Test: Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf - smartwatch for water sports enthusiasts

Smartwatches are all the rage among fitness fans. With the Instinct 2 Solar Surf model, manufacturer Garmin has a watch in its portfolio that, in addition to the usual features, has some functions on board especially for water sports enthusiasts. For example, the "Windsurfing" and "Kitesurfing" modes can be selected - both can of course also be used when waving. All the important data from a session can be recorded: position, speed, heart rate, physical exertion, calorie consumption and training effect are determined, as well as the estimated recovery time. If the watch is worn over a longer period of time, the training effect, loss of form or possible overload can be determined.

The watch also provides useful geodata. For example, the current tide levels at the respective position, the outside temperature and the rising and setting of the sun are delivered directly to the display.

If you want, you can also display further information such as the wave heights of the surrounding spots. Of course, the watch can also track and analyse many other outdoor and indoor activities. Features such as a compass, barometer and altimeter are also standard.

A big plus of the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf is its comparatively long battery life. Even in energy-guzzling GPS mode, the battery lasts just under 30 hours. In everyday use, we had to charge the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf after around ten to twelve days. The runtime can be increased slightly by an integrated solar cell if the watch is worn over the neo when surfing. However, the effect is not great, so the manufacturer's promise of "infinite battery life" is more of a theoretical nature. The data can be analysed afterwards via the Garmin Connect smartphone app. In our experience, the only small drawback is the watch's menu navigation, which is not always very intuitive.

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Surf Smartwatch officially costs 499.99 euros - but is sometimes sold online for around 350 euros (e.g. at Sports cheque ).

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