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Just need to find a deal on one now. Cant find them particularly cheap anywhere (looking for graphite). Everyone seems to have them at or near RRP or not in graphite.
Hs Johnson are doing the graphite one for £241, and then you can get 10% off this with the code aff10, taking it to £217
I paid £197 for a graphite one from hs Johnson a few weeks ago, but it looks like the prices have gone up slightly
@julians The 10% off code doesn't work but there is a 5% one which takes it to £230. Would prefer to get around the £200 mark though
Do the button get pressed when flexing the wrist when riding at all or are they suitably protected?
I found they did for me and, after accidentally stopping the recording and losing part of a ride, i found & turned on 'auto-lock during activity' which has solved it
Right ordered one. HS Johnson dropper the price to £220 with a further 5% off taking it to £208 so happy with that. Will hopefully be here tomorrow.
Mine came yesterday.
Really happy with it. Like the styling (but I do wear G-Shocks). Pretty simple to use (once you get used to the menus).
Although it isn't a colour screen I actually prefer that and definitely better than the Vivoactive 3 that I tried. Don't really notice it on the wrist either as it is light and comfortable. Gave it a full charge last night so will see how it does!
Mine has made my g-shocks redundant ! I picked up couple of new straps £3 each of eBay. Quick fit too 🙂
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plus one - a link to the straps please?
It uses the same size straps as the Fenix 5, 22mm wide.
I got a couple of cheap straps off AliExpress. About £2 for the silicone straps, quick fit.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/12colors-Soft-Silicone-Replacement-wristband-Watch-Band-bracelet-strap-for-Garmin-Fenix-3-Smart-Watch-26mm/32824968622.html
Also got a stainless steel strap, £10. It is noticeably heavier than the standard strap, probably not as comfy for sports etc, but nice if you want a bit of bling...
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Strap-Watchband-Classic-Stainless-Steel-Metal-Strap-for-Garmin-Fenix-5-GPS-Watch-Replacement-Quick-Release/32831007259.html
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F292907510191
Took while to come only downside
Well had mine a week now and very happy with it. Much easier to measure my commute etc now and see how it contributes to my fatigue (measuring heart rate rather than how I feel). HRM seems accurate. Might have to pick up a couple of spare straps from the links above for a few quid. I haven't worn it swimming and prob never will as I have found chlorine damages G Shocks (they still function bit the chlorine seems to cause discolourisation and white marks). Alerts are fine and battery life seems good so far. 60% in a week with some GPS use (and lots of playing!). Silent alarm is great as I don't disturb junior when my alarm goes off now.
Not sure about the stress measurement. Said I was highly stressed on a weekend. I was busy but enjoying all the stuff I was doing. Kicking a ball around the park with the little one is not a high stress situation!
Only downsides I have:
1. The HR graph - I like the standard watch face apart from I am not that interested in the heart rate graph or any of the other graphs that can be in the top left corner. Would be good to have some more options for what you can use that part of the screen for.
2. Garmin Connect - when do a workout on the turbo Garmin Connect doesn't seem to recognise the data from Zwift instead of the watch. I take the watch of for turbo workouts and would ve good for the HR data to be filled in by the strap I wear but it seems to keep the two separate.
Garmin Connect – when do a workout on the turbo Garmin Connect doesn’t seem to recognise the data from Zwift instead of the watch. I take the watch of for turbo workouts and would ve good for the HR data to be filled in by the strap I wear but it seems to keep the two separate.
There's an option in the setting of Connect app to make 1 a "preferable device. I use this as I wear a Vivosmart 24/7, but swap my Instinct out for shiny watches at work. Therefore it defers to using the Vivosmart to upload data, but data recorded in the Insinct still uploads/syncs. E.g. HR is from the VivoSmart and not overwritten by the Instinct, but Instinct recorded activities still appear.
Not sure about the stress measurement. Said I was highly stressed on a weekend. I was busy but enjoying all the stuff I was doing. Kicking a ball around the park with the little one is not a high stress situation!
I think the stress measurement just refers to heart stress (ie kind of similar to time spent in various heart rate zones ) as opposed to measuring 'wellbeing' stress. I find it a pointless measurement.
For everyone sitting in the fence on these, H S Johnson are now selling the graphite version at £191.90 with the 5% code
There's been a few comments about Instinct's today, so I wondered how everyone was getting on? They say no news is good news and I haven't heard of any issues. Could this be Garmin's first reliable handy, fit and forget device?
Very happy with mine, its pretty much permanently on when I'm not wearing a mechanical watch for work/dress occasions, does exactly what it says on the tin - battery life is good, its as accurate as published and I maned to shut it in a slamming locker door without a scratch.
Only take mine off when I'm on the bike using the 520+ and HRM or somewhere posh wearing my Junghans. Works pretty well, gets me my Vitality points. Only use GPS mode for hikes, battery is fine for all day outings.
Mine is great - the altitude and flights of steps counter is rubbish but other than that I’m pleased with it. I picked up one if the VA3 Music on the Argos deal but returned it because it felt so cheap in comparison. I wear mine all the time including with a suit occasionally.
Mines fine, as above stairs way off. Not sure about altitude, it does seem to show lower climbing than everyone else I’ve ridden with but they use mobiles.
As I said on the other thread, the stress thing usually shows low and doesn’t log when recording an activity, so what’s the point?
I still get lost in the menus occasionally but it seems rock solid.
seems mostly bug free, which is a surprise compared to my previous garmin watches.
It does have one problem though, the ascent/descent totals recorded during an activity are consistently lower (by between 300 and 500 feet over a 1500-2000 foot vertical ride)than I used to record on various other devices and friends devices
it does seem to show lower climbing than everyone else I’ve ridden with
^^^ yep, definitely low on elevation gain than my other devices (include garmin ones!)
That aside, very happy with my Instinct still.
As mentioned the stairs tracker is poop. But other than that it's exactly what I wanted.
What software version do you lot have on the watch? When I check it says 2.80 but looking online version 4.00 is available? It doesn't seem to update over Connect..
Mine is on v4.0. It updates automatically via garmin connect on the phone (android)
I like mine. The HR is crap when moving though. Had mine on the other day when doing a hospital treadmill test with a hundred and one wires stuck to my body and it was miles off. It’s not a medical instrument though so that’s fine, and I’ve ordered a HR chest strap today.
Mine is on v4.0. It updates automatically via garmin connect on the phone (android)
Hmm, mine isn't automatically updating.
Mine is on v4.0. It updates automatically via garmin connect on the phone (android)
Me too.
Just noticed they've added a few extra colours now too.. like some of those 🤔
Just noticed they’ve added a few extra colours now too.. like some of those 🤔
I wish I hadn't just read that....😩
mine is still on 3.2, though synced through my phone to garmin connect, wonder why ??
wonder why
To be fair I read about it 6 weeks before it actually appeared, and it only happened when I turned the watch off and on again. Try that?
The only time I used the Virtual Partner function, it crashed a couple of Ks in. Screen froze, buttons didn't do anything. Once I'd finished, did a long press to turn it off/on and it had actually recorded everything. Loathe to try it again though.
Otherwise fine. Following trails can be infuriating at times, but then I knew it wouldn't be that good when I bought it, having used non-mapping Edges. Running through forests with lots of trail junctions, you know you're going to have to run down the wrong one before it becomes clear you should've taken the other.
HR can be way off, but I'm not bothered enough to use a chest strap, it'll do.
I contacted Garmin about my Instinct not automatically updating, they asked be to try doing it over a PC. I've done that and its now on v4.00. It had to delete some activities to make room so that may of been the issue?
Might try that, good tip !
For those using a chest heart strap, does the Instinct show that one instead of the wrist one when both in operation ?
With the Fenix 6 out now is the Instinct due an upgrade too? Anyone care to comment on how they have settled into using theirs? Has it turned into just a time telling device or do you actively use the smart features?
Still happy with mine and my go to device for activity tracking (Strava). Only bugbear is the ascent measurement for activities as it does come up very low (2/3rds what other devices measure). It does seem a bit of a regular gripe having done a bit of searching but haven't found a solution although its been a while since i looked.
With regard updating software, mine did require clearing activities on the watch to enable space for the update...worked fine after that.
Still enjoying mine but as mentioned the ascent is way off 🙁
Using my iPhone for Strava
Swapped mine for a fenix 6 Pro.
The instinct was a cracking watch though, and easily the best value of all the garmin outdoorsy watches.
The screen was fantastic, really easy to read, but The altitude issue did annoy me though, apart from that it was a great watch
How does the Garmin compare to Suunto Spartan Ultra. I’m torn between the two
I got the lakeside blue (and sold my black one) which looks great with an orange strap.
Found elevation to be pretty accurate TBH.
Have an eye on the Fenix 6x pro tho... maybe in the new year.... 🤓
Loving mine. I do fancy a Fenix 6, but the Instinct does all I need. Think the 6 is maybe a bit bulkier too, which I don’t really want.
How are people getting on with these? Been offered a 30% trade in for my dying forerunner 220 and fancy one
Mine’s great. Only things to better it would be pay and music; I always have my phone with me on bike ride so to be honest it’s not really needed.
Was looking at a F6Pro, but think I’ll keep this for the foreseeable.
Still liking mine although the under calculating on ascent whilst riding is annoying....it has improved after a bit of cleaning of the sensor area though and, given I use it mostly with Strava, Strava does have an elevation correction function on the desktop version that I can use if I think its way out.
Can’t see past mine, does all I need and a bit more.
Happy with mine
Great watches, I upgraded to a Fenix 6x Pro. Most days I wish I hadn’t.
I'm still happy with mine. Use it as an everyday watch, and for walking and cycling etc.
I have now got a Forerunner 245 Music as well. I'm using that for most running instead. It is a bit slimmer and lighter, and handy to have the MP3 player built in. Other than, not much difference.
Pretty good but as mentioned elevation accuracy is way off !
Still loving mine but yeah the elevation is bonkers. A 15 mile beach ride had me at 3000ft elevation. Dipped to -300ft a few times!
What is the tactical edition? Is there much difference to the normal one
https://blog.ja-gps.com.au/2019/08/garmin-instinct-tactical-edition-whats-changed/
My instinct is a pain in the arse - in a good way. I like proper mechanical watches so before lockdown had a rotation of a few and the Instinct wasn’t being used. Because I wanted a square G-SHOCK, I put the instinct on day 1 of lockdown to test the digital watch theory. Other than charging I haven’t taken it off since and have actually used it more for activities. So my other watches go unused. It also tracks my sleep and hr better the the Mi band I have on the other wrist, with the new Body Battery being quite useful. It’s of course very solid.
I was looking an the new Venu, but can justify £300 vs the less “shiny” instinct which will take bike related and fettling related beatings all day without troubling my nerves.
What is the tactical edition? Is there much difference to the normal one
It has a different sort of screen, designed to work with night vision goggles. And a few extra features in software, eg calculating parachute jumps, and displaying 2 position formats at once.
Don't think there's much point in paying extra for it (unless you are using night vision goggles or jumping out of planes).
Mine reported my ride as 3000ft below sea level the other day. The Altimeter has always been glitchy. Might annoy a few parachutists!
It’s a good me proof watch overall with the altimeter being it’s one irritation for me.
I have the graphite. I got it instead of an Apple watch cos its much cheaper - they are on discount permanently. Very happy on the whole. I don't think you need a chest HR - when I've checked the watch gives accurate measurements. I've used it for exercise and also for navigation - it can be a bit fiddly if yiou don't use it often enough to remember what the correct sequence of buttons is!
Do you think the release of the upgraded Instinct yesterday with the solar power and some extra tech constitutes an Instinct 2? to run like the Fenix line? Or just a mid life upgrade to keep current with the 2 still to come? I'm tempted to sell my Instinct for the solar upgrade.
I’m tempted to sell my Instinct for the solar upgrade.
Likewise, although I decided £350 wasn’t worth one less charge on a lead per month. If I was a heavy user of its outdoor capability maybe I would. I think it’s a nice upgrade personally, and what more would you add to an Insinct before it became a Fenix, as the differential is now basically looks and ruggedness.
I think they don't view it as a new version as such, although its got entirely new internals.
Looks great, but not enough to convince me to upgrade. Maybe F6 Pro later in year, but the solar version doesn't sound as good as the solar instinct in terms of battery benefits.
Cant say there's anything glaringly wrong with my current Instinct and Ive never felt battery life was an issue so no reason to upgrade from my perspective
Yes it is price that is holding me back, quite a jump from the original, which I think was one of the most attractive features being able to pick one up for around £200. The new price takes it nearer used Fenix 6 prices and there it sort of blurs into which you would rather have when spending that amount of money.
The solar version looks neat. I think the big difference is the new more efficient GPS chipset, so it uses much less battery. The battery on my old Instinct is usually good enough for me. But would be nice to have longer for audax, or ultramarathons, or away touring for a few days, without worrying about plugging it in.
And would be nice to have tide data as well. Not for surfing, but just for walking on the beach.
Though I'm not going to pay £350/£400 for it. Maybe in a year or two, when it gets a bit cheaper.
still like mine, but i'm finding it's very, very slow to sync with Connect after a ride (usually need to prompt it), and it frequently drops its connection with my phone when i'm in the same room, within meters of it (or, even, if I'm lay in the park with the phone one side of me and the watch on the other).
any ideas? I've cleared caches, re-set the BT connection between them etc. it'll be good for a few days, then be crap for a few hours, and then good again...
New one does look nice.
Anyone having issues with elevation?
I did a ride last week and the instinct had double the elevation of my Lezyne for the same route.
What's everyone calibrating the elevation from?
Elevation has become awful on mine. I just correct it in Strava when the ride has uploaded. I tried cleaning the barometer as recommended by Garmin Support but didn't make much difference.
I think it’s a nice upgrade personally, and what more would you add to an Insinct before it became a Fenix, as the differential is now basically looks and ruggedness.
That and hooking up to power meters, Varia radar etc. And the maps, music, garmin pay. Otherwise it's the same 🙂
Picked up a new Instinct Solar. Was looking at the Fenix 6 pro, but simply could not justify the price. Like Krypton I prefer wearing my mechanical watches at work - so the Instinct is only for sports and weekend. Like the g shock style - always been a big fan of G shocks and had the new G Shock HR watch been better, I would have been tempted. But the reviews seem pretty poor so far.
Really disappointed that Garmin has not brought PacePro to the Instinct. It seems a feature that Instinct users would definitely use. I'm going to keep an eye on the Black Friday deals to see if it is worth jumping to the Fenix 6 just for this feature.
If anyone’s looking for an Instinct JuraWatches have a sale on - non Solar mk1 for £199 and Solar for under £299.
There’s a plethora of offer codes on the site - I haven’t played with them but you might be able to get another 10% off of that for 1st purchase or Black Friday using the relevant codes.
Because I have worked from home the majority of this year I feel like my instinct has become a bit redundant. I like the vibration only alarm but other than that I don't seem to use any of the features anymore. It works to alert me that I have a notification on my phone but being able to view them isn't very helpful.
On my bike (both road and MTB) I prefer to use my Edge and a HR strap as the wrist isn't the best place and most comfortable. So it feels a bit like an expensive G-Shock at the moment. I used to love it but it just feels a bit dated now. I think the elevation thing doesn't help either as I don't trust it for that aspect as it feels like a random number generator.
Thanks @Kryton57 I've been waiting to see if I can get one for a bit less in the next week or so. Just trying to decide if the solar is worth the extra money.
I've got a solar, I'd say it's definitely worth the extra. I did a 5 day bikepacking trip with mine a couple of months ago and using it as a smart watch and not a tracker I had the same power reserve when I returned as when I left - 17 days.
I think I've charged mine twice since picking it up and I generally use it as my day to day smar****ch, if I'm not wearing it I'll leave it on the window-sill and it'll top itself up over the course of the day.
It is quite chunky but I find them to be generally quite comfy and the user interface is a bit "garmin" in terms if intuitiveness etc but if you're set on an Instinct then I'd go solar every time.
Thanks @IvanDobski it's the not having o worry about charging it when camping etc. plus the better HRM that's selling it.
I upgraded from an Instinct to an Instinct Solar a month back, primarily for the better HRM, and am pleased I did. I have some heart issues and use a chest strap and Garmin 530 when riding. I do a bit of walking while working from home for fresh air and mind health and log those on the Instinct, with the Solar being a load more accurate on HR.
Battery life, even though largely inside/wearing it under a jacket if outside, is noticeably better, and the Apps are less clunky.
I have worn the Instinct daily since original purchase 2 yrs ago, and my nice Omega feels a bit unloved now...
My Instict Solar is going back next week, I have tried to make the optical pulse sensor work for more than an hour since I got it a month ago and had no joy. Tried all the reset options available, the only time it works for more than 5 minutes is when my wrist is sweaty after bike efforts.
In case anyone is after a Solar model, Millets have them for £245, which is a good bit cheaper than anywhere else. And they're on Topchashback as well!
Made the jump from the Mk1 Instinct to the Solar. Heard about PacePro and made the jump to Fenix 6 via Black Friday deal. Glad I did. Bit heavier, but just as comfortable. Loving PacePro. It really is making my runs have a very clear and definite objective. Is it worth the extra money, hmmmm. I'd go back to a Solar if PacePro trickles down that far.
Millets have them for £245
Hmm, small work bonus = trinket, not sure my casual use warrant the swap to a solar though even if I could sell the I original on. And a choice of the same grey or an upgrade to blue.
Ooh been looking for a deal on the solar, and that’s very tempting. Sensible graphite or tidal blue though? Hard to tell how bright the blue is in real life
I've gone sensible graphite, probably buy a lairy strap at some point, blue or orange!
Tried to order Solar from millets but my order was cancelled as there is no stock. Still showing on website. There is a good deal on the regular version on Amazon though, £169