeathHunter]

So on top of that Instinct 2 readability is much worse than Instinct 1 (I have both Surf Solar 1 & 2) now the Instinct Crossover is even worse...

[@TaroLoaf]

If it weren't for the high price, this would definitely be a g shock killer

[@Simon89Jeppesen]

I think the crossover with solar and dials is not very usefull but a lot more expensive

[@os2171]

If somehow the crossover would manage to present topo maps… I would go for if instead of the Fenix 7 or the forerunner 955… the crossover should be between the crossover and the forerunner 955… imagine that

[@icesystem7]

why would you put hour and minutes hands on a digital watch ... is beyond me. also.. no wireless charging in 2022-23??? neeext!

[@alpolo007]

The Crossover is just ugly. The Instinct 2 is a good looking watch.

[@DesFit]

Video and photos doesn't necessarily do it justice. I wasn't won over until I saw it in person. But good thing there's two options for different tastes 👍

[@urbanmotorsshowroom8876]

no for me ..

[@dimi-88]

Crap🤮Cheap material as always for 600 euro😂😂No way garmin

[@Zaghitoss]

Sorry for asking but you speak very fast and i'm italian so i don't understand very well 😅. The main difference are: materials (crossover with stainless steel), watch faces, weight and analog hands. So the internal hardware and Heart reating/GPS sensors are the same? Cause yes, Crossover is more beautiful in terms of Design but here in Italy cost 599€ (almost like a Fenix series), the Instinct 2 solar now with blackfriday cost only 299€... if you confirm me that the measurements and the H.R., spO2 and GPS sensors are PRECISELY IDENTICAL, I would opt for the instinct 2, it's still beautiful. I hope you will answer me thanks!

[@DesFit]

The Crossover has a different GPS chipset

[@Zaghitoss]

@@DesFit so it's more accurate than the instict 2 solar? This is the only Hardware difference? Thanks for your reply. Love your videos 👍🏻

[@Terminator_T-X3]

I’m thinking of getting this versus the Apple watch, and this watch seems to do better besides not being part of the Apple ecosystem...🥹...i also think Apple watches have good accuracy with heart rates monitoring but only lasts a day.