My Instinct is exaggerating elevation big time.

I was happy to get a HRM that would give me elevation data so I could leave my Suunto at home.
Turns out the Instinct is woefully inaccurate, usually doubling the elevation gain on any given hike.
Is this a common occurrence or is something wrong with my device. Maybe I can return it.

0 Dready74 over 3 years ago

I have the same issue since upgrade to ver 17.00. In addition, the altimeter set to auto does not remain stable even when I am stationary at my desk: it continues to vary the altitude by +/- 20m and sometimes even by 50m.

I think my other problem of the exaggerated counting of floors climbed is also linked to this because while I walk on the level, the device detects a change in altitude and therefore thinks that I am climbing the stairs (at the end of the day it marks me on average 50-60 floors when in reality it is I only made 10-15)

0 6704707 over 3 years ago

Same issue here. My 1,100m elevation run yesterday (according to map data) showed as 2,900m according to my Instinct.

0 Adam H over 3 years ago in reply to 6704707

Same here. And I have no idea how to fix it. I gave tried everything and nothing seems to work

0 adkneil over 3 years ago in reply to Adam H

I spoke with a salesman at my local Garmin store and explained my complaint with the elevation data. His reply was there must be something wrong with the device and to return it for a new one. This I can't do because it is beyond the one-year warranty.
But, based on the replies to this thread I suspect the model itself has a weakness. Maybe if we all complain to Garmin directly they will update the software with this in mind.

Are these forums read by Garmin employees?

0 trux over 3 years ago

You can get much better results from the altimetr if you learn some tricks. Some tips are available for example in the following thread (but you will find many other relevant threads in the Instinct forum)

https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mobile-apps-web/f/garmin-connect-mobile-ios/299038/different-elevation-gain-and-descent-on-a-circular-course/1446173#1446173