Garmin Fenix 7 Pro vs Instinct 3

B

BradyBuck

New member
Is there any advantage of going with the Fenix line vs Instinct line watches? Looking at the Fenix 7 Pro or instinct 3. Both are in the $400-$500 range with the Fenix being a little more.

Thanks
 
I don't have any feedback on the newer ones. I have an Instinct(1) Solar, I got the solar model because I thought it would mean that I wouldn't need to charge it on a hunting/active trip due to being outside so much and it could recharge, it doesn't. I have never seen the projected battery life go backwards, even when I left it on my dash in the direct sunshine all afternoon. The research I did before showed that the non solar models had significantly better battery life. Maybe they have fixed the charging rate or other improvements with the later generations but I was not impressed with the solar charge feature.
I love the other aspects of the watch and would absolutely buy again, just the solar feature wasn't worth it.
It's not the feedback you requested but hopefully it helps you or someone else.
 
GladHunter said:
I don't have any feedback on the newer ones. I have an Instinct(1) Solar, I got the solar model because I thought it would mean that I wouldn't need to charge it on a hunting/active trip due to being outside so much and it could recharge, it doesn't. I have never seen the projected battery life go backwards, even when I left it on my dash in the direct sunshine all afternoon. The research I did before showed that the non solar models had significantly better battery life. Maybe they have fixed the charging rate or other improvements with the later generations but I was not impressed with the solar charge feature.
I love the other aspects of the watch and would absolutely buy again, just the solar feature wasn't worth it.
It's not the feedback you requested but hopefully it helps you or someone else.
Click to expand...
The more I’m looking into it I think the instinct 3 might be the better choice. Longer battery life, lighter and easier to read screen. The Fenix has lower battery life and is harder to see in the sun. It does have a touch screen, topo maps, better biometrics possibly.
 
I have a fenix 6 (I believe). I got my dad the Instinct 1 or 2 I don't remember.

My watch is my stylish however his has better battery life, is lighter, and is simpler while doing most of the same stuff. 99.9% of the extra bs they offer on the higher end watches us regular joes will never use. Its just a sales tactic. I would go with either or but be aware I would not say the Fenix is worth extra money.
 
I'm not sure of my generation of instinct solar, but fully charged battery life is about 12 days, but I can say it seems to be longer then 12 days, so I feel there is some recharging of battery life with the solar, but I don't have anything to compare too. I will say though when connecting to my garmin gps/collars for 3 dogs the battery life goes quickly. Ive been happy with the watch and the other functions.
 
One other thing I will say if you have an older dog or dogs like I do that you don’t need to correct or really keep track of the Garmin controller linked to the watch is absolute money and worth whatever you pay for it.
 
I just bought Instinct 3. I like it and got the 50mm. I am having a hard time seeing the small font. I have tried to make larger, but unable to thus far. I watched videos on how to do it but I haven't been able to do it yet. Guess I'll get my 18 yr old son to do it. I have the garmin 550 plus paired to it. I like the Garmin 550 plus except the alert when dog is on point-which is a faint vibration. I mean surely they could have put a stronger vibrator on it or an audible tone. That is the main reason I bought the watch, so I could be alerted. One thing on the watch i noticed is the arrow tracks differently than the handheld. So, when dog is on point, I look at handheld for direction and distance. Any advice on watch setup or other is greatly appreciated.
 
I’ve got the Instinct 2 paired to a 550+, bought it specifically for dogs. I really like it. No experience with others.

Unfortunately with my glass prescription for distance, up close vision is just blurry enough I can’t see it with my glasses on. Guess it’s time for bifocals….

The “find my phone” feature on it saved me in SD in December. I suspected where my phone was in a cut corn field. But searching at 5 degrees and 30mph wind wasn’t fun. Watch led me to it within a foot in the total darkness.

Fully charged I get nearly 30 days if battery life.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top