Customer reviews from Garmin
Garmin - Instinct Solar Smartwatch 45mm Fiber-Reinforced Polymer - Flame Red
Average customer rating
4.1
(732 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 732 reviews
5 Stars
449
4 Stars
122
3 Stars
50
2 Stars
42
1 Star
69
Customer Reviews for Garmin - Instinct Solar Smartwatch 45mm Fiber-Reinforced Polymer - Flame Red
Customer Rating
2
Work only 2 years
on February 20, 2025
Posted by: Stefanov
I bought Instinct Solar 2 years ago. For the last 5 months, I trying to repair it. First, start to shut down regularly. I found out that some new updates need more battery. So for every activity, I need to recharge. After that, it stops connecting to the phone. So connect is no connect... I tried every solution I found on the Internet but had no success. It was good while it lasted!
Response from GarminBy Garmin, March 5, 2025
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
on March 2, 2025
Posted by: Graham V
Good basic watch. Solar gives it a couple more days use.
Response from ExpertVoice.comBy Garmin, March 5, 2025
Thank you for your review.
Written by a customer while visiting ExpertVoice.com
Customer Rating
4
great smart watch
on July 22, 2024
Posted by: Evan T
from Victoria, BC, CA
I have had this watch for 3 years and it holds up well to everything I throw at it. It tracks all my activities and health stats that I need, and I can sync it using the Connect app on my phone to look at my data in more detail as well as link it to my Strava and Rouvy accounts when I ride in or outdoors. And the size is perfect - a bit chunky but not overly massive as some watches out there can get a little out of hand from a size perspective. I love this thing overall, but I docked it 1 star for a couple of reasons: 1) it can lag quite a bit sometimes when collecting heart rate data (5-10mins to catch up to my actual HR), which will then make my workouts and calorie burn lower than it is; and 2) I don't know how much the solar panel does - I don't think it charges much when I'm outside, and I have tried leaving it in the sun for hours without my charge to show for :( Luckily this watch charges quickly with the included cable and the battery life is superb. So, a solid 4 stars for this device! And I would certainly buy another whenever this thing gives up the ghost (which doesn't look like any time soon!). Great job Garmin üëç
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Rugged watch
on June 27, 2024
Posted by: Caleb B
I've used this watch in many different environments on land and water. It has treated me very well. My one qualm is that the solar charge takes a lot longer than I would prefer.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
5
Amazing do all watch
on March 15, 2024
Posted by: Brad D
I've owned many gps and smart watches. The Instinct Solar has lived on my wrist for YEARS. Its bailed out my cycling computer when I've left it uncharged (or at home when rolled out to Colorado two summers ago) as well as been ready for any activity I've ever wanted to record. All that in addition to waking me each morning, alerting me of calls, and just being a kickass device. SO much more than a great watch.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
on January 25, 2024
Posted by: Clifford Z
This watch has been on my person almost every single day for the past three years, from biking to backpacking to climbing. Its heart rate features are quality and maintains its quality even with daily use, the battery life is spectacular especially with solar charging, and its expedition features are a must for anyone tackling longer tours. My only complaints come from the original band which would occasionally give me watch rash, as well as the fact that it's gps performance lacks under dense canopy.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
Rugged GPS Watch
on May 23, 2023
Posted by: Traci W
Only gave 4/5 stars due to it lacking some features of more expensive models, or newer models released after I purchased this one.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin
Customer Rating
4
on May 3, 2023
Posted by: Anonymous
Very durable watch with a no-frills display that has an extremely dependable battery life when used passively. I've taken it on climbs, hikes, mud-runs, it handles it all. Solar is far more effective on the Instinct line, as opposed to something like the Fenix, as the watch sips power and with only a bit of sun you can easily stretch your off-grid time with the watch. Personal recommendation would be to swap the band out for something else, I found the original band to be bulky and uncomfortable.
Written by a customer while visiting Garmin