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Garmin Instinct Solar Thread

That's a nice summary. I'll have to look around for options, but after seeing that I'd definitely lean toward the 3 Solar 45mm or a 2x solar over the newer amoled. I just don't really need any of the stuff it offers, and I like that the 3 solar is still more like a traditional watch with smart features than a smart watch with some fitness features.
 
So with my original instinct solar I could get about 8-10 hours of GPS tracking (like when skiing for multiple days) that would equate to maybe a full day to day and a half, two days if lucky with activity tracking.

With the 2x solar I can get almost a week skii days on a full battery without charging, that’s huge. I was turkey hunting then skiing in the afternoons this spring in Oregon and I didn’t charge it the whole week. That’s constant GPS usage.

From what I read, they have optimized the GPS battery usage even more with the 3 and almost doubled the life with GPS enabled.

For a whitetail hunter where you’re hunting only a day maybe a couple days at a time the battery of the 2x Solar or better will be amazing, especially if you pause ‘hunt’ when in you are in tree and restart when you leave.

Overall, I never have to worry about battery, and that’s great because I’m lazy and forget to charge.
 
I found that my local Walmart has the Instict 2 solar tactical for $250 vs the Instict 3 solar tactical being $500 … is the upgraded Instict 3 worth the extra cost?

I like the tactical cause it’s all black, I would go with the standard if they offered it in all black


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Dhamilton1 said:
Been looking hard at the Instict 2 solar just because the instict 3 is a little outside what I want to pay right now.

With that said, what’s the thought on buying used watches if they are in very good condition and what are reasonable prices?


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I can't speak for the Instinct models. But I can tell you that Garmin has told both my wife and I on separate occasions that they only support the watches for (5) years on software. I know the Instinct doesn't have as much going on as some of the models above it. But something to consider
 
bowhunthard88 said:
As far as battery life, solar is going to be better, even without sun lol.
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Not sure on the latest models. But when I bought my first one, it was proven the solar models weren't worth it. And didn't offer much, if any extra battery life. Newer models may be different. But I would recommend trying to find reviews on the solar models to see if it's worth it.
 
-CRASH said:
Not sure on the latest models. But when I bought my first one, it was proven the solar models weren't worth it. And didn't offer much, if any extra battery life. Newer models may be different. But I would recommend trying to find reviews on the solar models to see if it's worth it.
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That’s not my experience. Mine got significantly more battery life than my wifes I’ll never not get the solar.
 
ive still got the original Instinct solar (first model) and it doesn't really offer significant charging on a normal daily basis. However, I did take it on a week long fishing trip and it stayed at the exact same charge level the whole week. So it does indeed work, but it needs A LOT of direct sunlight. Sounds like the 2 and 3 are even more efficient with their solar charging. I can't wait to upgrade mine and get the flashlight! I know ill used that 10x per day every day.
 
I’m with @gcr0003 in that I’ll never NOT choose a solar model. Now, with that said, my instinct 2 gets a month per charge and does in fact needs good direct sunlight to charge a significant amount.

My G-Shock solar just needs to know the sun is out there somewhere and it will charge, lol.
 
I bought used from ebay a Instinct 2 solar tactical couldn't be happier. the solar keeps it powered rarely have to plug it in. Looking into all of the settings and activities it looked like the previous owner only had it for 5 months. I defaulted it back to factory settings before connecting to any of the phone apps so I didn't have someone else's workout to skew my results.
 
dalton916 said:
I’m with @gcr0003 in that I’ll never NOT choose a solar model. Now, with that said, my instinct 2 gets a month per charge and does in fact needs good direct sunlight to charge a significant amount.

My G-Shock solar just needs to know the sun is out there somewhere and it will charge, lol.
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My citizen watches are the same way with eco drive. They soak up the sun like a sponge. Ive actually brought one back to life before that I left in my drawer for too long without wearing it. Let it sit out all day in bright sunlight and it starter ticking again.

BT
 
-CRASH said:
Not sure on the latest models. But when I bought my first one, it was proven the solar models weren't worth it. And didn't offer much, if any extra battery life. Newer models may be different. But I would recommend trying to find reviews on the solar models to see if it's worth it.
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If nothing else, it has to do with the display style, not that the solar function actually typically increases my battery life. My battery life during normal wear is usually 28 days.
 
Well you all talked me into one as well.

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