Okay, so, I’ve been using a Garmin Instinct 2 for a while now, and I gotta say, I really like it. But then, the Instinct 2X came out, and I was like, “Hmm, maybe I should check that out?” So, I went ahead and got myself one. First thing I did was unbox both of them and lay them side-by-side. The 2X is noticeably bigger, which I kinda dig. I mean, I’ve got big wrists, so it fits me better.
Next up, I started playing around with the menus and settings. They’re pretty much the same on both watches, which is good because I didn’t have to relearn anything. Then I took them both out for a test run. The GPS seemed to lock on a little faster on the 2X, but maybe that’s just me. I did a few runs, some hikes, and even wore them both while swimming. I wanted to really push these things.
The battery life on the 2X is supposed to be better, and I definitely noticed that. I was getting several more days out of it compared to the regular 2. That’s a big plus for me, especially when I’m out on longer adventures. I also noticed that the flashlight on the 2X is actually useful. I mean, it’s not going to replace a headlamp or anything, but it’s great for finding stuff in your bag in the dark or for a little extra visibility when you’re walking around at night.
Here’s how I organized my detailed comparison:
Size and Display
- Instinct 2: Smaller, fits comfortably but sometimes I wished the screen was bigger.
- Instinct 2X: Definitely larger, feels more substantial on my wrist. The bigger screen is easier to read, especially when I’m moving.
Battery Life
- Instinct 2: Pretty good, lasted me a few days with regular use.
- Instinct 2X: Significantly better. I’m getting several extra days out of a single charge. This is a major win for multi-day trips.
Features
- Instinct 2: All the standard stuff I need: GPS, heart rate, sleep tracking, etc.
- Instinct 2X: Same features as the 2, plus that handy flashlight. Multi-band GNSS is a nice addition for better accuracy, though I didn’t see a huge difference in normal use.
Activities
- Instinct 2: Tracks everything I throw at it: running, hiking, swimming, you name it.
- Instinct 2X: Same great performance as the 2, but the bigger screen and longer battery life are nice perks during longer activities.
So, after spending a good chunk of time with both of these watches, I’ve decided to stick with the Instinct 2X. For me, the bigger size, longer battery life, and the added flashlight make it worth the upgrade. The Instinct 2 is still a great watch, don’t get me wrong, but the 2X just fits my needs a little better. At the end of the day, both are solid, rugged watches that can handle pretty much anything you throw at them. Just my two cents!