Use contextRegular user of connected watches for hiking, trail and indoor fitness. Choice motivated by the legendary robustness of the Instinct range, the AMOLED screen and solar autonomy. Intensive test over 3 weeks with daily port (activities + health monitoring 24 hours a day).

See the Garmin Instinct 3 and the opinions on Amazon

First contact and installationSurprising housing by its lightness (10g less than the 2x instinct), discreet metal reinforcement. AMOLED screen immediately attractive with vibrant colors.

• Issue : Initial firmware buggy (2 dials only, absence of the Sleep Coach) resolved by update via Garmin Connect

• Handling : 15 minutes to configure essential widgets. Architecture 5 intuitive buttons for Garmin regulars.

Real test vs promisesWhat is holding ::

• Real 8 -day autonomy (AOD activated + 3 hours GPS/week)

• Practical torch in night hiking (improved VS 2x menu)

• Reliable nap detection (precision at ± 10 min)What is fishing ::

• Elevate 4 cardiac sensor (2019): Erratic climbing and swimming measures

• No cartography : Navigation limited to the "BREADCRUM" layout

• Interface Training Weight: Forced return to the list after each series

Key points for the buyer

• For : occasional hikers / fans of robust / allergic design at TouchScreen

• Avoid : Need detailed cards / requirement on cardiac follow -up / tight budget (€ 500)

• Alternative ::

Cash verdict▲ 3 assets ::

1. Incredible autonomy (solid 2nd in shipping)

2. Readable screen in the sun (adaptive backlight)

3. Minimalist interface + physical buttons (wet gloves/hands)

▼ 3 weaknesses ::

1. Obsolete cardiac sensor (underestimates the efforts of effort)

2. Rudimentary navigation vs fenix/epix

3. High price for 2021 specs

Recommended ? Yes, for outdoor athletes prioritizing sustainability on peak metrics. Not recommended for demanding trailers (lack of topo cards) and gym rats (interface bugs). A transition watch between the entry -level and the Fenix, to be bought on a promo under € 400.

Case where instinct 3 is not suitable

1. Need detailed cartography

Navigation is limited to the "Ariane wire" layout (empty screen line) without offline cards. A major weakness for:

• Mountain hikers/complex environments

• Demanding trailers (no route recalculate or topography)

• Travelers in total autonomy (dependence on the smartphone via Garmin Explore)

Alternative : COROS PACE PRO (Color Cards) / used Fenix ​​8.

2. Cardiac precision requirement

The sensor Elevate Gen 4 (2019) Shows gaps:

• Underestimates short effort peaks (eg split)

• Erratic data in climbing, swimming and cold time

• Delay of 5-15 sec on brutal variations

Public concerned ::

• HIIT athletes/polarized training

• Swimmers ("indicative but incorrect" measures)

• People watching a heart pathology

Solution : Opt for the coming 3 (Gen 5 sensor) or Forerunner 265.

3. Tight budget with premium requirements

At € 500, the 3 amoled instinct suffers from the comparison:

• SUUNTO RACE : cards included at 450 €

• Fenix ​​7 Pro Reconditioned: Gen 5 + music sensor at € 550

• Come 3 : touch screen + Gym follow -up optimized at € 450

Criminal detail : the slow CPU (inherited from the 2x instinct) prevents the addition of Endurance score or route recalculate.

4. Intensive gym/crossfit (See watches for crossfit, here)

Persistent interface bugs:

• Forced return to the list of exercises after each series

• No personalization of rest screens

• Absence of "free" mode for weightlifting

Reddit user reaction :: "I resumed my 2x for my workouts, too much frustration".

Verdict ::Instinct 3 fails as high-end all-terrain watch (lack of cards) and as pure performance tool (aging sensor). His niche: outdoor athletes occasional Favoring autonomy (+28 days solar) and resistance (MIL-STD-810 standard) on advanced metrics. An expensive transition between entry -level and fenix.

Checklist before purchase of the Garmin Instinct 3

1. Define your navigation needs

• Required offline cards ? → Avoid (limited to the "Ariane thread" layout, no topo)

• Use : Single hike / technical trail

Alternative : SUUNTO RACE (cards included) or FENIX 7 pro refurbished.

2. Cardiac precision requirements

3. Budget vs alternatives

4. Compatibility with your activities

• For ::

  • Occasional outdoor sport

  • Use with gloves (physical buttons)

  • Autonomy priority (28+ days on sun)

• Avoid ::

5. Technical constraints to anticipate

• Bracelets : Owner format (no universal straps)

• Updates : Need for Maj Firmware upon receipt (initial problems)

• Screen : AMOLED choice (visual) vs solar (autonomy)

Final verdict ::Buy it Instinct 3 If you prioritize robustness > People's metrics. Go your way for mixed use (city + outdoor demanding) or if the budget is tight. A niche watch, Neither entry -level nor high -endat 350-400 € max.