Garmin Instinct 2x Tactical - Worth The Upgrade?
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- čas přidán 7. 08. 2023
- If you are looking for a rugged, tactical style smart watch then Garmin offer a wide range of options. One of their newest models, released with very little fanfare is the Instinct 2X. I take a look at the tactical version and discuss if this watch is the one to choose for those new to Garmin and if its worth the upgrade for those who currently where an Instinct 1 or 2. I have the Instinct 2 (non solar version) and have been wearing the 2X Tactical for the last 4 months. Watch the review before you decide to jump!
#Garmin #instinct #instinct2 #instinct2x #smartwatch #tactical
More info on watch function www.dcrainmaker.com/
Torch for nightly toilet visits sold it for me😂
I watched your original "Instict 2 video" in my holidays in december, brother.
As we get older, we need to take care of ourselves. I did heavy research and got the instinct 2 Solar.
Sold it last monthg and a got a simple Suunto watch from the movie Equalizer. ABC, battery switch easy with a battery, no internet or app. Simple outdoor watch.
But I am eyeing on this 2X tactical. With the torch. I am often on toilet in night. So a torch is handy.
And of course the health benefits on this watch!
Thanks brother!
Thanks for the update on your Instinct 2X. I'm new to health watches and opted for this Instinct 2X with it's accurate GPS, the same as offered in Garmin watches at almost double the price! The 2X has been very easy to use and the Garmin Connect app is well laid out and proved very useful to motivate/improve/track my fitness.
Thanks for the insightful review and update. I have the instinct 2x non-tactical, got it recently just to have a watch that can monitor my health data for an extended period. Before that I had an older fossil gen 3 or 4 wear OS watch and it's just been buggy, sometimes it'd die in the middle of monitoring my sleep. I do occasional camping and hiking and I'm happy to have a watch that lasts DAYS. Now I'm just grappling with whether I want to continue syncing it with google fit or just leave everything in the garmin connect app.
Also that torch is understated - such a helpful feature especially when going to the loo in the middle of the night!
I am in love with the instinct line.
Ty very much u definitely helped me to decide on this watch Sir.
I got the Instinct 2 Solar - Tactical with the 45mm screen since my wrist is 6.8". I wish it had the LED light like the 2x has.
My apple watch se got absolutely shattered after a 40cm drop onto a plastic railing. Was gutted and after a week of in depth research, i settled for the Instinct 2X. Should be delivered in a couple of hours.
Great choice. How are you liking it?
@@dnserror89loving it mate. So far it’s great 👍🏻
@@nemerkhaawesome news, I just ordered mine today, i went in for the whitestone although the red is pretty hot too. Which did you go with? As much as i liked the Apple Watch Ultra i hate that it lacks solar and constantly needs to be charged. I want a watch i can use even in a grid down bug out scenario.
@@ProjectSerpo90nice one. Mine is the graphite
Stop buying apple products, they don't like you, or your privacy.
Thanks for the great review! I currently have an Instinct 2S - Love it. Thinking about an upgrade but my wrist is small. But I’m finding the screen too small.
I bought it 2 days ago, best watch so far
Was just thinking about this watch when your video popped up.
Good video just got the 2x it’s an awesome smart watch
Your video saved me extra money I wanted to pay for tactical version because of ballistic calculator. These prices and license issues are insane.
I literally just ordered the tactical, pretty disappointed to hear about the calculator as well. I got it for the same price as the regular 2x, so I jumped on it. Definitely wanted green light option, but didn’t know that meant giving up red. Its way more watch than I need, but that’s alright.
Thanks for your review (you got me buying one lol). Fair to say its one of the best watches I ever owned. Cheers!
Great to hear!
So I have the older Instinct 1, but I am definitely considering the Instinct 2 solar, the x is a bit too big for my wrist. Great video by the way. I like the longer videos, I’m 41, so a 37 second video doesn’t work for me.
A sidenote on the reasoning for the Applied Ballistics license price on the watch, you have access to all the CDM drag curves with the Garmin Synapse license. AB prices the CDM drag curves at $10/bullet. I do wish they had a free option that only allowed G1/G7 curves so you can have full access to the watch features as purchased.
I've been going through Garmin support currently. Found a bug where, even though my rangefinder is listed as supported, it's not updating the range value on the AB watch application. I BELIEVE it is also able to pair to a Kestrel for a wind reading.
I've got the basic instinct 1 (non-solar), which I really like, but as a hunter, I will upgrade the the 2x solar tactical this spring
As long as you dont do that thing with uncrossing your legs with the basic instinct, Im supportive!
I have the tactix 7 pro ballistics, but it is silly expensive. It costs an extra few hundred for the ballistics, but you dont need to sign up for anything. Dont really notice the solar giving any extra power.but love it all the same
And has maps, instinct doesn’t..
Fantastic and informative video. I watched your other video on your original Instinct 2, as well. I am also a middle aged guy who cycles, does strength training, hikes, kayaks, etc. I am very close to purchasing a standard non-solar Instinct 2 b/c it has practically all of the functionality of the 2X or even the expensive Fenix 7 model. I really like the look of the 2X but it is $449 USD vs $299 for the Instinct 2 and battery life is less of an issue for me. However, one concern that I have is screen readability, even though I have good eyesight and don’t wear glasses. It looks good on many videos, but a few folks complain about it. How is good is the readability of the screen on your original Instinct 2 in different lighting conditions? Does the larger screen on the 2X make a significant difference? Thank you!
Since I have both i2 solar and i2x I can help you out. The regular instinct 2 solar is smaller and if you're eyesight is really bad you might feel it. That said font size isn't the only factor. The much bigger difference is in the legibility and the i2X indoor legibility is noticeably worse than i2 solar, presumably because the solar layer is more aggressive - you can see a good example of that if you google "I'm returning my 2X for one major design flaw - it's hard to read". That said i2 non solar - since it's lacking the solar layer - should have much better contrast and as such would win there.
Would you consider the instinct crossover solar tactical version as an update? Seems to be the latest version of the lineup.
Not really as its feature set is a little different. Its one of a kind tbh.
I have the instinct 2 surf model 45 solor I get 25-28 day but don’t see it using a lot of solo since in side a lot in winter my fiends have Fournier and fenix and they luck to get 7-14 day being color and depends what sensor on if you use the pulse sensor it will heats battery up
Fabulous insights thanks so much. I’m in a similar position, love to lift I don’t run as much anymore but serious about health and wellbeing.
About to purchase this watch; I’m very serious about sleep, what is the watch like to sleep with as its very big?
Many Thanks
I have no problem sleeping with it. It is very comfortable and I quickly forget its there at all.
@@thatgearguy thanks so much, it’s a big purchase and I’m being a bit particular about - thanks again for your insights!
Do you recommend getting a screen protector for this watch? I just purchased the black 2X Tactical.
Never had any scratches on mine and I am pretty rough with it..
Perhaps a dumb question: Can you upload GPS activities to Strava if you have the Tactical Version of the Instinct 2x?
Hmm I dont know about that sorry.
As long as you have a garmin connect compatible watch (almost all of them, 2x tactical included) you can connect your strava account and your garmin account. Then it will synchronise all of your activity data with strava.
Does it have internal thermometer to measure the surrounding environment in a realtime?
Yes but it will pick up body temp. If you want accurate environmental you have to take the watch off for a minute or so.
@@thatgearguy thank you sir
Ebay it prices are holding and you can upgrade
I wonder if it is able to calculate (est) when you are on top of your super compensation curve for a particular split group of muscles. That would be useful to know for max progression.
I have never heard of EST or super concentration curves! What are they?
@@thatgearguy when you train to failure and rest + eat properly, the body first repairs the damage and subsequently improves (e.g. becomes stronger). The latter is called super compensation. For max progression, you should time the next training session when the muscles targeted in that session are on top of the super compensation curve. If you rest too little or too long, your performance will decline at worst or progress at a "sub optimal" pace at best. It is best explained in graphics. If you google "super compensation" and click the image tab, you will find graphs that explain it really well. "Est" was just my attempt to abbreviate "estimate" as I would think the app must have the data points necessary to make an educated guess.
@@piakiby1566 ah gotcha! Yes it does do that. It produces a training readiness score based on vital stats, sleep quality, training volume ect.. I use it to define my rest days!
@@thatgearguy very cool 🕵️♀️
@@thatgearguy now it may actually challenge the Tissot watch that is otherwise on top of my wish list 🤔😂
Buy a tiny charging adapter for your standard phone cable and you are good to go.
is it same features and build quality between basic instinct 2x vs 2x tactical version?
Pretty much other than the differences outlined in the video..
I am thinking about switching my Apple Watch ultra to the Instinct 2x tactical
lol don't do that
Instinct 2 on sale for £189 would you say go for it ? Bearing in mind the instinct 2x is currently £339
That is a very good sale price. I would snap that up..
Hello, what do you think on instinct 2 solar vs tactix delta? Thanks!
I would take the Tactix for sure but big difference in price.
What is your wrist measurement? That would be very helpful.
18cm
@@thatgearguy Thanks a lot! Mine are also around 18cm so I'm going for it.
Does the tactical come in a 2s. I am struggling to find one. I have a forerunner for usual activities. I do army themed pursuit challenges/Tough Mudder. I want something stronger.
Hi. The Instinct 2X can be had in 40mm 45mm and 50mm sizes. The tactical variant only comes in 45mm or 50mm. The tactical gives no advantage when it comes to a sturdy build. They are all the same in that regard. The difference is in modes such as stealth/NV ect which most non Mil folk will never need.
@thatgearguy Thank you. I really like the camo. I wish that I could find the 2s in the darker camo rather than Grey Mist.
@@laurawalker1509 the 2x only comes in 50mm size the 2s comes in 40mm and 45mm
I’ve been looking at Garmin watches for the first time…..mainly drawn to them through the AB function on some (started off looking at a Foretrex 901). Seems it would be a more reasonable function of the watch to just display the relevant info from the app, rather than actually do the calculations itself.
Trying to decide between Garmin models now, ideally I’d have a Tactix in 47mm (but they don’t make it). Damn my skinny wrists.
Just be aware the AB comes as a paid option on some models and not others. It is not a cheap add on!
@@thatgearguy So I’ve seen, silly price given it’s not the best medium to access it. Just thought an AB information display function, that was cheaper, and just re-displayed the relevant information from a connected device (like a Kestrel) would have been a better function than the actual ballistic calculator itself being on the watch. Like the Kestrel HUD, but on your wrist.
Hello love the vest what brand is it ?
Calvin Klein!
Will the tactical do 12 hour time?
Yes
. I'm needing some help with this watch. I just did get it. I receive text messages, but the message goes away after several seconds. How do I get to these messages After they disappear . Thank you.
If you press the left bottom buttom (marked as "down") it will take you through various screens such as weather, Sunrise ect. One option here is notifications. If you select that you can look back through the days notifications including texts. If you hold the left middle button down and go to notifications/smart notifications/general use/texts you can dictate how long they remain displayed on your watch screen.
@@thatgearguy there is no word notifications in that list. What's going on. Lol. Thanks a lot for the help.
@@dougbailey1521 If you go to the bottom of the list it should say "edit". You should then be able to add the notifications glance to said list..
@@thatgearguy thank you very much for you're help. I got it. 👍
@@dougbailey1521 a pleasure Doug.
Coyota Tan or Black colour for Tactical Edition?
I would go for the coyote tan.
@@cristianocollarin2236Thanks
My only concern is that I have an iPhone… I heard that you can’t use all the features on Apple products?
I do not know as I have never owned an Iphone. Maybe someone else in the comments can answer?
You are not going to be able to answer texts or phone calls on your watch, but you can see who is texting you. I haven’t Apple Watch Ultra also that I switch between if you want to do that sort of thing it’s a great watch the battery life is just not as good.
I have a Tactix 7 and an iPhone. They work together just fine. Now, you can’t answer a text or a phone call with the Garmin (no LTE capability), but you can receive notifications of texts and calls (amongst other notifications your iPhone will send). You can also control music on your phone with the Garmin. I personally have all notifications disabled.
I wear 2 watches because i love utility one watch has a hidden camera the other has a hidden lighter 😎
I like your style!
@@thatgearguy 👍
Ezekiel 2:1-3:27; 7:1-27; 14:1-23; 18:1-32; and 33:1-33 ( King James Bible ONLY! ) ...Amen.
Buddy. Get on with it.
Get gone.
@@thatgearguy Done
If you are not in the army you dont need tactical version.
What if you are a hunter? What if you just like it. Your comment is akin to saying only racing car drivers need a fast car. People like stuff and want it without having a good reason..
@@thatgearguybut he has a solid point. You can fare quite well with the garmin instinct 2x solar.
The tactical version brings the green flashlight as a difference to those who won’t jump off an airplane, or use ballistic apps.
I like the watch, but I don’t need the tactical features. I might eventually go with the tactical because I like the black better than the graphite and I like the coyote tan better than the moss green. I’m still pondering it.
@@HelenoPaiva TOTAL BS!!! Onbly the tactical has the BLACK COLOR. The downjuiced ones have only carcoal.🤡🤡
All i see is your face and not the watch.... Is this a joke ?
Its a review of my face. Would you like to buy it? I can send you a pic?
16:10 Global warming is not a seasonal event. It is the long term heating of the Earth’s surface (more recently, since the industrial period) due to the increase of heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere. So to say “We haven’t got any global warming here” to refer to the cold and rainy Summer is incorrect.
It was a joke dude. Seriously, get a hobby or something instead of wasting your time moaning about nothing.
The hysteria over it is a scam and agenda that is obvious.
The earth temperature and atmosphere has shifted dramatically over the past billion years let alone the last 4 billion years the planet has been around. Just 10,000 years ago (when humans were around) there was an ice age.
The rainy summer is actually because of the global warming. I predicted it in 2009 to friends when they rented my roof to put solar panels on it. This year being an El Niño year pulled the trigger. I guess we will have one or two more periods of dry El Niña years and then the wet summers will be standart.
Global warming is bullshit. You people need to stop listening to people in DC and mockingbird media. The only man made weather is chemtrails and HARRP.
Go Green they said.....
These are the facts.
Batteries, they do not make electricity - they store electricity produced elsewhere, primarily by coal, uranium, natural gas-powered plants, or diesel-fueled generators. So, to say an EV is a zero-emission vehicle is not at all valid.
Also, since forty percent of the electricity generated in the U.S. is from coal-fired plants, it follows that forty percent of the EVs on the road are coal-powered, do you see?"
Worst review I’ve seen so slow I fell asleep
Just watch a different channel. Nobody is forcing you to watch this one!
@@thatgearguybest review ever. You take your time and explain everything a customer wants to know about the product and wether to upgrade without busting out a video as fast as possible "for the algorithm", as a lot of channels do nowadays.
I can't believe you took the time to complain about this, this is the type of video I was looking for when trying to decide what variation of instinct to get
@@thatgearguy
u can play it at 2x speed.
Best review regarding this watch thanks