Woah, someone in the decision-making chain in Garmin, really looked at the Instinct and say "woah, this model is selling really well! You know what people would love? An AMOLED screen!" I hate to admit it, but the professional-managerial class is really out of touch with reality.
This would’ve been a HOME RUN if they had the elevate 5 sensor and had simplified maps. I’d be completely fine with a map that shows mountain peaks, trails and road names and just dark shaded areas for rivers/lakes. No need for topo lines, POI etc. Heck, I’d be ok if they even limited the storage of maps and you could download your routes before you hike, then discard it after you’re done. I guess Garmin needs to justify the $1,100 Fenix somehow 😑.
I just bought a T Rex 3 a few weeks ago, switching from my trusty Instinct 2. I wanted AMOLED and touch screen. I saw this vid and thought I'd moved to quickly... but now I see that it's not touch screen. What a relief for me, and head scratcher for Garmin. It looks like a great watch but man am I hooked on touch screen! And the mapping on T Rex 3 is terrific. Great video - thanks!
@@thedragon356 Absolutely true. At this point for the adventure seeking, they're forcing you into the Fenix. I personally dislike it after wearing it and wanted the Instinct. It fits my aesthetic better, too, but it looks like it's time to change brands.
@@robbied4766 Software is not there yet with ie Amazfit but year or two and I'm sure they'll catch up. Garmin really starts to feel ossified and greedy.
@@SPARTAN-8-ONEexactly. I have an Instinct Solar and a Fenix 8, and love them both - the Instinct is what I wear when I'm doing DIY due to its ruggedness.
@@SPARTAN-8-ONE at this price point for the same 5 year old tech, the Rangeman GPR-H1000 becomes a serious contender for someone who needs rugged and tough without the luxury of an AMOLED screen. Don't get me wrong though, I wear a FR 165 everyday and beat it to hell and it works fine for what I do.
Instinct 3 Solar is actually $50 cheaper than the Instinct 2 Solar was when released. But it's true that Instinct 2 has been available with massive discounts recently.
What's going on with Garmin these days? An AMOLED with no touch screen? A new watch with an older sensor? The same crappy glass? For the $450 they want for this, I can go buy a brand new Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar online today and at least have a premium tier device.
@@thedragon356 way too comfortable. Just look no further than $1,100 for the Fenix 8. I know they go after a certain market segment but let's come back down to Earth. There's a lot of competition out there nipping at their heels...and I'm sure reducing their market share.
@ I mean, tech watches need to evolve. They aren’t Rolex’s that can use dated designs to carry themselves. Tech watches are different, the culture is different and we expect them to look cool, stay on the cutting edge of both style and technology.
@@ChaseTheSummitLol the new one has fake screws on the front and a red metal bezel, we just want a plain black watch! Crazy you can't see those details.
I just upgraded from the 2x solar tactical last week to the enduro 3. Im glad i didnt wait for the instinct 3 not worthe the upgrade. If anyone here wants the instinct get the 2x, it reslly is a great watch that has survived alot of rough use due to my job. If you need maps and want touch screen just wait on the enduro 3 to get a sale. It essentially the instinct with a touch screen and maps.
Exactly as I expected absolutely minimal upgrade. Most of the functions could be updated via software update I2. They didn't even add a new heart rate sensor, new MIP display with better resolution and new skin, basic map etc. The amoled display is a mockery. It will be bought by the absolute minimum number of people, because instinct users are complete mimimalists. We have to wait for the real Instinct 3 with corresponding functions, which will probably come marked like "PRO". 🤷
my favorite thing about garmin smart watches is you can do everything with buttons and never need to tocuh the screen, so I'm ok with no touch on the AMOLED. Plus the display might look sharper since they don't need to overlay a digitizer over it
Yeah, I don't like touching my watch's screen over and over either. It'll just smudge it up. I kinda wished they had an option with a sapphire glass though.
Looks amazing, takes me back to my first Garmin instinct, but no gen5 HR, no mapping, no touchscreen ....not quite sure what theyre playing at here??? Great review as always! Thanks.
Seeing those sky high Garmin price raises, I can only wonder how high U$ inflation must be! Or is it that Garmin executives desperately want to cash in before their competitors (Apple, Amazfit etc) crush them?
I'm not really sure what they were going for. The instinct model should have stayed the way it was. They are starting to blur everything together. The instinct it supposed to be the shock alternative. Am I wrong?
@@noisetin, the battery life of the E version is inferior to 2 and 3 solar. This is very disappointing. This is the only version I looked for until I saw the specs.
Garmin must be taking a piss with that 9 day AOD on a freaking 50 mm AMOLED Instinct for $500 with no music or mapping, and a last gen sensor. Who is this for?
I like the look of the bigger screen area in the amoled model. And regarding the touch screen, I got Galaxy ultra watch from my wife to replace or coexist with my Instinct 2 and I still prefer the buttons over the touch screen.
I switched from Apple Watch Ultra to Garmin 2x solar a few months ago. Amoled screens look great but at the end of the day I just want the data. MIP way better in sunlight and battery life, and true always on. Plus love not dealing with a touch screen with wet hands or gloves. Only thing I see with the 3x solar is redesigned bezel with a metal ring, graphics under the lens, and more solar coverage. Extra Solar is the only thing worth it over the 2x if you don't already own one. I'll wait, I love my 2x solar.
As an Enduro 3 owner (and Instinct 2, and 2X, and FR965, etc), the latest HR sensor has more LEDs yet doesn't provide enough additional accuracy for the expense. If you want the ECG feature, okay, but I've only used it once. For real accuracy under varied conditions (sprints or weight training), you still need a chest strap. The older HR sensor doesn't consume as much power either. If it had all the latest and greatest it would cost the same as a Fenix, so I'm glad it doesn't.
I remember the instinct series always had a sensor 1 generation older than garmins current one at the time of release. I like this design better than the 2 series but I still find it lacking in style in comparison to gen 1. As for the lack of a touchscreen, my best guess is that they concluded that the best use case for a touchscreen on a watch with 5 buttons would be for maps, and since this one lacks that function, it would only make it more expensive for no reason.
No offline map?? At that price?? Suunto Race S, Coros Pace Pro, Amazfit T-Rex3, Amazfit Balance, all have offline maps, all have touch screen amoled, and cheaper. 🤣 But yeah, the design of Instinct 3 is cool though.
If they still produce watches with the Gen 4 sensor, I have feeling we will not see Gen 6 this year. This makes me pretty happy for buying the Epix 2 pro for almost half the price of the Fenix 8.
That's kinda what I'm leaning to as well. If only the Coros has the flashlight too... then I'd have already ordered it. I'm still trying to decide what I'll go with soon.
I love these new Instinct 3 designs and I particularly like the Amoled versions. I have an Instinct 2 and an Enduro 3. I love my Enduro after buying it for a Christmas present to myself. Without the maps, I'm not sure I would have bought the Instinct 3, but I definitely like them a lot. I'm very satisfied with the Enduro. I considered my next purchase very carefully and no regrets. If money was no object, I might have waited for the Tactix 3, but I got an amazing deal on the Enduro, so snapped it up.
Yet another tech company trying to sell last year's tech with some new lipstick. Do they know something we don't? Like maybe we are all going to be dirt poor in a few months barely able to afford food and clothing...
I liked the Instinct 2, but with the current features of the 3, might as well buy a Fenix 7 or Epix. Same pricing, better features on the Fenix/Epix. I do like the upgraded aesthetic, but not the features.
Awsome,thank you for this" first look". I love this model,in time I bought the fenix 3 the fenix 6 and corrently the 7...still thinking to get me the 8,but the instinct it is a good product...looking forward to find it in the stores.
Amoled is the last feature I want on my watch.... for me maps and battery life are the most important features. And the flashlight is a surprisingly useful feature!
To me a touch screen on kind of seems like a no brainer to add, but then again I wonder if they've sampled user data to see that enough people (myself included) disable touch on the display anyways, so may as well cut the cost
Very disappointed in Garmin lately. My Fenix 8 AMOLED will sometimes get 7 days charge with AOD and sometimes 3 days. Same usage. It’s very frustrating. And the ugly orange sensor guard meant I had to order a custom version to get the titanium sensor guard. All I wanted from the Instinct 3 was the same choices in fun colors and a flashlight on the midsize model. They still couldn’t manage that. Better than an Apple Watch but I’m eyeing Coros after my Fenix 8 AMOLED dies.
I have an Instinct 2x and will not be upgrading to the Instinct 3. It's great the Instinct 3 has a amoled display, but no touchscreen, no map, and same gen 4 sensors don't make it much better than the 2x.
This is EXACTLY what we want. AMOLED and no touch screen. I am being serious. I absolutely hate touch screens and they are useless in and under the water. Now Garmin just needs to bring us this watch with dive functionality in the G2 version of the Descent.
Maybe exactly what you want lol. In reality on most Garmin watches you can completely turn off the touch screen if you don’t want to use it like on Fenix, Epix and Forerunners. But the idea of shipping a $500 watch in 2024 without a touch screen that can be turned on or off seems a bit silly.
@@ChaseTheSummit What are you talking about? Garmin has a bazillion watches with an AMOLED touchscreen. Go buy one of those. Quit crapping on OPTIONS for those who have opinions different from yours.
Thank you for the video! I wonder what you think, if I have the forerunner 255 is it worth switching to instinct 3? My main workout is swimming and 255 has everything I need, except that I really want to get something with led flash light, but the only issue I see with instinct 3 downer have swim pace alert based on the spec on Garmin site
@ Dave, from what you have seen, to make some sense. Could I assume ver 4 and ver 5 HR sensor have very close performance for daily use ? Or else Garmin will certainly upgrade to ver 5.
Loved my instinct 2X tactical great watch but wanted maps and few more features and upgrade so sold it made the jump to fenix 8 ! Glad didn't wait .... love fenix 8 and thought the instinct 3 would have had a bit more !
In my opinion, the third series is not good enough to make owners of the second series run to the store for it. I also did not see a tactical version. By the way, tell me, is the glass plane on the instinct 2 solar tactical flat or rounded? Protective glass or film?
Why would one buy the instinct 3 over a Fenix 7 Pro (or Epix if you want ambled) which are sold at the same price here in Czech Republic? You'd event get the elevate Gen 5 sensor.. It is a genuine question, perhaps I am missing something
Instinct watches are MUCH lighter, for one. For myself, this is a significant item. The lighter watch retains position on wrist better during activities providing better data. I also very much prefer the 45mm Instinct while working outdoors. Smaller form factor interferes less with jackets, gloves, etc.
I had the basic Instict 1, and I now have an Epix 2 saphire. What the E doesn't have is not unfortunate or sad, it's a base model. You want the light or solar, go the other one. Also if the Amoled has everything that the Fenix 8 has, then why would Garmin make both? Using the slightly older and still very good sensors and tech means it will be very reliable. Plus there is room for them to release more in the future, like a new tactical.
Thanks for the great video as always. Disappointed that the 2s has been relegated to the "E" models only. I would gladly pay an additional $$$s for solar and the new features of the MIP versions. Will be keeping my 2s Solar till it dies I guess. Hope they backport some of these software features like large fonts to the Instinct 2 watches. ALso no mention of the focused models like Surf or Tatical..... any news on that or has that strategy ended and just offering the apps tp any watches?
Fantastic, fantastic summary. You did a great job noting a few items that other reviewers didn't note with much clarity. Like the fact that the AMOLED screen is not touchscreen enabled! Or even the fact that there's not music. I don't think I noticed anybody else saying that. But question: the MIP display looks definitively better than versions in the past, almost like it's an AMOLED version of MIP. Is it like that in real life?
Yeah it's a super crispy MIP display. To be honest I thought the Instinct 2X had a great display, this one is a level above that. super contrast, super visibility!
@ totally. I know that DC said you could activate large font mode. I wasn't quite able to just immediately or easily read the 2X original just because of the poor resolution, do you notice anything different on this one, if you happen to have tested that aspect?
I'm willing to bet that they're using the MIP tech from the Enduro 3. This series seems really odd from Garmin. Generation 4 sensor? Strange. But if they'd gone with Elevate 5 and offer ECG they'd need to put something metal for you to touch. Weird devices.
Insane it doesnt have the new sensor. And why a amoled version? The point of the instinct is extreme batterylife, at this price point with no mapping and and no new sensor what is even the point of the amoled? When their is better garmin amoleds with mapping and touch screen at a closer price point. Im not sure what i think about this the battery life improvement is awesome but at that price.... Hard sell to upgrade watch. I dont care about mapping amoled or touch screen all i want is crazy battery life good gps tracking. Is the compass more responsive atleast?
Nope, your instinct 1 has an ambient temperature sensor. Meaning it’s estimating the temperature of the air in your surroundings. Wrist temperature is a sensor on the back of the watch that contacts your skin.
Wenn man jetzt nicht umbedingt das Amoled Display will, macht die Instinct 3 irgendwie gar keinen Sinn. Da tut es auch die Instinct 2 die ja auch im Preis fallen wird. Irgendwie enttäuschend.....wollte mir schon letztes Jahr eine Instinct kaufen, habe dann doch noch mehrere Monate gewartet, um jetzt festzustellen, dass sich in den Jahren jetzt keine wirkliche Entwicklung gab, außer ein höherer Preis.....
I love that is does NOT have a touch screen! I had the original solar and have the 2 solar. Not sure how I feel about the short battery life to get the AMOLED display
With most Garmin watches you can completely turn off the touch screen if you don’t want to use it like on Fenix, Epix and Forerunners. But the idea of shipping a $500 watch in 2024 without a touch screen that can be turned on or off seems a bit silly.
Garmin shot themselves again! Well, but It's clear that they don't have any other features to keep people buying their expensive top-of-the-line watch so they keep Garmin Instinct line with old hardwares. Or just for the fact they want to clear their old hardware stocks. Inventory planning at its worst. Lolz...
I think they don't want to cannibalize Fenix sales, so will not. However, I read that you can use the Komoot app and voila!, maps. Personally, watch-sized maps seem pretty useless to me. I just pair it with the Explore app, or use an offline service like Gaia. If your only nav option is your watch, you have probably got bigger problems! YMMV
Gonna be honest, I first saw the Instinct 3 and got super excited.. then I started looking around and researching it before I decided to get my hands on it and really started wondering.. Legit.. the only difference between the Instinct 2 and 3 (I am not in poccession of an instinct watch btw) that I can see is the screen and the metalic exterior. Why should I really bother getting the upgrade if the instinct 2 is essentially the same, both software and hardware wise? ..Honestly, I think I know which one to buy. And I think Suunto has a few watches I'm interested in.
You also get the built in flashlight on all models, dual band GPS on all models, additional training features more battery life and 5x more efficient solar charging. Is that worth the added cost? That's up to you!
@@ChaseTheSummit I've looked on the garmin website though.. There is not added cost. Literally the Instinct 3 E is the exact same price as the Instinct 2 and the instinct 3 solar is the exact same price as the Instinct 2 Solar. The biggest difference, as far as I have noticed, is the flashlight, the frame, and the battery life (The instinct E has a battery life of supposedly 16 days while the instinct 3 solar and instinct 2 in general has 28 days) Oh, and while I'm on this: according to the website, the Instinct E does NOT have a flashlight. So.. would it be worth it right now with the current information I have now? Well.. I'm struggling to see where the upgrade is, other than the flashlight. All that I am seeing the instinct 3 as is just the instinct 2 with a new frame and the ability to have AMOLED. It's really hard to justify it right now.. just because they aren't putting the newer HR monitor on this.. even though by looking at it, I'm not sure what the idea for the HR monitor is.. It seems to me like the HR monitor is brand new to the garmin series.. but the fact they decided to not put the newer monitor in their newer watches.. right now it just baffles me unless it's something to deal with processing the information.
Perhaps you should do a shootout between the 45mm Instinct 3 AMOLED with Coros Pace Pro and Suunto Race S despite the $100 MSRP difference. I'm getting the impression that it'll trounce both of these watches in terms of GNSS & OHR accuracy and consistency, while having better thought-out menus, functions etc.
This is a special shirt with a watch cutout so you can see the display without having to roll up your sleeve... it's not over the sleeve. Check out the Path Projects Pyrenees shirt.
Maybe instinc 2x discount? i want to buy them as pair to my F8... because they already look like ive been at war after 3 months. //EDIT BTW i always turning of Touch screen even on F7x F8x.. i dont even have gesture. When i want to see watch i have to click lol. Am i only one that weird?
I was planning on getting an instinct 3 and this watch isn't horrible but it doesn't build upon the instinct 2 whatsoever. It's just resting upon its laurels and trying to extract funds from us due to its name. This watch should be the instinct 2 If we're being completely honest here. This watch was released 5 years ago. It wouldn't be seen as revolutionary.
It is sad that women and men with small wrists that prefer a smaller size will never benefit from the specs of Instinct 3, being "forced" to downgrade to the E version which is not such a big upgrade from Instinct 2S
In the current state of technology it's unlikely that will ever happy. AMOLED is too much of a power consumption that the Solar ring wouldn't have much of an effect on battery life.
The instinct e is like buying the first gen watch and after seeing the new ones I hate mine now. I want to get the instinct 3 - I just dont want to drop 500 dollars - maybe I do but why - what is a 500 hundred dollar watch going to do for me?
This is a good way to get people to buy your competitor.
Hahaha
Amaze fit T-Rex three for the win
Woah, someone in the decision-making chain in Garmin, really looked at the Instinct and say "woah, this model is selling really well! You know what people would love? An AMOLED screen!"
I hate to admit it, but the professional-managerial class is really out of touch with reality.
I'll keep my instinct 2x solar 😂
Almost the same watch with minor improvements
Same
Instinct 2x already dropped in price rather much here in Sweden. It's a good option to buy that one instead.
I second that.
@@geraner how much is the 2X Tactical Black?
This would’ve been a HOME RUN if they had the elevate 5 sensor and had simplified maps. I’d be completely fine with a map that shows mountain peaks, trails and road names and just dark shaded areas for rivers/lakes. No need for topo lines, POI etc. Heck, I’d be ok if they even limited the storage of maps and you could download your routes before you hike, then discard it after you’re done. I guess Garmin needs to justify the $1,100 Fenix somehow 😑.
Well if you want mapping, third parties support it on the amoled model. But it isn't at the Garmin navigation level.
See if they release an x model. Probably have newer sensor and whatnot.
@@vpnconsult but limited storage will be an issue.
Instinct series users before I3 release: Please garmin add basic map, better resolution MIP display, remove ring, add bigger memory and add elevate 5 sensor.
Garmin: Adds AMOLED 😂😂 🤷 🖕
I just bought a T Rex 3 a few weeks ago, switching from my trusty Instinct 2. I wanted AMOLED and touch screen. I saw this vid and thought I'd moved to quickly... but now I see that it's not touch screen. What a relief for me, and head scratcher for Garmin. It looks like a great watch but man am I hooked on touch screen! And the mapping on T Rex 3 is terrific. Great video - thanks!
I could live without touch screen but lack of mapping is a deal breaker for me.
@@noisetinit's an excusable when there's competitors half this price with maps
The instinct amoled is gonna be a tough sell when you have the trex 3 for half the price
@@thedragon356 Absolutely true. At this point for the adventure seeking, they're forcing you into the Fenix. I personally dislike it after wearing it and wanted the Instinct. It fits my aesthetic better, too, but it looks like it's time to change brands.
@@robbied4766 Software is not there yet with ie Amazfit but year or two and I'm sure they'll catch up. Garmin really starts to feel ossified and greedy.
I believe the general consensus is that it is very disappointing
I thought the instinct was garmins g shock alternative. I really don't get this.
@@SPARTAN-8-ONEexactly. I have an Instinct Solar and a Fenix 8, and love them both - the Instinct is what I wear when I'm doing DIY due to its ruggedness.
@@SPARTAN-8-ONE at this price point for the same 5 year old tech, the Rangeman GPR-H1000 becomes a serious contender for someone who needs rugged and tough without the luxury of an AMOLED screen.
Don't get me wrong though, I wear a FR 165 everyday and beat it to hell and it works fine for what I do.
Buzz Lightyear themed watch.
Everyone always bitches about something. I’m personally pretty excited about it.
the instinct 's became popular cause you didn't have to sell a kidney to get one. Looks like we are back to selling kidneys.....
I already sold all of my organs to get a garmin fenix 7x😂
Cant afford to have another garmin
Instinct 3 Solar is actually $50 cheaper than the Instinct 2 Solar was when released. But it's true that Instinct 2 has been available with massive discounts recently.
@@rabomarc Instinct 2 Solar have infinite battery life, and this one have... screen for childrens ?
@@jka4ful Im comparing the Instinct 2 Solar to MIP version of Instinct 3 Solar.
Selling mine now.😂
Where Elevate V5
I switched from Galaxy Watch4 to Instinct 2 because of the rugged case. Glad i bought the instinct 2 instead of waiting for the 3
What's going on with Garmin these days? An AMOLED with no touch screen? A new watch with an older sensor? The same crappy glass? For the $450 they want for this, I can go buy a brand new Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar online today and at least have a premium tier device.
They’re too comfortable
@@thedragon356 And greedy.
@@thedragon356 way too comfortable. Just look no further than $1,100 for the Fenix 8. I know they go after a certain market segment but let's come back down to Earth. There's a lot of competition out there nipping at their heels...and I'm sure reducing their market share.
Not for me
I have a feeling of drip feeding. Why gen4 sensor :-( Fenix 7pro makes even more sense now. I'm confused.
I don't really like this if I'm being honest. The direction they are going.
Garmin is usually spot on for designs but this looks like a kid's toy.
Looks pretty much the same as previous Instincts in my opinion. I'm not a huge fan of the new teal color but the black... is fine.
@ I mean, tech watches need to evolve. They aren’t Rolex’s that can use dated designs to carry themselves. Tech watches are different, the culture is different and we expect them to look cool, stay on the cutting edge of both style and technology.
@@ChaseTheSummitLol the new one has fake screws on the front and a red metal bezel, we just want a plain black watch! Crazy you can't see those details.
I just upgraded from the 2x solar tactical last week to the enduro 3. Im glad i didnt wait for the instinct 3 not worthe the upgrade. If anyone here wants the instinct get the 2x, it reslly is a great watch that has survived alot of rough use due to my job. If you need maps and want touch screen just wait on the enduro 3 to get a sale. It essentially the instinct with a touch screen and maps.
For double the price, you insane?
Exactly as I expected absolutely minimal upgrade. Most of the functions could be updated via software update I2. They didn't even add a new heart rate sensor, new MIP display with better resolution and new skin, basic map etc.
The amoled display is a mockery. It will be bought by the absolute minimum number of people, because instinct users are complete mimimalists. We have to wait for the real Instinct 3 with corresponding functions, which will probably come marked like "PRO". 🤷
my favorite thing about garmin smart watches is you can do everything with buttons and never need to tocuh the screen, so I'm ok with no touch on the AMOLED. Plus the display might look sharper since they don't need to overlay a digitizer over it
Yeah, I don't like touching my watch's screen over and over either. It'll just smudge it up. I kinda wished they had an option with a sapphire glass though.
What is the point of amoled in this device?
I go for Monochromatic mip solar all the way
User preference. Some like AMOLED. Now there’s an option 🤷♂️
@@ChaseTheSummitInstinct was never meant to be flashy.
Looks amazing, takes me back to my first Garmin instinct, but no gen5 HR, no mapping, no touchscreen ....not quite sure what theyre playing at here???
Great review as always! Thanks.
Seeing those sky high Garmin price raises, I can only wonder how high U$ inflation must be!
Or is it that Garmin executives desperately want to cash in before their competitors (Apple, Amazfit etc) crush them?
What's the point from the Instinct E :D
That watch should have been $149
It's basically Instinct 2
I'm not really sure what they were going for. The instinct model should have stayed the way it was. They are starting to blur everything together. The instinct it supposed to be the shock alternative. Am I wrong?
@@noisetin, the battery life of the E version is inferior to 2 and 3 solar. This is very disappointing. This is the only version I looked for until I saw the specs.
Just upgraded to the 2X Solar since pricing went down. Sounds like that’s the best bargain right now
Garmin must be taking a piss with that 9 day AOD on a freaking 50 mm AMOLED Instinct for $500 with no music or mapping, and a last gen sensor. Who is this for?
I like the look of the bigger screen area in the amoled model. And regarding the touch screen, I got Galaxy ultra watch from my wife to replace or coexist with my Instinct 2 and I still prefer the buttons over the touch screen.
8:45 😆😆😆😆😆😆😆, The big fall, hahahah
I’m happy with the T Rex 3. And its touch screen.
yep! its too my best purchase. Very happy
I switched from Apple Watch Ultra to Garmin 2x solar a few months ago. Amoled screens look great but at the end of the day I just want the data. MIP way better in sunlight and battery life, and true always on. Plus love not dealing with a touch screen with wet hands or gloves. Only thing I see with the 3x solar is redesigned bezel with a metal ring, graphics under the lens, and more solar coverage. Extra Solar is the only thing worth it over the 2x if you don't already own one. I'll wait, I love my 2x solar.
Putting the old heart rate sensor is such a bad move
As an Enduro 3 owner (and Instinct 2, and 2X, and FR965, etc), the latest HR sensor has more LEDs yet doesn't provide enough additional accuracy for the expense. If you want the ECG feature, okay, but I've only used it once. For real accuracy under varied conditions (sprints or weight training), you still need a chest strap. The older HR sensor doesn't consume as much power either.
If it had all the latest and greatest it would cost the same as a Fenix, so I'm glad it doesn't.
@@GripEngineering the ECG needs a metal back to work I think, which I don't think the Instinct 3 has.
@@savagedriver1967The sensor itself has the required metal. The Enduro 3 is a polymer case (back included) but still has ECG.
@@GripEngineering good to know.
Instinct 3 tactix better be a game changer
I remember the instinct series always had a sensor 1 generation older than garmins current one at the time of release. I like this design better than the 2 series but I still find it lacking in style in comparison to gen 1.
As for the lack of a touchscreen, my best guess is that they concluded that the best use case for a touchscreen on a watch with 5 buttons would be for maps, and since this one lacks that function, it would only make it more expensive for no reason.
3 is a mistake - no new sensor , amoled is terrible and battery life is the same even little worse than 2x ... why they did it ?
No offline map?? At that price?? Suunto Race S, Coros Pace Pro, Amazfit T-Rex3, Amazfit Balance, all have offline maps, all have touch screen amoled, and cheaper. 🤣 But yeah, the design of Instinct 3 is cool though.
I will totally recommend to wait for 2x price discount now!
If they still produce watches with the Gen 4 sensor, I have feeling we will not see Gen 6 this year. This makes me pretty happy for buying the Epix 2 pro for almost half the price of the Fenix 8.
Same here. I've sold my 10 months old Instinct 2X for half the price and bought Epix Gen 2 Pro 51mm for 689 euro. Perfect watch for me.
Moving to coros pace pro. All the new garmins aren’t worth the price they are asking.
That's kinda what I'm leaning to as well. If only the Coros has the flashlight too... then I'd have already ordered it. I'm still trying to decide what I'll go with soon.
So disappointed we are forced into this red metal ring color scheme. Supposed to be a tactical watch… Make it all black or desert tan, c’mon.
I love these new Instinct 3 designs and I particularly like the Amoled versions. I have an Instinct 2 and an Enduro 3. I love my Enduro after buying it for a Christmas present to myself. Without the maps, I'm not sure I would have bought the Instinct 3, but I definitely like them a lot. I'm very satisfied with the Enduro. I considered my next purchase very carefully and no regrets. If money was no object, I might have waited for the Tactix 3, but I got an amazing deal on the Enduro, so snapped it up.
Can you set so that the first day of the week is Monday?
Nice overview Dave! Fingers crossed Garmin offer some sort of mapping features further down the line 🙈
Highly doubt it
@@isthi000ify Exactly. That would undercut other higher Garmin models.
Yet another tech company trying to sell last year's tech with some new lipstick. Do they know something we don't? Like maybe we are all going to be dirt poor in a few months barely able to afford food and clothing...
I liked the Instinct 2, but with the current features of the 3, might as well buy a Fenix 7 or Epix. Same pricing, better features on the Fenix/Epix. I do like the upgraded aesthetic, but not the features.
Great overview Dave, I have to say this is a mixed bag IMO. Tell Garmin I said hey 👋😆 Hope CES is going great!
Awsome,thank you for this" first look". I love this model,in time I bought the fenix 3 the fenix 6 and corrently the 7...still thinking to get me the 8,but the instinct it is a good product...looking forward to find it in the stores.
Amoled is the last feature I want on my watch.... for me maps and battery life are the most important features. And the flashlight is a surprisingly useful feature!
Good thing MIP is still an option!
I’ve seen the unlimited battery sign on my Instinct 2 solar, just once, on a very sunny day!
To me a touch screen on kind of seems like a no brainer to add, but then again I wonder if they've sampled user data to see that enough people (myself included) disable touch on the display anyways, so may as well cut the cost
Very disappointed in Garmin lately. My Fenix 8 AMOLED will sometimes get 7 days charge with AOD and sometimes 3 days. Same usage. It’s very frustrating. And the ugly orange sensor guard meant I had to order a custom version to get the titanium sensor guard. All I wanted from the Instinct 3 was the same choices in fun colors and a flashlight on the midsize model. They still couldn’t manage that. Better than an Apple Watch but I’m eyeing Coros after my Fenix 8 AMOLED dies.
In 6 months they'll release the Garmin 3 Ultra Badass Instinct Tactical with Bulkier bezel, Amoled with solar, new heart rate sensor, Laser sight watch! 😂
plz do a indepth side by side comparison of the Garmin Instinct 2x (which I own 1 and love) with the Garmin Instinct 3 equivalent. Excited.
I have an Instinct 2x and will not be upgrading to the Instinct 3. It's great the Instinct 3 has a amoled display, but no touchscreen, no map, and same gen 4 sensors don't make it much better than the 2x.
The instinct E still has to go to work during Covid
What is covid? 😂
So Instinct 2X is now an even better buy? 😂
Maybe?
Yeap!
This is EXACTLY what we want. AMOLED and no touch screen. I am being serious. I absolutely hate touch screens and they are useless in and under the water. Now Garmin just needs to bring us this watch with dive functionality in the G2 version of the Descent.
Maybe exactly what you want lol. In reality on most Garmin watches you can completely turn off the touch screen if you don’t want to use it like on Fenix, Epix and Forerunners. But the idea of shipping a $500 watch in 2024 without a touch screen that can be turned on or off seems a bit silly.
@@ChaseTheSummit What are you talking about? Garmin has a bazillion watches with an AMOLED touchscreen. Go buy one of those. Quit crapping on OPTIONS for those who have opinions different from yours.
Thank you for the video! I wonder what you think, if I have the forerunner 255 is it worth switching to instinct 3? My main workout is swimming and 255 has everything I need, except that I really want to get something with led flash light, but the only issue I see with instinct 3 downer have swim pace alert based on the spec on Garmin site
I love my FR 965
I would totally get the amoled if it had full maps…but alas it doesn’t. Glad I went with instinct 2x solar for now
Amoled with this watch body looks ridiculous imo
Dave, Thanks! Do you know why it is not ver 5 HR sensor? Thanks!
No idea!
@ Dave,
from what you have seen, to make some sense.
Could I assume ver 4 and ver 5 HR sensor have very close performance for daily use ? Or else Garmin will certainly upgrade to ver 5.
Loved my instinct 2X tactical great watch but wanted maps and few more features and upgrade so sold it made the jump to fenix 8 ! Glad didn't wait .... love fenix 8 and thought the instinct 3 would have had a bit more !
In my opinion, the third series is not good enough to make owners of the second series run to the store for it. I also did not see a tactical version. By the way, tell me, is the glass plane on the instinct 2 solar tactical flat or rounded? Protective glass or film?
It's flat. I put a protective glass and it doesn't even look like it has one.
Curious if there will be a tactical version. Also, what about a Crossover 2 🤔
Why would one buy the instinct 3 over a Fenix 7 Pro (or Epix if you want ambled) which are sold at the same price here in Czech Republic? You'd event get the elevate Gen 5 sensor.. It is a genuine question, perhaps I am missing something
To me it looks like all the "business" decisions Garmin is making aim at selling more Fenix 7 pro 😅
Instinct watches are MUCH lighter, for one. For myself, this is a significant item. The lighter watch retains position on wrist better during activities providing better data.
I also very much prefer the 45mm Instinct while working outdoors. Smaller form factor interferes less with jackets, gloves, etc.
Well in Canada, the Fenix 7 Pro is literally 2x the price of the Instinct 3.
I had the basic Instict 1, and I now have an Epix 2 saphire. What the E doesn't have is not unfortunate or sad, it's a base model. You want the light or solar, go the other one. Also if the Amoled has everything that the Fenix 8 has, then why would Garmin make both? Using the slightly older and still very good sensors and tech means it will be very reliable. Plus there is room for them to release more in the future, like a new tactical.
Thanks for the great video as always. Disappointed that the 2s has been relegated to the "E" models only. I would gladly pay an additional $$$s for solar and the new features of the MIP versions. Will be keeping my 2s Solar till it dies I guess. Hope they backport some of these software features like large fonts to the Instinct 2 watches. ALso no mention of the focused models like Surf or Tatical..... any news on that or has that strategy ended and just offering the apps tp any watches?
No surf or tactical models yet but I suspect that could come down the road.
Fantastic, fantastic summary. You did a great job noting a few items that other reviewers didn't note with much clarity. Like the fact that the AMOLED screen is not touchscreen enabled! Or even the fact that there's not music. I don't think I noticed anybody else saying that.
But question: the MIP display looks definitively better than versions in the past, almost like it's an AMOLED version of MIP. Is it like that in real life?
Yeah it's a super crispy MIP display. To be honest I thought the Instinct 2X had a great display, this one is a level above that. super contrast, super visibility!
@ totally. I know that DC said you could activate large font mode. I wasn't quite able to just immediately or easily read the 2X original just because of the poor resolution, do you notice anything different on this one, if you happen to have tested that aspect?
I'm willing to bet that they're using the MIP tech from the Enduro 3. This series seems really odd from Garmin. Generation 4 sensor? Strange. But if they'd gone with Elevate 5 and offer ECG they'd need to put something metal for you to touch. Weird devices.
3Pro please with mapping included :) and elev5 sensor
And for less $
Insane it doesnt have the new sensor. And why a amoled version? The point of the instinct is extreme batterylife, at this price point with no mapping and and no new sensor what is even the point of the amoled? When their is better garmin amoleds with mapping and touch screen at a closer price point.
Im not sure what i think about this the battery life improvement is awesome but at that price.... Hard sell to upgrade watch. I dont care about mapping amoled or touch screen all i want is crazy battery life good gps tracking. Is the compass more responsive atleast?
I don't understand all those sooooo disappointed comments...
There are few little disappointments, but i have venu 2plus and for me ins3 looks great.
They should release the new Forerunner lineup with Elevate v6 to make things even more confusing.
5:05 My Instict 1 have wrist temp, so this should have it too.
Nope, your instinct 1 has an ambient temperature sensor. Meaning it’s estimating the temperature of the air in your surroundings. Wrist temperature is a sensor on the back of the watch that contacts your skin.
@@ChaseTheSummit Alright, i learned something new!
Wenn man jetzt nicht umbedingt das Amoled Display will, macht die Instinct 3 irgendwie gar keinen Sinn. Da tut es auch die Instinct 2 die ja auch im Preis fallen wird. Irgendwie enttäuschend.....wollte mir schon letztes Jahr eine Instinct kaufen, habe dann doch noch mehrere Monate gewartet, um jetzt festzustellen, dass sich in den Jahren jetzt keine wirkliche Entwicklung gab, außer ein höherer Preis.....
Will there be a 3 tactical?
No idea, I would assume so if the demand is there!
I love that is does NOT have a touch screen! I had the original solar and have the 2 solar. Not sure how I feel about the short battery life to get the AMOLED display
With most Garmin watches you can completely turn off the touch screen if you don’t want to use it like on Fenix, Epix and Forerunners. But the idea of shipping a $500 watch in 2024 without a touch screen that can be turned on or off seems a bit silly.
It has nothing to do with the "Instinct" series
Garmin shot themselves again! Well, but It's clear that they don't have any other features to keep people buying their expensive top-of-the-line watch so they keep Garmin Instinct line with old hardwares. Or just for the fact they want to clear their old hardware stocks. Inventory planning at its worst. Lolz...
Well, trying to be something you aren't neither you have the apparatus to develop, leads to this, and for many of us, expected results.
I believe they will insert maps into the instinct amoled with a software update, as the hardware seems to support it well.
That is very unlikely.
I think they don't want to cannibalize Fenix sales, so will not. However, I read that you can use the Komoot app and voila!, maps. Personally, watch-sized maps seem pretty useless to me. I just pair it with the Explore app, or use an offline service like Gaia. If your only nav option is your watch, you have probably got bigger problems! YMMV
Gonna be honest, I first saw the Instinct 3 and got super excited.. then I started looking around and researching it before I decided to get my hands on it and really started wondering..
Legit.. the only difference between the Instinct 2 and 3 (I am not in poccession of an instinct watch btw) that I can see is the screen and the metalic exterior. Why should I really bother getting the upgrade if the instinct 2 is essentially the same, both software and hardware wise?
..Honestly, I think I know which one to buy. And I think Suunto has a few watches I'm interested in.
You also get the built in flashlight on all models, dual band GPS on all models, additional training features more battery life and 5x more efficient solar charging. Is that worth the added cost? That's up to you!
@@ChaseTheSummit I've looked on the garmin website though..
There is not added cost. Literally the Instinct 3 E is the exact same price as the Instinct 2 and the instinct 3 solar is the exact same price as the Instinct 2 Solar.
The biggest difference, as far as I have noticed, is the flashlight, the frame, and the battery life (The instinct E has a battery life of supposedly 16 days while the instinct 3 solar and instinct 2 in general has 28 days)
Oh, and while I'm on this: according to the website, the Instinct E does NOT have a flashlight.
So.. would it be worth it right now with the current information I have now? Well.. I'm struggling to see where the upgrade is, other than the flashlight. All that I am seeing the instinct 3 as is just the instinct 2 with a new frame and the ability to have AMOLED.
It's really hard to justify it right now.. just because they aren't putting the newer HR monitor on this.. even though by looking at it, I'm not sure what the idea for the HR monitor is..
It seems to me like the HR monitor is brand new to the garmin series.. but the fact they decided to not put the newer monitor in their newer watches.. right now it just baffles me unless it's something to deal with processing the information.
Thank you.
I want Instinct 3 Tactical, with Stealth mode layout and full Stealth visuals! Thx
absolutely no reason to change from instinct 2 X solar to the new ones
Not unless you want amoled or unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode.
Battery life is the same
Does the Stryd zones app work with either of these watches?
It worked on the 2X so it should work on the 3 as well.
@@ChaseTheSummit Thanks.
Tôi đang dùng instinct 2X nó quá tuyệt vời ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Perhaps you should do a shootout between the 45mm Instinct 3 AMOLED with Coros Pace Pro and Suunto Race S despite the $100 MSRP difference. I'm getting the impression that it'll trounce both of these watches in terms of GNSS & OHR accuracy and consistency, while having better thought-out menus, functions etc.
Smartwatch over the sweater sleeve… new type of stupidity. 😂
This is a special shirt with a watch cutout so you can see the display without having to roll up your sleeve... it's not over the sleeve. Check out the Path Projects Pyrenees shirt.
...but can you put Steps on a data screen yet ?
i looked up in the instinct 3 manual and looks like they finally included Steps to be added to a data screen...
The only thing I miss is the music on the device, podcast or music is a must for me but I like to leave my phone at home.
Maybe instinc 2x discount? i want to buy them as pair to my F8... because they already look like ive been at war after 3 months. //EDIT BTW i always turning of Touch screen even on F7x F8x.. i dont even have gesture. When i want to see watch i have to click lol. Am i only one that weird?
I was planning on getting an instinct 3 and this watch isn't horrible but it doesn't build upon the instinct 2 whatsoever. It's just resting upon its laurels and trying to extract funds from us due to its name. This watch should be the instinct 2 If we're being completely honest here. This watch was released 5 years ago. It wouldn't be seen as revolutionary.
Little disappointed they couldn't lower the price..
I'm good, I'll pass on this instinct 3
Do you know if there is any chance the Instinct 3 will come to support Grouptrack?
I don't think it will since it's in the "Outdoor" segment
The AMOLED version is pretty much a Forerunner 265 in an Instinct housing (without touch).
Sort of.
It is sad that women and men with small wrists that prefer a smaller size will never benefit from the specs of Instinct 3, being "forced" to downgrade to the E version which is not such a big upgrade from Instinct 2S
im just gonna wait for solar AMOLED if they ever release it.
In the current state of technology it's unlikely that will ever happy. AMOLED is too much of a power consumption that the Solar ring wouldn't have much of an effect on battery life.
what about the instinct 3x solar tactical 50mm ?
That doesn't exist lol. Yet!
no tactical edition?
Not yet.
This would have been a done deal if it stored music. Now I’m still stuck between the Instinct 3 and the Forerunner 256.
The instinct e is like buying the first gen watch and after seeing the new ones I hate mine now. I want to get the instinct 3 - I just dont want to drop 500 dollars - maybe I do but why - what is a 500 hundred dollar watch going to do for me?
They’re trying to push instinct wearers toward the enduro line. When you read what instinct wearers want, they describe the enduro 3
Amoled without touchscreen? I was expecting a MIP colour display.
How long vibration the watch when a call cames in, 2x short or longer?
Same as the previous model from my limited time with it.
i'm going to just hang on to my instinct 2 solar. I want to keep it simple.
No more tidal blue?
not yet, but I'll bet they add colors down the road.