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expirediconian | Staff posted Nov 4, 2021 7:32 PM

Garmin: Instinct Solar Rugged Outdoor Watch w/ GPS with 3 Year Warranty

$250

$400

37% off
+ SD Cashback & More + Free S&Hat BuyDig
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Deal Details
Update: This popular deal is still available

BuyDig has select Garmin Smartwatches + 3-Year Accidental Damage Warranty on sale listed below. Slickdeals Cashback is available for this store (PC extension required, before checkout). Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Editor iconian for finding this deal.No Longer Available:

Editor's Notes

Written by megakimcheelove | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • The Garmin: Instinct Solar Rugged Outdoor Watch w/ GPS is $150 lower (38% savings) from the list price of $400.
  • About this store:
    • BuyDig return policy may be found here

Original Post

Written by iconian | Staff
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Update: This popular deal is still available

BuyDig has select Garmin Smartwatches + 3-Year Accidental Damage Warranty on sale listed below. Slickdeals Cashback is available for this store (PC extension required, before checkout). Shipping is free.

Thanks to Deal Editor iconian for finding this deal.No Longer Available:

Editor's Notes

Written by megakimcheelove | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • The Garmin: Instinct Solar Rugged Outdoor Watch w/ GPS is $150 lower (38% savings) from the list price of $400.
  • About this store:
    • BuyDig return policy may be found here

Original Post

Written by iconian | Staff

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97 Comments

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Nov 5, 2021 2:18 PM
3.8K Comments
Joined Apr 2011
kida182001Nov 5, 2021 2:18 PM
3.8K Comments
3rd party watches and apps always feel inferior on iOS because they are competitors to the Apple Watch. So things never seem to run seamlessly compared to if the watch and its app is run on Android. If you want something else other than an Apple Watch, pair it to an Android phone. The experience is much better.
2
1
Nov 5, 2021 4:25 PM
21 Comments
Joined Oct 2018
ShaneC1382Nov 5, 2021 4:25 PM
21 Comments
Quote from TL88 :
Does anyone know if you can install the apps like Tides on the regular Solar, or only the surf variation?

I don't like the two Surf colors at all, but really want those apps.

I searched everywhere to try to find lists of compatible apps by device.
You can't install any app of this watch. Not a smart watch.
5
Nov 5, 2021 8:27 PM
604 Comments
Joined Oct 2010
Wayno-sanNov 5, 2021 8:27 PM
604 Comments
Was hoping Venu 2 would be down to <= $300 by now. Nice watch but it's overpriced IMO.
Nov 6, 2021 6:29 AM
492 Comments
Joined Dec 2009
Mr_ManNov 6, 2021 6:29 AM
492 Comments
Do you guys think the Venu 2 will also be a deal this BF?
Nov 6, 2021 4:45 PM
578 Comments
Joined Nov 2015
credoNov 6, 2021 4:45 PM
578 Comments
Quote from adimperial :
Works way better on Android (former Note series user). On my iPhone in order for an activity to sync automatically, the Garmin Connect app must be open. On my Notes, the activity would sync immediately then when I opened garmin connect it was already there. Also on Android, you can select which notifications you want to receive on the watch. iPhone doesn't allow this.
It's probably Apple being Apple.

But still I would take a Garmin Fenix or Instinct Solar over an Apple Watch all day. Why would I need another phone on my wrist? And that you'll have to charge every night? Then Apple will make you feel like a loser if you don't upgrade the next year
I don't have this issue at all. I'm guessing you have the Garmin app permissions set to "while using" or the watch isn't properly pairing, etc. I have my Garmin app syncing with Strava; when I get finished with an activity I get a Strava notification within seconds, and I haven't opened the Garmin app for several phone restarts now.
Nov 6, 2021 4:57 PM
578 Comments
Joined Nov 2015
credoNov 6, 2021 4:57 PM
578 Comments
Quote from ShaneC1382 :
You can't install any app of this watch. Not a smart watch.
The "smart watch" term is debatable. These can still show notifications, connect to your phone for excercise and sleep tracking, etc. Garmin has its own "app" store called Connect IQ for its line of watches, which work on forerunner and fenix watches. It seems however the instinct watches aren't compatible with this ecosystem for whatever reason.
Last edited by credo November 6, 2021 at 11:14 AM.
Nov 6, 2021 5:02 PM
578 Comments
Joined Nov 2015
credoNov 6, 2021 5:02 PM
578 Comments
Quote from kida182001 :
3rd party watches and apps always feel inferior on iOS because they are competitors to the Apple Watch. So things never seem to run seamlessly compared to if the watch and its app is run on Android. If you want something else other than an Apple Watch, pair it to an Android phone. The experience is much better.
I disagree. For true fitness capability, Garmin is the only way to go, even with an iPhone. Apple could totally fix this with future watches, but so far they have focused on the casual fitness user. Limitations include accuracy of tracks and limited exercise detail. The calculated VO2 max on Garmin for example is a stellar measure of athletic growth.

Edit to clarify: It totally depends on what you're looking for. For overall integration with your phone, a seamless [and true smartwatch] experience, use for apple fitness, and "it just works" factors? Apple watch. For detailed exercise stats, open API capabilities for third party analysis, and battery life? Garmin.

Obviously there are many factors in the apple watch's favor, if that's what your looking for.

Edit 2: Hell, I'm finding reports the instinct solar doesnt give VO2 max, some other running features. *Sigh*.
Last edited by credo November 6, 2021 at 11:34 AM.

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Nov 6, 2021 7:18 PM
1.8K Comments
Joined Apr 2015
frankzenNov 6, 2021 7:18 PM
1.8K Comments
Quote from bizherbert :
Garmin, no. But Amazon, Best Buy, and Target will likely have the same prices. See other recent buydig Garmin deals here - other retailers seem to be in sync.
If past experience is any guide, Best Buy usually does better. My last three upgrades were Best Buy (Fenix 3HR -> 5X -> 5X Plus).
Nov 6, 2021 10:37 PM
991 Comments
Joined Jul 2009
mpetrovskyNov 6, 2021 10:37 PM
991 Comments
Quote from credo :
Edit 2: Hell, I'm finding reports the instinct solar doesnt give VO2 max, some other running features. *Sigh*.
Poop... You're right... Instinct has O2 saturation monitor, not VO2MAX
Nov 7, 2021 12:12 AM
374 Comments
Joined Aug 2005
kingburritoNov 7, 2021 12:12 AM
374 Comments
Quote from TL88 :
Does anyone know if you can install the apps like Tides on the regular Solar, or only the surf variation?

I don't like the two Surf colors at all, but really want those apps.

I searched everywhere to try to find lists of compatible apps by device.
Just a heads up- I have the surf edition and it's terrible. All the surf features are frustratingly broken. Tides only display when actively connected to your phone. I got this to run on the beach and surf and you CANNOT check the tides if you didn't bring your phone with you. Like… it won't even save previously viewed tides for your area it just tells you there is no connection.

Then the surf feature usually logs 30-40 waves when I usually catch about 10. Also, for some reason the only info displayed live is speed which is completely irrelevant when surfing. Then the link to surfline sessions only works with iPhone, not supported on android. When I got an iPhone it's still a pain because of all those phantom waves you have to sort through. Finally cold water saps the battery- whatever charging is done by solar is irrelevant to me and it still has to be plugged in every 2-3 activities like my old watch.

If I were to do it again I WOULD get an Instinct, but just the last generation basic one that shows up here for like $150. All the features I spent $400 for are poorly executed marketing nonsense.
Nov 7, 2021 2:26 AM
519 Comments
Joined Aug 2017
nhatanh181Nov 7, 2021 2:26 AM
519 Comments
Which watch can measure vo2max? I thought you have to strap-on oxygen tube while running on treadmill for that?
Nov 7, 2021 3:06 PM
223 Comments
Joined Mar 2014
user2014Nov 7, 2021 3:06 PM
223 Comments
How does one know which watch to pick? There's so many of them and so many different features.
Nov 7, 2021 8:42 PM
991 Comments
Joined Jul 2009
mpetrovskyNov 7, 2021 8:42 PM
991 Comments
Quote from nhatanh181 :
Which watch can measure vo2max? I thought you have to strap-on oxygen tube while running on treadmill for that?
Forerunner (245 and up), Fenix
Nov 7, 2021 8:50 PM
991 Comments
Joined Jul 2009
mpetrovskyNov 7, 2021 8:50 PM
991 Comments

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank mpetrovsky

Quote from user2014 :
How does one know which watch to pick? There's so many of them and so many different features.
It depends on what is your application. What features are important to you (the must vs would be nice), what are you willing to sacrifice for other features or price, etc.
Stylsh: Vivoactive or Venu
Running: Forerunner
Outdoor: Instinct
Multi-sport fancy: Fenix
Each line, in turn has versions. The higher the number, the more you pay and get.
2

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Nov 9, 2021 4:58 PM
500 Comments
Joined Jun 2008
LongchampNov 9, 2021 4:58 PM
500 Comments
Quote from jonathanhlutke :
Do these watches work well with iPhones?
Ehhhh…it works but you have to open the app. With Android it works much better but either way i still love my instinct

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