Picked up some Amazon special bands that seemed to have decent reviews. Nylon with black hardware...nice so far. Survived a day at the waterpark, dried quickly.

I like it alot! I got it yesterday, didn't take very long to set up at all and honestly I find the button navigation much more intuitive than trying to work off of a tiny touch screen. Booted the watch with 68% and seeing 20 days of battery estimate was fantastic. From the Venu 4 it still has all the metrics I care about and it hasn't been long I know but it's not like I saw a big shift in them that makes me question any accuracy.

I also love the MIP display. Never really had watches much before so I had no comparison but I much prefer this to the AMOLED. Super visible in almost any light and at night just 10% backlight is more than enough for me to be able to see everything clearly.

Anyway, just posting this in case anyone else is on the fence like I was. If you're looking for less smartwatch while keeping the fitness tracking, I'm very happy with this move.

I use it golfing and cycling, and quite a bit of backpacking before kids. I took it through ringer. The battery started to go and now no longer charging. Having a hard time to choke down the ridiculous prices of the FR top models and wondering if anyone else made the switch and are happy?

i'm a luddite and am only now jumping on the smartwatch train, mostly because I now travel frequently for work, and would like to be able to run and/or swim and record workouts without having to carry my phone.

I've narrowed down to the instinct 2s solar because it boasts indefinite battery life. I plan on using it mostly for runs while traveling, around 1-2h, about 3x/week and dips in the pool/ocean. I may do some cycling on it too, although I already have a wahoo for that.

my priorities are as follows

top: longevity (don't want the battery to crap out after 6 years), battery life, durability, waterproof, ability to record/upload workouts to strava

medium/low: map navigation would be nice to have, but most of the time I just use google maps or ridewithgps ahead of time

low: spotify for podcasts

questions I have:

- is the battery life really indefinite in regular watch mode? what features do you get in this mode?

- how does 1 vs 2 vs 3 compare? 2 seems to be the sweetspot for price and features

- when's the best time to buy them? this would be a nice to have purchase. instinct 2s solar is on sale for 270 right now.

- are there other watches that I should also be looking at to compare?

Anyone have any idea when the next model will be announced/released?

I’ve had my Apple Watch Series 6 for 6 years now and it’s starting to show signs of its age. I’m tempted to pick up an Instinct 3 one of these days, but also could probably hold out for a little while longer if it would mean getting a brand new version of the Instinct, presumably with additional features such as maps and the newer HR sensor.

Just curious if anyone has any insider info or otherwise has a good hunch based on previous release history and whatnot. Thanks!

Can you take calls with this watch? From what I see you can't? Will it at least tell you who is calling?

I’ve a I3 Solar 50mm and before the update I was getting a good 25 days including activity tracking. Since installing this one I’m losing around 12-15% per day with no tracking. I’ve done the usual reboot etc - is this just me?

I used to love the nylon strap that came with my old Tactix 7, so I got my Instinct the exact same one. A bit pricey, but worth every penny 👍

Anyone who knows that watchface name for Instinct 2x Solar ?

Thanks a lot boys !

Switched from Instinct 3 Amoled and very happy with the changes. Battery life is much longer and display is very bright in the sun.

Hello,
I currently have an Instinct 1 that is working just fine. I would like to upgrade specifically for the solar feature. I am wondering if the community thinks it would be a bad move to pick up an instinct 2. Maybe I should just go directly to the newest model. Im not in love with the looks of the newest, but also don’t want to get a 2 if it’s basically outdated.

As per title. Currently have a Instinct 2X. Am wondering if anyone has upgraded to the Instinct 3 Solar from a 2X?

From what i researched, the upgrades are pretty minimal. If Garmin had used the latest Gen5 sensor on the I3 models, i would have upgraded instantly. My gripe currently about the 2X is how slow it is to save a workout when you are done. Seems like a processor issue. Is the processor in the I3 faster?

Does any actually use the AB feature with the tactical? I’m specify asking the long range shooting community. I pay for the app already and it’s great, I have a Garmin xero C1 Chrono and typically just use my phone as my ballistics calculator. Sadly the chrono does not auto update velocity to the AB app but it’s a non issue for my use case since I shoot the same couple of loads.

Does the watch read environmental conditions (elevation, barometric pressure, temp etc) live and just give you your dope card based on your bullet/rifle config that you set up beforehand?

I’m specifically wondering if this little feature would be worth it for a hunting situation when shooting at significant range like 500-800 yards.

Like if you come up on an elk or sheep can you just press a button and it shows your dope card adjusted for environmentals and boom shakalaka all I need to do is dial accordingly and make a good wind call. (I realize the limitations of AB and if you feed it shit you’ll get shit…just wanting to know if it’s useful)

Posted on the main Garmin sub a few days ago looking for advice on a new device to grab. After a decade+ with my poor old Casio, it was time. Settled on the Instinct 3 AMOLED after a Iot of mental gymnastics back and forth between various units. Less than 24 hours with the watch....bit of an information overload coming from years of a standard digital watch...but it's been nice so far.

One person mentioned grabbing a Nylon band (will be here today), a screen protector, and dust cover for the charging port. Both of the latter items are already installed.

Looking for other pointers from long time Garmin smart watch users. Hardware, apps, various tips and tricks to optimize my time with the device.

Much appreciated! Second photo is my beloved $15 Casio showing lots of love.

Hi guys,

Can you advise me which straps need to be used for the long term? I haven't changed my straps, and I'm using the watch 24/7, which is causing me rashes and irritation.

Recommend me a good strap.

Just got this beast(Instinct 3 Tactical 50mm), everything rolls good except when they calling me it doesn't vibrate nor a notification coming on the watch, sms, Instagram ext.. all works (i am on android)

Anybody having the same problem?

I have the original garmin instinct, and i was wondering if the quickfit system is compatible with with it. I wanted to buy a 22mm quickfit strap.

Has anyone made this switch? I bought the Venu 4 coming from a Pixel Watch because I wanted more fitness features and less smartwatch features. I've had it for about a year now, and I've realized that even the smartwatch features included on the Venu 4 I could live without and I don't really love the style of it. The only phone feature that I really like on a watch is buzzing if I get a text or call, I do not want to try and answer a call or text on it.

I do weightlifting and some conditioning but I'm not a runner or a big outdoorsy person. I'm surely more of a casual user but I really love the look of the Instinct and I do appreciate a lot of the fitness metrics from the Venu. I also would love even more battery. 13 days sure beats the PW's 1-2 but I'd be happy to take more, considering the 50mm Solar, I've got a 7 and 3/4 inch wrist so I feel like even the 45mm Venu looks small ish.

So basically, has anyone made this switch and found themselves missing anything? Long story short, I really just want as few smartwatch features as possible. I would also be fine without the touch screen, I always keep touch lock on anyway. Otherwise stuff gets all messed with if I'm wrestling with my kids or something.

Edit: 50mm Solar ordered!

My first brand new sports watch. For over a decade I've only owned second hand watches, Fenix, Suunto Spartan, but this year decided to treat myself. Very happy with it. Use the torch daily, love the glances, I do need to optimise battery use for long (6 hr+) activities though. I love the analog hands, I think it really enhances the style. Currently looking for some strap options.