More: Garmin Instinct 3 Review – full and detailed
More: Garmin Instinct Series – all models, prices and 13-year history
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
Last Updated on 4 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red light therapy for niggles. It works.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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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
Pfft as an Instinct mk1 owner I am still miffed they released it then went to mk2 very quickly and did nothing with the mk1.