Garmin Instinct Firmware Goodies
I was surprised about this.
The new beta firmware (v6.5.3) for the Garmin Instinct includes support for the Pool Swim profile’s AUTO REST functionality amongst a few other things as listed here
Must Read: Garmin Instinct 2 Review Solar & Thoughts
Changes made from version 6.52 to 6.53:
- Added low Abnormal Heart Rate alert. (Settings > Sensors & Accessories > Wrist Heart Rate > Abnormal Heart Rate Alerts > Low Alert)
- Added Autorest setting for Pool Swim activity. (Settings > Activities & Apps > Pool Swim Settings > Autorest)
- Added Swim Time data field for Pool Swim activity.
- Added support for a ‘Silent’ option to the Smart notifications Sounds alert settings. (Settings > Phone > Smart Notifications > During Activity/Not During Activity > Sounds)
- Fixed an issue where the watch may freeze during a Ski activity.
- Fixed issues where activity elevation chart would appear blank when viewing an activity in History or when doing a TracBack.
- Fixed graphical glitch affecting the key lock icon.
If you want to read a bit more about the full set of swim features from Garmin, then I’ve covered them in the next link. To cut a long story short for Instinct owners
- I use AUTOPAUSE…it’s good. It saves you pressing LAP at the end of a swim interval.
- Instinct won’t get the full set of SWIM features
Last Updated on 20 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
The Suunto Ambit 3 vertical is now £90 direct from Suunto. This looks to be very favourable, especially as the Suunto can give you a location in OS grid reference format.
AND it’s one of the most accurate gps sports watches EVER.