Okay, so I’ve been rocking Garmin watches for a while now, mostly for tracking my runs and hikes. I started with a basic Forerunner, but I wanted something tougher, with better battery life. That’s when I got into the Instinct series. I’ve had my eye on the 2X for ages because that battery life sounds insane, but I was also curious about the smaller 2S. So, I decided to do a little experiment and try both.
Getting My Hands on Them
First, I got the Instinct 2S. I wore it for a solid couple of weeks, doing my usual thing – a few runs, a couple of longer hikes, some everyday wear. Then, I swapped it out for the 2X. Same routine. This way, I figured I could get a real feel for the differences.
Size and Comfort
Right off the bat, the size difference is obvious. The 2S is noticeably smaller and lighter. On my wrist, it felt… well, less bulky. I have pretty average wrists, and the 2S felt just right. The 2X, on the other hand, definitely has more presence. It’s not uncomfortable, but you definitely know it’s there. For everyday wear, I definitely preferred the 2S. For serious outdoor stuff, the bigger screen of the 2X was nice, but not a deal-breaker.
Battery Life: The Big Test
This is where the 2X is supposed to shine, and boy, does it! I charged both watches fully before I started. With the 2S, doing my usual activities, I was getting about 5-7 days of battery life. That’s pretty good, no complaints there. But the 2X? Man, that thing just kept going and going. I went almost two weeks without needing to charge it, and I was still using GPS for several hours each week. It’s kind of crazy. If you’re someone who goes on extended backpacking trips or just hates charging your watch all the time, the 2X is a game-changer.
Features and Functionality
Feature-wise, they’re pretty much identical. Both have all the usual Garmin goodies: GPS, heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, notifications, etc. I used the navigation features on both during my hikes, and they worked flawlessly. I didn’t notice any significant difference in accuracy or performance between the two. The button layout is the same, so if you’re used to one Instinct, you’ll be fine with the other.
My Verdict
So, which one did I decide to keep? It was a tough choice, but honestly, both are fantastic watches. I ended up sticking with the 2X, just for that epic battery life. But, and this is a big but, the size and lighter weight of the 2S really makes me appreciate a smaller watch more.
- If battery life is your absolute top priority, go for the 2X. You won’t be disappointed.
- If you prefer a smaller, lighter watch and don’t mind charging a bit more often, the 2S is a great choice.
Really, you can’t go wrong with either one. It all comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use it.