Pros: Reliable GPS, long battery life, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure sports.
Cons: Unintuitive menu system and UI/UX. Large, rugged, military-style design, may not be suitable for office or business settings.
Editor’s Recommendation: If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy adventurous sports, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is a great fit. However, if you need a versatile watch for everyday use in both the workplace and for exercise, this might not be the optimal choice.
Design and Materials
The latest in the Garmin Instinct family, the Instinct 3 Solar boasts a reinforced polymer exterior combined with a metal bezel, ensuring durability and shock resistance.
This design meets the MIL-STD-810 military standard for heat, shock, and water resistance, allowing operation to depths of up to 100 meters.
However, its rugged, military-inspired look and large size might make it less versatile for pairing with business attire or office settings. This makes it less of a “multi-functional” device, suitable for both the wilderness and the boardroom.
The Instinct 3 Solar features a monochrome MIP display, measuring 1.1 inches with a resolution of 176 x 176 pixels. This display ensures clear visibility even in direct sunlight. For those desiring a vibrant AMOLED display, like those found in the Forerunner 965 or Fenix 8 models, there is an Instinct 3 AMOLED variant option.
The lack of a color display and detailed maps might be a limitation for some users. The UI/UX remains somewhat technical and less intuitive, potentially presenting a challenge for new users or those unfamiliar with technology.
Navigating the menus takes some getting used to. However, for experienced Garmin users familiar with previous Instinct models, this shouldn’t be a significant issue.
The watch seamlessly connects with the Garmin Connect app, allowing easy access to all metrics via the Garmin Connect app on your phone or through the web.
The lack of a color display can limit the experience for new workout enthusiasts monitoring heart rate zones, training status, VO2MAX, and other metrics, compared to users preferring more visually rich displays.
The Instinct 3 Solar comes in three sizes: 40mm, 45mm, and 50mm, catering to different wrist sizes. The 50mm model we tested, despite its size, feels remarkably lightweight at only 53 grams. The soft, flexible silicone strap fits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes.
The watch doesn’t offer call-making functionality, only relaying smart notifications from your smartphone. The relatively small display size might pose a readability challenge for some users.
Notable everyday features include smart notifications, phone music control, and the Garmin Pay contactless payment feature, currently compatible with 11 domestic banks.
A standout feature is the integrated flashlight with various brightness levels and a red light mode, a feature previously exclusive to higher-end watches like the Fenix series.
Features and Performance
The Instinct 3 Solar is powered by Garmin’s fourth-generation Garmin Elevate wrist-based heart rate sensor, also found in models like the Garmin Fenix 7 Series, Garmin Forerunner 955, 965, and Epix Gen 2. This sensor provides 24/7 heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox (blood oxygen level) measurement, HRV (heart rate variability) tracking, respiratory rate monitoring, and VO2MAX tracking.
These metrics are crucial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Analyzing these metrics provides insights into training capacity, readiness levels, potential energy, and individual performance characteristics.
Additionally, the Instinct 3 Solar measures altitude, atmospheric pressure, compass direction, and temperature. It utilizes multi-band GPS technology with SatIQ for high accuracy positioning, making it ideal for mountaineering, exploration, and other adventurous activities.
A key highlight is the long battery life and solar charging capabilities. As the name suggests, the solar charging technology offers impressive battery life.
Garmin claims unlimited smartwatch use under sufficient sunlight exposure (assumed daily wear with 3 hours daily under 50,000 lux conditions). However, actual battery life may vary depending on usage and light conditions.
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Mountain Climbing Experience
To assess accuracy, we used a higher-end watch as a reference.
From the outset, the Instinct 3 Solar’s multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology proved its accuracy. The watch quickly acquired and maintained a stable connection, even in dense forest areas.
This allowed for accurate tracking of distance and elevation, effectively guiding us through complex trail conditions.
A noteworthy point: during steep ascents with trekking poles, the user’s wrist may unintentionally press buttons, leading to unwanted commands. Looser straps mitigate this risk.
Furthermore, due to the monochrome display, the Garmin Instinct 3 lacks detailed maps. It doesn’t offer the colorful and detailed map displays found in some other Garmin models, which might present a minor obstacle for navigating unfamiliar trails.
Throughout the journey, despite continuous GPS and activity tracking, battery life remained high. The solar charging technology worked effectively, especially in direct sunlight, significantly extending the usage time. Over 5 hours of continuous activity, we only saw approximately 10% battery depletion.
The wrist-based heart rate sensor performed reliably, providing real-time heart rate data. This provided valuable support in adjusting exertion levels (e.g., maintaining heart rate in Zone 2 or Zone 3), helping sustain stamina and avoid overexertion, particularly during steep ascents.
Our experience confirms that the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is a dependable companion for outdoor enthusiasts pursuing activities ranging from trekking and climbing to exploring challenging terrains. Its rugged design, impressive battery life, and accurate positioning capabilities enhance confidence in facing any challenge.
Conclusion
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is a reliable watch for outdoor enthusiasts engaged in activities such as trekking, mountaineering, and navigating complex terrains. Its military-grade durability, precise multi-band GPS, and virtually limitless battery life in sunlight are compelling features.
However, the Instinct 3 Solar isn’t for everyone. Its rugged design and technical interface make it a niche choice, particularly for those desiring a more versatile watch that integrates with daily routines and tasks.
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