Garmin Instinct E – cuts features

Yes, you heard it right—Garmin’s latest addition to the Instinct lineup, the Instinct E, has removed several features previously available on the Instinct 2. This might feel more like a downgrade than an upgrade for some users.

In my initial post coinciding with the launch, I highlighted a selection of omissions in Instinct E. These include:

“triathlon support, power meter support, running power support and FTP are omitted. Unlike the other Instinct 3 models, Instinct E misses out on SatIQ.

These omissions have sparked debate across the Garmin community. Even over at DC Rainmaker’s site, early commenters are expressing their disappointment, pointing out the lack of significant hardware upgrades and these missing features. Still, DCR notes the same as I do, as shown here:

Additional omissions in the Instinct E compared to Instinct 2 appear to include:

• Auto multisport feature
• GCT balance and lactate threshold metrics
• Mountain biking-specific Grit & Flow metrics
• Garmin Varia Radar compatibility (really?!? that’s a safety issue)
• Heart rate caching for swimming with a chest strap

Furthermore, features from specific Instinct 2 variants, such as the eSports edition, are absent. However, these exclusions seem reasonable as Garmin will likely release new Instinct 3 variants in the coming months, each tailored to the specific use cases that address those features.

Panic?

Don’t panic. I got this information from Garmin’s official online specs. And that’s not always a reliable source. Undoubtedly, errors are linked to the new devices’ storage space. These other omissions may be errors in the listings – but I doubt it. I believe these omissions are real.

Availability

The Garmin Instinct 3 series is available to order now with delivery after 10 January 2025

• Order: Garmin Instinct 3 SOLAR
• Order: Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED
• Order: Garmin Instinct E