Garmin launches new Instinct 2 watches

Garmin has today announced the latest watches to be added to its roster of watches in the form of the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S.

The watches, which are announced just weeks after the release of the Fenix 7, have been built to provide users with a rugged smartwatch that can handle all manner of conditions in outdoor environments.

The Instinct 2’s headline features

One of the headline features is a claimed ‘unlimited battery life’ when the watch is used in certain modes, while this is the first time the Instinct range has been offered in two sizes (the Instinct 2 has a 45mm bezel, while the /Instinct 2S has a 40mm bezel).

You’ll also get many of the Garmin features you’re used to, like VO2 Max, Sleep Score, Fitness Age, Training Status/Load/Effect, Recovery Time, HIIT Workouts and Daily Suggested Workout.

Beyond that, functions such as Hydration Tracking and Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy Tracking are also available to add to the watch through the Garmin Connect IQ store.

As you’d expect, the Instinct 2 also comes preloaded with sports apps and activities for you to track your sessions, with a new multisport setting said to allow users to transition between activities while continuing to view total time and distance info.

The inclusion of an Incident Detection feature is also interesting, which is designed to alert pre-programmed contacts in the event of an emergency.

Unlimited battery life!?

Now back to that claim about battery life. This only applies to the 45mm Instinct 2 Solar model in smartwatch mode (not GPS mode), but supposedly it can just keep on going if it’s exposed to three hours of sunlight (in 50,000 lux conditions) per day.

The non-solar model meanwhile is said to provide up to four weeks of continuous use in smartwatch mode. In GPS mode that drops down to a period of up to 72 hours.

Options, so many options!

Alongside the standard Instinct 2/2S and its solar versions, Garmin is also offering a Surf Edition (with added water sports functionality), a Tactical Edition (includes dedicated features such as Stealth Mode and Night Vision Goggle Compatability) and a Camo Edition (which pretty much does as it says on the tin – it helps you blend in).

There are also a wide range of colours on offer, including black, blue, grey, orange, green, white, yellow… you get the picture. In fact, Garmin says there are a staggering 240 different design combinations available through the brand’s Your Watch, Your Way programme.

Garmin Instinct 2 price

The Instinct 2 series comes in at a considerably lower price than the new Fenix 7, but the costs quickly ramp up depending on which version you want. Here’s how the pricing breaks down:

• Garmin Instinct 2/2S: £299.99
• Garmin Instinct 2/2S Solar: £389.99
• Garmin Instinct 2/2S Camo: £349.99 (no solar)
• Garmin Instinct 2/2S Tactical: £429.99 (with solar)
• Garmin Instinct 2/2S Surf: £349.99 (no solar) or £429.99 (with solar)