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.
@DUCzillaMonster Жыл бұрын
Do you got the 40mm size?
@deantreloar Жыл бұрын
@@DUCzillaMonster I have the 45mm
@postdorian Жыл бұрын
But Garmin pay is on the solar edition only
@deantreloar Жыл бұрын
@@postdorian true, but unfortunately my bank does not participate in Garmin pay, so it still wasn't worth the upgrade for me.
@postdorian Жыл бұрын
@@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
@TUBEDOUT07 Жыл бұрын
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.
@idahoman325 Жыл бұрын
I think they now charge more For NOT being able to do such annoying things 😅
@worldwide32441Ай бұрын
We can receive call or massage notifications in this watch?
@NegarSigma-q8xАй бұрын
Damn I can't buy it if I don't get my massage notification
@b3hulk2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
Thanks - very much appreciated!
@b3hulk2 жыл бұрын
@@Dcrainmaker I am assuming the comment below is a scam?
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
@@b3hulk Indeed, thanks for the heads up.
@alexcrow18562 жыл бұрын
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!
@pietrmuffei88742 жыл бұрын
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
@krispewkrem32 жыл бұрын
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.
@jandrex0072 жыл бұрын
Why you need a watch to surf? 😂
@unicornL9 ай бұрын
The entire essence of surfing is to be one w the ocean. ❤
@inakilrg2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Ray, your publishing tons of content these last weeks! I’m looking forward the inReach 2 review 😊
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Me too!!!
@sammy82702 жыл бұрын
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.
@williamchase5698 Жыл бұрын
Does it have the jump master ?
@farisikhsan925 Жыл бұрын
does the instinct 2 normal can't display the coordinate in UTM?
@ThorSkin6910 ай бұрын
Or just carry a Garmin in reach or plb
@fennoman92412 жыл бұрын
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.
@potholeinsurance2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Eric_Casteel Жыл бұрын
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.
@VerdeMugurel Жыл бұрын
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.
@ianduckett91352 жыл бұрын
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.
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!!
@christrejbal37872 жыл бұрын
Think you'll upgrade from your OG instinct?
@ianduckett91352 жыл бұрын
@@christrejbal3787 Probably not this year - but the addition of power meter connectivity would help with indoor training, so perhaps for next winter!
@fitgearhunter2 жыл бұрын
I love love love the blooper in the middle - well done. And incredibly great review and summary all around
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
Thanks man!!
@maxmeier532 Жыл бұрын
@@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.
@Dcrainmaker Жыл бұрын
@@maxmeier532 No, only the Tactical variant.
@christrejbal37872 жыл бұрын
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!
@jaydevkadem6051 Жыл бұрын
Hey! How did you get it for Black Friday?
@ChaseTheSummit2 жыл бұрын
07:29 I feel this lol. Great work Ray! Nailed all of the points!
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
Hahaha…thanks Dave!
@wallyocho2 жыл бұрын
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!
@retusrieben64872 жыл бұрын
Finally, they bring running dynamics to the instinct!! That was the only reason I never bought them.
@rabomarc2 жыл бұрын
Same here! I'm using my Fenix 5 which will be replaced sooner than later and now Instinct seems like a great option!
@alessandrorossi21642 жыл бұрын
@@rabomarc me too and i have too the fenix 5
@Snabonen2 жыл бұрын
@@rabomarc 7i
@JaredandTasha2 жыл бұрын
What features come with running dynamics?
@DCNewsom423 ай бұрын
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.
@1kr1sb Жыл бұрын
Can’t have asked for a better review. Great work. Thank you!
@frenchiemak52 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the overview Ray! Great info. I just got my updated Instinct 2 Tactical Solar and love it!
@b2f22 жыл бұрын
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.
@roxstarrestorationllc64382 жыл бұрын
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.
@patriotvet55698 ай бұрын
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.
@andychow21512 жыл бұрын
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!
@reyskidude2 жыл бұрын
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 😂
@nathan55000 Жыл бұрын
Would you recommend this watch to someone that lift weights and does interval sprints majority of the time?
@kimbruns20842 жыл бұрын
Just stumbled upon your page DC, thanks what a great review! And WOW, you are a high energy guy!!
@Lonelyboy-c1g7 ай бұрын
thanks for this review, i just bought the garmin instinct 2 surf solar edition. this video was very helpful.
@regstoy2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Ajajambo2 жыл бұрын
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 👍
@mlegrand2 жыл бұрын
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! 👍
@GreyJedi172 жыл бұрын
You're amazing Mr Rainmaker
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!!
@worldwide32441Ай бұрын
We can receive call or massage notifications in this watch?
@kimwarner60502 жыл бұрын
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
@o0260o2 жыл бұрын
Ray is the best. Kudos!
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!!
@Cheergym1315 Жыл бұрын
What is the watch face ? Looks really fun but can't find it in the settings
@BleakVision2 жыл бұрын
Multisport, Power Meter? Wow, never expected this. Gonna have to takes a hard look at this one!
@MyLifeInTheDesert2 жыл бұрын
I just bought the 2S! It was hard to decide on the color. Can’t wait to get it
@gbullock25982 жыл бұрын
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👌🏾
@butcher342 жыл бұрын
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?
@mauritano11 ай бұрын
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.
@eatyourvegetables144910 ай бұрын
Seems like some sort of huge defect. Send it back.
@darkstepwarrior88 Жыл бұрын
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.
@brianbailey7128 Жыл бұрын
Wondering if those little issues are fixed by now.
@derekbonevelle Жыл бұрын
Your reviews are on another level. Thanks bud!
@phisme2 жыл бұрын
YES MULTI-SPORT MODE FINALLY
@toadlguy2 жыл бұрын
Ummm, we better all be watching this before “tomorrow” or we’ve breached the space / time continuum 🤣
@MichaelTrouw Жыл бұрын
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!
@Dcrainmaker Жыл бұрын
Haha, thanks! I love living here. Simply say Hi next time we cross paths out on the streets!
@Huanglon52 жыл бұрын
Great review, I have a question. Do we able upload maps on it(Instinct 2)?
@takanawatrishia72962 жыл бұрын
That Was the best review that I have seen online! Thank you :)
@SyntheticFuture Жыл бұрын
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
@toureweaver6713Ай бұрын
What sport mode would be best to track playing soccer?
@onlyonelens2 жыл бұрын
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.
@MyLifeInTheDesert2 жыл бұрын
Wow that’s crazy I had no problems with my original solar instinct
@piast992 жыл бұрын
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.
@williamsmillie43572 жыл бұрын
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?
@lokimetalhead1232 жыл бұрын
Great video as usual. Thanks. I am considering buying this, but evaluating it against Forerunner 745. Would you recommend that in 2022?
@grantkisling27572 жыл бұрын
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?
@JCBike322 жыл бұрын
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!!
@m.g.61822 жыл бұрын
So much fun to watch your videos :)
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@icesystem72 жыл бұрын
Great Review! Any idea what happens when the battery goes bad? Thanks!
@stefan.schlag2 жыл бұрын
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 💪👍👍
@garand5562 жыл бұрын
A very nice and good video, good job Ray!
@barrysung97332 жыл бұрын
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
@ovu850 Жыл бұрын
Hi DC, really helped with the detailed review.
@dready742 жыл бұрын
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?
@openbruno2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Ray! Amazing review as always!!!
@pyrmici2 ай бұрын
Does it provide wrist based cadence during running workout?
@Dcrainmaker2 ай бұрын
Yup
@joshtripp84854 ай бұрын
Great reviews. How easy and quick is it to pull your location information? Thanks
@vothry2 жыл бұрын
A crazy good update
@TonyYarusso2 жыл бұрын
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?
@yogiyoda2 жыл бұрын
Love the battery life on life Instinct series!
@redm852 жыл бұрын
Would you pick the instinct over the polar grit X?
@Graham_Rule2 жыл бұрын
Far too often there were bits of text or data that were obscured by that cicular inset or even just off the edge of the screen. I think I'd lose patience with that very quickly. Was that on the standar Garmin built-ins or were these downloaded 3rd party apps?
@fendermon2 жыл бұрын
Standard for sure.
@alexrublev53832 жыл бұрын
Ray, thanks for the long-awaited video! A couple of questions if you do not mind 1. Does it have RACE PREDICTOR like Epix? (according to official site it does not though) 2. According to specs I2S has 156 x 156 pixels vs 176 x 176 for I2. Are there visible differences? I mean maybe I2 can handle more visual elements/icons in some scenarios than I2S.
@triabit2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
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.
@arshadarifek73517 ай бұрын
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
@RichardsWorld2 жыл бұрын
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.
@minervali6312 жыл бұрын
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
@MimiMimi-sl4fc2 жыл бұрын
Yes 👍
@slawekziolkowski3453 Жыл бұрын
Hope you are enjoing you time on Teneriffa :) Bought version 1 solar because nice price/value ratio. Greets
@natthawuthlimpanitivat30572 жыл бұрын
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.
@phisme2 жыл бұрын
okay I'm very happy with all the new features so far
@eb5000 Жыл бұрын
Great video. Subscribed. Anyopinion updates on the overall performance
@ahmedyosry26712 жыл бұрын
Awesome work keep on good reviews
@MisterPubichair2 жыл бұрын
TLDR: Can you do a video about the line up of the different series? Like which series is for what sport and some infos about the price. It's not about the details but how they compare. Really intersting to hear about the not so famous models (as far as i know). I recently purchased the venu 2 and looked into some other models.But i got really lost in the whole line up over all series. It's clear that the venu series is the most daily smartwatch and less fitness focused. Forerunner is for running (hence the name of course, but maybe even more). Epix and Fenix seems like the high end all sports watches. Mostly differ in the display type. But is the vivoactive like the MIP version of the venu ? And there are some more unclear series like the instinct, tactix, quatixand descent. it's so confusing. It's like the opposite of Apple. One Phone (maybe 3 different versions). Garmin has like 6 series (without hybrid watches) and each have 3 different versions.
@moosea8683 Жыл бұрын
What would you recommend for someone who just wants to swim in a pool for exercise and have the ability to use a timer??
@ads345311 ай бұрын
Does this work well easily with Strava ?
@Dcrainmaker11 ай бұрын
Easily, no problem.
@chefnicoprestia3914 Жыл бұрын
Hello DC.. great video as always... I have a question... I have a fenix 5 and I want to change it for a instinct 2 solar... You think is a good change? Or should I keep my fenix 5? Cheers
@bacchim2 жыл бұрын
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!
@sanjaymohandubey1532 Жыл бұрын
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
@himanshuanand90482 жыл бұрын
At 1:11 there is a typo on the screen. Both the 2 solar (regular) and 2 solar (special editions) are listed as 449. :)
@Zeno77412 жыл бұрын
This review has EVERYTHING I was looking for
@Roof1028 Жыл бұрын
Great video, awesome information thanks
@carleriksson42822 жыл бұрын
I do not want to talk bad about a watch from Garmin but there are 3 things I do not like with this watch. 1/ Biggest size is 45mm ( why not a 47mm version). 2/ No garmin Pay on standard version. 3/ No music on a new watch from Garmin 2022 ( how is that even possible). Garmin please fix a 47mm and Garmin Pay for every watch and music as well. This is how I see things. Some of you people out there will agree with me and Some will not I wish you all a good day. ( Carl Eriksson from Sweden )
@krishnakumarkr389310 ай бұрын
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!
@heathobrien3563 ай бұрын
I've been running with the first Venu and have become accustomed to the touch screen. How different is it to really on buttons?
@onurkoc31792 жыл бұрын
Great review again, thank you Ray
@phisme2 жыл бұрын
I'M SO EXCITED AND I JUST CLICKED ON THE VIDEO
@arronpalmer27732 жыл бұрын
Hey! Just checking in to see if those bugs have been taken care of? Any updates? Thanks for any help.
@Max.5272 жыл бұрын
How's the vibration motor, Ray? Thanks
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
Seems pretty much the norm/fine to me.
@MTB4RNR2 жыл бұрын
I’m assuming this would be a pretty solid upgrade from a Venu for mountain biking, hiking, and military applications?
@yuanyuanintaiwan2 жыл бұрын
Any chance you'll review the descent G1? It's too bad that it's only reviewed by scuba divers when it's basically the same as instinct 2. And therefore a better choice than the instinct 2 for occasional divers. I'll assume that's an instinct 2 with underwater features :)
@Dcrainmaker2 жыл бұрын
Yup, working on it. Got a few more dives I want to get in this week, and then be done with what will end up as a 2-month long review process. The review will cover fitness aspects too. But yeah, in short, it's just an Instinct 2 with dive features/hardware.
@yuanyuanintaiwan2 жыл бұрын
@@Dcrainmaker awesome!! 🙏 I'm getting the watch today but will definitely watch your review (no pun intended). Thanks for the hard work!!!