Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Rugged GPS Smartwatch, Tidal Blue

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical is a fantastic military styled rugged smartwatch that has pretty much everything you look for in this type of device, but with a utilitarian look that appeals to me. I like the memory in pixel display of the second generation Instinct as opposed to the current gen Amoled models. This does everything the higher end Garmin models do, with a couple of minor exceptions, for hundreds of pounds less in price point. I wear mine 24/7 and it takes a battering at work everyday with hardly a blemish to the hardwearing (yet lightweight) casing. For a big(ish) watch it weights next to nothing, so is comfortable on for extended periods. Monitors every type of fitness activity too, as well as sleep quality, and is relatively easy to use with practice, and has an excellent battery life (top up able with solar exposure). Does the business. Looks the business. Worth the investment.

After using the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar for the past few weeks, I can confidently say it's an incredible piece of technology that has seamlessly integrated into my daily life. If you’re considering this watch and wondering how it compares to the 2 and 2S models, the main differences are the size, battery life and the flashlight. The original Instinct 2 is 45mm, the 2S is 40mm, and the 2X is 50mm. I will attach photos of the front, size and back of the watch, and I have an 18cm wrist for reference. The battery life is also different, with the 2X being the best, then the 2, then the smaller 2S. The flashlight (unexpectedly one of the best features) is only available on the 2X model. Size and Display: The Instinct 2X Solar features a larger display compared to the 2 and 2S, making it incredibly easy to read notifications, track your steps, or check the time at a glance. The bigger screen is a welcome upgrade that enhances usability, whether you're at your desk or on the move outdoors. Plus, with more solar panel real-estate and upgraded solar panel tech, it makes the solar capabilities more meaningful. You literally gain more power by spending the same time in the sun, compared to the other models. Battery Life: The battery life of this watch is simply ridiculous. Even with multiple extra features turned on, I’m predicted to enjoy 30 days of battery life. I've been wearing it for 20 days and have 10 days left. This is a stark contrast to the daily charging routine required by other smartwatches, like the Apple Watch. This extended battery life means I can rely on it without constantly needing to recharge, making it ideal for busy people. I will need to charge this watch for 2 hours, once per month. No worries at all. I stopped using my previous smartwatch purely because it needed charging on a daily basis which I got sick of. I love that I can just wear this watch, without worrying about the battery. Built-In LED Flashlight: Unexpectedly, one of my favorite features is the built-in LED flashlight. Before buying, I really thought it was a gimmick that I wouldn't use, but It's surprisingly incredibly handy and something I use multiple times a day. Whether I’m navigating dimly lit areas in the my house late at night or need a quick light source for any task, this flashlight is incredibly bright and convenient. It easily lights up an entire room on full brightness, it's as bright if not brighter than my phone torch, and it's on my wrist at all times, easily activated with a swift double click of a button. I went to buy a used car the other day, and even used it to check under the car for rust. The seller found it very amusing and remarked that it was like a "spy gadget"! I honestly feel at this point that I would feel lost without it. Plus, it's LED so barely puts a dent in battery life. GPS Accuracy: The dual-band GPS on the 2X Solar provides exceptional accuracy. While I primarily use it for tracking workouts and runs, the precision it offers is impressive and ensures that my data is always accurate, whether I’m exercising or simply checking my route. I have attached a few screenshots of the Garmin Connect app so you can see what to expect with that. The GPS maps style image is the analysis of a quick walk I went on with my dog. You can see in the bottom left the red circle is where I had a quick mad dash with my dog who chased me around some grass and back to the path. Super accurate. Customization: The customization options available with the Instinct 2X Solar are extensive. I appreciate how I can tailor the watch face and settings to fit my personal style and needs. Not only can you completely change between dozens of watch faces, and potentially thousands more with the Garmin store, but when you've selected a watch face you like you can also edit every single data point on the face, choose exactly what you want to see, and where you want to put it on the display. The Garmin Connect app complements this perfectly, offering excellent insights into my fitness data and helping me track my progress with ease. It’s a fantastic tool for managing both my workouts and daily activity levels. One of my favorite features is the "training readiness" feature and body battery, which takes into account your sleep history, activity and stress markers, to determine whether you should rest or exercise. I have found it exceptionally accurate. When I feel good, I see my body battery is high to match. When I feel really run down, I check it and without fail see an awful body battery score. Durability: Despite being a rugged smartwatch, the 2X Solar fits comfortably and looks great for everyday wear. It’s built to be tough, but its design is sleek enough to complement a professional setting, making it just as appropriate for an office environment as it is for more demanding activities. In summary, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar has proven to be an invaluable tool in both my professional and personal life. Its impressive battery life, handy flashlight, precise GPS, and customizable features make it a standout choice for anyone looking for a versatile smartwatch that performs exceptionally well in any situation. If you’re looking for a smartwatch that can keep up with a busy lifestyle and offer top-notch functionality, the Instinct 2X Solar is definitely worth considering. 5 stars all day. I am now officially a Garmin fan.

I’m 76, retired and not an athlete. I do however try to stay fit, mostly by walking. I don’t smoke, I drink moderately and I want to stay on top of how my body is performing. I’ve always liked Garmin products having used two or three of their GPS systems, and I didn’t fancy an Apple watch. I wanted something that was robust, accurate, solar charged, kept tabs on my health data and would notify people if I was involved in an accident. I’d have liked a map but that’s a trade-off I was willing to take. I’ve been using the Instinct 2 Solar now for about a month and I’m quite pleased with the results. Here’s what I found: The user handbook is difficult, not informative enough (for me) and lacks diagrams. You Tube has a wealth of instructional movies that should provide all the information you need. The step counting function is inaccurate and counts steps and movements when you’re just bimbling around the house. On a dedicated walk it works well and is pretty accurate but outside of that it’s poor and makes you think you’re doing well. I did a test over a few days wearing a pedometer that doesn’t count unless you’ve done ten steps (they then get added on) so it discounts the bimbling around bit. The result after a few days showed that the watch overcounted by 30%. I’m particularly fond of the basic health data and found that both the Heart Rate and Pulse Oximeter (oxygen saturation) functions are accurate. I tested both these on a recent visit to the doctor and also at home with one of those oximeters that clips on your finger. The readings for both heart rate and oxygen saturation were spot on. The watch kept buzzing and showing a number when I reached certain goals. I didn’t know what half the goals were, I didn’t want to see them and I eventually found a way of turning them off. I like the simple tracking of key (to me) functions – heart rate, respiration etc. I particularly like the sleep tracking system. I never used to wear a watch in bed, and that took some getting used to, but it works well and the display is excellent. I like that if I go for a walk the watch absorbs a wealth of information and shows me a detailed map on the Connect app at the end of it all plus data about my speed, step count and distance. I’ve also tried using it to measure the Bike Indoor function. It’s quite good but I have a simple exercise bike, not something I can hook up to the app, so it tells me time and exertion data only. The Connect app and the web app are also really good and show some relevant data in a decent format. However, I really need to understand all the variables and measures better. So in summary I think it’s a great watch with all the information I need, supported by both the phone and web apps, which are excellent.

Nice watch that is well featured and seems to be robust albeit with a slightly more plasticy feel for the price point. Despite bing an E ink type screen it looks nice, has an excellent night light and works well for basict text and numbers but graphics are limited and looks dated. The battery lasted a month before its first recharge which is great but oddly the solar function does not seem to charge the watch but instead holds the current charge maintains the percentage when used outside. I guess it would charge if left on in sunlight while not being used. Time will tell if it is durable and whether or not the battery lasts too. Overall happy with purchase.

I’ll be honest, I don’t think I was the target customer for this watch, but now that I’ve got it, good luck trying to take it off me. As a long-time Apple Watch user, I’m still amazed by how tough this thing is. My last Apple Watch managed to get a scratch about 15 minutes after I took it out of the box. This Garmin, on the other hand, has been through two years of everyday use and even managed to damage my wall when I was trying to retrieve a lost dog toy. The watch just laughed it off and carried on. The battery life is incredible – I regularly get around 30 days between charges. In fact, my biggest issue now is finding the charging cable because I use it so rarely. Yes, there are newer models with fancy colour screens, but honestly, this one is perfect for me. It’s been with me through tough workouts, mountain hikes, and now, as I sit at my desk writing this review. It’s not the prettiest thing out there – it’s got that “so rugged only a mother could love it” kind of charm – but it’s solid, reliable, and absolutely brilliant. If you want a watch that just gets on with the job and doesn’t care what anyone else thinks, this is the one.

After so many expensive smart watches I was fed up of the 1-day battery life only after disabling every useful feature possible and just stopped wearing them in favour of more simple digital watches and my favourite Suunto X-Lander. I came across the Garmin Instinct 2 as a cheap smart watch option with all the features. I originally looked at the Solar version but as it's winter in the UK and I mostly wear long sleeves even in the summer, I couldn't justify the extra £60. I haven't been disappointed. I get 30-days on one charge (no GPS) and with only a 2hr recharge, it's pretty much always on my wrist. I actually love the basic mono screen, which works best with light on dark watch faces, and that it's controlled entirely from buttons (no fingerprints to wipe from the screen). It took no time to work out what the buttons do and how to navigate the options. And if that's too awkward, the Garmin Connect app allows you to configure every aspect of the watch. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of activity options the watch can track, each with it's own customisable screens and data tracking. In particular, with the golf activity linked with the Connect Golf app, it does exactly the same as the golf version Garmin Approach S12 watch. Even without the activity tracking it's an amazing every day watch. It's the ideal size for my largish wrist, it looks smart, it's water resistant, it has built-in sensors for altitude, barometer, compass (as good as my Suunto) as well as temperature, heart rate and blood oxygen, steps; then the added GPS tracking and notifications all make this perfect for my needs.

I've been using the Garmin Instinct 2X SOLAR for a few months now, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. This rugged GPS smartwatch is an absolute beast, designed to withstand the toughest conditions while offering a comprehensive suite of features that make it indispensable for anyone who loves the outdoors. **Durability:** The ultratough design is no joke. I've taken it hiking, biking, and even through some pretty rough terrain, and it’s held up without a scratch. The large, rugged build feels solid and reliable, perfect for those who need a watch that can handle the elements. **Solar Charging:** The solar charging feature is a game-changer. Even with heavy use, I rarely need to charge it manually. Just being outdoors keeps the battery going, which is incredibly convenient, especially on long trips where access to power might be limited. **Built-in Sports Apps:** The variety of sports apps built into this watch is impressive. Whether you're running, swimming, cycling, or hiking, there's an app tailored for it. The GPS is accurate and responsive, making it easy to track your activities in real time. Plus, the detailed analytics help you monitor your progress and improve your performance. **Health Monitoring:** The health monitoring features are comprehensive and easy to use. Heart rate, sleep tracking, stress levels—everything you need to keep an eye on your overall well-being is right there on your wrist. The insights are clear and actionable, helping me stay on top of my health goals. **Design:** The Graphite color is sleek and stylish, yet still maintains that rugged look. It’s not just a functional device; it also looks good on your wrist, whether you're on a mountain trail or in a meeting. Overall, the Garmin Instinct 2X SOLAR is an exceptional smartwatch that combines toughness with top-notch functionality. If you're an outdoor enthusiast or just someone who needs a reliable, feature-packed watch, I highly recommend giving this one a go. It’s worth every penny!

The Instinct Solar 2 looks good and keeps its charge for an incredible length of time (3-4 plus weeks in my experience). However, my requirements for an activity tracker or smartwatch are very basic but one thing I do like to have is an altimeter to let me know how many floors I've climbed daily. The altimeter on the Instinct 2 is hopeless. Compared to a previous Fitbit device, it always gives a lower reading, but, more importantly, is very inconsistent when used for the same activity (mainly walks) on different occasions. This is despite resetting it, adjusting the settings so that all pressure changes are attributed to the altimeter (not wind etc) and washing its ports as suggested in instructions. The app is OK but is not particularly user friendly or useful to me, as is also the case with the watch user interface. It is, all in all, apparently reasonable value for money for many users but hasn't been for me.