Instinct 2 vs Forerunner 945/955 (Upgrading 735xt)

Hello,

A couple of years ago I got my first Garmin watch - a forerunner 735xt used on ebay.  I have loved this watch and it has suited my needs greatly.  I had originally intended it for use in training for my first triathlon.  Due to health and discipline issues, I still haven't gotten the triathlon done (maybe this will finally be the year), but I have found that my preferred activities are running/walking, cycling, and swimming.  I also do weight training, and while the 735xt works for that, it is really hard to tell how accurate the biometrics tracking is for these activities.  Anyway, the 735xt is doing ok, but the battery life is getting a little bit lower and I am looking to upgrade.  I have a very limited budget, but I can find the instinct 2 and 955 refurbished for about the same price.  (or a 945 used/refurbished for about half the price of either).  I do not really care about smart phone features and like the toughness of the instinct , but I do like the screen environment and the lightness of the forerunner (I guess I am used to it with the 735xt).  Any thoughts?

  • I was after FR945 and Instinct 2 last year when was searching for some Garmin. well, FR seems to be great all round watch incl. maps which you won't find on instincts. battery wise it won't last as long as instinct (at least in standby) plus the difference is  in their looks. FR definitely more of a sport watch while instinct more of a rugged thing.

    However I do run, cycle, hike and what-not with I2 and need to say it has all sport features I could dream of, recently even training readiness.  So it serves as a sport watch 100%.

    I guess its looks/screen/battery life and that map on FR that really you need to decide yourself on.

  • I would add the bigger screen of the FR series vs the really small screen of the I2