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My first concern with a smartwatch/fitness wearable was that it would be cumbersome, apparent, or, worst of all, delicate. Solar Charging, Waterproofness, Activity Readiness The tail end of testing involved some mundane activities - office work, walks, and bike commutes - and planned fitness work, like boxing and stair routines. Just like it sounds, I took it on a trail run. Yes, up a mountain - 4-plus miles, 3,200 feet of gain, and some zippy (questionably marked) descent.Īfter that, I hopped into a raft and shot down the Roaring Fork River for plenty of waterproof testing. On the second day of testing, I took the watch up Aspen Mountain on a bike. Nothing amazing, but totally valid for anyone who needs to tell time and wants to instantly know the basics of how their watch works Day 2: Mountain Biking, Paddling My first day comprised a 3-hour drive, grocery shopping, fraternizing, and sleeping. There, I embarked on a battery of adventurous-but-not-outrageous testing ops. After 3 hours, I was in Aspen’s hipper and mellower cousin, Carbondale. Then, without thinking twice, I hopped in my 2001 Mazda B4000 pickup (not important, but definitely cool) and drove into the Front Range. Honestly, this was absurdly simple, so even techno-troglodytes should find setup a cinch. I opened the 58-page “Quick Start Guide” - don’t worry, depending on your language, you’ll only need 5 pages - downloaded the Garmin Connect app, and instantly had notifications routing to my new watch. So I had only the sun to keep it running - ideal testing criteria! As luck would have it, the brand informed me it failed to ship a charging cord. I unboxed the Garmin Instinct Tactical Solar Edition (henceforth, just Garmin Instinct) on Thursday.
Garmin instinct tactical full#
I wanted to see how this sucker performed in full output with daily sun. Garmin boasts an “unlimited battery life with sufficient solar exposure in Battery Saver mode.” Because I had 6 days - and not infinity - to test the watch, I didn’t even bother with Battery Saver mode. But the biggest feature to highlight is the battery. In this review, I will run through some of the functions I did utilize - specifically, workout tracking, timers, fitness goals, and basic timepiece functionality. For those who haven’t tried the Instinct line, I encourage you to check Garmin’s website to see if it’s the best option for you. So for those who already know the line, I won’t bore you by rehashing all the basic functions.
Garmin instinct tactical series#
But the Garmin Instinct watch series already commands a respected following among adventurers and fitness fanatics. It undoubtedly has more features than I could hope to test. Let’s be clear: I received this watch on a Thursday and tested it until the following Wednesday. Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical Edition Smartwatch Review
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But it’s overkill for those seeking simple timepiece or fitness-tracking options.
Garmin instinct tactical how to#
It’s a spectacular option for those who know how to leverage the latest in wearable tech. But with the introduction of solar power charging, this wealth of information comes without the worry and hassle of constantly finding a charging spot. In short: The Garmin Instinct Solar packs a massive punch for activity tracking, connectivity, and personal metrics - all data that modern wearable junkies and Garmin faithful would expect. I wanted to see what this could tell me that I didn’t already know - and, of course, ensure it can drink UV and shed sweat to keep up with my day-to-day routine. So I took this doohickey out for 6 days of mountain biking, trail running, paddling, stair routines, boxing sessions, office hours, morning showers, and good ol’ fashioned REM sleep.
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For the last week, I’ve been wearing a Garmin Instinct smartwatch with fitness-tracking brilliance.Īnd while the Garmin Instinct brand has a well-established reputation, today it unveils the first solar-charging iteration in the line. That said, I agreed to try out the newest gizmo when Garmin called to sell me on its latest tech. I go hard ’til I sweat and try to best what I did last week.īasically, I trust my own body more than I lean on a smartwatch or wearable device to tell me how I’m doing. More often than not, I don’t rely on data. I don’t look to hydration trackers to tell me when to drink water, I rely on my God-given “thirst” instinct. Home » Technology » Garmin Instinct Review: Solar Smartwatch offers ‘Unlimited Battery’īackcountry fitness junkies take note, the Garmin Instinct Solar has more data than you will ever need, and enough battery to go the distance (as long as you’ve got sun).