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.
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.
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.
I came from the Instinct 2s and after several years bought my 2nd Garmin which is now a Forerunner 265S. I love the AMOLED screen, the battery life isn't an issue with 15 days as it charges quickly. can get to 90% in an hour or less.
I say go for t he forerunner 265! its great!
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!
I’m pretty sure the Instinct 2 and 3 both use the same sensors and, internally, are quite similar. I bought a base model 45mm Instinct 2 at the tail end of 2024 to replace my AW6. Great move. I’ve been trying many Garmin MIP watches since but keep switching between the Instinct 2 and a Quatix 7 I snagged on sale.
The base Instinct 2 is a great and affordable introduction to Garmin. It often goes on sale for under $300CDN and is easily available at big box store, so you could try one new and return it if it isn’t your thing. (I’d bet you will keep it.)
The updated look (orange) and flashlight are the biggest changes with the 3, as far as I recall.. And OLED, if that’s of interest to you. Getting away from an OLED screen was one of the draws to the Instinct line for me.
0nTheRooftops
