Garmin Instinct in 2023

Hi everyone!

I need your advice. I want to buy my first Garmin watch and I chose the Instict model. It looks cool, has great running time, and is available at a good discount right now. But yesterday, after reading the reviews on this forum, I was a little shocked at how many problems these watches have, especially with the barometer/altimeter/thermometer (here is the link).

forums.garmin.com/.../barometer-altimeter-and-thermometer-issue

I'm wondering how the watch performs in 2023 after probably a bunch of firmware updates released. Should I be wary of barometer/altimeter/thermometer malfunctions like the link above?
I like the way the watch looks and the functionality. But I don't want to buy it if the problems are not solved, because it would be very difficult for me to make a return. I agree that the barometer or altimeter readings are not accurate. But the fact that they may stop working altogether discourages me from buying one.

I hope for your help and advice.

  • The particular issue discussed in that thread, is caused by a corrupted firmware or defect hardware. It is relatively rare and the warranty would cover it. Please note, that practically only people experiencing some problems come to discuss here to the forum. There are many thousands of others who have no such problems at all.

    However, Instinct (esp. the 1st gen) has the pressure port opening quite close to the skin, which often creates elevation accuracy issues. It is not too difficult to work around it though, so you can learn to live with it without too many troubles. You'll find plenty of threads on that topic here, on the forum, too.

  • Thank you for your response. I'll take my chances and buy them.

  • Go for it! Best watches i ever had. Wink since 03/21

    Tactical edition... ...but... only because of the color, never used any tactical cool addons, cos no NV... ShrugGrinning And, in my opinion, the mighty Stealth mode is no more, than regular airplane mode with different icon...

    Anyway, about alt/bar sensor - It was maddnes since day one! Nihtmare! Bought Instinct 2 as soon as I can. Face palmAnd you know what? Even deeper sh t! Face palmSmirk So I bought Fenix 6.(2 months ago) ...and you know what? I was happy until FW 25.00 was autoupdated. Face palmFace palmFace palmPoopUnamused 

    ...but, meanwhile, Garmin engeneers somehow resolve the problem on Instinct 1 in FW 18.10. With this, IT finally works! It's last FW for instinct, with text labels on the map, by the way...

    So, my advice is Turn of autoupdate and don't install latest fw. ...and you 'll might be happy.Slight smileWink

  • Thank you for the info, I will keep it in my mind. Before buying Garmin Instinct, check for resolved barometer/altimeter/thermometer issues based on recent user feedback. But you can use this apps.apple.com/.../id1542349316 app without any hesitation, I borrowed money from them before, best purchase Now I must say, Borrow money seamlessly with Payday Say App. Say goodbye to financial worries and hello to quick relief!