Pros
Lightweight and comfortable with silicone band
Impressive battery life, especially with solar model
Durable, rugged, and water-resistant
Accurate GPS tracking for various activities
Highly customizable watch faces and menus
Offers many features like heart rate monitoring, altimeter, and sleep tracking
Easy setup and intuitive interface
Long list of features suitable for outdoor activities
Robust notification system with phone alerts
Varieties in size and solar/non-solar options
Highly readable in bright sunlight
Cons
Heart rate monitor can be less responsive
Interface has a learning curve
Non-touchscreen, button navigation only
Main Product Advantages
10 Size and Weight
The Garmin Instinct 2 Surf-Edition is surprisingly light and comfortable compared to other smartwatches and traditional watches. Its size variants (40mm, 45mm, and 50mm) cater to different wrist sizes without feeling cumbersome.
10 GPS and Multi-GNSS Support
Highly accurate GPS tracking is available, making it reliable for backcountry hikes, biking, and other outdoor activities. Multi-GNSS support ensures strong and precise location tracking.
9 Band Design
The flexible silicone band is durable and comfortable, featuring two excess band holders to prevent the band from catching on items, which is highly appreciated by users.
9 Battery Life
The battery life is outstanding, lasting up to several weeks with moderate use. This includes constant heart rate monitoring and GPS use. Solar capability further extends the battery life.
9 Durability
The build quality is robust yet lightweight, making it highly durable for various tough outdoor conditions as well as day-to-day use.
8 Solar Panel
The solar panel on the watch face significantly extends battery life, making it possible to go weeks without needing a power charge, even under moderate use. However, it cannot completely eliminate the need to charge if all smartwatch features are used extensively.
8 Ease of Use
The watch is relatively easy to set up and customize with intuitive menus and straightforward physical controls, although there is a learning curve for mastering all functions.
8 Additional Features
Includes various useful features such as incident detection, Pulse Ox, altimeter, barometer, compass, and advanced fitness tracking. The lack of Garmin Pay and a comprehensive app ecosystem is a minor drawback.
7 Customizable Watch Faces
The watch allows for extensive customization of watch faces to display desired metrics at a glance, although placement options for specific data points like heart rate and sunset/sunrise times are somewhat limited.
7 Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate tracking is generally accurate, but may sometimes show delayed updates during sudden increases in heart rate (e.g., walking up stairs).
Garmin Instinct 2 – Surf Edition: Own the Waves
Why just ride a wave? Own it with the Instinct® 2 – Surf Edition. This rugged GPS smartwatch is built for water enthusiasts, offering specialized features and activities that cater to surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding among others.
Tide Data and Surfing Activities
The watch provides comprehensive tide data and surfing activity tracking, letting you make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're a surfing pro or just starting out, the Instinct 2 ensures you're well-prepared for every ride.
Versatile Activity Profiles
Beyond watersports, the Instinct 2 is equipped with preloaded activity profiles for running, biking, swimming, and more. It's designed to support a wide range of your fitness activities, making it a versatile companion for your active lifestyle.
Smart Notifications and Connect IQ Compatibility
Stay connected on the go with smart notifications directly on your wrist. Pair the watch with your compatible smartphone, and take advantage of Connect IQ compatibility for custom apps, widgets, and watch faces to enhance your user experience.
Surfline Sessions Integration
The Instinct 2 works seamlessly with Surfline Sessions™, creating videos of every wave you ride in front of a Surfline camera. This feature allows you to watch your performance later and tweak your skills for future sessions.
All-Day Health Monitoring
Understanding your body becomes easier with all-day health monitoring features. Track your energy levels, stress, sleep patterns, and Pulse Ox (note: Pulse Ox is not available in all countries and is intended for activity estimation only).
Conclusion
The Garmin Instinct 2 – Surf Edition is a robust and versatile GPS smartwatch designed for water enthusiasts and active individuals. With specialized surfing features, extensive activity profiles, smart connectivity, and comprehensive health monitoring, it stands as a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their time on and off the water.
