We test outdoor products and equipment for their suitability for everyday use. This time in the Militär Aktuell endurance test: The Instinct 2X Tactical Edition from Garmin.
Pedometer, calorie consumption display, heart rate measurement, training and regeneration advisor, notifications from a paired smartphone, sleep analysis and much more. The Instinct 2X Tactical Edition from Garmin offers all the expected smartwatch functions, although you won’t find any touch functions. But that doesn’t matter, because the watch can be operated via easy-to-click buttons instead.
The integrated LED flashlight, which can be activated with a quick double press on a side button, proved to be very practical during the four-month Militär Aktuell test, in addition to the standard functions that work perfectly. It provides enough light to keep you on track during night hikes – but it is still no substitute for a headlamp. The Garmin also scored bonus points with its long battery life: thanks to the solar function, the watch only had to be charged four times during our test despite intensive use. https://militaeraktuell.at/militaer-aktuell-verlost-garmin-instinct-2x-tactical-edition/ Let’s move on to the military-specific features of the Tactical Edition, which differs from the “normal” Instinct 2X in a number of ways. The GPS position can be hidden in camouflage mode, wireless connectivity and communication can be deactivated and the kill switch function can be used to delete the entire user memory in critical situations. The flashlight’s additional green LED and the night view mode also enable use with night vision goggles. Another advantage: the 50-millimetre polymer housing (height: 14.5 millimetres, weight: 67 grams, water-resistant up to 10 atm) is designed in accordance with US military standard 810 with regard to thermal performance, shock resistance and water resistance and is therefore extremely robust – the watch did not suffer a single scratch during testing.
Conclusion
There is not much to complain about. The Instinct 2X Tactical Edition proves to be comfortable to wear and reliable in the Militär Aktuell test. The solar charging lens and the LED flashlight are selling points. Price: 499 euros, garmin.com
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