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Instinct 2 Solar (Tactical) "Washed Out" Display: Anyone else having this problem w/their display?

DevilFrog

T

The GI2 (on right) is much more "washed out" and closer to purple when compared to the original's vibrant blue (on left); both are backlit to 100%. Moreover, the viewing angle on the GI2 is simply terrible... clearly, the new "domed" PowerGlass does not add one of the primary advantages of having a domed crystal which is improving the visibility at acute angles (especially underwater) by mitigating light reflectiveness. I'm not impressed at all. As opposed to the original solar models, the new GI2s have a "full" solar panel behind the display, so this may be the cause of both the tint and viewing discrepancies; I've contacted Garmin support and am waiting for some explanation... hopefully it is just that I may have a defective watch (which can then be replaced by Garmin).  Also, much as I appreciate the improved display resolution of 176x176 (which does make the text look crisper), they've taken advantage of that to make the overall text smaller in order to fit more data displayed on the screen size; that's all well and good, but it does make it more of a strain for legibility... not all of us have a 25 y/o sight. As usual, Garmin did incorporate a font size setting; I've provided them with that feedback and feature suggestion, so hopefully they will add that in a future update.  Has anyone else noticed this issue? 

  • 0 in reply to 7618017

    I decided to return watch. Main reason was mentioned above screen issue. Of course I could live with that, but come on - not for that money. It's hard to find similar problem in any other watch at the market even in very affordable products. Ok, I heard Descend has similar problem... Sorry, this is Garmin, too ;)

    Seriously, explanation that this is different display doesn't sound good. There are so many display types on the market, different refresh rates ect and Garmin can spoil simple LCD display...

    I'll be happy to buy Instinct 2 one more time if this issue will be solved, overall it is very nice watch. For now I'll stay with Instinct 1 Solar.

    Thank you guys you keep this thread alive.

  • 0 in reply to 7618017

    As much as I would love to see an official response from Garmin, I wouldn't hold my breath. It looks like they are busy trying to get the Starbucks app to work properly. A top priority feature for any military in the field, for who this watch apparently is designed for given the "wear on this inside of the wrist" suggestion.

  • 0 in reply to raf200

    Meanwhile, I just ordered my Instinct 2 Solar Tactical despite this thread and checking one out IRL and seeing the issue really is not like people here are making it out to be.

  • 0 in reply to NoTrux
    I have IS 2 Tactical and I don't have that problem either. Visibility is great, in the sun, where the other watches are 100% bright and matte, the IS 2 with 5% brightness is perfectly visible, see DC Rainmaker reviews, etc. At night when I look at the watch, I also see good. I do not solve the fact that it is harder to see from an ultra-sharp angle. I think the unfortunates of this thread have some other series. Even the display in the introductory photos is blue, which the watch does not have. Probably a faulty series.
  • 0 in reply to NoTrux

    That's awesome; seriously.  If that is the case, then maybe it was a circumstance of  a "first production run" or something.  Seems you got lucky, and that's a good thing... enjoy the watch, it really does have great features.  

  • 0

    Finally saw an actual reviewer mention the issue on his 6 day review of the watch.  He did a side-by-side comparison with the original one, and although it was difficult to see on camera with his recording lights, he did specify that the problem exists when the backlight is in use in a dark environment (as I mentioned in the initial post).  Anyhow, for those that wish to see it, here's the link to his video:  https://youtu.be/1Av_IzA3iUo   (time mark 00:20:00 if you don't care for the entire review).  I'm glad to read these later posts here... seems that some users are reporting that the problem isn't present in their new IS2s; maybe those of us that do have this issue with ours were simply unlucky with the first production run.  Hopefully Garmin will offer the RMA exchange, but I've yet to hear back from them since my latest call / open ticket. 

  • 0 in reply to DevilFrog

    I mentioned it and my experience was discounted.  I have a tac on the way, maybe it will be a problem, maybe not, but the one in store was fine.

    Considering Garmin took care of people with the washed out displays on the Fenix 6, I don't think there will be a problem here for those that find it an issue.

  • 0 in reply to TeaRacer

    Hey thanks a lot for sharing your experience and good for you that you don't have those issues!

    Daylight visibility is also mostly good, expect for very extreme angles, which is fine. It's in low light conditions with backlight on (doesn't matter which %) that I have this blue and in many situations unreadable display; see here: https://v.redd.it/ias30dzksln81/DASH_1080.mp4?source=fallback

    You can also see how blue the display is.

    So you are saying your watch is definitely nothing like that? Because that would tell me there is a manufacturing issue going on with mine, and then I would file an exchange with Garmin and see if I get a non-faulty unit.

  • 0 in reply to NoTrux

    Here's to hoping you receive a device without the issue - keep us posted, maybe even with some pics?

    I really hope it turns out that we people with this blue tinted display issue are the minority and can get a fix / RMA.

  • 0 in reply to NoTrux

    You were criticized because you discounted the existence of an issue for several other users based on that one personal observation in-store.

    But let's not continue this, glad you ordered one to add to the number of observations we collect in this thread. Also, hoping for you that indeed you get a watch with a good display, if plan on keeping it!

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