| Manufacturer | Garmin |
|---|---|
| Type | Rugged outdoor solar GPS smartwatch |
| Series | Instinct |
| Released | 12 April 2023 (announced 12 April 2023) |
| Price at launch | Instinct 2X Solar: GBP 399.99 / USD 449.99 / EUR 449.99. Tactical Edition: GBP 449.99 / USD 499.99 / EUR 499.99 |
| Predecessor | Instinct 2 Solar |
| Successor | Instinct 3 Solar |
| Sizes | 50mm (large) |
| Variants | Instinct 2X Solar; Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition (same hardware, adding Jumpmaster and tactical activities, projected waypoints, dual grid coordinates, XERO Locations, Night Vision mode, Stealth Mode, and a white and green flashlight) |
| Colours | Instinct 2X Solar: Flame Red, Graphite, Moss, Whitestone. Tactical Edition: Black, Coyote Tan |
Specifications as at launch. Features and activity profiles reflect the latest Garmin software.
Expert opinion | What’s new | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Activity profiles | Comparisons | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
Garmin’s biggest Instinct pairs a larger physical battery with a more efficient top-end GNSS chip, giving 60 hours of GPS and 40 days as a smartwatch before solar. With enough sunshine, smartwatch and Max Battery GPS use become unlimited, and the built-in flashlight with its cadence-matched strobe adds everyday practicality.
Training Readiness, Morning Report, HRV Status, and grade-adjusted pace bring Fenix-class insight to the Casio-style rugged format. The Instinct 3 Solar 50mm that followed is highly similar, a measure of how complete the 2X already was at launch.
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Larger, tougher Instinct with a built-in flashlight and multi-band GPS.
What’s new versus the Instinct 2 Solar
Hardware
- 50mm case, up from 45mm, with the same 14.5mm depth
- 27 x 27mm (1.1″) display, up from 23mm (0.9″), at the same 176 x 176 resolution
- Power Glass lens producing 50% more solar energy than the Instinct 2 Solar
- Built-in LED flashlight with variable intensity and a strobe mode that matches running cadence, in white and red
- Multi-band GNSS
- Gyroscope for improved incident detection
- 64MB storage, double the Instinct 2 Solar
- Longer battery life: GPS up to 60 hours (145 hours with solar), up from 30 hours (48 hours with solar); smartwatch up to 40 days, up from 28 days
- 26mm QuickFit band, up from 22mm; weight 67g, up from 52g
Software
- Obstacle Course Racing activity, tracking obstacle splits and laps
- HRV Status from overnight heart rate variability
- Training Readiness and Morning Report at launch, later added to the Instinct 2 by software update
- Grade-adjusted pace data field
- Tactical Edition: Jumpmaster and tactical activities, projected waypoints, dual grid coordinates, Night Vision mode, and Stealth Mode
Specifications
The Instinct 2X Solar comes in one 50mm size. The Tactical Edition hardware is the same as the standard model; its differences are tactical software features and a white and green flashlight.
| Specification | Instinct 2X Solar |
|---|---|
| Display | |
| Display type | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP), two-window design |
| Display size | 27 x 27mm (1.1″) |
| Resolution | 176 x 176 pixels |
| Lens | Power Glass solar charging lens |
| Touchscreen | No, button operation |
| Physical | |
| Case size | 50mm (large) |
| Dimensions | 50 x 50 x 14.5mm |
| Weight | 67g |
| Bezel material | Fibre-reinforced polymer |
| Case material | Fibre-reinforced polymer |
| Band | 26mm QuickFit, silicone, fits wrists 145 to 228mm |
| Water rating | 10 ATM |
| Build standard | MIL-STD-810 |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
| Sensors and positioning | |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, multi-band |
| Heart rate | Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate monitor |
| ECG | No |
| Pulse Ox | Yes |
| Skin temperature | No |
| Other sensors | Barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer |
| Connectivity and storage | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| NFC (Garmin Pay) | Yes |
| Storage | 64MB |
| Music | No onboard music; controls smartphone music |
| Maps | No; breadcrumb navigation, TracBack and back to start |
| LED flashlight | Yes, variable intensity and strobe; white and red (Tactical Edition: white and green) |
| Solar charging | Yes, Power Glass |
| Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Battery life
Battery figures are the same for the standard model and the Tactical Edition. Garmin’s solar figures assume 50,000 lux conditions, with all-day wear and 3 hours per day outside for the smartwatch, battery saver, All Satellite Systems, and expedition figures.
| Mode | Instinct 2X Solar and Tactical Edition |
|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Up to 40 days (unlimited with solar) |
| Battery saver watch | Up to 100 days (unlimited with solar) |
| GPS | Up to 60 hours (145 hours with solar) |
| All Satellite Systems | Up to 40 hours (65 hours with solar) |
| All Systems + Multi-band | Up to 27 hours (36 hours with solar) |
| Max Battery GPS | Up to 150 hours (unlimited with solar) |
| Expedition GPS | Up to 60 days (unlimited with solar) |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | |
Features
Plan
- Daily Suggested Workouts for running and cycling
- Garmin Coach running and cycling plans
- Cardio, strength, HIIT, yoga, and Pilates workouts
- Downloadable training plans and advanced workouts
- Race predictor and finish time
- Morning Report
Prepare
- Training Readiness, Training Status, and Training Load
- Unified Training Status and Physio TrueUp
- HRV Status
- Recovery Time
- Body Battery energy monitoring
- Sleep score and sleep insights
- All-day stress and respiration tracking
- Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation
- Health Snapshot, breathwork, and relaxation breathing timer
- Heat and altitude acclimation
- Women’s health and hydration tracking in Garmin Connect
Perform
- VO2 max for running and trail running
- Training Effect, aerobic and anaerobic, with primary benefit labels
- Wrist-based running power and grade-adjusted pace
- Running dynamics and lactate threshold with a compatible accessory
- Obstacle Course Racing with obstacle splits and laps
- Trail run auto climb
- Multi-band GNSS and UltraTrac mode
- Breadcrumb navigation, TracBack, back to start, and Sight ‘N Go
- Elevation profile, future elevation plot, and storm alert
- Tides and Tides Glance, sun and moon information
- Golf yardages, digital scorecard, and Garmin AutoShot
- FTP, MTB Grit and Flow, and advanced cycling dynamics with a compatible power meter
- Varia radar and lights compatibility
- Pool and open-water swim metrics with underwater wrist heart rate
Connect
- Smart notifications, with text replies on Android
- Garmin Pay contactless payments
- Smartphone music controls
- Incident detection and assistance during select activities
- Connect IQ watch faces, data fields, and apps
- LED flashlight, with control from Connect IQ apps added by software update
- Weather forecasts and calendar
- Smart trainer control
- Gaming activity and GameOn app compatibility
Tactical Edition
- Jumpmaster and tactical activities
- Projected waypoints
- Dual grid coordinates
- XERO Locations
- Night Vision mode for night-vision goggle compatibility
- Stealth Mode, which stops GPS data being saved or shared and disables wireless communication
- Flashlight with white or green light
Activity profiles
| Category | Profiles |
|---|---|
| Running | Running, Outdoor Track Running, Trail Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running |
| Cycling | Biking, Road biking, Mountain Biking, Gravel biking, Bike commuting, Bike touring, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking |
| Swimming | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming |
| Multisport | Triathlon |
| Gym and fitness | Strength, HIIT, Cardio and Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor rowing, Indoor Climbing, Boxing, Mixed martial arts, Pilates, Yoga |
| Outdoor | Walking, Hiking, Bouldering, Climbing, Hunting, Horseback Riding, Archery |
| Other | Winter sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Backcountry Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Backcountry Skiing, Ice Skating, Snowshoeing | Water sports: Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Surfing, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Fishing, Boating, Whitewater, Snorkeling | Team sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Soccer, Football, Lacrosse, Rugby, Ultimate Disc, Cricket, Softball, Baseball | Racket sports: Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis, Padel | Motorsports: Motorcycling, Overlanding, Motorcrossing, ATVing, Snowmobile | Tactical Edition: Jumpmaster, Tactical |
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Larger, tougher Instinct with a built-in flashlight and multi-band GPS.
Comparisons and upgrade guides
- What’s different about the Garmin Instinct 2X, the changes from the Instinct 2 in detail
- Garmin Instinct 3 series opinion and details, with battery figures for the 2X Solar against the Instinct 3 Solar 50mm
- Garmin Instinct 2 review, the predecessor for comparison
Quick answers
When was the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar released?
Garmin announced and released the Instinct 2X Solar on 12 April 2023. The launch price was GBP 399.99 or USD 449.99, and GBP 449.99 or USD 499.99 for the Tactical Edition.
Is the Instinct 2X Solar waterproof?
Instinct 2X Solar has a water rating of 10 ATM. It includes Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming and Triathlon profiles.
Does the Instinct 2X Solar have maps?
No, Instinct 2X Solar has no maps. It offers breadcrumb navigation, TracBack and back to start.
Does the Instinct 2X Solar have a flashlight?
Yes, Instinct 2X Solar has a built-in LED flashlight with variable intensity and a strobe mode that matches running cadence. It is white and red, or white and green on the Tactical Edition.
What size and weight is the Instinct 2X Solar?
Instinct 2X Solar comes in a single 50mm size, is 14.5mm thick and weighs 67g. It takes a 26mm QuickFit band.
How long does the Instinct 2X Solar battery last?
Garmin rates Instinct 2X Solar for up to 40 days in smartwatch mode, which is unlimited with solar, and up to 60 hours in GPS mode, or 145 hours with solar.
Further reading
- Garmin solar technology: Power Glass, MIP, and unlimited battery
- The Instinct 2X Solar mid-life solar panel change
- Garmin Instinct series hub
- Garmin watch specifications
- Release Radar: upcoming Garmin watches
Related watches
Predecessor: Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, the 45mm original with a 0.9″ display and solar charging.
Successor: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar, the closely related follow-up, which adds a 45mm solar option.
Also consider: Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, a rugged military-spec outdoor watch at a similar price, with offline maps and routing.
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.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. 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.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
Reader-Powered Content
This content is not sponsored. It’s mostly me behind the labour of love, which is this site, and I appreciate everyone who supports it.
Support the site: Follow (free, fewer ads) · Subscribe (paid, ad-free) · Buy Me A Coffee
Written by real people, with AI assistance. Fact-checked and verified for originality. See the Editorial Policy. FTC: Affiliate Disclosure — some links pay commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
