Garmin has introduced a new robust multisport watch: the Instinct 2. The new smartwatch, the successor to the Garmin Instinct from 2018, is now available in two case sizes: Original size with 45 mm and in a more compact format with 40 mm diameter.
New features, new colors
The original Garmin Instinct Solar is one of those Garmin watches with the best battery lifet, the new model should also show good to very good endurance. This is especially true for the solar version, which lasts extra long in good weather. If you switch off all sensors, you can even get by without charging with a few hours of sunshine a day. There are also new training functions. Above all, the determination of the VO2 max should please ambitious athletes. Garmin has also fine-tuned the look: While most of the newer Garmin models use inconspicuous colors such as black, gray and silver, the Instinct 2 is available in trendy colors such as Electric Lime, Poppy and Neo-Tropic.
The Garmin Epix comes to the test with a smart color screen and fresh functions. The luxury smartwatch is doing so well.
Instinct 2 in three special editions
Like the original Instinct, the new version comes in several special editions designed for specific styles and activities: Surf, Tactical and Camo.
- the Instinct 2 Surf Editions (available in standard and solar versions) offer a special tide widget and keep the user updated on the prevailing surfing conditions. They can also be connected to the surfing information service Surfline, so that surfing sessions can be recorded and evaluated.
- the Instinct 2 Solar Tactical Edition on the other hand, offers special military functions. This model has the ability to delete stored data at the push of a button (kill switch) and to harmonize with night vision devices. There’s also a stealth mode that turns off location tracking and all wireless data transfers, dual-format position coordinates, and a Jumpmaster activity mode for skydiving. Possibly interesting for soldiers and spies, less so for average athletes.
- the Instinct 2 Camo Editions the third variant does not offer any additional functions, but instead comes in a camouflage look, which, depending on the model, should look particularly good in the desert as well as in urban environments.
If none of these options appeal to you, you can use the Garmin tool “Your Watch, Your Way” Select and combine cases and straps individually.
Instinct 2: price and availability
The new Instinct 2 is available now. Prices start at EUR 349.99 for the basic model and go up to EUR 499.99 for the special solar editions.
Instinct 2:
• 45mm (RRP: €349.99)
• 40mm (RRP: €349.99)
• Camo: 45mm (RRP: €399.99)
• Camo: 40mm (RRP: €399.99)
• Surf: 45mm (RRP: €399.99)
• Surf: 40mm (RRP: €399.99)
Instinct 2 Solar:
• 45mm (RRP: €449.99)
• 40mm (RRP: €449.99)
• Surf: 45mm (RRP: €499.99)
• Surf: 40mm (RRP: €499.99)
• Tactical: 45mm (RRP: €499.99)
• Tactical: 40mm (RRP: €499.99)