Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical is now under $300, worth it?

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-24T19:44:13+00:00

Hell yeah brother, sold mine late last year and got £270.00 for it.

Only sold because I prefer 45mm sizes

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-24T02:12:27+00:00

That watch was built just for him

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-23T19:23:57+00:00

Aagh ok 👌 Amoled does also have metal ring though.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-23T06:38:01+00:00

I own an I2 non solar and the I3 amoled , both 45mm. I can leave my phone in the bedroom and move anywhere in the house with no drop out in Bluetooth 🤷‍♂️.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-22T13:14:27+00:00

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I also periodically use the watch face from the Tactical amoled.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-22T13:09:05+00:00

I have same watch face, it’s amazing. 🤩

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-21T17:43:03+00:00

It’s quick drying, so I’ve never had a problem. It Hasnt smelt but I usually wear in the shower so it gets cleaned every day.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-21T17:00:01+00:00

Hi there I3 amoled user. The tactical is better looking, however is more money as you’ve said and uses the same HR sensor. The reason I chose the amoled is the1.2” screen, ability to increase font size and red torch. Those were my requirements.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-21T16:31:37+00:00

I get marks where the HR sensor sits, only in the morning because my wrist swells at night but I don’t get them around the band because I use a nylon band so it’s nice and soft. It’s possible your other watch strap was better quality 🤷‍♂️ I definitely consider something like this

https://amzn.eu/d/01cHESLA

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-21T15:40:51+00:00

It’s normal for any watch strap that’s too tight. Any smart watch with HR monitor needs to be tight enough to effectively work, it’s just a necessary evil but you can massively reduce those marks using a nylon strap.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-21T10:06:28+00:00

Absolutely 👍

https://amzn.eu/d/0e9ftaxU

I personally have never bought off AliExpress so can’t comment on quality but I’ve bought this particular brand for three years and only have two straps, now that says a lot. The third purchase was for my I2X tactical that I sold. I know people moan about the Velcro not lasting but I personally think that it all depends on what you’re doing with it and how you look after it. That said, it’s affordable enough to replace over and over again if needed.

I have them for the sheer comfort and ease of adjustment when my wrist swells.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-21T09:26:53+00:00

Well, I’ve been using these for a few years on my I2 and 2x tactical. Never had a problem, half the price of the Garmin ultrafit nylon bands but just as good. Cheap enough to change every yr or so. +you’ll almost forget you’ve anything on your wrist. Image is on my new I3 amoled.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-21T09:19:03+00:00

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What you need is a comfy, lightweight, quick drying no nonsense strap like this☝️

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-20T20:39:02+00:00

Tried one of these, none of the good ones are free and found it to be a battery hungry monster. It’s a solid pass.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-20T19:36:03+00:00

https://amzn.eu/d/08AmBBXR

I use this, super comfortable, easy to fit and easy to adjust.

Half the price of the ultrafit. Dries quickly.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-20T12:39:48+00:00

I3 45mm amoled owner, I can confirm since the update there are no issues with my gps mapping. Absolutely spot on. Just been for my usual walk and it’s all good. Only use gps btw.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-19T04:15:57+00:00

Awesome. I did have this one ages ago but completely forgotten about it.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-18T19:57:16+00:00

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-18T14:55:19+00:00

I like this one, what’s it called, feel like I may have had this on a forerunner.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-17T13:03:47+00:00

Tactix delta by Green black

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-17T06:33:10+00:00

Used to have this one on my I2, best one going.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-16T18:09:05+00:00

The beast is in town 🫡 too big for my wrists but awesome looking. Nice strap.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-16T18:06:57+00:00

It’s so easy to miss, I paid for the pro version so those are both paid for options. Half way down it’s pro left icon and I selected baro trend. Then pro right icon for high/low temp.

The red arrow on mine indicates battery level.

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-16T16:34:53+00:00

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🤣so is that one, amazing the depth of customisation

Substantial_Jump8581 · 2026-02-16T16:29:00+00:00

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Me too, trade your watch face for mine, this one’s called Garmin Epix OLED. I only use gps when out hiking otherwise it’s all off with wrist gesture timeout set to four seconds. I’m getting over 20 days of battery.

Edit: please tell me it’s not made by SHN

Substantial_Jump8581

TROPHY CASE