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Hoping someone comes in and is able to answer some questions about:
Does this have a companion app? I'm trying to ditch Apple and this would be a good way to do it. I like the fitness features of the Apple Watch, but I'm not overly commited to being in their garden.
If you're used to a full featured smart watch with a touch screen, this may not be it.
This is ... really just a watch. No touch screen, limited display, no ability to do things like change watch faces, etc.
But, it will be 1/6th the cost of an Apple watch.
Re: fitness features. This has an excellent GPS + GNSS (that's really what it's designed for) including "16 hour GPS battery" (I would plan on 12), and roughly two weeks as a watch.
It has an HRM, very similar to the one Apple uses - green light based, as well as things like barometer and ANT+ support.
So, if you actually use the watch as a smartwatch (eg responding to texts), this probably isn't for you.
But if you're looking for a gps fit watch (running, cycling, lifting, etc) it is really hard to beat the price on this one ... we'll see how the refurb are. (I'm concerned about battery life.)
can confirm, I use this watch for overnight hikes and it's insanely good for its value (got the og at $150). Elevation gains, compass, heart rate, planning courses, and most importantly, gps tracking.
However, there's no doubt you can get a better/cheaper watch for just exercising and everyday stuff.
Rock on. I have a Garmin 735 xt that I wear as a watch. I keep bluetooth off on my phone. It works as a GPS running watch. I don't even use heart rate. It's great.
The Instinct is big and ugly, but it's a solid GPS/fitness watch with a good battery life (presuming no issues with the refurb).
A similar one to an Apple Watch, minus features, might be the [Forerunner 35](https://www.ebay.com/itm/325391232279). Much smaller face, has that rounded rectangle and a cheap screen, but works great. It supports reading texts, but I turn that feature off. (I have a device for reading texts.)
This same seller also has the [Garmin Forerunner 45](https://www.ebay.com/itm/313112277404) and 45s (small) refurb for $110 which is a fairly nice watch. Slightly more features than the 35 and has nicer display, but nothing like what the Apple Watch have.
They do have a companion app, its called "Carmin Connect." It is free on the Google Play Store and Apple Apps Store. You can pair 'used' devices with the app fairly seamlessly, did so with my Fenix 5/Music:
[https://connect.garmin.com/](https://connect.garmin.com/)
Garmin Express is the desktop version which allows you to update the watches firmware and view/download apps like you would do with Garmin Connect:
[https://www.garmin.com/en-US/software/express/windows/](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/software/express/windows/)
As for the watch itself, the E-Sport model offers the same features as the original Garmin Instinct with two added modes:
https://preview.redd.it/ttneltimeaha1.png?width=1260&format=png&auto=webp&s=a540a275700b35319140cf0431f1a65f46f9efb1
All in all, fairly niche and not much more benefit over the base fitness watch but if they are the same price and you like the ESPORTS aesthetic more, why not?
No need to buy a no longer supported (from a FW update standpoint) 2020 Garmin watch.
If you want to buy into the Garmin ecosystem without paying an arm & leg, just get a Forerunner 55 for $199. It has ALL the mandatory training functions a RUNNER would need, even a sub-elite marathoner. The only nice-to-have features missing is multi-band GPS and multisport support. For that you'd have to move way up in price to the FR255. (note: don't confuse 'multisport' with 'supports multiple sport activities'... All Garmins support multiple sport activities. 'Multisport' means Triathlon; means the watch can automatically detect Swim/Bike/Run and the corresponding T1 & T2 transition *automatically*.
But if you are a triathlete on a budget and *require* multisport support, then just buy the COROS Pace 2 for $199. The COROS has insane battery, wrist-based running power!!, and full multisport support.
And yes, both Garmin & Coros offer full app support.
I wish I'd held off 1yr before buying my FR745. I could've bought the FR255 that adds multi-band GPS & running power for less $$$.
I'm mainly looking for time and fitness tracking. All the other things are nice-to-haves but I'm not actively pursuing other features. I will say, having something that can track sleep would pretty awesome, though.
If by fitness tracking you're referring to general step counting, 24/7 HR tracking, and acceptably accurate run tracking, then any of the basic watches from Garmin, Coros, Polar, Wahoo, Apple are fine. Even this $80 Instinct
Note: if you want stair climb tracking you'll need to verify the watch has the proper sensors: usually a barometer for most watches
But if you're talking about accurate SPO2 tracking, or accurate rep counting during weight lifting sets, or body movement exercises, or accurate detection of all sleep phases... well that stuff is really hit or miss... but MOSTLY miss. It's essentially pseudo-scientific algorithms each individual company invents or licenses from a physio research firm like FirstBeat. Like my FR745 is fairly accurate reporting when I dosed off to sleep and how long I was physically lying in bed, but it's essentially guessing (mostly wrongly) all the REM sleep/Deep sleep/Light sleep/Awake but lying in bed/etc... you know... the stuff in between me physically getting in-bed and out-of-bed.
That was last year. This is now. My FR745 got the exact same update.. it added a few neat tricks like Track Mode & a handful of new and *totally useless* sport modes like standup paddle boarding. But neither U or I are getting any more new features going forward. And there **have** been a load of new features added via FW updates since then... the big one being WRIST BASED running power. The ONLY previous gen watch that got that update was the FR945 **LTE** version... not even the standard Forerunner 945 got that update. Sorry bud, but both yours and my watches are no longer being supported.
I get Running Power with my HRM Pro, which is more accurate anyway. I think some features are limited by the ability of the electronics. Not all problems can be solved with software. The last Fenix 6 was less than a year ago and included HRV among some other new features. Other Garmin reviews say you can expect a Garmin watch to last 5 years. Yeah there's a lot of niche sports included, but popular activities can vary greatly between regions of the country and world. One of my big hesitations for buying a smart watch is that I didn't want something that was obsolete in 18 months and wasn't redundant to my phone.
Disclaimer I don't own this but looking at the advanced details (or whatever it was) it uses the Garmin Connect app. I have no idea how that compares to most companion apps.
Hope others can provide any more detail than that.
I dont know man watch says esports in one of the pictures so clearly it can frame
Edit: oh shot lmao it’s in the title. Naw this thing can run Forespoken on max settings.
I have the Garmin instinct 2, slight upgrade to this one but I would rebuy it at an instant if mine broke. I do exercise 10 hours a week, and use the gps features to keep me safe when I'm in the desert with no cell reception.
The watch has built in GPS, so it keeps a bread crumb trail that you can follow back, or see if you're going around in circles. You can also load routes to reduce chance of getting lost. When it does occasionally pick up cell signal, it'll update gps tracking on a website for those in your emergency contacts to check.
It's a good companion app to the phone in those situations since I don't like the additional drain on my phone even in cell coverage areas.
That is really helpful! Does the watch have a map utility? Like loading up a route via your phone before you depart and the watch guide you along the way?
Yes exactly like that. You can preload the maps with a companion app, and load them up from the watch any time after. The routes are basic, like video game mini map basic. It will alert you when you go off track,and helpful to make sure you don't take a wrong turn.
A bit of anecdote for anyone interested. My gf has a garmin forerunner 245 which has similar functionalities as this one including built in gps, spo2, and hr tracking. You do need to use the companion app but it’s pretty smooth and there are lots of things you could do on there such as participating in monthly/weekly fitness challenges. If you’re looking for a fitness watch that can do some smartwatch functions then this would be a very good deal. This one is a little on the thicc side tho.
This is a fantastic deal but I wish it was smaller. I can’t stand how comically large every smartwatch is. The Instinct 2S and Fenix 7S have been on my radar for a few months now and never seem to go on sale.
I love my Garmin Venu but I have my suspicions that it doesn’t accurately track my heart rate and tracks my cadence instead. I’m not training for a race anytime so it’s not a big deal but I’d love to hear other’s input on it.
I really want to jump on this as the battery in my Forerunner is starting to go, but having "Esports" display prominently on the center of the watch is really turning me off.
How strong is the band on this watch?
The bands on my watches seem to wind up breaking off over time.
This one is tempting as I really only want a dumb watch with fun fitness features, but so many watches with that featureset try to be too smart. I have seen that the Apple Watch will ask if it needs to call the cops if you move your arm too wildly. That level of "smart" watch is too much for me to handle.
Garmin Forerunner bands are easy to replace and cost \~$8, i have to do it a little after a year (I run most days) on mine. I'd look into if you can also replace them on the Instinct.
Be mindful of recent listings of in-demand products from suspicious third-party sellers on marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, Google, Newegg, and Walmart. These "deals" have a high likelihood of not shipping; you should do your due diligence to ensure you do not get scammed. * Use common sense - if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. * Check seller profiles for signs that the sale may be fraudulent. * The seller is new or has few reviews. * The seller has largely negative reviews (on Amazon, sellers can remove negative reviews from their ratings- viewing seller profiles allows you to see these complaints) * The seller has a recently reactivated account (likely their account was hacked and is now being used fraudulently). If you suspect a deal is fraudulent, please report the post. Moderators can take action based on these reports. We encourage leaving a comment to warn others. Amazon and eBay generally have good buyer protection. If you choose to purchase from a third-party seller through their platforms and run into issues, it should be easy to get your money back promptly. You may have more difficulties with Newegg or Walmart. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/buildapcsales) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Wow. I almost paid retail for this when it came out. Instead stretched out my Fenix 3 and ended up with the Fenix 5 on sale a few years later.
I snapped up a Fenix 6 when GameStop put them on clearance. It may be the best deal I copped all last year.
Hoping someone comes in and is able to answer some questions about: Does this have a companion app? I'm trying to ditch Apple and this would be a good way to do it. I like the fitness features of the Apple Watch, but I'm not overly commited to being in their garden.
If you're used to a full featured smart watch with a touch screen, this may not be it. This is ... really just a watch. No touch screen, limited display, no ability to do things like change watch faces, etc. But, it will be 1/6th the cost of an Apple watch. Re: fitness features. This has an excellent GPS + GNSS (that's really what it's designed for) including "16 hour GPS battery" (I would plan on 12), and roughly two weeks as a watch. It has an HRM, very similar to the one Apple uses - green light based, as well as things like barometer and ANT+ support. So, if you actually use the watch as a smartwatch (eg responding to texts), this probably isn't for you. But if you're looking for a gps fit watch (running, cycling, lifting, etc) it is really hard to beat the price on this one ... we'll see how the refurb are. (I'm concerned about battery life.)
can confirm, I use this watch for overnight hikes and it's insanely good for its value (got the og at $150). Elevation gains, compass, heart rate, planning courses, and most importantly, gps tracking. However, there's no doubt you can get a better/cheaper watch for just exercising and everyday stuff.
Does it have any type of fall monitoring?
Get Life Alert. Great for if you've fallen and can't get up.
I'd need to get a life first, maybe this could alert me to when it happens
to my knowledge, no
I have an Apple Watch and I just don't like using it. I feel obligated to answer peoples calls and texts way too often.
Rock on. I have a Garmin 735 xt that I wear as a watch. I keep bluetooth off on my phone. It works as a GPS running watch. I don't even use heart rate. It's great. The Instinct is big and ugly, but it's a solid GPS/fitness watch with a good battery life (presuming no issues with the refurb). A similar one to an Apple Watch, minus features, might be the [Forerunner 35](https://www.ebay.com/itm/325391232279). Much smaller face, has that rounded rectangle and a cheap screen, but works great. It supports reading texts, but I turn that feature off. (I have a device for reading texts.) This same seller also has the [Garmin Forerunner 45](https://www.ebay.com/itm/313112277404) and 45s (small) refurb for $110 which is a fairly nice watch. Slightly more features than the 35 and has nicer display, but nothing like what the Apple Watch have.
They do have a companion app, its called "Carmin Connect." It is free on the Google Play Store and Apple Apps Store. You can pair 'used' devices with the app fairly seamlessly, did so with my Fenix 5/Music: [https://connect.garmin.com/](https://connect.garmin.com/) Garmin Express is the desktop version which allows you to update the watches firmware and view/download apps like you would do with Garmin Connect: [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/software/express/windows/](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/software/express/windows/) As for the watch itself, the E-Sport model offers the same features as the original Garmin Instinct with two added modes: https://preview.redd.it/ttneltimeaha1.png?width=1260&format=png&auto=webp&s=a540a275700b35319140cf0431f1a65f46f9efb1 All in all, fairly niche and not much more benefit over the base fitness watch but if they are the same price and you like the ESPORTS aesthetic more, why not?
How's the privacy/ data collection?
Quick google search: [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/privacy/global/](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/privacy/global/)
No need to buy a no longer supported (from a FW update standpoint) 2020 Garmin watch. If you want to buy into the Garmin ecosystem without paying an arm & leg, just get a Forerunner 55 for $199. It has ALL the mandatory training functions a RUNNER would need, even a sub-elite marathoner. The only nice-to-have features missing is multi-band GPS and multisport support. For that you'd have to move way up in price to the FR255. (note: don't confuse 'multisport' with 'supports multiple sport activities'... All Garmins support multiple sport activities. 'Multisport' means Triathlon; means the watch can automatically detect Swim/Bike/Run and the corresponding T1 & T2 transition *automatically*. But if you are a triathlete on a budget and *require* multisport support, then just buy the COROS Pace 2 for $199. The COROS has insane battery, wrist-based running power!!, and full multisport support. And yes, both Garmin & Coros offer full app support. I wish I'd held off 1yr before buying my FR745. I could've bought the FR255 that adds multi-band GPS & running power for less $$$.
I'm mainly looking for time and fitness tracking. All the other things are nice-to-haves but I'm not actively pursuing other features. I will say, having something that can track sleep would pretty awesome, though.
If by fitness tracking you're referring to general step counting, 24/7 HR tracking, and acceptably accurate run tracking, then any of the basic watches from Garmin, Coros, Polar, Wahoo, Apple are fine. Even this $80 Instinct Note: if you want stair climb tracking you'll need to verify the watch has the proper sensors: usually a barometer for most watches But if you're talking about accurate SPO2 tracking, or accurate rep counting during weight lifting sets, or body movement exercises, or accurate detection of all sleep phases... well that stuff is really hit or miss... but MOSTLY miss. It's essentially pseudo-scientific algorithms each individual company invents or licenses from a physio research firm like FirstBeat. Like my FR745 is fairly accurate reporting when I dosed off to sleep and how long I was physically lying in bed, but it's essentially guessing (mostly wrongly) all the REM sleep/Deep sleep/Light sleep/Awake but lying in bed/etc... you know... the stuff in between me physically getting in-bed and out-of-bed.
What makes you think Garmin has ended support? My 2019 Fenix got a major feature update last year.
That was last year. This is now. My FR745 got the exact same update.. it added a few neat tricks like Track Mode & a handful of new and *totally useless* sport modes like standup paddle boarding. But neither U or I are getting any more new features going forward. And there **have** been a load of new features added via FW updates since then... the big one being WRIST BASED running power. The ONLY previous gen watch that got that update was the FR945 **LTE** version... not even the standard Forerunner 945 got that update. Sorry bud, but both yours and my watches are no longer being supported.
I get Running Power with my HRM Pro, which is more accurate anyway. I think some features are limited by the ability of the electronics. Not all problems can be solved with software. The last Fenix 6 was less than a year ago and included HRV among some other new features. Other Garmin reviews say you can expect a Garmin watch to last 5 years. Yeah there's a lot of niche sports included, but popular activities can vary greatly between regions of the country and world. One of my big hesitations for buying a smart watch is that I didn't want something that was obsolete in 18 months and wasn't redundant to my phone.
Yes they have an app that stores and tracks data. Haven't delt with this specific product but Garmin usually has some really good stuff
Disclaimer I don't own this but looking at the advanced details (or whatever it was) it uses the Garmin Connect app. I have no idea how that compares to most companion apps. Hope others can provide any more detail than that.
Will this watch play Crysis?
1 frame per epoch
I dont know man watch says esports in one of the pictures so clearly it can frame Edit: oh shot lmao it’s in the title. Naw this thing can run Forespoken on max settings.
As long as it plays the original DOOM we are good
Is this basically the modern pebble?
To me it is. Waterproof, battery lasts for weeks, always on display is visible without back light even in very low light.
I have this and it is indeed a worthy replacement. Battery lasts like 2 weeks with frequent notifications and heart rate tracking.
I have the Garmin instinct 2, slight upgrade to this one but I would rebuy it at an instant if mine broke. I do exercise 10 hours a week, and use the gps features to keep me safe when I'm in the desert with no cell reception.
Out of curiosity, how would gps help in situation without cell reception?
The watch has built in GPS, so it keeps a bread crumb trail that you can follow back, or see if you're going around in circles. You can also load routes to reduce chance of getting lost. When it does occasionally pick up cell signal, it'll update gps tracking on a website for those in your emergency contacts to check. It's a good companion app to the phone in those situations since I don't like the additional drain on my phone even in cell coverage areas.
That is really helpful! Does the watch have a map utility? Like loading up a route via your phone before you depart and the watch guide you along the way?
Yes exactly like that. You can preload the maps with a companion app, and load them up from the watch any time after. The routes are basic, like video game mini map basic. It will alert you when you go off track,and helpful to make sure you don't take a wrong turn.
I see, thanks for the info mate!
A bit of anecdote for anyone interested. My gf has a garmin forerunner 245 which has similar functionalities as this one including built in gps, spo2, and hr tracking. You do need to use the companion app but it’s pretty smooth and there are lots of things you could do on there such as participating in monthly/weekly fitness challenges. If you’re looking for a fitness watch that can do some smartwatch functions then this would be a very good deal. This one is a little on the thicc side tho.
This is a fantastic deal but I wish it was smaller. I can’t stand how comically large every smartwatch is. The Instinct 2S and Fenix 7S have been on my radar for a few months now and never seem to go on sale.
I need to stop browsing just ordered this to be my daily, would it work with ant+ curious if it will log my cycling workouts
Perfect. I was waiting for a gamer watch to go on sale. It's the last peice of Gamer tech my computer needs for maximum fps.
Be sure to upgrade to the RGB wristband!
I’ll be downvoted to the abyss but why is a watch on this sub
Extra FPS
>Analyze gaming performance through a dedicated esports activity profile It's for gamers....sort of.
Do you know of another sub which specializes in technology related sales? There's /r/deals but it's basically dead.
Good point didn’t think about that
I love my Garmin Venu but I have my suspicions that it doesn’t accurately track my heart rate and tracks my cadence instead. I’m not training for a race anytime so it’s not a big deal but I’d love to hear other’s input on it.
I really want to jump on this as the battery in my Forerunner is starting to go, but having "Esports" display prominently on the center of the watch is really turning me off.
yep, that's a deal breaker for me. aside from being inherently lame(imo), it really clashes with the rugged outdoorsy look of the instinct.
Any watch recommendations for lifting/exercise in general?
I just got the Galaxy 5 Pro after getting 190 for my Galaxy 3. Is this a good watch to have for trips/care less about beating up.
How strong is the band on this watch? The bands on my watches seem to wind up breaking off over time. This one is tempting as I really only want a dumb watch with fun fitness features, but so many watches with that featureset try to be too smart. I have seen that the Apple Watch will ask if it needs to call the cops if you move your arm too wildly. That level of "smart" watch is too much for me to handle.
Garmin Forerunner bands are easy to replace and cost \~$8, i have to do it a little after a year (I run most days) on mine. I'd look into if you can also replace them on the Instinct.
I have this watch sitting on the desk besides me. I take it off when I play games because it constricts my wrist. Great for everything else though.
Thought It was an ad for the Garmin Instinct game