23rd March 2022
By Laura Kyle
The Garmin Instinct 2 is a rugged multisport smartwatch designed to handle all kinds of weather and activities. Triathletes, surfers, long distance hikers and almost every other type of athlete can have their needs met with this smartwatch from Garmin.
Garmin has upgraded their smartwatch with their new Instinct 2 series for the active crowd. Garmin spared no expense in developing this rugged multisport smartwatch. For anyone who wants to track their workouts no matter how unique and demanding they may be, it’s worth considering this wearable. The original Instinct quickly became a favourite among adventurers and athletes when it was first released, and it has got better.
Garmin offers a few variations of the second version to cover the unique requirements of different sports. Athletes concerned with battery life who participate in outdoor activities may find the solar version ideal for their needs. On the other hand, those who spend their time in the water should consider the Surf. This review is primarily based on the Garmin Instinct 2, but we’ll discuss the different models available.
Features
- Thermal and shock-resistant
- Pulse Ox sensor
- Built-in GPS
- Accelerometer
- Thermometer
- Heart Rate monitor
- Compass
- Up to 28-day battery life
- Solar (optional)
And many more. Check out the complete list here.
The Pros
- Extremely durable
- Models tailored to different needs
- Long battery life
- Detailed health and activity monitoring
The Cons
- Bulky design
- No onboard music storage
Does the Garmin instinct 2 live up to the hype for outdoor athletes?
The revamped Garmin Instinct 2 is slightly less bulky than its original model and has a more robust feature set. Originally a watch aimed for the highly active, its upgrades have made it a genuine multisport watch. As a result, this smartwatch is one of the best options for athletes who need a dependable smartwatch packed with features that don’t break the bank.
Let’s start with the build. It is designed to withstand the impacts of intense weather and frequent shocks. The strengthened glass screen and fibre-reinforced bezel may not be indestructible, but they would take some effort to break. The monochrome screen is easy to read in the sunlight and the smartwatch can withstand water pressure to a depth of 100 metres.
The variety of preloaded activity profiles exceeds what most smartwatches and fitness trackers provide. For example, it has sports apps for golf, yoga, climbing, swimming, strength training, and many more. They are combined with many sensors that monitor acceleration, altitude, heart rate, oxygen, etc. The Instinct 2 easily records the details of every training session.
Is it just as good as an everyday smartwatch?
For the most part, yes!
It has a few drawbacks not usually found in smartwatches explicitly designed for everyday life. For example, no onboard music storage means the wearer will have to listen while connected or use a second device. Depending on the dress code or style, it has a very rugged appearance that may not suit the office or more formal events.
However, if those aren’t dealbreakers, then the Garmin Instinct 2 can compete with popular smartwatch options like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2.
It has all the basic clock features from any digital watch like a timer, stopwatch, and alarm. In addition, the Instinct 2 displays the date and automatically adjusts to time zone changes. Other features include iPhone and Android compatibility, weather, calendar, smartphone music controls, smart notifications, Connect IQ, and Garmin Pay.
How the different models compare
The Garmin Instinct 2 series has several models. Each model is tailored towards slightly different sport types to ensure it can meet the wearer’s needs with precision.
All models are available in either the standard or solar model. The Solar model is likely worth the slight price increase for anyone worried about battery life and who spends time outdoors. It can add several days to the battery life, depending on the amount of sunlight it receives.
Instinct 2 Surf: Designed for people who spend time in the water, this edition comes with extra features, including local tide information, Surfline view, and recording of surf statistics such as waves surfed, distance and speed. It can also be used in kitesurfing.
Instinct 2 Tactical: The Tactical edition has a kill-switch feature that removes all data and resets settings to erase personal information. It is compatible with night vision goggles, has a stealth mode to turn off wireless connections and more detailed GPS functionalities.
Instinct 2 Dezl: The Dezl is designed to meet the unique needs of truck drivers. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle on the road can be a challenge, but this one helps to make it as painless as possible. The smartwatch offers break planning, displays loyalty card information, and records trucker health workouts.
Is the Garmin Instinct 2 for you?
If you want a great all-around fitness tracker, why not check out the Fitbit Charge 5. It’s not as rugged as the Instinct 2, but it’s packed full of features for tracking exercise and health. It has a vibrant screen, easy to use app, and a built-in ECG monitor.
For those who want a full-featured smartwatch that doubles as a health and fitness tracker, take a look at the Apple Watch. It has several sensors for monitoring health, including an ECG monitor and is designed to make everyday life more convenient.
Latest prices & available to buy on Amazon:
Garmin Instinct Solar 2
Garmin Instinct 2 Surf
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical
Website: https://www.garmin.com/en-GB/
Image: Garmin Instinct 2
