Garmin Instinct Solar Review (including Instinct vs Forerunner 245)

[@markricketts6957]

I use the instinct solar just a daily hiking watch and for training for on the water rowing. Using gps for a few hours a day I still get well over 2 weeks of battery life. I actually like that it doesn't have all the extra stuff I don't use, like golf information and advanced running metrics. The build quality alone is enough that to make it the only garmin I would consider, it is much stronger and has better water resistance than a fore runner without being as much of an anchor on the wrist. as a fenix.

[@TravelwithBeacon]

how it works for marathon activity , dont you think so that comparing to forerunner series the readings are quite small.

[@flcps]

Is the tone volume too low? I can barely rear mine

[@markricketts6957]

I have no problem with it, but I rely more on the vibration feature than the sound. This works very well for me.

[@flcps]

@@markricketts6957 thanks I'm returning mine since I cannot rear it. Thanks 👍

[@domxem5551]

Thanks for taking the time to prepare this review

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks Dom, glad you enjoyed it.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice review! I have similar feelings on the Instinct Solar. Really solid watch for trail running and hiking!

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks very much.

[@rhysparker6504]

Really torn between these two. Both just dropped in price on Amazon for £140/£150. Planning my first half marathon (currently a 5k a few times a week runner) next spring, so guessing the 245 would be better for tracking my training - plus can link to Garmin Coach? I like the outdoorsy features of the Instinct, but also have a Suunto 5. Maybe the Fenix 6 (£270) is the answer?! 🤪

[@simon6652]

Just the review comparison I was looking for, thanks.

[@TheRunTesters]

Glad it could help!

[@chrisandrew_tv]

Almost every channel reviewing this watch is a running channel but this isn't marketed as a running watch. It's a shame because, perhaps unintentionally, it sounds knocked for its lack of enthusiast running features and nobody discusses what else it does. From your runners perspective though, thanks for your review!

[@stefanjovanovic5651]

Agreed... This is not daily city watch its a tool for outdoors, that is why it has solar and in-reach pairing...People dont get it...

[@TheRunTesters]

Yeah I can see how that would be frustrating and it is obviously a better general outdoors watch. Naturally we reviewed it as runners but tbh even if I wasn't I'd be put out that Garmin left off features from far cheaper watches. Hopefully some more outdoorsy channels review it soon!

[@chrisandrew_tv]

The Run Testers Totally get ya, and I partially agree. That said, there’s a whole lot of casual runners who I expect would find its running metrics more than adequate, especially where the Garmin connect app is concerned, and who might also value the Fenix level feature set and outdoorsmen capabilities as better companions to their broader sporting and activity lifestyle than, say, VO2 Max or something else found on the FR245 (which I, as a terrible runner but also a data nerd, personally love). You guys are at a higher level, and I respect that and your point of view. I just can’t help but wonder what percentage of the YT audience such a focused review really caters to. Keep the content coming guys and I wish you all the success.

[@lovethyANGELS]

I am very curious what runners see

[@steviedieselblood334]

Great review thank you. I have just purchased the watch after watching this.

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks, hope you enjoy using the watch!

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks, hope you enjoy using the watch!

[@joesirgany2507]

Great Review, but is the glare bad on the solar one during the summer do to the solar panel?

[@travassosvaldez]

Very complete, thank you for your work.

[@javierf55]

Great video, you have more or less the same wrist as mine, so I was very interested in seeing how big it would looks like. Thanks man

[@TheRunTesters]

Wrist twins!

[@sinewaymusic]

Very thorough and balanced review from a runner's perspective. I'm using my watch more for general cardio (indoor biking and rowing) but I still make heavy use of the training effect data. I tend to set a goal to keep going until aerobic effect is at 3.0, for example, to know that I'm making a difference in my training. I'd miss that ability in the Instinct Solar. That said, after having owned the 245 for a couple of months now, I'm *still* here watching reviews for the Instinct Solar and wondering if I could live without the training effect data. It's a bit crippled anyway unless you're an outdoor runner, which I'm not. For example, I get no reliable VO2max info without a couple of outdoor runs every once in a while, something my back unfortunately doesn't tolerate too well. Let's just say I'm still torn and I'm very attracted to the outdoorsy feel of the Instinct. Anyway, thanks for a great review!

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks! A tough choice to come haha, thats a great way to use the aerobic effect, but having done it many times you could probably just it by feel on the Instinct I’d guess?

[@sinewaymusic]

@@TheRunTesters I guess you could be right. But, assuming that this training effect isn't just bogus numbers, it should require increasingly more intensive workout sessions in order to reach the same number (since 3.0 and above means it will improve my overall fitness, whereas

[@TravelwithBeacon]

@@sinewaymusic so which is best according to you & why u want to take instict solar.

[@sinewaymusic]

@@TravelwithBeacon well I own the 245 and have never tried the Instinct Solar, so I can't answer your question. I'm attracted to the Instinct Solar because it has weeks of battery life, is very durable, and has solar panels.

[@fhd21]

Great review. Thank you sir

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it :)

[@bobdomson7342]

Good movie. Can I add tennis activity?, and if not something similar that will show statistics?

[@TheRunTesters]

There is a free tennis app you can add in the Garmin Connect IQ store... apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/16b53871-6b3d-48ba-b5af-cc81005ada71

[@bobdomson7342]

@@TheRunTesters this app is not compatible for instinct solar

[@jasonwright9405]

@@bobdomson7342 😢

[@BritishRacingGreen]

I really like the design, but training stats would be helpful. I want to use it for hiking and martial arts, but I doubt it answers those needs.

[@TheRunTesters]

I'd say it's pretty great for hiking wjth the navigation features and expedition mode. but won't do much for martial arts other than track time and calories I'm afraid!

[@BritishRacingGreen]

@@TheRunTesters Well I was weighing up the pros & cons between the solar instinct and the polar grit x. Similar money, but the latter seems to be a better option. Thanks for the reply.

[@TheRunTesters]

No problem, and I do think the Grit X is a little smarter all round myself :)

[@BritishRacingGreen]

@@TheRunTesters cheers for the tip.

[@kevinnaldo5605]

I also love my Garmin FR245M however it's a shame that the watch cannot handle seawater, hence everytime I play at the beach I always remove it. This is not the case with Instinct Solar where you can also use it for diving.

[@ashleyvo4929]

This is very good to know! I had to replace my watch twice thanks to salt water.

[@poss656]

I have fr45 and just got back from beach few hours ago. No problem using this model in ocean.

[@sgr6258]

The Instinct is not advertised as being able to be used for diving. Normal swimming or snorkeling yes, but diving more than a few metres (5-10m) I'd say is risky.

[@maggygwire]

Great review very helpful 👍

[@TheRunTesters]

Thanks Tom, glad it was useful.

[@buksi771]

hey there, i just purchased this watch and i like running with it but i have a major problem. the altimeter is just not working how it should...it gives me regularly more than 200m elevation gain on a flat running course...and yes, the altimeter was calibrated rigth before the run and there were no significant weather chnages. as i saw on the internet it is a very common issue with the instinct. most people say that u have to keep away from the sensor any kind of dirt or sweat so basically, u cannot use the optical HR if u want a correct elevation cuz u have to wear the watch on a long sleeve on your wrist. since there aren't many reviews about this watch from a runner's perspective, i would like to ask what is your experience with the altimeter? i assume that u sometimes use the watch without a connected chest strap...sweaty runs mess up the elevation at u? i'm trying to decide if i should request a new unit cuz this elevation problem or this is so common that i should just ask back the money and move on...thanks!

[@Josue-handle]

I would also like to know

[@johnbuchheister9142]

At 11:30: There are ?corof? Watches out there. What does he say please?

[@richt3993]

"Coros" It's another range of running watches

[@johnbuchheister9142]

@@richt3993 Thanks.

[@richt3993]

@@johnbuchheister9142 No worries. Supposed to be decent too but perhaps a little over priced as I have heard

[@RobertGarrett81]

Thanks for the vid. Can you still sync this watch with Strava?

[@abhaykela]

Yes, I am syncing this one with Strava.

[@timetothrive1637]

Did you go in and change the GPS+ to Galileo from Glonass for each of your activities? I've had mine for a few weeks and only just realised.... that might effect your tree cover issue (?)

[@TheRunTesters]

I have actually found that I prefer GPS + Glonass to Galileo for accuracy in general, the instinct was pretty good under trees, so apologies if I gave a different impression in vid!

[@timetothrive1637]

@@TheRunTesters Ah I see! I thought with Galileo being the European based system (UK designed) it would be naturally better here ... but thinking about it its all global now anyway (The satellites weren't really put in space just to track runners 😉).

[@TheRunTesters]

Yeah I did too, but after a few months with Galileo I went back to glonass. Not much in it though tbh! Just seems slightly smoother on pacing under trees near me :)

[@timetothrive1637]

@@TheRunTesters Good info!

[@flcps]

Is the tone volume too low? I can barely rear mine

[@adehardcastle9229]

I have the Garmin 735xt for my training/race day 50k ultra stuff and was looking for a watch that is more specific for going up into the UK mountains. Would you say this is the best /good option or a Garmin Fenix 5s or something similar? With amazon prime day coming up should be some good deals.

[@LaurenceGough]

Agreed, as an owner I wish it had more training/coaching features, it is disappointing at the price. Sleep tracking is a bit rubbish too, no auto sleep detection at all. Great watch otherwise.

[@shatteringairfist191]

Is that a tactical or rugged? Which one should i buy?

[@chrisk1459]

I keep going back and forth between the 245 and Instinct. Do you know how long the 245 takes to charge? I am a big fan of the instincts battery life, but I would like I the 245 Music for exercising.

[@TheRunTesters]

I haven't used the 245 for a while but i vaguely remember it only taking a couple of hours to surge id say! Both good watches, think you'll enjoy either, but im in the 245 camp for design and sports tracking!

[@bIuez71]

I wonder how it looks like in dark? Does it has backlight?

[@TheRunTesters]

Yep it has a backlight

[@bloodyEVILeye]

Can you make alarm and notifications to sound louder? It is too quiet on the watch.

[@ginetto900]

hi but the color of the garmin is gray or black?

[@aaronflynn7831]

Other reviewers have said that they didn't charge it for a month. Did you really find the battery and solar panel aren't much better than the Fenix or a Coros watch?

[@TheRunTesters]

I got 10-14 days odd from it when I tested it, which is very good and better than my Fenix 6 Pro, but the Coros Vertix lasts longer. Running everyday and lots of outdoor GPS activities does drain it quicker, so if you’re not running every day I’d expect more like three weeks. Right now I’m at 46% on the Garmin Enduro after 12 days, that’s a crazy good watch for battery life haha

[@aaronflynn7831]

@@TheRunTesters The enduro is exceptional! I was hoping the Instinct Solar would, with the right settings, allow you to run once per day in sunlight, then put it in battery saver mode the rest of the day and almost never have to charge it. Because it's lighter and way less expensive than the Enduro I'm still torn at which one to go with.

[@Marius.1926]

With not puls ox on the night 28 days

[@Jeff-wj4wy]

Is it true the GPS is pretty crappy vs Fenix?

[@TheRunTesters]

I didn’t notice bad GPS tbh, seemed as good as the other Garmins I tested with it including the Fenix

[@mayclesyrup7348]

How is this watch in terms of using it without the app ? I'm looking at purchasing one but all that went off with garmin connect is making me dubious of a purchase ? How reliant is it on data syncing/connection etc to function or can it be used solely as a watch/monitor for example if garmin connect is down ?

[@chrismiscellaneous]

Maycle Syrup works great with no app if you wanna tell time and have a gps to track activity steps floors climbed body battery heart rate only thing I missed while connect was down is sleep tracking because it does the calculations when you sync to connect for that also if you wanna see your activity on a map you would need to connect it because you will only get stats and breadcrumb trail on watch... overall tho I can’t see any watch being better than this for basic tracking and navigation.

[@mayclesyrup7348]

@@chrismiscellaneous That's brill to hear then, I just couldn't find much regarding the state of affairs with it beyond usual no info anger, and your insight into the watch has helped massively, thanks very much for your time 😊.

[@markusw6671]

Does it tell the time?

[@TheRunTesters]

Do people make bad jokes on the internet? 😂

[@TravelwithBeacon]

comparing to forerunner series the readings in solar instinct seems to be quite small & need efforts to read.

[@varunnaidu6142]

Hey I am outdoor runner and am right now looking to purchase a good watch to track only my runs. I do around 10k per day and Am very much inclined towards this watch for the long battery life. Coming to the point of gettimg my running stats.... Can't I just sync it to the Garmin app and get the stats? Over all I think at this price range and battery back up makes this watch is a good training buddy.... Or do you guys suggest any other model?

[@TheRunTesters]

Hi Varun, when you say running stats, do you mean your basic pace, distance, splits etc? Those will sync with the Garmin app but the Instinct Solar doesn't have all the running and training performance metrics the 245 has,

[@heksogen4788]

You would be better suited with Fenix 6 for trail running.

[@theg9750]

Is it ok to wash it thoroughy twice a day with soap due to this corona virus situation? Will the waterproofing take a hit?

[@sgr6258]

Using soap is not recommended and would probably void warranty. They say you should rinse with fresh water only. Imo doing what you're asking won't make much difference anyway.

[@theg9750]

@@sgr6258 But fresh water wouldn't take off oils and virus, right? How to get the virus off?

[@TravelwithBeacon]

@@theg9750 spray sanitiser directly & rinse off with cotton .

[@supotube]

I cant figure out why is vo2max missing...

[@jasonwright9405]

Coz they are cheap 😂🤣. Fenix 5/6 has vo2max

[@RyanWilliams-tg6dp]

Awesome review! If you don’t want to hold on to it, I’m broke and can’t afford one, but would love to take it off of your hands for free! 😂

[@TheRunTesters]

Ha ha, thanks Ryan. We'll let you know on that one...

[@RyanWilliams-tg6dp]

@@TheRunTesters Sounds like a plan to me!

[@chrismiscellaneous]

Battery days remaining on watch is calculated based on how long it will last with zero solar exposure... garmin has no way to calculate how long you may or may not spend outside and how sunny it will be.

[@sgr6258]

M pretty sure it estimates remaining battery based on recent usage including solar charging. Mine will, for example, charge from 50-55% solar over a day and remaining battery life can jump from 12 days to 15 days. If I do this over a few days estimated remaining days continues increasing. However, I find the remaining days estimate to be useless as it's always way too optimistic and if after 10 days I'm down to 20% battery it sometimes still says 10 days remaining!

[@chrismiscellaneous]

S Griffin yes I’ve noticed as well I think from the time of my initial comment they have updated the software to attempt to take into consideration recent sun exposure to estimate hopefully more accurately. Tho I think that will be nearly impossible for them to do reliably unless the wearer of the watch is in similar sunlight for similar amounts of time daily .

[@Chriswilliams-lx9mx]

I just got the blue one from John Lewis 189.99 bargain 👍

[@TheRunTesters]

That's a good find that Chris. Nice work.

[@burt5057]

I was originally going to buy the Instinct for £199 on Amazon. Overnight it jumped to £349. But after a fair bit of searching on-line I saw it for £275. I reckon the that's a good bargain considering the difference in specs. I'm an outdoors type. Trekking, hillwalking etc so it'll do for me. It arrives this Wednesday. I note on Amazon today it dropped to £322. Can't quite figure that out except that it pays to shop around.

[@Marius.1926]

Way not emergency calling on a adventure watch. I have the 245 and de instinct

[@MrMadFingaz]

Damn u sound like Henry Cavill! Nice review btw!

[@TheRunTesters]

Haha thanks!

[@andreiilies319]

Dis for the sound

[@TheRunTesters]

Yeah, hands up, we're still learning on that. Better mics and skills on the mixer are in the offing.

[@ImpalerVlad]

You’re really trying to dislike the watch, but it is bigger than you. Instinct Solar will outlive the sun itself

[@TheRunTesters]

This is one of the best comments we’ve ever had, Vlad. You too will outlive the mortal world. 👍

[@mr_high8129]

Design is very delicate ,for women's ok but for man definitely not.

[@domrun3547]

Noice

[@heksogen4788]

What is the point of this solar thingy for outdoor people, when the watch has a measly 200mAh capacity and a smallest power bank has 10000mAh capacity, you can easily fill your watch 50 times. Which hiker these days don't carry a powerbank with him/her? I find this feature utterly useless, it was good at the 90s when watches or calculators didn't had USB connectivity, there was no power banks, and you really wanted to cheap out on batteries, which were more expensive back then. In 2021 the situation is much different, especially considering that these watches charge like in 30 minutes top.