Garmin

Instinct 2 Solar - Tactical Edition (45mm)

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar - Tactical Edition (45mm)

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Overall

#4 in

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according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score84% positive
41
4
4

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Last updated: Oct 17, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Iconbillie-badger
10 months ago

I loved my Garmin instinct 2 solar tactical. It's literally how I think of myself. Rugged, minimal, but can't do most of the shit the other smart ones can do. I succumbed to data overload. My watch became a constant source of feedback on how tired I was, how far I went or didn't go, how hot it is, how fast my heart is beating ... I subconsciously couldn't take it anymore. I started breaking out in stress hives that I had no idea how to diagnose. Long story short, I store wearing it and everything changed. My Seiko prospex chronograph tells me the time. It times things when I need. And I couldn't be happier. Anyone with advice on an upgrade would be greatly appreciated, but I'm all in on ditching smartwatches forever.

Reddit IconDry-Contribution-789
11 months ago

Ich benutze seit 3 Jahre die Garmin Instinct 2 Tacktical und bin SEHR SEHR zufrieden. Kommt drauf an für was du deine Smartwatch benutzen willst. Ich hatte Samsung, Huawei, Apple, Amazfit Uhren und zwar mehrere, und die Garmin ist für mich die beste. Die anderen waren nicht schlecht aber wie gesagt für mich Persönlich ist die Garmin die beste!

Reddit Iconemmasdad01
8 months ago

Yes. I love the instinct 2 tactical

8 months ago

It’s rugged, light, fits well. It has more features than I will ever use. I do like the solar charging. All around upgrade over my Apple Watch.

Reddit IconIvanArgent
9 months ago

I agree with you, it’s my favorite color as well. I wore black watches for years, and this is my first time going with the coyote version. When it arrived, it looked even better in person. In my opinion, especially with this model, this colorway also handles dirt and wear much better if you actually use it hard or in more extreme conditions.

9 months ago

At the time I bought the watch, it was the latest model. The photo is from 2022.

Reddit Icon19_yeti
9 months ago

I have a solar instinct 2 solar. And my mom gave it to me for Christmas

Reddit Icon6_inches_of_travel
5 months ago

I have had the Instinct 1 and 2 solar because of the bezel which protects the screen better in crashes. I haven't looked at the Instinct 3. Just a warning, I had gotten a new Instinct 1 when the 2s came out. There was a software upgrade that seemed to basically kill my newish Instinct 1. I'm going to tinfoil hat based on this experience and suggest Garmin did this intentionally to drive sales to the new model. My point is that if you see a new Instinct 2 for a good price, be wary. Yes, I know this sounds paranoid. It's just based on my experience. 

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