Instinct 3 – 50 mm, Solar, Tactical Edition

E3 is a sweet spot currently, best tech, great screen, none of the additional non-useful features. I wouldn't get the F7 line or E2, I dont like the screens. Even if cheaper, I would skip those. If you don't need maps, I3 50mm Solar Tactical is even a better choice. Tip: get a Garmin Ultrafit band for the I3. I have I2, F6XPro, I3 Crossover Amoled Tactical. They all look rugged and big. My F6XPro has a lot of scratches on the bezel, like someone who is out there and does it. Nobody cares what I wear, except some other people in the office who also wear some badass Garmin.

Any Garmin watch can do this what you need. The improvements have been very incremental in the past 3-4 years. ECG, microphone, LTE are not very useful, ignore them. Here are a few watches that stand out and I would buy for myself. I use Garmin watches since 2017, and had like 10 different models. I trail run, bike, and swim. Approx prices. For exercise outside, the 5 button setup with MIP screen is the best IMHO. Forerunner 255 is great price/performance, light, slim, does everything. $250 Enduro 3 is top of the line, latest tech, a few weeks battery life easily. But it is a big watch. Has maps and navigation. $800 Instinct 3 Solar Tactical has great battery life and looks cool (all black), is rugged. $450 Less optimal, I wouldnt buy: If you want more a smartwatch style, with bright amoled and touch screen first, check out the Vivoactive 6. But with sweat, sun etc. the buttons and MIP is much better in practice. Cheapest Maps would be Forerunner 955. You can expect 2-4 years from your watch.

Epix pro gen 2 51mm and instinct 3 solar 50mm. One AMOLED and one SOLAR I like both screens.

If you’re looking for something super practical and easy to read, I’d recommend the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm. The numbers are extremely visible in pretty much any lighting condition, which makes it great for outdoor use. On top of that, you barely need to charge it — battery life is honestly one of its biggest strengths. If you want something similar but much more advanced, then the Garmin Enduro 3 would be the next level option. Same great visibility and insane battery life, but with more features and performance-focused tools.

I’m officially on day 51 since original charge. I have 68% (24 days) battery remaining. I do 3x 30 min runs using standard GPS per week. Notifications turned off and pulse ox set to on demand. I came from a Forerunner 255 which is a great watch too. But I’m really enjoying the solar side of the i3 50mm

The 50mm version is amazing, with a ton of battery life and enough smart features. Although you can get the 2X probably for cheaper somehere, which is almost identical. But it all comes down to whether you are willing to pay 315. I think it's worth it, especially for a first personal Garmin watch.