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

DevilFrog
over 3 years ago

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 over 3 years ago in reply to raf200

    Sure I can; and I'll do the same with the original solar tactical as well. Lighting wont be exactly the same (it was a skylight, and it is now dark outside, but close enough)  Here you go (hopefully these will stay up... apparently I abused someone's sensitivities and got 'flagged')

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to raf200

    ...and here's the original solar tactical:

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to raf200

    ...and just in case, here they are side by side, again, but this time with the IS2 Tactical upside down, so as to compare the 'corrected' visibility next to the original; as evident, the screen can be read easily (at an even 'steeper' angle than the original) when in the inverted position.  It is clear that it is the polarization that is oriented incorrectly, and thus a manufacturing error... or MY watch is defective.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Why is this topic still active? If you’re unhappy with the display, return the watch and move on. Complaining here does virtually nothing but returning the watch to the dealer and having them deal with Garmin is by far more effective…are you following?

    As I said earlier, misery loves company but there’s got to be a point where you say enough is enough and move on. 

    And yes, I bought the Descent G1 which is based off of the new Instinct and it has the exact same issue. But, the watch display is perfectly fine without the backlight and when it has to be used, I twist my wrist a few extra millimeters to see it better.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to DevilFrog

    I was flagged for comments that were totally; as I said previously, it's some users that abuse this system to shut down discussion or opinions that are going against their beliefs. 

    Thanks for posting even more pics. Was the response from Garmin any help?

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to 7618017

    What's funny is some of my comments were flagged last week.  Completely innocuous ones.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to DevilFrog

    Thanks for all photos. Heh, difference is significant between GI1 and GI2. If they only could keep display setup from GI1 we would get effect like at your last photo and there would be no issue at all.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to DevilFrog

    You could take pictures of the watch to have the same angle. The first photo shows that IS2 has a much steeper angle. That's enough, a few degrees and everything is different. Thank you

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to 7618017

    The rep stated that as a follow-up he can confirm that his [product engineering] team has not reported a change in production, and cannot therefore guarantee that an exchanged watch will not have the same issue.  However, as a "one time good will" (which he clearly specified twice), he would provide an exchange within the next 30 days.

    So yeah, considering that there are several posters advising that the problem isn't present on their devices, and banking on the possibility that we are now in second or third production run (which may be why those posters don't have the issue present), I'll wait until the last day and submit the exchange... hopefully I'll have a better luck of the draw.  Lastly, (before anyone comments negatively) I have not, nor will I, return it to the merchant;  the issue with the watch has nothing to do with them... it seems it is a manufacturing issue (quality control oversight) directly from Garmin, and that is what warranties are for.