Garmin Fenix 7 vs Instinct 2: 1 year later which would I choose?

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  • Опубліковано 9 січ 2025

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  • @jefftrump1
    @jefftrump1 Рік тому +28

    Great and honest review. It’s so rare to see reviews of gadgets these days, as most of them are only recommending “more and better features”. And here you are giving an honest opinion based on long term experience with both these watches. Your other videos are great too. 👍🏼

  • @IHaulBoxes
    @IHaulBoxes Рік тому +34

    I'm weighing my options and you're video is just confirming my thoughts. I think ill be getting the Instinct 2x. Thank you Sir!

    • @emdblyou
      @emdblyou 9 місяців тому +1

      I just got my 2x and I love it!

    • @IHaulBoxes
      @IHaulBoxes 9 місяців тому +1

      @@emdblyou Enjoy your new companion! It's delivering on all its promises.

    • @emdblyou
      @emdblyou 9 місяців тому

      @@IHaulBoxes Thank you! I will! :)

  • @brynhendry2899
    @brynhendry2899 Рік тому +6

    I just love the screen on the instinct. It always looks super clear. The fact that it does some fitness stuff and never needs charging is a bonus. Im a pretty hardcore cyclist so being able to link it to strava is good also.

  • @YouTroper
    @YouTroper 6 місяців тому +9

    For those who value comfort at most -> I recommend getting even Instinct 2S
    I have compared 2 vs 2S and the difference is really noticeable
    (FYI: pure numbers are 52g vs 43g, 45mm vs 40mm, 14.5mm vs 13.3mm).
    2S is even smaller and lighter than my old G-Shock (AW-591),
    yet capable of displaying so many information just on the watch face
    (and even more after downloading custom one from Connect IQ Store).
    Just beware that 2S has max 18cm wrist size - so for bigger arms one would have to buy longer band
    (e.g. silicone bands from Garmin store, although I personally bought some non-original nylon one).
    I hope it'll suit you well!

    • @leonpatrick5606
      @leonpatrick5606 5 місяців тому

      Will it fit my wrist size? Which is 10 inches around..

    • @YouTroper
      @YouTroper 5 місяців тому

      @@leonpatrick5606 You will need to buy separate band. I don't know if Garmin has such long ones, but for sure there should be some unofficial alternatives available

    • @GPDF
      @GPDF Місяць тому

      @leonpatrick5606 - By the other coment, it wouldn't fit your wrist. Ten inches woul be 25.4 cm. You gona ha e to buy a longer band separately.

  • @eevildood4927
    @eevildood4927 8 місяців тому +6

    Have instinct 2x and love it! Battery life, awesome display, torch etc.

  • @FT4Freedom
    @FT4Freedom Рік тому +4

    I use the instinct solar, and it fits my mo. I'm an environmental scientist and use the wrist navigator regularly. To me, it's a safety device. I work between 7k and 12k feet amsl. So heart rate and pulse ox is very informative within their known limitations. Definitely the quintessential watch for wilderness activities.

  • @michaelmcphee2930
    @michaelmcphee2930 4 місяці тому +5

    I ordered the Instinct2 a few days ago from a local retailer. It's available tomorrow for $350 AUD. Your comprehensive review certainly eased my mind and confirmed my choice and its reasons.
    Thanks a shipload.

    • @JohnSmith-bn7bl
      @JohnSmith-bn7bl 4 місяці тому

      available 350 AUD where ?

    • @hemajith223
      @hemajith223 2 місяці тому

      I got Instinct 2 solar a few days ago from Rebel for 479. They price matched it with Amazon. Have been good so far.

  • @foetor
    @foetor Рік тому +24

    Today my Instinct 2X came. Now I use Epix for Office and Instinct for the dirt sports

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +5

      I really want to try the 2X but size is concern for me.

    • @foetor
      @foetor Рік тому +2

      @@RandoRaf for me normal Instinct 2 was too small and 2X is perfect, not that big like 7X

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +1

      @@foetor Yea I'm tempted to still try it. Im sucker for the flashlight feature.

    • @Ju_Johnny_
      @Ju_Johnny_ Рік тому

      @@RandoRaf is it Much bigger than the instinct 2

    • @alifmokha
      @alifmokha Рік тому +4

      ​​@@RandoRafyou have to try it on your wrist. I have 2x. And my wrist size is 16cm. Actually it fit on my wrist not even feel too big. I think the shape of the lug and band curved like g-shock. So if you have g shock. It feels like wearing g shock style. But feels much lighter

  • @dobrealexvlad
    @dobrealexvlad 4 місяці тому +5

    I have the Instinct 2. I come from a Samsung Smartwatch. What I love about it is that it looks simple, like Casio. The look is simple but has a lot of power under the hood.

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  4 місяці тому

      Yea i think I2 is great watch. checks so many boxes. Just wish had maps.

    • @airmanfirstclass3535
      @airmanfirstclass3535 Місяць тому +1

      I came from Samsung too. Had the Watch 6 classic. Looked great, worked great. Battery was a let down. Moved to Instinct and found I didn't really need the touch screen or the colour screen

    • @khelgarironfist3301
      @khelgarironfist3301 Місяць тому

      @@RandoRaf how accurate is the gps tracking of the I2 though? I'm thinking to use it for football mainly. Are the other data like distance and speed accurate as well?

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Місяць тому

      @@khelgarironfist3301 I only compared to my phone while biking and it was very in line. when i'd glance down speed was always matching or sometimes off maybe by 1mph for few sec. Distance would also match up variation would be like 10th of mile at most on few rides where i used my phone to compare. This is in chicago burbs so wide open nothing blocking no hills or mountains here.

    • @SawItWithMyOwnEyes
      @SawItWithMyOwnEyes 29 днів тому

      Agreed. Traveling in foreign countries you're not as much of a target.

  • @noisychaannel
    @noisychaannel 4 місяці тому +1

    I've had a Instinct 2X tactical for several months now. Absolute beast of a watch, zero regrets and I couldn't be happier with it. It's also smaller than you think, I'm easily rocking it on my 7.5" wrist.

  • @Justyburger
    @Justyburger Рік тому +7

    I've been using the Instinct 2 Solar Tactical x2 for about 6 months now. I love it. The 2x is not gigantic, feels very comfortable and I always sleep with it on. I love the torch function. Mine has the green setting rather than red. The Monochrome screen is so easy to read in bright sunlight and normal light. I really cannot fault this watch. I had wondered about buying the Fenix or Epix, but even if they were all the same price, I might still pick the Instinct. The battery life is amazing. 42 days and then keeps topping up. I hardly ever have to use the charging cable. Sleep tracking is really good and I use the Connect phone app. I can't help wondering what Garmin will do for the Instinct 3?

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +1

      I finally ordered mine so can't wait to try.

    • @OmyLeg
      @OmyLeg 11 місяців тому +1

      What about the screen? It's not sapphire, doest it get scratches?

  • @werner77wda
    @werner77wda Рік тому +5

    I agree with you, between them,
    I would pick Instinct 2

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому

      The 7Pro is giving it a run for the money. The flashlight has me hooked.

  • @DuKsOmI
    @DuKsOmI Рік тому +5

    4:53 I love how you tried to swipe up the screen, just because of intuition 🤣 It often happens to me at work on the workstations with a monitor and I want to select something and try to touch on the monitor. 🙈

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +3

      haha I know we've been conditioned. I used to make fun my kids when try to swipe everything now I'm doing it to. and yes I also assume every laptop is touchscreen.

  • @FiremanFrach
    @FiremanFrach Рік тому +16

    I still have an original Instinct solar. It’s great for my uses. I prefer a larger watch so the Instinct 2x looks like it’s right up my alley. That being said, I love watches, period (I’m a Casio and Timex guy). I love the craftsmanship of a mechanical watch, and the most athletic things I do these days is walking and hiking, so I can’t justify upgrading especially if I rotate watches. Great review.

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +1

      That's my dilemma I have lot watches that I like to wear. I wish Garmin made like band similar to whoop so you can still collect data while wearing my automatic watches.

    • @FiremanFrach
      @FiremanFrach Рік тому

      @@RandoRaf A lot of folks wear a watch on either wrist, but I can't bring myself to do that (feels too weird). I had to teach myself that it's ok to take off the smart watch and rotate watches. Hard to fight the feeling that I am "obligated" to wear the Garmin all the time.

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +1

      @@FiremanFrach Yea I tried that while back during fitbit era with small wearable but just thought looked a silly. I recently got whoop which is great as can wear on upper arm or ankle and wear my reg watches more.

    • @FiremanFrach
      @FiremanFrach Рік тому

      @@RandoRaf I’ll have to check it out.

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +2

      @@FiremanFrach They are on verge adding big update for weightlifting which could maybe be the game changer for me to move fully to whoop vs garmin.

  • @lukasbambuch4811
    @lukasbambuch4811 Рік тому +5

    I think comparison to Fenix 6 would be better because when I was getting the Instinct 2 Solar the Fenix 6 cost pretty much the same and apparently has almost the same hardware.

  • @33scottyp
    @33scottyp Рік тому +8

    I have the same watches too, and I mainly wear my Instinct 2 Solar 95% of the time. Exactly same reasons. I love my Fenix but every time I wear it, it doesn’t take long before I want to change back to my Instinct because of how more comfortable and light weight it is. So much nicer to wear all day.
    I also fine the Instinct easier to read in low light environments.

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +1

      Yes good call out on visibility. I agree instinct is easier to read in low lights.

  • @404-Err0r
    @404-Err0r Рік тому +3

    I'm having the same dilemma, I have the 7X Solar Sapphire, but couldn't help but order myself the Instinct 2X Solar Tactical... I know I'll love both, but after a lot of reviews, I know I'll be selling my Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire.
    I wish the Instinct 2X had sapphire power glass, if they make the instinct 3X with it, it will be THE watch for me... Sapphire really makes it so much more easier to clean and gives peace of mind knowing that you're not likely going to put any scratches/micro scratches on the glass by cleaning it. I know I'll have to put a tempered glass protector on the Instinct 2X though... which is a bummer, I'd gladly pay an extra $200 to Garmin if they simply made a version using Sapphire power glass.

  • @robj3773
    @robj3773 Рік тому +3

    I too am a long term user/alternator of the Fenix 7 sapphire & Instinct 2. Agree on comfort. You didn’t mention Fenix only has mapping, I use maps all the time running or hiking.

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +3

      Both great watches. I finally pulled trigger on the 7 Pro.

  • @emdblyou
    @emdblyou 9 місяців тому +1

    I say go for 2x. I just got mine and it's not that much bigger than original Garmin Instinct. I had the original and then solar powered (both version 1) and now have the 2x. Significant upgrade. Battery is insane, bigger screen and solar panels big plus as well, and like you said the flashlight comes very handy.

  • @chrisinstasis7986
    @chrisinstasis7986 Рік тому +6

    Been using the original instinct for about 3 years and by far it's been the most effective watch I've had. Really want the fenix 7 but I'm afraid I'll damage it at work😂 . But I want it so baaaaad 😅

    • @robj3773
      @robj3773 Рік тому

      Go for the sapphire version that is durable

    • @AtomTrialRace
      @AtomTrialRace Рік тому

      Same situation, but I order f7sapphire. My old Instinct tundra after being almost 4 years is in great shape, looks like new exept watchband.

  • @arashcrouse2
    @arashcrouse2 4 місяці тому +1

    Great comparison. I just bought the Finex because of the display and look of it, but its very uncomfortable for me. I haven’t been able to sleep with it till now 😅

  • @marcnicolae5718
    @marcnicolae5718 8 місяців тому +1

    instinct 2 solar it s freaking great man... battery is just wow, so all the functions...for gym run, bike, it s great nothing more.and for notification exacly what u need.

  • @carl_weatherzzz7386
    @carl_weatherzzz7386 10 місяців тому

    I love my Fenix 7, but I do really miss my instinct 1. That little watch was a game changer. I can totally see why you'd be torn here. The only reason I take the Fenix now is because with a leather strap it looks a little nicer in my office environment. But certainly not a deal breaker.

  • @TXmedic95
    @TXmedic95 Рік тому

    The weight of the fenix doesn’t bother me and I like the touch screen from time to time. I like that you can also disable touch. As a paramedic I can leave my phone on vibrate (much more polite with caring for patients) and at least see my notifications while gloved.

  • @user-lh4pc3rs1r
    @user-lh4pc3rs1r 9 місяців тому

    Both watches have huge pros and cons, depending on what you need for YOUR lifestyle. I don't need top maps and the Fenix is definitely outside of my budget. However, all the features on the 2X are more than enough for the 'average Joe' - the price point is affordable. Also, cannot beat the battery life of the 2X in comparison to the Fenix.

  • @lokeshwartailor8250
    @lokeshwartailor8250 Рік тому +3

    great review .. also Nice background music

  • @TheBigBlueMarble
    @TheBigBlueMarble Місяць тому

    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.

  • @shaharabramson7186
    @shaharabramson7186 5 місяців тому +1

    My dilemma is between the instinct 2 and the fenix 6.
    The instinct 2 looks perfect for me and its cheaper but my only problem with it is that you cant download music to the watch and listen without your phone…
    Any recommendations?

  • @andreasjsn
    @andreasjsn Рік тому +2

    Thanks for the video.

  • @Maksym_FPV
    @Maksym_FPV 3 місяці тому +1

    thanks. very helpful video

  • @VernL4
    @VernL4 Рік тому +1

    I had an Instinct (1) Solar before I got the Fenix 7 Solar. The older instinct did not track golf, nor did it have mapping. Those are the two features that motivated me to get the Fenix. Honestly, I still miss the Instinct. I loved the Tidal Blue color, the rugged design, and how light the watch is. Both are awesome watches!

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +1

      Yea I can understand that. I go through same. I like fenix more but when i get rid of instinct i miss it. So now i just keep both.

  • @bahi5647
    @bahi5647 11 місяців тому

    Is garmin instinct 2 solar good watch for all day users? I mean that i can go on work with this watch and that i can swim with this watch or just casual walking.Or go with Fenix 7 for every day?
    Thank you for answer 😊
    Nice video btw

  • @bardestates5032
    @bardestates5032 Рік тому +4

    I think you'd really like the Forerunner

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому

      Yes new one is on my short list.

  • @Marian1st.
    @Marian1st. 8 місяців тому

    I’m looking for a video where you compare Fenix 5, 6, 7 and Instinct 2X. I’m debating between these…. maybe Runner 965 too.

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  8 місяців тому +1

      Haviing owned all those. fenix 7 pro wins over all previous fenixs as display is better. I just got 965 today. Instinct 2x is amazing if you can handle the size.

    • @Marian1st.
      @Marian1st. 7 місяців тому

      @@RandoRaf Thanks! I decided to go with Instinct 2X.

  • @christiansbn8123
    @christiansbn8123 Рік тому

    What about the fenix in smaller size? To gain in comfort due to less weight and dimensions, how would it compare to instinct?
    I own the first instinct and I still love it, the only function I’m really missing is maps of the fenix actually.

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +1

      would probably help. I just got f7 pro and tried out velcro strap surprised how much strap made Fenix "feel" smaller. just better fit watch doesn't bounce around

    • @christiansbn8123
      @christiansbn8123 Рік тому

      @@RandoRaf yea the Velcro strap is just the best band you could get for any Garmin. I have it on my instinct and since I bought it never changed!

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +1

      @@christiansbn8123 ya I avoided it due moisture concerns but finally gave in and wow so much more comfortable

  • @francescocornelio7498
    @francescocornelio7498 8 місяців тому

    You do not talk about the most important thing, the cartographic GPS.
    The question is, what do you use the watch for?

  • @oscarfarias3355
    @oscarfarias3355 19 днів тому

    I got the garmin instinct 2 love it

    • @FS-mm7kr
      @FS-mm7kr 12 днів тому

      Thinking of getting it. How's it so far?

  • @FreakzDontSleep
    @FreakzDontSleep 8 місяців тому

    hate that my instinct 2x dose not read my HR because of sleeve tattoo :(. other than that great bit of kit

  • @davidvitez1992
    @davidvitez1992 Рік тому

    What about inst2sol vs epix 2 ? I wanted watches for every day use . Epix i think they are more "modern" and casual , and inst are more tool watch as I like because I am mechanic and I am scared than I'll break epix or scratch them, I wanted both of them but can pick only one :(

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому

      Thats a tough choice. I think you should consider Fenix7 Pro, its really a good middle ground watch of the 2. You get large color screen like epix and you get battery life and durability of instinct. I personally am not a fan amoled watches given the sacrifice to battery and durability.

    • @davidvitez1992
      @davidvitez1992 Рік тому

      @@RandoRaf pro version is beyond my budget and the price is too high considering that instincts also offer the same functions I use (hr, sleep tracking , strenght training , nfc , sometimes run or hike and alarm :D ) I'm only looking at epix 2 because there is a 44% sale on them and for 480 it's a great price for brand new one . I can have Instinct 2 solar new for 280€ . I think it will be enough for me because before I had fenix 5 plus dlc titan but they died after 5 years. Well, they were quite enough for me because I'm not a professional athlete. With instinct, I won't be afraid to scratch them like I totaly scratched my fenix 5 which had dlc coating and were scratched just like every other watch, but I will miss the feeling of premiumness on my hand. On the other side , if I want premiumness, I will wear my Swiss tissots.

  • @jtcber
    @jtcber Рік тому

    How durable is the glass on the Instinct 2? Do you recommend a screen protector/tempered glass? I have the Instinct 2 for a week now w/o it. BTW, can I run it under tap water say after a workout just to wash off the sweat?

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +2

      I would def put on screen protector, they cost little and very unnoticeable so I can't see a reason to not use it. I even put it on my Fenix Saphhire. Yes its def waterproof. You run it over water, shower, go down water slides.

    • @jtcber
      @jtcber Рік тому

      @@RandoRaf Great thanks for the reply.

    • @haniefharun
      @haniefharun 11 місяців тому

      Get a screen protector. My instinct 2 solar tactical scratched after 1 months of wearing. Im very careful with my watch. As an IT guy, my work just sitting on my chair and staring at my monitor for at least 9 hours.

  • @aminen5316
    @aminen5316 11 місяців тому

    What about the extra features

  • @Simon89Jeppesen
    @Simon89Jeppesen Рік тому +1

    The Fenix feels so cold in harsh conditon and when running it feels so heavy. It has maps and music but you never use that.
    Fenix 6 also has color screen, but you don't need that either.
    Instinct feels lighter and is, it has a military standard and feels warm and smaller on the wrist.

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +1

      Yes agree. What I found that has made my fenix much more comfortable is moving to velcro strap. Keeps watch feeling snugger with less jiggling around.

  • @dragandjurovic5790
    @dragandjurovic5790 Рік тому +2

    I wonder how they synchronize. There isn't a single decent video on the subject. What are your experiences, how do you choose in the app which watch is currently in use? It would be nice if you could make a detailed video. Believe me, there are a lot of interested in having two Garmin watches but they worry about sharing data like HRV, Training status, recovery time...

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому

      in app settings you can specify the primary watch when there is conflict with data. I've always own'd several garmin watches and data syncs. In past you had to specify the primary and only primary would track sleep. But now with true up no need. I wear instinct for few days then fenix for few days and data syncs up. But you should turn off primary when not wearing because if they are both tracking at same time primary will be used.

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому +1

      support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=a2uguZzTQG4I2HTBvHa0gA

    • @dragandjurovic5790
      @dragandjurovic5790 Рік тому

      Thanks for the reply. It's a good idea to make a detailed video, believe me.

  • @JoyDasjoydasofficial
    @JoyDasjoydasofficial Рік тому +1

    How much battery are you getting out from Instinct 2 solar? (With or without solar exposure)
    Is it really matching with the specs shared by Garmin?, which is 28 days and 60+ OR infinite battery with solar exposure

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому

      I dont get that kind of performance maybe when was brand new but I would get probably closer to 21 days if i left it run to the end I will always charge well before then to keep it topped off. But on Instinct solar charging is legit feature, I have actually seeing battery % go up while wearing it vs Fenix its really not that effective, maybe slows down draw.

    • @JoyDasjoydasofficial
      @JoyDasjoydasofficial Рік тому

      You are still very lucky if getting 21 days battery, mine is barely making it beyond 2 weeks. This is all happening when I am charging battery till 100 (almost).
      Could be flaw which I have observed or my instinct 2 might be a bad unit, but after a certain percentage, battery is dropping very quickly (that too on default settings)

  • @TheSpade83
    @TheSpade83 7 місяців тому

    Does they receive text notifications in a similar way?

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  7 місяців тому

      Yes they do. Fenix7 having touchscreen makes it little easier to handle notifications. But they function same way.

  • @kenshinlevgb3538
    @kenshinlevgb3538 9 місяців тому

    hello, which is the most robust for bushcraft hiking

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  9 місяців тому +1

      Instinct i find to be more robust. A better bushcraft watch.

    • @kenshinlevgb3538
      @kenshinlevgb3538 9 місяців тому

      @@RandoRaf thank you the same sensor as on the fenix 7 sapphire solar?

  • @robj3773
    @robj3773 Рік тому

    Flashlight I expect will come to all sizes of the next version Instinct just like it came to all size versions of Fenix 7 PRO & Epix 2 PRO

  • @michaelmcphee2930
    @michaelmcphee2930 4 місяці тому

    JB HI FI Western Australia Surf model

  • @jonathanlalrintluanga4737
    @jonathanlalrintluanga4737 2 місяці тому +1

    If you like touch screen... You have not run your lungs out

  • @peterpanci78
    @peterpanci78 6 місяців тому

    Wat about the map?

  • @sistematic88
    @sistematic88 Рік тому +2

    Very useful video. Thanks so much for your opinion!

  • @alexandrosvalkanos8131
    @alexandrosvalkanos8131 Рік тому

    what diameter has the instinct 2?

  • @p504504
    @p504504 18 днів тому

    The Instinct 2 is an anomaly. It is simply too good of a product.

  • @joseaguilarjr003
    @joseaguilarjr003 Місяць тому

    I've got these 2 too

  • @LV-42617
    @LV-42617 5 місяців тому

    Instinct all the way.

  • @truesf345
    @truesf345 Рік тому

    Garmin needs to make the entire Fenix line with the same screen as the Epix gen 2 🤷🏻‍♂️

    • @RandoRaf
      @RandoRaf  Рік тому

      I'd actually love to see color screen on Instinct.

  • @os2171
    @os2171 Рік тому

    Ok

  • @paramountkid413
    @paramountkid413 Рік тому +2

    Great video