Garmin Fenix 7 vs Instinct 2: 1 year later which would I choose?

My final review on these 2 gems. Have owned these guys for year now and worn regularly. Its time to choose 1 to keep and 1 sell so i can test next great garmin.
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[jefftrump]

Great and honest review. It’s so rare to see reviews of gadgets these days, as most of them are only recommending “more and better features”. And here you are giving an honest opinion based on long term experience with both these watches. Your other videos are great too. 👍🏼

[IHaulBoxes]

I'm weighing my options and you're video is just confirming my thoughts. I think ill be getting the Instinct 2x. Thank you Sir!

[foetor]

Today my Instinct 2X came. Now I use Epix for Office and Instinct for the dirt sports

[YouTroper]

For those who value comfort at most -> I recommend getting even Instinct 2S
I have compared 2 vs 2S and the difference is really noticeable
(FYI: pure numbers are 52g vs 43g, 45mm vs 40mm, 14.5mm vs 13.3mm).
2S is even smaller and lighter than my old G-Shock (AW-591),
yet capable of displaying so many information just on the watch face
(and even more after downloading custom one from Connect IQ Store).
Just beware that 2S has max 18cm wrist size - so for bigger arms one would have to buy longer band
(e.g. silicone bands from Garmin store, although I personally bought some non-original nylon one).
I hope it'll suit you well!

[eevildood]

Have instinct 2x and love it! Battery life, awesome display, torch etc.

[brynhendry]

I just love the screen on the instinct. It always looks super clear. The fact that it does some fitness stuff and never needs charging is a bonus. Im a pretty hardcore cyclist so being able to link it to strava is good also.

[michaelmcphee]

I ordered the Instinct2 a few days ago from a local retailer. It's available tomorrow for $350 AUD. Your comprehensive review certainly eased my mind and confirmed my choice and its reasons.
Thanks a shipload.

[Justyburger]

I've been using the Instinct 2 Solar Tactical x2 for about 6 months now. I love it. The 2x is not gigantic, feels very comfortable and I always sleep with it on. I love the torch function. Mine has the green setting rather than red. The Monochrome screen is so easy to read in bright sunlight and normal light. I really cannot fault this watch. I had wondered about buying the Fenix or Epix, but even if they were all the same price, I might still pick the Instinct. The battery life is amazing. 42 days and then keeps topping up. I hardly ever have to use the charging cable. Sleep tracking is really good and I use the Connect phone app. I can't help wondering what Garmin will do for the Instinct 3?

[FTFreedom]

I use the instinct solar, and it fits my mo. I'm an environmental scientist and use the wrist navigator regularly. To me, it's a safety device. I work between 7k and 12k feet amsl. So heart rate and pulse ox is very informative within their known limitations. Definitely the quintessential watch for wilderness activities.

[dobrealexvlad]

I have the Instinct 2. I come from a Samsung Smartwatch. What I love about it is that it looks simple, like Casio. The look is simple but has a lot of power under the hood.

[noisychaannel]

I've had a Instinct 2X tactical for several months now. Absolute beast of a watch, zero regrets and I couldn't be happier with it. It's also smaller than you think, I'm easily rocking it on my 7.5" wrist.

[lukasbambuch]

I think comparison to Fenix 6 would be better because when I was getting the Instinct 2 Solar the Fenix 6 cost pretty much the same and apparently has almost the same hardware.

[FiremanFrach]

I still have an original Instinct solar. It’s great for my uses. I prefer a larger watch so the Instinct 2x looks like it’s right up my alley. That being said, I love watches, period (I’m a Casio and Timex guy). I love the craftsmanship of a mechanical watch, and the most athletic things I do these days is walking and hiking, so I can’t justify upgrading especially if I rotate watches. Great review.

[robj]

I too am a long term user/alternator of the Fenix 7 sapphire & Instinct 2. Agree on comfort. You didn’t mention Fenix only has mapping, I use maps all the time running or hiking.

[wernerwda]

I agree with you, between them,
I would pick Instinct 2

[arashcrouse]

Great comparison. I just bought the Finex because of the display and look of it, but its very uncomfortable for me. I haven’t been able to sleep with it till now 😅

[-Errr]

I'm having the same dilemma, I have the 7X Solar Sapphire, but couldn't help but order myself the Instinct 2X Solar Tactical... I know I'll love both, but after a lot of reviews, I know I'll be selling my Fenix 7X Solar Sapphire.

I wish the Instinct 2X had sapphire power glass, if they make the instinct 3X with it, it will be THE watch for me... Sapphire really makes it so much more easier to clean and gives peace of mind knowing that you're not likely going to put any scratches/micro scratches on the glass by cleaning it. I know I'll have to put a tempered glass protector on the Instinct 2X though... which is a bummer, I'd gladly pay an extra $200 to Garmin if they simply made a version using Sapphire power glass.

[lokeshwartailor]

great review .. also Nice background music

[scottyp]

I have the same watches too, and I mainly wear my Instinct 2 Solar 95% of the time. Exactly same reasons. I love my Fenix but every time I wear it, it doesn’t take long before I want to change back to my Instinct because of how more comfortable and light weight it is. So much nicer to wear all day.
I also fine the Instinct easier to read in low light environments.

[TXmedic]

The weight of the fenix doesn’t bother me and I like the touch screen from time to time. I like that you can also disable touch. As a paramedic I can leave my phone on vibrate (much more polite with caring for patients) and at least see my notifications while gloved.