These have tools like a "Direct-to-Navigation" waypoint from the worldwide aeronautical database, a "Hunt Activity" tool, a Maps+ integration for satellite imagery, and weather reports.Ĭompared to the Tactix 7, the Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition is more of a stripped-down, non-touch experience with less tactical upside. But it's clear that the $499 Instinct 2X Solar Tactical is among the more affordable options in this sphere, compared to options like the $1,099 Garmin Tactix 7 or $1,599 Tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition. On the subject of military-quality smartwatches, we're completely unqualified to give our opinion. 99.9% of buyers should choose it over the Tactical Edition, which has features so specific to military use that they're irrelevant to most people. The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is a rugged, long-lasting device for the most hardcore Garmin watch fans, with some key upgrades over the Instinct 2 Solar for the same price. 2X Solar Tactical Edition: Which should you buy? The only other significant difference we noticed is that the Tactical Edition is apparently "wind meter compatible," which probably refers to Garmin's pricey wind instruments designed for boats. There's even a Ballistics app "for long-range shooting in the field," though you'll need to pay a separate fee for this. If necessary, the "Kill Switch" deletes all user data from the watch instantly. If you're embarking on a sensitive mission, you have a Stealth mode that disables wireless communication and shared GPS positioning instantly. Or if you frequently perform HALO or HAHO jumps, the Jumpmaster mode helps you plan your release point based on wind and airplane speed, desired landing spot, and so on. In most cases, they are serious tools that only a niche user would realistically need, such as someone in the military.įor example, the Night Vision mode is designed to be read while wearing Night Vision goggles. Now, let's move on to what the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Edition specifically offers that the standard edition doesn't, to justify the extra $50 price. Even if it's still quite thick, the standard Instinct 2X Solar may be slightly less likely to catch on things. One last note: although the Instinct 2X twins both weigh a hefty 67g, the Tactical edition measures 0.2mm thicker (14.5mm vs. The Tactical model uses a green nighttime flashlight instead, which might stand out less if you're trying to blend into your surroundings. The standard model has a red safety light mode meant to illuminate your surroundings at night and ensure other people can see you. Both LEDs default to white, but each 2X watch has a unique color. Black has a darker tint to it than Graphite, which makes it blend in at night more, while Coyote Tan has more of a desert feel that tactical types will like.īoth Garmin Instinct 2X Solar watches have an LED flashlight built into the case, with varying intensities and the option to turn on specific strobing patterns such as one that matches your running cadence. The 2X Solar Tactical ships in two finishes, Black and Coyote Tan. The standard Instinct 2X Solar comes in Graphite, Whitestone, Flame Red, and Moss Green, with the latter two vibrant options as the standouts. The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar doesn't really have any exclusive features compared to the Tactical Edition, except for a wider array of colors. 2X Solar Tactical Edition: What's different? Among the newest features, you'll find Training Readiness, a Morning Report, and specific new sports modes like Obstacle Course Racing.Īlthough Garmin advertises Dual Grid as an important Tactical tool - it shows your latitude/longitude and military grid reference system data on the same screen - it's also available on the standard Instinct 2X, as well as other watches like the Garmin Instinct Crossover and Forerunner 955. The battery life data above shows how these impact the 2X's longevity, but we've seen with watches like the Forerunner 265 the pinpoint accuracy of multi-band tracking.īoth models also give you an altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, and thermometer.Īctivities: Aside from the Tactical-specific tools we'll discuss later, both watches have the same sports modes and tools for Running, Cycling, Swimming, Golfing, and general Training and Recreation. Sensors: The Instinct 2X Solar is the first Instinct model to support all-systems GNSS across GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO, as well as multi-band GPS for the L1 and L5 frequencies. Either Instinct 2X Solar watch can also measure continuous respiration rate, blood oxygen levels, VO2 Max, and stress, as well as hydration needs and your sleep score. Health monitoring: Both watches measure current, resting, and abnormal heart rates, along with heart rate variance (HRV).
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