GarminInstinct 2X Solar, Rugged GPS Smartwatch, Built-in Flashlight, Solar Charging Capability, Multi-Band GNSS, Graphite

My first Garmin watch, and I love it! Yes, it’s definitely a large watch and on the bulky side, but I don’t care at all, and expected that it would be! Doesn’t matter that I’m small-framed/petite - I’ve always preferred men’s watches for their more aggressive profile (I despise “dainty”). As far as appearance, the original band definitely adds to the bulky appearance, and can make longer sleeves and winter coats a little more challenging, and maybe a little less comfortable (though not a huge deal) for sleep. I ended up buying a Garmin hook-and-loop style band ($40!!) that I like better, and then a two-pack of almost identical hook-and-look bands (Abanen Hook and Loop Quick Dry 26 mm Woven Nylon Ultralight Sport Watch Bands) at 75% LESS than the Garmin brand ($21.99 for TWO!!). As far as watch function, I like it a lot. There are many options to customize the watch face with whatever data you want to see (and more you can get via Garmin ConnectIQ app), and some key settings made the difference for me! The watch comes with the brightness set at only 20%, which seemed DARK to me, and very disappointing at first! I’m sure this has to do with battery-saving, but it was just too dark, so I quickly found out how to increase it to 50%, and I’m good with that. Also, you can change the setting so that the screen only lights up when you turn your wrist, so that helps save battery, too (and why would you need it lit up at all times anyway? You can still see the screen when it’s not lit up, so that’s not a big deal at all). Although it’s not a sapphire lens, it is recessed from the bezel, and the glass is supposed to be pretty tough, so I’m good with that. (I tend to be pretty tough on things, so I like sapphire glass when I can get it.) And, perhaps most importantly (not really, but still….) I LOVE THE FREAKING FLASHLIGHT!!! I’d seen a bunch of comments that people had originally thought it was kind of “gimmicky” but then changed their minds when they found out how much they used it, and I am exactly the same!! I NEVER want to wear another watch without a flashlight - like EVER! It is CRAZY handy to have one whenever you need it, which is a lot more often than I thought! I can ever walk through a dark forest path at night and see SO much around me! AND I was able to shovel snow off the dark area of my driveway (going downhill) with ONLY the watch for light!! (And it was even at the correct angle for shoveling, so I didn’t have to hold my wrist at an odd angle or hold my arm up in the air!) LONG REVIEW for those who REALLY need details and need to be convinced to spend the money, but this watch seems like it can’t HELP but last forever, and I have ZERO complaints about it!!

Why did you pick this product vs others?:I love this watch! It saved me from getting lost so many times. When you are in a no cell or WiFi area, use the watch to save your current GPS location so you can find your way back. The solar charge works great.

I love this watch. It has been perfect for tracking my training, fitness, and health goals. I wear it 24/7 and love everytihng about it. The flashlight (torch) on it is amazingly bright and impressive. I also like the redlight mode it comes with as well.

Husband loves this watch. It’s like a kid’s favorite toy on Christmas. It does so much from fitness to tracking wellness and the flashlight on it is amazing.

Great watch, great price compared to other offerings from Garmin. The flashlight is awesome!Now for the issue someone else mentioned. There is a “acrylic sticker” trick that definitely worked for me. My preferred wrist for wearing a watch is tattooed with black ink. After a little research, it appears that black ink is the worst for optical sensors to read heart rate, sleep, etc. I did the “acrylic sticker” trick and my instinct 2X will now read my vitals. The internet has the information available, and I purchased the clear acrylic “bottle cap” stickers here on Amazon. Hope this helps out.

Full charge is good for 40 days. Full charge using light is 6 hrs. Great to have if you walk around outside at night and when looking for things in low light areas. Watch seems to be rugged and stylish. Price is great compared to other smart watches. Connects right to my iPhone and has some of the same features as Apple Watch. I haven’t had chance to use all of them yet

Ok,so rather than go on and on about all the great things about this watch. The two things I found that are not accurate, 1st the ox sensor reads 3 to 4% lower, 2nd I live upstairs and I go up and down my stairs about 5 times a day and the floor counter on the watch does not record this everytime. Neither of these are really important to me but it's the reason for four instead of 5 star's. I really like this watch actually I think it's awsome .if you buy one you won't be disappointed. I started with a cheapy off brand and for the first week it worked great even allowed me to make and receive phone calls and texts.but then I started swimming with it on, it's said waterproof ip68,but that's when things started going downhill, so I decided to buy quality American made not China junk.this watch I swim with everyday and no issues of course I didn't expect any with a 5atm rating. Battery life is great

Nice watch. Durable. Everything you expect and more. Would highly recommend.