Gear Review: Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
The Garmin Instinct series has always been about rugged reliability, and with the Instinct 2X Solar, Garmin took things up a notch. Bigger screen, better battery, added features like a built-in flashlight, and a solar panel that actually makes a difference—on paper, it looks like an adventurer’s dream. But does it hold up in real-world use?
After months of daily wear—through cycling, running, hiking, swimming, and even some unexpected scenarios—I’ve put this watch through everything I could throw at it. Let’s break down where it excels, where it falls short, and whether it’s worth your money.
Design & Build: Rugged, But Not Subtle
If you want a sleek, minimalist smartwatch, this isn’t it. The Instinct 2X Solar is unapologetically big (50mm case) and built like a tank. The raised bezel around the screen adds solid protection, preventing scratches even after repeated bumps against rocks, gear, and the occasional doorframe.
With a 10 ATM waterproof rating, I’ve taken it swimming, snorkeling, and on plenty of wet-weather hikes without worry. The build quality feels military-grade, and so far, it has shrugged off dust, water, and impacts without issue.
That said, the bulkiness is noticeable, and I’ve found it sometimes catches on backpack straps when gearing up—though this is something I’ve experienced with other watches as well. If you have smaller wrists, it might feel overwhelming, but if you’re after durability, it delivers.
Battery Life: The Solar Effect is Real
Garmin’s Power Glass solar charging isn’t just a gimmick—it makes a huge difference. Garmin claims unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with enough solar exposure, and while that depends on usage, I’ve been averaging 3 to 4 weeks per charge with regular GPS tracking for cycling, running, hiking, and swimming.
For reference:
Full GPS Mode: Around 30-40 hours per charge.
Expedition Mode (low-power GPS tracking): Weeks.
Standard Daily Use: Solar easily extends battery beyond Garmin’s estimates.
The more time you spend outdoors, the more you benefit from solar charging. On a week-long trip, I barely saw the battery percentage drop at all—this is a true set-it-and-forget-it watch when it comes to power management.
Navigation & GPS: When It Matters Most
Garmin’s multi-band GPS and ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass) perform as expected—rock solid. Accuracy is excellent even in dense tree cover and canyons, and I rely on it for breadcrumb navigation and waypoint tracking.
One experience stood out: I was on a hike, confident in my surroundings, so I decided to veer off-trail. Before I knew it, the sun was setting, and I had lost my bearings. My Instinct 2X Solar made it easy to backtrack via GPS, guiding me back to the trail. The large, easy-to-read display and built-in flashlight made a world of difference as the daylight faded.
This is why I trust Garmin’s GPS. It’s not just about tracking miles—it’s peace of mind in the backcountry.
Flashlight: Surprisingly Useful
The built-in LED flashlight seemed like an unnecessary add-on at first. Then I found myself actually using it—a lot.
On trails after sunset—not as a headlamp replacement, but to check gear or illuminate my watch face.
In emergencies—A friend’s kitchen caught fire, and the power went out. Without thinking, I turned on my watch’s flashlight and used it to help find their cat before evacuating.
Everyday use—Checking inside a dark backpack, finding keys in the car, or just avoiding waking others up at night.
The flashlight is bright, adjustable, and easy to activate with a double tap. It’s one of those features you don’t appreciate until you have it.
Fitness & Training: A No-Nonsense Data Powerhouse
While it doesn’t have all the fancy running dynamics of a Forerunner 965, the Instinct 2X Solar is packed with training tools that work for endurance athletes.
Heart Rate & Performance Metrics
Optical heart rate tracking is accurate, though not quite as precise as a chest strap.
VO2 Max, Training Load, Recovery Time, and HRV Status give useful insights for structured training.
Sleep tracking is solid, but I mainly use it for long-term trends rather than daily optimization.
Garmin Edge Integration: A Cyclist’s Dream
One of the best features? It pairs seamlessly with my Garmin Edge for cycling. This means:
✔ Live tracking of heart rate, power, and other stats on both devices.
✔ Backup navigation on my wrist in case my bike computer dies.
✔ Turn-by-turn directions synced between devices.
This makes the Instinct 2X Solar + Garmin Edge combo perfect for endurance rides.
Smartwatch Features: Functional, But Not a Smartwatch Replacement
The Instinct 2X Solar isn’t trying to be a smartwatch, but it does cover the basics:
✔ Notifications sync well with my phone.
✔ Music controls are handy (but no onboard music storage).
✔ Garmin Pay works great when I forget my wallet.
If you want a true smartwatch, look at the Garmin Epix or Fenix series. But for an adventure-first device, it gets the job done.
What Could Be Better?
1️⃣ Bulkiness – It’s big. That’s the trade-off for durability, but if you prefer compact watches, this isn’t for you.
2️⃣ No AMOLED Screen – The MIP display is ultra-readable in sunlight, but it lacks the vibrancy of the Fenix 7 Pro or Epix.
3️⃣ Lack of Advanced Training Features – If you need deep running power metrics or advanced multisport tracking, you might prefer a Forerunner or Fenix.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you need a rugged, solar-powered, adventure-proof watch that lasts for weeks, the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is a no-brainer. It’s reliable, packed with essential features, and built for people who actually go outside.
✔ Unmatched battery life with solar charging.
✔ Rock-solid GPS & navigation tools.
✔ A flashlight that’s actually useful.
✔ Seamless integration with Garmin Edge for cycling.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely.
If you’re after a watch that keeps up with your adventures without constant charging, this is it.
Who Should Buy It?
✅ Hikers, trail runners, cyclists, and overlanders needing long battery life.
✅ Garmin Edge users looking for seamless ride tracking.
✅ Anyone who hates charging their watch every few days.
Who Should Skip It?
❌ If you want an AMOLED screen – look at the Epix or Fenix 8 Pro.
❌ If you need deep running/multisport data – a Forerunner 965 is better.
❌ If you want a true smartwatch – an Apple Watch Ultra makes more sense.
For adventure and endurance athletes, though? This is the watch to beat.
Update: The Garmin Instinct 3 is Now Out
Garmin recently released the Instinct 3 series, bringing even better battery life, a brighter display, and upgraded sensors. If you’re considering the Instinct 2X Solar, it’s worth checking out the Instinct 3 to see if the new features make a difference for your needs.
