Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

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Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Review

“A rugged watch with solar charging for extended activities.”

Overview


The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a rugged GPS (Global Positioning System) watch designed for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability and battery life. This watch is part of the Garmin Instinct family, known for its robust design and solar charging capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Solar Charging: Extends battery life significantly, making it ideal for long adventures.
  • Rugged Design: Built with a fiber-reinforced polymer casing and scratch-resistant glass for durability.
  • Comprehensive Sensors: Includes heart rate monitor, altimeter (measures altitude), barometer (measures atmospheric pressure), and compass for detailed tracking.

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is an ideal choice for outdoor adventurers who prioritize long-lasting battery life and durability. Its rugged design offers protection, making it suitable for challenging environments.

According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just above the median price of running watches.

Verdict

The consensus on the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar


The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is praised for its durability and exceptional battery life, making it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts. While it lacks some premium features like a color screen and music storage, its simplicity and rugged design are appreciated by those who value functionality over aesthetics. The watch's solar charging capability offers potentially unlimited battery life, especially in sunny conditions, making it ideal for long expeditions. Its GPS accuracy and heart rate monitoring are commendable, though it doesn't include multi-dual frequency GPS. The watch is lightweight due to its plastic construction, but the fixed band may be less comfortable for some users. Overall, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a solid choice for those seeking a durable and functional watch without the need for high-end features. Its rugged design and solar charging make it a standout option for adventurers.

Updates to Garmin Instinct 2 Solar


The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is an updated version of the Garmin Instinct 2, featuring solar charging for extended battery life. This update enhances the watch's durability and makes it more suitable for long outdoor adventures. The Instinct 2 Solar also includes improved health and wellness monitoring, with features like heart rate measurement and pulse oximeter. The rugged design and comprehensive sensor suite make it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Base model


The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is a special version of the Garmin Instinct 2, featuring solar charging capabilities for extended battery life. While both models share a rugged design and comprehensive sensor suite, the Instinct 2 Solar offers the added benefit of solar power, making it ideal for long outdoor adventures. This version is perfect for those who prioritize battery life and durability in challenging environments.

Comparable Watches


The Garmin Enduro 2 is a good alternative for those seeking a watch with even longer battery life and more advanced features. It offers a more premium experience with a higher price tag, making it suitable for serious athletes and adventurers who need top-tier performance.



The Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Solar provides a more advanced feature set, including a color display and music storage. It's a better choice for those who want a more comprehensive smartwatch experience, though it comes at a higher cost.

The Suunto Vertical is another rugged option with solar charging capabilities. It offers similar durability and battery life, making it a viable alternative for outdoor enthusiasts who value these features.

The Coros Apex Pro 2 offers more performance and battery life without relying on solar charging. It's a great option for those who want a high-performing watch with a modern design and advanced features.

6 Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Excellent battery life with solar charging.
Rugged and durable design.
Accurate GPS and heart rate monitoring.

3 Cons

Fixed band may be uncomfortable for some.
Lacks advanced features like music storage.
Non-color, non-touch display feels dated.

In Depth


Battery life

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar boasts impressive battery life, thanks to its solar charging feature. In smartwatch mode, it can last up to 28 days, and in battery-saving mode, up to 65 days. With GPS mode, it offers up to 48 hours with solar charging. This makes it an excellent choice for those who embark on long outdoor adventures without frequent access to electricity. The solar power feature ensures that the watch can be charged throughout the day, especially in sunny conditions, providing a reliable power source for extended use.

Screen quality and brightness

The screen of the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is designed for durability rather than high resolution. With a resolution of 176 x 176 pixels, it provides clear visibility in various lighting conditions. The display is non-color and non-touch, which may feel dated compared to other models, but it contributes to the watch's ruggedness and battery efficiency. The screen is protected by scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring it withstands harsh environments.

Strap comfort

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar comes with a fixed band, which may not be as comfortable for all users, especially those with smaller wrists. The lack of a hinged design can create space between the wrist and the watch, potentially affecting comfort during prolonged use. However, Garmin offers a quick-release 22 mm band that can be purchased separately, providing a more customizable fit for those who prefer a hinged strap design.

Heart-rate monitor accuracy

The heart rate monitor on the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is reliable, providing accurate readings comparable to dedicated chest straps like the Polar H10. It uses an optical wrist sensor to measure heart rate, offering essential health metrics for users. While it may not have the advanced features of more premium models, it delivers consistent performance for everyday monitoring and fitness tracking.

GPS accuracy

The GPS accuracy of the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is impressive, with minimal deviation in recorded distances. It lacks multi-dual frequency GPS, but its performance remains excellent for most users. The watch provides reliable navigation through breadcrumb mapping, which is adequate for most outdoor activities. This makes it a dependable choice for those who need accurate location tracking without the need for topographic maps.

Sleep tracking

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar includes sleep tracking features, providing insights into sleep patterns and quality. It monitors various sleep stages, helping users understand their rest and recovery. While it may not offer the most detailed analysis compared to specialized sleep trackers, it provides valuable data for those looking to improve their sleep habits as part of their overall health and wellness routine.

Virtual coach and recovery

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar offers basic coaching and recovery features, helping users track their fitness progress and recovery status. While it may not have the advanced virtual coaching capabilities of higher-end models, it provides essential metrics to guide training and recovery. This makes it suitable for users who want to monitor their fitness journey without the need for extensive coaching features.

Who should buy the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar?


The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is perfect for outdoor adventurers who need a reliable and durable watch. Its solar power feature is ideal for those who spend extended periods away from electricity. The watch's rugged design and comprehensive GPS capabilities make it suitable for hikers, climbers, and explorers. If you value heart rate monitoring and essential health metrics, this watch is a great choice.

Who should not buy the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar?


The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar may not be suitable for those who prefer a watch with a high-resolution color display or advanced features like music storage. If you need a watch with a more comfortable, hinged strap, this model's fixed band might not meet your needs. Users who require detailed topographic maps or multi-dual frequency GPS for complex navigation might find this watch lacking. Consider models like the Garmin Fenix 7 or Coros Apex Pro 2 for more advanced features.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: What's it good for?


The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is well-suited for outdoor adventures and activities that require a durable and reliable watch. Its solar charging feature makes it ideal for long expeditions where access to electricity is limited. The watch's rugged design and comprehensive GPS capabilities are perfect for hiking, climbing, and exploring challenging terrains. Its heart rate monitoring and essential health metrics support fitness tracking and overall wellness.

5 Garmin Instinct 2 Solar FAQs


How does the solar charging feature work on the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar?

The solar charging feature on the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar extends battery life by converting sunlight into energy. This is especially useful for long outdoor adventures where access to electricity is limited.

Is the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar suitable for swimming?

Yes, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is suitable for swimming. It has a water resistance rating of 100 meters, making it ideal for various water activities.

What are the key differences between the Garmin Instinct 2 and the Instinct 2 Solar?

The key difference between the Garmin Instinct 2 and the Instinct 2 Solar is the solar charging capability, which extends the battery life of the Instinct 2 Solar for longer outdoor use.

Does the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar have music storage?

No, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar does not have music storage. It focuses on essential features for outdoor adventures, prioritizing durability and battery life.

Can the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar track heart rate accurately?

Yes, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar tracks heart rate accurately using an optical wrist sensor, providing reliable health metrics for users.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar alternatives



Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
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Garmin Instinct 2 Solar
bestDealShow prices
priceBand
Price band
released
Released
Mar 2022
Nov 2022Oct 2022Oct 2022Oct 2022
Battery life
Battery life
unlimited hours
672 hours
unlimited hours
288 hours
288 hours
288 hours
Battery life – GPS mode
Battery life – GPS mode
48 hours
111 hours
145 hours
28 hours
28 hours
28 hours
Screen size
Screen size
23 mm
23 mm
28 mm
30 mm
30 mm
30 mm
Weight
Weight
53 g
65 g
67 g
87 g
144 g
94 g
Height
Height
45 mm
45 mm
50 mm
46 mm
46 mm
46 mm
Resolution
Resolution
176 x 176 px
176 x 176 px
176 x 176 px
240 x 240 px
240 x 240 px
240 x 240 px
Waterproof depth
Waterproof depth
100 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
100 m
Pixel density
Pixel density
276 ppi
226 ppi
283 ppi
283 ppi
283 ppi
Internal storage
Internal storage
0 GB
0 GB
0 GB
32 GB
Health tracking features
Health tracking features
BMI trackingCalorie burn trackingCalorie intake trackingPeriod notificationsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingWeight tracking
BMI trackingCalorie burn trackingCalorie intake trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingWeight trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingCalorie intake trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingWeight trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake trackingBMI trackingCalorie burn trackingFertility notificationsOvulation predictionPeriod notificationsPeriod start date predictionsSleep trackingTemperature trackingWater intake tracking
Connectivity Types
Connectivity Types
ANT+Automatic syncingCloud syncingMac OS X compatibleNFCWireless syncing
ANT+NFCANT+NFCANT+Wi-FiANT+Wi-FiANT+Wi-Fi
Sensors
Sensors
AccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorMonitors perspiration
AccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassGalileoGPSHeart rate monitorMonitors perspirationAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorBody temperature sensorCompassGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorCadence sensorCompassGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorCadence sensorCompassGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitorAccelerometerBarometerBlood oxygenation monitorCadence sensorCompassGalileoGPSGyroscopeHeart rate monitor
Alerts
Alerts
Inactivity alertsIrregular heart rate warningsSilent alarmVibrating alerts
Inactivity alertsIrregular heart rate warningsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsIrregular heart rate warningsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedbackInactivity alertsIrregular heart rate warningsSilent alarmVibrating alertsVoice feedback
Screen features
Screen features
Always-on display
Always-on displayAlways-on displayDamage resistant glassAlways-on displaySapphire glassAlways-on displaySapphire glassAlways-on displaySapphire glass
0

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: what the experts say (1 review)

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: 1 Expert video review

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: 1 Manufacturer video

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+116)
BrandGarmin (+76)
FeaturesAchievements (+80)Auto pause (+77)Calendar sync (+59)Call control (+66)Fall detection (+43)has fast/slow heart rate notifications (+73)has HRV tracking (+67)measures resting heart rate (+76)measures VO2 max (+72)Multi-sport mode (+78)Music playback (+74)Phone locator (+72)Shows readiness level (+51)Social network integration (+54)Sunrise/sunset time (+72)Uploadable maps (+55)Voice commands (+27)Widgets (+77)
Activity Tracking FeaturesActivity detection (+87)Activity tagging (+96)Coaching (+63)Distance tracking (+101)Elevation tracking (+93)Goal setting (+70)Live tracking (+54)Pace measurement (+100)Route uploads (+70)Steps tracking (+100)Swim stroke counter (+87)Swim stroke recognition (+47)Trackback mode (+68)
Health tracking featuresBMI tracking (+53)Calorie burn tracking (+86)Calorie intake tracking (+33)Period notifications (+57)Sleep tracking (+83)Temperature tracking (+58)Water intake tracking (+50)Weight tracking (+44)
Connectivity TypesANT+ (+71)Automatic syncing (+52)Cloud syncing (+54)Mac OS X compatible (+24)NFC (+51)Wireless syncing (+64)
SensorsAccelerometer (+98)Barometer (+83)Blood oxygenation monitor (+66)Body temperature sensor (+64)Compass (+90)Galileo (+55)GPS (+100)Gyroscope (+73)Heart rate monitor (+93)Monitors perspiration (+8)
WaterproofingsIP67 (+85)Sweat resistant (+91)
AlertsInactivity alerts (+70)Irregular heart rate warnings (+41)Silent alarm (+79)Vibrating alerts (+82)
Supported peripheralsCompatible heart monitor (+80)Compatible smart scales (+57)
Screen featuresAlways-on display (+79)
Battery featuresBattery level indicator (+63)Rechargeable battery (+101)Solar power (+22)Wireless charging (+23)
ColorwaysBlack, Coyote, Graphite, Mist Grey, Tidal Blue
Specificationsvs Average
Model
2 Solar
Released
Mar 2022
Battery
Battery life – power saving mode
unlimited hours
Battery life – training mode
unlimited hours
Battery life – GPS mode
48 hours
Battery life
unlimited hours
System
Internal storage
0 GB
Measurements
Volume
29 cm³
Strap width
22 mm
Width
45 mm
Height
45 mm
Thickness
15 mm
Weight
53 g
Waterproofing
Waterproof depth
100 m
Screen
Pixel density
276 ppi
Resolution
176 x 176 px
Screen size
23 mm

Evolution of the Garmin Instinct product family

AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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Tom Green
September 16, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Gunnersbury parkrun #230 (my #3️⃣4️⃣)
📊 Stats by geerly.com 👟 🕒 Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%