Garmin Instinct 2X Solar

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Garmin Instinct 2X Solar: Review

“A rugged watch with solar charging and advanced GPS for outdoor enthusiasts.”

Overview


The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is a rugged smartwatch designed for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. This watch is known for its durability and advanced features.

Key Features:

  • Solar Charging: Equipped with Power Glass, it offers unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode.
  • Multi-LED Flashlight: Includes variable intensity settings for enhanced visibility.
  • Multi-band GNSS Support: Provides accurate positioning in challenging environments.

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is an ideal choice for outdoor adventurers who prioritize durability and advanced tracking features for challenging conditions. Its flashlight offers convenience, making it suitable for nighttime activities.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just above the median price of running watches today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar


The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is a robust and feature-rich smartwatch that excels in outdoor and sports usage. Its solar charging capability ensures extended battery life, making it ideal for long adventures. The inclusion of a multi-LED flashlight is a practical addition for nighttime activities. The watch's multi-band GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) support enhances GPS accuracy, which is crucial for precise tracking in challenging environments. However, the lack of onboard maps and the limited course point capacity may be a drawback for those who rely heavily on navigation. The watch's durability, meeting U.S. military standards, and its comprehensive health and fitness tracking features make it a strong contender in the rugged smartwatch market. Overall, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar offers excellent value for those seeking a reliable and durable smartwatch for outdoor activities. Its combination of solar charging, advanced GPS, and rugged design makes it a top choice for adventurers.

Updates to Garmin Instinct 2X Solar


The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar introduces several updates compared to previous models in the Garmin Instinct family. It features a larger 50 mm case and an increased display size, enhancing readability. The solar panels have been upgraded to provide 50% more energy than the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, offering unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode. Additionally, the watch now includes a multi-LED flashlight and multi-band GNSS support for improved GPS accuracy. These updates make the Instinct 2X Solar a more advanced and capable option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar: Base model


The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is a special version of the Garmin Instinct Solar. It features a larger case size and an enhanced display for better readability. The Instinct 2X Solar also includes a multi-LED flashlight and improved solar charging capabilities. These enhancements make it a more advanced option for those seeking a rugged and reliable smartwatch for outdoor activities.

Comparable Watches


The Garmin Fenix 7X is a good comparison to the Instinct 2X Solar, as both watches offer rugged designs and advanced features. The Fenix 7X includes onboard maps and a larger display, making it more suitable for detailed navigation. However, the Instinct 2X Solar offers solar charging and a more affordable price point, making it a great option for those who prioritize battery life and cost-effectiveness.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 is another option to consider, especially for athletes focused on performance metrics. It offers advanced training features and a lightweight design, making it ideal for runners. While the Instinct 2X Solar provides better durability and solar charging, the Forerunner 955 excels in training readiness and detailed performance analysis.

Special versions of Garmin Instinct 2X Solar




The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition is a specialized version of the Instinct 2X Solar, designed for military-style use. It includes all the features of the standard model, with additional tactical-specific features such as a green flashlight for night vision compatibility. The Tactical Edition is built to meet military standards for durability and is ideal for users who require advanced tactical capabilities in their smartwatch.

6 Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Unlimited battery life with solar charging.
Rugged design meets military standards.
Advanced GPS accuracy with multi-band GNSS.

3 Cons

Limited course point capacity for navigation.
No onboard maps for detailed navigation.
Bulky design may not suit all users.

In Depth


Battery life

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar boasts an impressive battery life, thanks to its Power Glass solar charging lens. This feature allows the watch to achieve unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode, making it ideal for extended outdoor adventures. The solar panels are designed to capture sunlight efficiently, ensuring that the watch remains powered even in challenging conditions. This is particularly beneficial for those who spend long periods outdoors without access to charging facilities.

Screen quality and brightness

The screen of the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is designed for readability in various lighting conditions. With a resolution of 176 x 176 pixels and a pixel density of 226 ppi, the display is clear and easy to read. The screen size of 28 mm provides ample space for displaying information, while the anti-scratch, chemically reinforced Power Glass ensures durability. This makes the watch suitable for outdoor use, where visibility and screen protection are crucial.

Strap comfort

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar features a durable and comfortable strap that is designed to withstand rugged conditions. The strap is removable, allowing users to replace it if needed. While the strap is secure, it may feel a bit bulky for some users, which is consistent with the watch's rugged design. This makes it suitable for those who prioritize durability over sleekness in their outdoor gear.

Heart-rate monitor accuracy

The heart-rate monitor on the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is reliable and provides accurate readings during various activities. It uses an optical sensor to track heart rate, which is essential for monitoring fitness levels and training intensity. The watch also offers additional health metrics, such as Pulse Ox (blood oxygen saturation) and respiration monitoring, making it a comprehensive tool for health and fitness tracking.

GPS accuracy

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar excels in GPS accuracy, thanks to its multi-band GNSS support. This feature allows the watch to provide precise positioning even in challenging environments, such as dense forests or urban areas with tall buildings. The dual-frequency GPS ensures that users can rely on accurate tracking for their outdoor activities, making it a valuable tool for navigation and route planning.

Sleep tracking

The sleep tracking feature on the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar provides insights into sleep patterns and quality. It automatically tracks sleep phases and offers a sleep score, contributing to the overall health and wellness metrics. While the accuracy of sleep phase tracking may vary, the feature is useful for those looking to monitor their sleep habits and improve their overall well-being.

Virtual coach and recovery

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar includes a virtual coach feature that offers training readiness metrics. This feature helps users determine their readiness for training by analyzing factors such as sleep, recovery time, and stress levels. The watch provides personalized insights and suggestions, making it a valuable tool for athletes looking to optimize their training and recovery.

Who should buy the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar?


The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes who require a durable and reliable smartwatch. Its solar charging capability makes it ideal for those who spend extended periods outdoors without access to charging facilities. The watch's advanced GPS accuracy and multi-LED flashlight are beneficial for adventurers who engage in activities like hiking, trail running, and camping. Additionally, its comprehensive health and fitness tracking features make it suitable for fitness enthusiasts who want to monitor their performance and well-being.

Who should not buy the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar?


The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar may not be the best choice for those who prioritize sleek design and lightweight wearables. Its rugged build and larger size might feel bulky for users who prefer minimalist watches. Additionally, individuals who rely heavily on detailed navigation and mapping features might find the lack of onboard maps and limited course point capacity restrictive. For those who need advanced navigation capabilities, other models with more comprehensive mapping features might be more suitable.

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


The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is well-suited for a variety of outdoor activities and sports. Its rugged design makes it ideal for hiking, trail running, and camping, where durability is essential. The watch's advanced GPS accuracy and multi-LED flashlight are beneficial for nighttime activities and navigation in challenging environments. Its solar charging capability ensures extended battery life, making it suitable for long adventures without access to charging facilities. Additionally, the comprehensive health and fitness tracking features make it a valuable tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

4 Garmin Instinct 2X Solar FAQs


What is the battery life of the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar?

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar offers unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode, thanks to its Power Glass solar charging lens. This feature allows the watch to remain powered even during extended outdoor adventures.

Does the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar have a flashlight?

Yes, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar includes a multi-LED flashlight with variable intensity settings. It offers both white and red light options, making it useful for nighttime activities and enhancing visibility.

How accurate is the GPS on the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar?

The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar features multi-band GNSS support, providing accurate positioning even in challenging environments. This ensures reliable tracking for outdoor activities such as hiking and trail running.

Is the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar suitable for swimming?

Yes, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is waterproof up to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities. It also includes swim tracking features for both pool and open water swimming.

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar alternatives



Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
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Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
bestDealShow prices
priceBand
Price band
similarity
Similarity
Very similar
released
Released
Apr 2023
Jan 2024Apr 2022Apr 2022
Battery life
Battery life
unlimited hours
120 hours
888 hours
672 hours
744 hours
Battery life – GPS mode
Battery life – GPS mode
145 hours
122 hours
89 hours
82 hours
Screen size
Screen size
28 mm
25 mm
36 mm
36 mm
36 mm
Weight
Weight
67 g
24 g
89 g
89 g
96 g
Height
Height
50 mm
35 mm
51 mm
51 mm
51 mm
Resolution
Resolution
176 x 176 px
280 x 280 px
280 x 280 px
454 x 454 px
Waterproof depth
Waterproof depth
100 m
Pixel density
Pixel density
226 ppi
283 ppi
283 ppi
458 ppi
Internal storage
Internal storage
0 GB
32 GB
32 GB
32 GB
0

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

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar: 1 Manufacturer video

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+116)
BrandGarmin (+76)
ColorwaysCoyote Tan, Flame Red, Graphite, Moss, Whitestone
Specificationsvs Average
Model
2X Solar
Released
Apr 2023
Battery
Battery life – power saving mode
unlimited hours
Battery life – training mode
unlimited hours
Battery life – GPS mode
145 hours
Battery life
unlimited hours
System
Internal storage
0 GB
Measurements
Volume
36 cm³
Strap width
22 mm
Width
50 mm
Height
50 mm
Thickness
15 mm
Weight
67 g
Waterproofing
Waterproof depth
100 m
Screen
Pixel density
226 ppi
Resolution
176 x 176 px
Screen size
28 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%