Garmin

Instinct 2 Series

Garmin

Instinct 2S Solar - Surf Edition

TL;DR: Rugged, solar multi-week battery; bulky, small screen readability issues.

Overall

#4 in

Fitness Trackers

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score82% positive
141
13
18

Top Pros

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Last updated: Oct 10, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Icon0nTheRooftops
12 months ago

I recently switched to a Garmin Instinct 2s from a Suunto Ambit 3 peak. Different watches i know, but the Suunto lasted me 6 years and was still working great (just wanted HR, and got the Garmin as a gift). I felt like Suunto interfaced better with my phone, and I have my doubts about the longevity of the Garmin. Garmin seems like the kind of company that will design in some planned obsolescence. Edit to add: the Suunto was my first watch and I bought it used. Its nearly 10 years old, battery continued to last for about 20 hours of activity, and is now being used by a friend.

Reddit Icon10081914
9 months ago

Garmin instinct 2 or instinct 2 solar. You don't need instinct 3. 2 is cheaper than 3. It has GPS to track run distance and pace and heart rate. But it does sometimes go into cadence lock as wrist heart rate does. Might do good to spend on a Garmin HR monitor. Battery life is like 1-2 weeks if you're running daily using the GPS function for about an hour. Are the higher models cooler? Yeah. Are the additional features worth 500-1000 more dollars? I personally don't think so.

Reddit Icon14shadynasty
12 months ago

Garmin instinct 2S. I have a small wrist and like the other features. So it’s not really a true golf watch, but does everything I need for a 16 handicap.

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. 

Reddit IconAvonSabreJet
12 months ago

You could look at an instinct 2S or a Garmin instinct E, both are 40mm

12 months ago

Honestly your best bet would be a Venu or an instinct, Venu is Garmin's health and fitness while instinct is there more traditional "G-Shock" style (best way I can describe it) watch, they don't really do the fitness tracker it's mostly all smartwatches. I have the Venu 4 coming from an instinct 2 solar. The vivo moves might also fit you well but they are older in comparison. If you are set on not having a smartwatch you may have to look into another brand, hope this helps, if you have any questions about the Venu or instinct let me know!

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