Garmin Instinct 2X Tactical review: A great companion for the outdoors

Rating: 4
Author: Bijin Jose

I have been using the Garmin Instinct 2X Tactical for a week, and it has surprised me in many ways. Here's everything you need to know about my experience with Garmin's tactical smartwatch.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Rs. 55,990

The Instinct 2X Tactical is the company’s latest iteration from its celebrated Instinct series which was introduced in 2018. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

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Garmin Instinct 2X Tactical review: A great companion for the outdoors

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Time is important and so is timekeeping. I have been trying my hands at a few smartwatches in the last few months. And, based on my stint, I feel watchmakers around the world are leaving no stone unturned to offer the best user experience. Garmin, a prominent smartwatch brand, is no different. In a world dominated by Apple, Samsung and an array of legacy watch brands going digital, this US-based watch company has carved a niche for itself.

It is not every day that you may come across a tactical watch. I got to experience one—the Garmin Instinct 2X Tactical. And, yes this was the first time I ever got my hands on a tactical smartwatch. Before I divulge more about the watch, let’s put the spotlight on tactical watches. How exactly do they stand out from conventional watches?

Well, in simple words, a tactical watch is essentially a wristwatch that has been built to be used in harsh conditions and is usually worn by those in the military, law enforcement, survivalists, and even outdoor enthusiasts. Tactical watches are designed and built to survive in extreme conditions. Modern-day tactical watches come loaded with features such as a compass, an altimeter, a barometer, a chronograph, a tachymeter, extended battery life and more. Of course, not all tactical watches come with these features.

The Garmin Instinct 2X Tactical – First impression

Before we go any further, it is important to note that the Instinct 2X Tactical is the company’s latest iteration from its celebrated Instinct series which was introduced in 2018. I got the review unit in a plain box sans the usual graphics and typography seen on Garmin packaging. The instant I opened the box and held the watch, the first images that flashed across my mind were of the T-80 battle tank from the erstwhile Soviet Union. A few moments later, the watch reminded me of the digital watches of the 90s, specifically the Casio DW290-1V worn by Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible (1996).

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My first impression was largely owing to the Instinct 2X Tactical’s sturdy build and the placement of textured buttons on either side of the large display. Simply put, the Instinct 2X Tactical is a beast of a tactical watch. Its build quality, straps, and rugged design scream outdoors. The watch has some pleasing aesthetics, something that would be a fad among those who love outdoor watches. The rounded edges, minute screws, and accented rim on the dial give it a visage akin to an infallible block of brick. Apart from being a catchy design, the sensor placement and elevation prevent the watch from getting dirty often. It is functional yet a stylish addition to those who love to live on the edge. The circular bezel display is well-balanced, as, unlike modern smartwatches, there is no overload of information.

The Instinct 2X Tactical’s sturdy build and placement of textured buttons on either side of the large display do make it stand out. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

When it comes to size, style and design, this watch clearly stands out. Ever since I began wearing it, many have stopped by to ask about the watch. Perhaps, my thin wrists made it appear all the more prominently. I found the display to be clear and legible and since it’s always on, the screen brightness was adequate.

What about the features?

The rugged watch comes with a host of improvements from its predecessors. Bulkier case, a built-in flashlight, a bigger screen, a large solar charging area, and most importantly a bigger battery life. I must admit that the flashlight is a pint-sized wonder that reaches far across the room. A handy tool to help you find objects that get easily misplaced or lost in the everyday chaos.

The Instinct 2X Tactical also comes with some updated tracking features, however, it lacks some of the prominent features spotted on its expensive counterparts such as a touchscreen, onboard music, or a mapping screen. Regardless, the watch is a solid timepiece that is built for the outdoors and the perfect choice for anyone who seeks a durable design and some advanced GPS features. Besides, all the buttons on the watch can be customised to the user’s preferences.

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While the flashlight was the feature that grabbed my attention at first, it was the kill switch that truly surprised me. The feature lets users erase all user memory from the device, and this can be a blessing when security becomes a concern. Be a tactical watch, this feature is very thoughtful indeed as it can instantly remove critical information. I also found the stealth mode feature useful as it lets users control what they are sharing. With the stealth mode on, users can stop sharing GPS positions and also disable all wireless connectivity and communication. Another feature, the Multi-Band GNSS Support offers enhanced positional accuracy to navigators. The dynamic set of applications makes it an ideal companion for running, biking, swimming, and even strength training.

The Garmin Instinct 2X Tactical can be best used when it is paired with its mobile app. You can track all the stats and vitals on the move. (Image: Bijin Jose/The Indian Express)

The Instinct 2X Tactical comes with a host of watch faces. Users can also customise the data fields as the watch gives an array of options such as heart rate, steps, altitude, barometric pressure, sunrise and sunset times, calendar, notifications, calories burned, and stairs climbed. I haven’t tried extreme sports such as trekking or sprinting, but the Instinct 2X Tactical was my companion on my everyday walking and jogging sessions, and the data that it recorded was fairly accurate. I found the morning report which offers insights on weather, nightly HRV value, body battery status, sleep score, etc., intriguing.

The Instinct 2X Tactical sports a PowerGlass lens, while the bezel and the case are made of fibre-reinforced polymer paired with a silicone strap.

Power and Solar

The watch comes with the ability to power itself using solar energy. Garmin’s Power Glass keeps the watch topped during daylight. While it’s a great feature on paper, I experienced some minor shortcomings when it came to battery life. Most of the features on the Instinct 2X Tactical impressed me, but the battery life as claimed by the company somewhat had a lukewarm impact. Unlike what has been claimed, the actual battery life was much less than expected.

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Garmin claims that the smartwatch offers 40 days of power, unlimited with Solar and it includes the proprietary plug charger. The company claimed that users could use the watch with unlimited battery thanks to its solar charging capabilities. This is indeed a great way to make sure you don’t have to worry about charging the device frequently. I would also concede to the fact that I had very limited exposure to sunlight throughout the week while I was using the Instinct 2 X Solar to gain a wholesome view of its performance.

While the solar power may keep the watch running indefinitely, it is to be noted that this could be only possible with at least three hours of direct exposure to sunlight every day. The watch is expected to do fairly well for those staying mostly indoors or staying in regions that are prone to have cloudy days. Nevertheless, for me the watch effortlessly struck through the daily rigours.

Verdict: A rugged watch for the outdoors

At Rs 55,990, The Garmin Instinct 2X Tactical is a feature-rich, power-packed watch ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Those who are fitness buffs will appreciate this watch for its dedicated application for every sporting activity.