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Garmin Instinct ... wortwhile upgrade?

DLee512
over 4 years ago

Hi all, 

Need some advices as my itch for new toy has got me seriously considering the Garmin Instinct.

First of all, bit of background on my exercise. I am primarily a runner, and have been using my Garmind Vivoactive HR as my running tracker for 3+ years now. I also cycle, strength-train, all my data are on Garmin Connect and I am not looking to leave the eco-system, thus looking to stay with Garmin. 

The 3+ years old VHR leave a few things to be desired, and hence I've been looking to upgrade the past year or so: 

- Biggest issue I have is I like to run without the phone, but I also like to run with music. VHR does not support music storage, and today I run with my Samsung Active 2 (which SUCKS as an activity tracker, but is a good smart watch) on 1 wrist, which I use to stream Spotify music I download to my BT earbuds; and VHR on my other wrist. Aside from the fact I look like a dork wearing 2 watches :) , the other problem is Active 2 doesn't even work that well streaming music. There's frequent disconnect, Spotify app crashes often, and I have to stop and fix it before I run again. This is even worse when I'm cycling. So I'm looking to upgrade to a wearble that can track my runs AND stream music, so I don't have to wear 2 devices

- I also want to have more advanced tracking from my device. VHR does not track body battery, recovery time, VO2Max, stress level etc ... while not a must, I think it would be cool to tap into more advanced health stats

Which lead me to start my search for a new fitness tracker the past year, and ... 

- Initially I was looking at VA4, which checks all the check-boxes. But I think VA4 is kinda expensive for what it is (CAD$479+tax = over $500) ... waiting for it to go on sale. Plus, its design is rather bland. 

- I also looked at VA3 Music, which is a great deal with its reduced price. But VA3 still doesn't give me the body battery, recovery time etc. ... also, anything under 44mm would look a little small on my wrist. I prefer bigger watches. 

- Fenix series is obviously very nice, and is big and bold enough, but they are WAY too expensive, especially when you have to go to the Fenix5 Pro's for music storage, and you are looking at $700+

- Which lead me to eventually look at the Instinct. I don't mind the black and white screen, I like the "G-shock like" design, it has long battery life, and it tracks plenty of advancced stats. The only kicker is it still doesn't give me music storage, which is a real bummer. 

I have hence resolved there is no 'perfect wearable' out there unless I spend over $700 for a Fenix (and even then you can argue it isn't perfect) and Instinct seems to be a decent compromise. I just have to either keep wearing my Samsung Active2 to stream music, or get some kind of small clip-on MP3 player with BT capability when I go run. 

What do you guys think? Would Instinct be a worthwhile upgrade over VHR? What's your experience with it? 

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    Instinct does not have a music player. It can only control a music player on your phone.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to trux

    Thanks, yes I know the instinct doesn't have music storage. Just wondering how it compares to VHR for other things I'm looking for, and if it is a worthwhile upgrade for about $300

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to DLee512
    DLee512 said:
    Just wondering how it compares to VHR for other things I'm looking for, and if it is a worthwhile upgrade for about $300

    It is really difficult to tell, because we do not know your needs, requirements, preferences, and the modes of use. For example for me Instinct was the only viable option, aside from the much more expensive Fenix 5/6 and MK1, because of its water resistance (100m unlike the rest that has only 50m water resistance), and also the support of swimming activites. On the other hand Instinct does not support the Connect IQ technology, has no VO₂Max (+related functions), and is missing also some other features like Running Dynamics, that I'd prefer having. So, Instinct has many advantages over other models, but also many disatvantages, and it only depends on your needs and requirements whether it will fit you well or not. Nobody can advise you without knowing those.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to trux

    Thanks ... yeah like I said, primarily I am a runner, I'd like to track my runs with basic stats (pace, distance, calories burnt etc.). I'd like to see training effects, recovery time (should I recover or should I run again?) but I don't need advanced running dynamics (oscillation, contact time, etc etc.) 

    I also do strength training, cycle, and various cardios ... but I just need to see the basic stats and training effects. 

    I don't reallt need Instinct's outdoor features (bread crumbs, barometer etc.)

    To me I think it will probably come down to Instinct vs VA4. I like Instinct's lower price, and its style (VA4 looks bland to me) ... but I also want to make sure it meets my needs and it is a worthwhile upgrade over the VA HR that I use today. 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to DLee512

    Instinct does not have the feature Training Effect - it is based on the VO₂Max measuring, and that's not supported by Instinct.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to trux

    If you want it prinicpally for running, look rather at Forerunner. For example FR 235 was on an anniversary sale this week for just $140 in Garmin's store. Now it is back to $250, but still less expensive than the basic version of Instinct, and it is better equipped for runners.