I have the Instinct 2 Solar, I love it, but I think the solar charging feature is not nearly as effective enough to justify the price increase. For average users, going in and out of doors, full and dappled sun exposure, it's just not enough. I bought this when I worked outdoors and whatever I gained through solar, I lost with the first workout. Personally, I would strongly encourage folks interested to go with the non solar model and save money.
@@deantreloar sure, however here in Ukraine 90% of transactions are cashless plus when I had my phone broken or had to pay for the pool, that feature was really handy. Also the solar edition seems a bit better for the service in the military
I've had this watch almost a year and love it- use it as my primary watch. As long as you don't need to make phone calls and texts on a watch, it's great.
Ever try it on a dress shirt as well... How does it look ? Am planning to buy and am that sort of a person who would want to wear the watch all activities and occasions:))
Does anyone know if these watches can work as a separate android device with a simcard slot allowing for independent access without any need of a smartphone?
My family and I just got this for my dad's 50th this Monday, hoping he likes it! He's had the Garmin forerunner for like 6 years now and his strap recently broke.
Honestly the level of detail you put in your videos are unmatched. Whether its a garmin watch or your gopro enduro batteries, I am so thankful that I stumbled upon your channel.
I literally just bought the 1 on Monday... of course a new version dropped :( Update: thanks to this in-depth I made the plunge to turn in the original version for the 2 solar. Thank you!
As always: thanks for that much data. I still rock the original instinct and battery life is still good for charging every 2 weeks. Only feature that might push me would be Garmin pay, as the instinct is my daily and I usually have my phone to pay with me. Rocking the 645M for sports
Great work! Very thorough review! I would be happy to see a little update later (if it's possible) in regards to: 1) software updates (whether they dealt with existing bugs and whether removed restrictions for uploading your own corses, 50 points for a good hike/bike ride is a joke, it's 2022 for God's sake!) Garmin positions Instinct as a good outdoors watch, but instinct 1 solar sucks at dealing with uploaded routes (you either lose half the amount of the points you so carefully planted on the map or get nothing at all) 2) whether their claims for unlimited battery with solar live up to their claims or is it another marketing BS. In terms of new colours I am very disappointed with Garmin's policy to lock specific colours for specific sizes/specifications. For example I want to buy Electric lime + 45mm + solar, but it's only available as non solar option. Annoying!
I appreciate your content. It has helped me pick 3 different wearable. Instinct a while back, a 5x plus about 4 years ago, and I just got this one after this video. Been watching for a LONG time.
@@Dcrainmaker Hi there, thanks for your review! Since you pointed out the Kill Switch for the tactical version: Do you know if the Stealth Mode is also only available on the Tactical version? Or also on the base solar model.
I was mainly interested in the surf features. But the first instinct was absolutely awful for surfing and I’ve realized I just want to surf without worrying about any stupid gadgets or wave count or speed or anything. Nifty, but doesn’t seem worth the upgrade if you already have an instinct. But for a new watch, this is a badass little setup.
An easily missed feature you didn't mention on the tactical, Its a military feature but also a great safety feature. The tactical can display current location in UTM and also grid reference system. If i needed help id love to give an 8-10 figure grid reference to mountain rescue.
If they also reset the encryption key after the delete it should be safe enough (I guess the data is encrypted so it would be quite difficult to break a good encryption key in a life time, and this way you'll need to guess it first too). Awesome content by the way, I recently ordered the instinct 2x solar after a while of researching the Garmin watches and your videos helped.
Hah - I knew you and Des would have reviews popping up. Really appreciate your guys dedication! I love my Garmin Instinct but I was really curious how this one stacked up.
I literally just bought one online... Really good deal $100 off for the standard if purchased on Wal-Mart's site. All I want is the compass, and the ability to do heart rate training.
Finally, audio prompts available on this watch, lack of this which I find really useful when running (particularly intervals) made me steer clear. Could never understand why the Venu SQ has music, garmin pay, yet no audio prompts during runs.
Great review! I got the OG instinct for black Friday 2021. As someone who enjoys the ruggedness, adequate HR monitor, body battery, and basic activity tracking, it doesn't seem like I need to upgrade. But those extra features look awesome!
i actually like the Casio-esque design of the Instinct... when the Epix 2 rumours started, i actually thought they'd come out in the Casio rectangle form factor 😂
Bro, I just got the Instinct for Christmas... Oh well, I couldn't be happier. The only new feature that seems interesting is the wireless payment option. The better solar charging sounds nice in theory, but I have no complaints about the battery life on the current Instinct.
Anyone noticed that DcR is hyper & super excited 😆 so many watches to play with. Boys toys. I would be that excited too if I had all of those watches. Another great breakdown and review. Keep it up 👍
10:38 I now see you doing these tests with 5 watches on your arms and all sorts of bands and trackers 😂 Awesome review, very in depth. Still wondering if this is the one for me though xD
Is Ray’s channel going to slowly morph into a world traveling/sports product review channel? I’m stoked about these views! I hit the like but three times already! 👍
Hi, I have bought Instinct 2 Solar 45mm and the watch is great, the only problem I have is the battery. I have have Pulse Ox manual, HR auto, baro/alti auto, backlight 20% on only after sunset general use, 5% during sleep, 4 sec timeout for all. I stopped all notifications and I enable phone connection only to sync 2 times per day, sounds off, vibration on, moveIQ & Move alert off, all alarms off. I also don't do anything at all on the watch just to check the max I can get. This is the most battery saving I can think of and it drains 4-5% (1-2days) per day on track for about 22days after full charge. I already drained the battery once and fully charged. I think that if I use it as an actual smart watch 24/7 phone connected + notifications I will get no more than 18-20days which is nowhere close to 28 garmin claims. Anyone else with the same issue?
That's a load of updates! I'd go for the old stock Fenix 5 despite the lack of the lack of the last generation pulse meter. If you manage do buy one it costs like the new Instinct.
Awesome stuff .. great info as usual … what’s the quick answer for best Garmin watch WITH a wheel sensor for my mtn bike… ??? That’s 99% of what I use it for. Thank you!!
Bought the Solar version about a week ago. Worked fine for 5 or 6 days, was loving it. Firmware update yesterday, and my battery suddenly is draining itself from 100% to 0 in about 5 hours. I've tried a soft reset and a hard reset after that, to see if it would fix it, but nothing. Terribly disappointed.
Great updates to the Instinct but frustrating with lack of reliability continuing. I've had countless problems with general use of the OS and GPS issues requiring many factory resets. My father's had quality control issues with a button straight out of the box - shame as I really like the model at this price point and what it offers.
Great review and I really want to get one instinct 2 solar, but the price is out of my budget. I only can wait and hope that there is a special offer at Amazon's Prime day
What type of mapping is there on the watch? Can I load a course onto the device and then follow it ? If yes, what does the interface look like :) Thanks for your reviews. As always 💪👍👍
Im not sure id want the 2 over the 1 based on me just being a hiker. I can hike anywhere and not get lost with the 1. That was the main reason i got it👌🏾
Why can't Garmin just build a super tough surfing watch that is thin, (think paddling) has an extra long band (think wetsuit), and has a LARGE time only display (think water in the eyes and sun glare). Once in the water, most surfers just want to know, what time is it?
Looks like 2 huge firmware updates have dropped since the original review. Just curious to see if there would be an updated review as you mentioned it being more unstable than other Garmin watches?
thanks for the great review and detail. its worth noting the combo of monochrome, small size and low pixels on the "S' version means the display is terrible. you cannot run a data screen with 4 fields and expect to be able to see it while running.
Thanks! It actually has better resolution and screen size than many other Garmin's over the years. Neither my wife or I had any issues with the Instinct 2S running and visibility. But of course, it'll depend on your eyesight.
Hi Ray, love your work and have been watching yours and Des’s videos. I am thinking of buying a new Garmin midrange device and torn between Instinct 2 and FR255. Could you please outline the differences between their health monitoring features to help me make the right decision. Personally I like the looks of Instinct 2 but do not want to lose out on some key features. I realised Instinct 2 does not have a gyro. Look forward to your help on this and thanks for making great informative videos.
While the Instinct gets great battery life for just smartwatch usage, I'm curious why the Instinct 2's listed battery life for GPS usage is only HALF that of the Fenix 7. They're almost the same case size, so what gives there?
I had insitnct 1 camo solar, My elevation gain throughout activity is my main problem(very inaccurate). Did some research on google, many people said that the reason behind is the placement of the sensors. Will this intinct2 be better? I really love the instinct series.
Hello there! Thanks for the great review. I have the instinct 2s. Should I still get the Running dynamics POD? All that the RD tracks, my watch shows on the app. Thanks in advance!
Great reviews as usual!! I already have the old instinct solar and I don't know if it's worth the upgrade as I don't practice running or cycling. My main activities are Crossfit, skiing and hiking and from what I understand almost all the new features are for running and cycling only and not for other activities. what do you think?
For surfing ... do I need the "surf edition" or will any other Instinct 2 variant be just fine? The colors on the surf edition don't quite do it for me.
Thanks for the great videos. So, I got the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar version and have a quick question: Once I fully charge the watch it shows a 28d battery life expectancy. But I see a massive battery drop from day 1 to day 2 of usage. Day 1 shows 28days, day 2 (with not much activity) shows 9 days... and from day 2 on is less one battery life day per day (expected). But the initial 28d to 9d is really unexpected. Did you experience that as well? Thanks for the excellent videos!
I have the Instinct 2 Solar, I love it, but I think the solar charging feature is not nearly as effective enough to justify the price increase. For average users, going in and out of doors, full and dappled sun exposure, it's just not enough. I bought this when I worked outdoors and whatever I gained through solar, I lost with the first workout. Personally, I would strongly encourage folks interested to go with the non solar model and save money.
Do you got the 40mm size?
@@DUCzillaMonster I have the 45mm
But Garmin pay is on the solar edition only
@@postdorian true, but unfortunately my bank does not participate in Garmin pay, so it still wasn't worth the upgrade for me.
@@deantreloar sure, however here in Ukraine 90% of transactions are cashless plus when I had my phone broken or had to pay for the pool, that feature was really handy. Also the solar edition seems a bit better for the service in the military
I've had this watch almost a year and love it- use it as my primary watch. As long as you don't need to make phone calls and texts on a watch, it's great.
I think they now charge more For NOT being able to do such annoying things 😅
We can receive call or massage notifications in this watch?
Damn I can't buy it if I don't get my massage notification
Ever try it on a dress shirt as well... How does it look ? Am planning to buy and am that sort of a person who would want to wear the watch all activities and occasions:))
Does anyone know if these watches can work as a separate android device with a simcard slot allowing for independent access without any need of a smartphone?
My family and I just got this for my dad's 50th this Monday, hoping he likes it! He's had the Garmin forerunner for like 6 years now and his strap recently broke.
Honestly the level of detail you put in your videos are unmatched. Whether its a garmin watch or your gopro enduro batteries, I am so thankful that I stumbled upon your channel.
Thanks - very much appreciated!
@@Dcrainmaker I am assuming the comment below is a scam?
@@b3hulk Indeed, thanks for the heads up.
I literally just bought the 1 on Monday... of course a new version dropped :(
Update: thanks to this in-depth I made the plunge to turn in the original version for the 2 solar. Thank you!
As always: thanks for that much data. I still rock the original instinct and battery life is still good for charging every 2 weeks. Only feature that might push me would be Garmin pay, as the instinct is my daily and I usually have my phone to pay with me. Rocking the 645M for sports
07:29 I feel this lol. Great work Ray! Nailed all of the points!
Hahaha…thanks Dave!
Great work! Very thorough review! I would be happy to see a little update later (if it's possible) in regards to:
1) software updates (whether they dealt with existing bugs and whether removed restrictions for uploading your own corses, 50 points for a good hike/bike ride is a joke, it's 2022 for God's sake!) Garmin positions Instinct as a good outdoors watch, but instinct 1 solar sucks at dealing with uploaded routes (you either lose half the amount of the points you so carefully planted on the map or get nothing at all)
2) whether their claims for unlimited battery with solar live up to their claims or is it another marketing BS.
In terms of new colours I am very disappointed with Garmin's policy to lock specific colours for specific sizes/specifications. For example I want to buy Electric lime + 45mm + solar, but it's only available as non solar option. Annoying!
I appreciate your content. It has helped me pick 3 different wearable. Instinct a while back, a 5x plus about 4 years ago, and I just got this one after this video. Been watching for a LONG time.
Thank you Ray, your publishing tons of content these last weeks!
I’m looking forward the inReach 2 review 😊
Thanks! Me too!!!
Today I just bought my Garmin Instinct 2 solar. Super happy with it! I returned a Suunto 9 Peak and I'm glad I did.
I love love love the blooper in the middle - well done. And incredibly great review and summary all around
Thanks man!!
@@Dcrainmaker Hi there, thanks for your review! Since you pointed out the Kill Switch for the tactical version: Do you know if the Stealth Mode is also only available on the Tactical version? Or also on the base solar model.
@@maxmeier532 No, only the Tactical variant.
Thanks for the overview Ray! Great info. I just got my updated Instinct 2 Tactical Solar and love it!
Ray is the best. Kudos!
Thanks!!
I was mainly interested in the surf features.
But the first instinct was absolutely awful for surfing and I’ve realized I just want to surf without worrying about any stupid gadgets or wave count or speed or anything.
Nifty, but doesn’t seem worth the upgrade if you already have an instinct. But for a new watch, this is a badass little setup.
Why you need a watch to surf? 😂
The entire essence of surfing is to be one w the ocean. ❤
Menstruation app......literally wtf.
An easily missed feature you didn't mention on the tactical, Its a military feature but also a great safety feature. The tactical can display current location in UTM and also grid reference system. If i needed help id love to give an 8-10 figure grid reference to mountain rescue.
Does it have the jump master ?
does the instinct 2 normal can't display the coordinate in UTM?
Or just carry a Garmin in reach or plb
If they also reset the encryption key after the delete it should be safe enough (I guess the data is encrypted so it would be quite difficult to break a good encryption key in a life time, and this way you'll need to guess it first too). Awesome content by the way, I recently ordered the instinct 2x solar after a while of researching the Garmin watches and your videos helped.
Hah - I knew you and Des would have reviews popping up. Really appreciate your guys dedication! I love my Garmin Instinct but I was really curious how this one stacked up.
Thanks!!
Think you'll upgrade from your OG instinct?
@@christrejbal3787 Probably not this year - but the addition of power meter connectivity would help with indoor training, so perhaps for next winter!
Damn I feel I need a new watch now!!! This is like my dream watch with everything I need! Thanks so much for this video. Very helpful!
Can’t have asked for a better review. Great work. Thank you!
I literally just bought one online... Really good deal $100 off for the standard if purchased on Wal-Mart's site. All I want is the compass, and the ability to do heart rate training.
Your reviews are on another level. Thanks bud!
Finally, audio prompts available on this watch, lack of this which I find really useful when running (particularly intervals) made me steer clear. Could never understand why the Venu SQ has music, garmin pay, yet no audio prompts during runs.
Great review!
I got the OG instinct for black Friday 2021.
As someone who enjoys the ruggedness, adequate HR monitor, body battery, and basic activity tracking, it doesn't seem like I need to upgrade.
But those extra features look awesome!
Hey! How did you get it for Black Friday?
Just stumbled upon your page DC, thanks what a great review! And WOW, you are a high energy guy!!
Finally, they bring running dynamics to the instinct!! That was the only reason I never bought them.
Same here! I'm using my Fenix 5 which will be replaced sooner than later and now Instinct seems like a great option!
@@rabomarc me too and i have too the fenix 5
@@rabomarc 7i
What features come with running dynamics?
I’m so glad I found this video. I had no idea there was a S version. I have smaller wrists and the full size was a bit too big.
thanks for this review, i just bought the garmin instinct 2 surf solar edition. this video was very helpful.
That Was the best review that I have seen online! Thank you :)
All I wanted was for it to be smaller, but Garmin did so much more. It like a fenix Jr with better battery life. I'm in love
Great review,
I have a question. Do we able upload maps on it(Instinct 2)?
i actually like the Casio-esque design of the Instinct... when the Epix 2 rumours started, i actually thought they'd come out in the Casio rectangle form factor 😂
Bro, I just got the Instinct for Christmas... Oh well, I couldn't be happier. The only new feature that seems interesting is the wireless payment option. The better solar charging sounds nice in theory, but I have no complaints about the battery life on the current Instinct.
I just bought the 2S! It was hard to decide on the color. Can’t wait to get it
So much fun to watch your videos :)
Thanks!
Anyone noticed that DcR is hyper & super excited 😆 so many watches to play with. Boys toys. I would be that excited too if I had all of those watches. Another great breakdown and review. Keep it up 👍
10:38 I now see you doing these tests with 5 watches on your arms and all sorts of bands and trackers 😂
Awesome review, very in depth. Still wondering if this is the one for me though xD
A very nice and good video, good job Ray!
what a deepdive, and good point about the killswitch option. Good that you debunk some functions that sounds good but are actually not that effective.
You're amazing Mr Rainmaker
Thanks!!
Multisport, Power Meter? Wow, never expected this. Gonna have to takes a hard look at this one!
YES MULTI-SPORT MODE FINALLY
Hi DC, really helped with the detailed review.
Thank you Ray! Amazing review as always!!!
Is Ray’s channel going to slowly morph into a world traveling/sports product review channel? I’m stoked about these views! I hit the like but three times already! 👍
Love the battery life on life Instinct series!
Hi, I have bought Instinct 2 Solar 45mm and the watch is great, the only problem I have is the battery. I have have Pulse Ox manual, HR auto, baro/alti auto, backlight 20% on only after sunset general use, 5% during sleep, 4 sec timeout for all. I stopped all notifications and I enable phone connection only to sync 2 times per day, sounds off, vibration on, moveIQ & Move alert off, all alarms off. I also don't do anything at all on the watch just to check the max I can get. This is the most battery saving I can think of and it drains 4-5% (1-2days) per day on track for about 22days after full charge. I already drained the battery once and fully charged. I think that if I use it as an actual smart watch 24/7 phone connected + notifications I will get no more than 18-20days which is nowhere close to 28 garmin claims. Anyone else with the same issue?
thanks for the great in depth review Rainmaker! loved seeing the Amsterdam maps as I live here. How can I throw a beer your way? Cheers!
Haha, thanks! I love living here. Simply say Hi next time we cross paths out on the streets!
As a soldier I appreciate the fact that you can get it in tan colour too and one of the main reasons I chose it over others.
Would you recommend this watch to someone that lift weights and does interval sprints majority of the time?
Awesome work keep on good reviews
Great reviews. How easy and quick is it to pull your location information? Thanks
Does training peaks sync with Instinct® 2 Solar Tactical Edition?
That's a load of updates! I'd go for the old stock Fenix 5 despite the lack of the lack of the last generation pulse meter. If you manage do buy one it costs like the new Instinct.
Awesome stuff .. great info as usual … what’s the quick answer for best Garmin watch WITH a wheel sensor for my mtn bike… ??? That’s 99% of what I use it for. Thank you!!
Bought the Solar version about a week ago. Worked fine for 5 or 6 days, was loving it. Firmware update yesterday, and my battery suddenly is draining itself from 100% to 0 in about 5 hours. I've tried a soft reset and a hard reset after that, to see if it would fix it, but nothing. Terribly disappointed.
Seems like some sort of huge defect. Send it back.
At 1:11 there is a typo on the screen. Both the 2 solar (regular) and 2 solar (special editions) are listed as 449. :)
Great updates to the Instinct but frustrating with lack of reliability continuing. I've had countless problems with general use of the OS and GPS issues requiring many factory resets. My father's had quality control issues with a button straight out of the box - shame as I really like the model at this price point and what it offers.
Wow that’s crazy I had no problems with my original solar instinct
I'M SO EXCITED AND I JUST CLICKED ON THE VIDEO
Great review and I really want to get one instinct 2 solar, but the price is out of my budget. I only can wait and hope that there is a special offer at Amazon's Prime day
Great Review!
Any idea what happens when the battery goes bad?
Thanks!
What type of mapping is there on the watch? Can I load a course onto the device and then follow it ? If yes, what does the interface look like :)
Thanks for your reviews. As always 💪👍👍
Im not sure id want the 2 over the 1 based on me just being a hiker. I can hike anywhere and not get lost with the 1. That was the main reason i got it👌🏾
Great review again, thank you Ray
I just got the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar today from REI. I'm kind of surprised by how light it feels compared to my Fenix 5 Plus.
A crazy good update
What is the watch face ? Looks really fun but can't find it in the settings
Great video as usual. Thanks. I am considering buying this, but evaluating it against Forerunner 745. Would you recommend that in 2022?
Why can't Garmin just build a super tough surfing watch that is thin, (think paddling) has an extra long band (think wetsuit), and has a LARGE time only display (think water in the eyes and sun glare). Once in the water, most surfers just want to know, what time is it?
Looks like 2 huge firmware updates have dropped since the original review. Just curious to see if there would be an updated review as you mentioned it being more unstable than other Garmin watches?
Great video, awesome information thanks
thanks for the great review and detail. its worth noting the combo of monochrome, small size and low pixels on the "S' version means the display is terrible. you cannot run a data screen with 4 fields and expect to be able to see it while running.
Thanks! It actually has better resolution and screen size than many other Garmin's over the years. Neither my wife or I had any issues with the Instinct 2S running and visibility. But of course, it'll depend on your eyesight.
This review has EVERYTHING I was looking for
Hi Ray, love your work and have been watching yours and Des’s videos. I am thinking of buying a new Garmin midrange device and torn between Instinct 2 and FR255. Could you please outline the differences between their health monitoring features to help me make the right decision. Personally I like the looks of Instinct 2 but do not want to lose out on some key features. I realised Instinct 2 does not have a gyro. Look forward to your help on this and thanks for making great informative videos.
Wondering if those little issues are fixed by now.
Great review man! WOW! LIKE it this guy deserves it
Great video I made purchase first Garmin made it much easier
okay I'm very happy with all the new features so far
Hope you are enjoing you time on Teneriffa :)
Bought version 1 solar because nice price/value ratio. Greets
Yeaaaah golf support. Sold!
Huwaei GT4 prices £199 and Garmin instinct 2 standard for £185 .Among these 2 watches which is compatible for i phone and accurate health monitoring
Damn, I just got my Venu 2s and this launched. This has power meter support all the training metrics that are absent on the Venu 2
Yes 👍
While the Instinct gets great battery life for just smartwatch usage, I'm curious why the Instinct 2's listed battery life for GPS usage is only HALF that of the Fenix 7. They're almost the same case size, so what gives there?
Well and quick walk through. 👍
I had insitnct 1 camo solar, My elevation gain throughout activity is my main problem(very inaccurate). Did some research on google, many people said that the reason behind is the placement of the sensors. Will this intinct2 be better?
I really love the instinct series.
You're the best Ray
I’m assuming this would be a pretty solid upgrade from a Venu for mountain biking, hiking, and military applications?
Great video. Subscribed. Anyopinion updates on the overall performance
Hey! Just checking in to see if those bugs have been taken care of? Any updates? Thanks for any help.
Ummm, we better all be watching this before “tomorrow” or we’ve breached the space / time continuum 🤣
is this model good for tracking possible strokes and overall heart health? things like sleep apnea?
Hello there! Thanks for the great review. I have the instinct 2s. Should I still get the Running dynamics POD? All that the RD tracks, my watch shows on the app. Thanks in advance!
Good overview!
I have the instinct 2 base. Love it so much, however when I first got it the battery life maxed out at “30 days” now it’s only 4 days
How long have you had the watch?
@@y4k052 1-2 years
@@Grnditout96can we replaced the battery?
Great reviews as usual!! I already have the old instinct solar and I don't know if it's worth the upgrade as I don't practice running or cycling. My main activities are Crossfit, skiing and hiking and from what I understand almost all the new features are for running and cycling only and not for other activities. what do you think?
We can receive call or massage notifications in this watch?
For surfing ... do I need the "surf edition" or will any other Instinct 2 variant be just fine? The colors on the surf edition don't quite do it for me.
Fantastic...but, umm...does it finally work with the larger Garmin Inreach or still only the Inreach Mini?
Thanks for the great videos. So, I got the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar version and have a quick question: Once I fully charge the watch it shows a 28d battery life expectancy. But I see a massive battery drop from day 1 to day 2 of usage. Day 1 shows 28days, day 2 (with not much activity) shows 9 days... and from day 2 on is less one battery life day per day (expected). But the initial 28d to 9d is really unexpected. Did you experience that as well? Thanks for the excellent videos!
this is unusual, for me dropped 4 days in 2 days but with little tweaking on power manager showing 34 days on mixed low power mode
Hi Ray, i use the data field "Race Screen" in Running Races. Is there anything similar to use on the Instinct 2? Thank you so much for your answer