Garmin Instinct 2X Solar + HRM-Pro+ Chest Strap
When tracking dojo work and cross-training, we prioritize accuracy, durability, and battery endurance.
Our go-to combo is the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar + Garmin HRM-Pro+ chest strap — it covers martial arts, running, swimming, hiking, and cycling with dependable data.
💪 Why We Use This Setup for Martial Arts
When sparring or drilling throws, we don’t wear a watch. The HRM-Pro+ keeps recording heart rate, steps, calorie burn — then syncs cleanly to the Instinct post-session for a complete intensity picture. The same pairing handles our runs, rides, swims, hikes — no fuss.
🧠 Health & Performance Metrics You Get (all selected/compared models)
- HRM (Heart Rate Monitoring)
- HRV (Heart Rate Variability) for recovery readiness
- VO₂ Max estimate
- PulseOx (SpO₂)
- Sleep monitoring with insights
🚨 Safety & Activity Profiles
During running, cycling, hiking, walking, etc., these watches can detect accidents (sudden large impacts) and trigger an emergency message via your Bluetooth-connected phone to selected contacts.
⚠️ Accident detection is not enabled for activities where heavy impacts are expected (e.g., Mixed Martial Arts).
Each watch includes a Mixed Martial Arts activity profile that you can duplicate and rename (e.g., Karate, Judo, BJJ). That means clean logs for multiple disciplines — no post-editing in Garmin Connect.
🛡️ Built to Endure Your Training
MIL-STD-810 ruggedness, 10 ATM water rating, and the most secure strap install in Garmin’s lineup — ideal for heavy bag or makiwara work.
All compared models below include a built-in flashlight with white and red night-light modes (adjustable brightness) — surprisingly useful day to day.
Tactical variants (optional, pricier) add: green night flashlight, NVG-compatible display, and the Applied Ballistics® Solver.
NFC / Garmin Pay is available on all selected models — tap to pay and train lighter outdoors.
With this setup, you gain access to a wealth of performance and health metrics — all unified within Garmin Connect. Every recorded activity and sensor reading (heart rate, respiration, time spent in HR zones, and more) contributes to deeper insights like Training Status, Training Readiness, Load Focus, and Recovery Trends, giving a full picture of your progress over time.
🔋 Battery Life — Real-World vs Manufacturer Numbers
We quote battery life from our real usage, with:
- HRM always on,
- PulseOx only during sleep,
- GPS only during relevant activities (run/hike/walk/bike),
- other sensors configured per activity (easy to set, then you forget it)
- about 1.5 hours of training daily (tracking some activity).
The manufacturer also publishes higher figures for plain smartwatch mode (minimal sensors) and separate values for GPS-always-on modes. For Instinct 2X, their guidance is:
- Smartwatch: Up to 28 days / Unlimited with solar*
- Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 65 days / Unlimited with solar*
- GPS: Up to 30 hours / 48 hours with solar**
- Max Battery GPS: Up to 70 hours / 370 hours with solar**
- Expedition GPS Activity: Up to 32 days / Unlimited with solar*
*Solar charging assumes all-day wear with 3 hours/day outdoors in 50,000 lux **assumes use in 50,000 lux.
⌚ Our Favorite Retro Watchface
We use a retro LCD-style face with big, clean fonts for training days:
👉 Download from Watchface Builder
⚖️ Comparison: Instinct 2X Solar vs Instinct 3 Solar vs Instinct Crossover
(All are Solar MIP variants — we do not recommend the AMOLED editions for battery-first users such as ourselves.)
| Feature | Instinct 2X Solar | Instinct 3 Solar | Instinct Crossover Solar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.1” MIP (Solar) | 1.2” MIP (Solar) | 1.2″ Hybrid analog hands + digital (Solar) |
| AMOLED Variant | Not available | Available (shorter battery life) | Available (shorter battery life) |
| CPU | Standard | Faster (AMOLED even faster) | Standard |
| Memory (Activity Storage) | ~64 MB (~200 hrs) | ~128 MB (~300 hrs) | ~64 MB (~200 hrs) |
| Weight | ~67 g | ~68 g | ~70 g |
| Water Rating | 10 ATM (100 m) | 10 ATM (100 m) | 10 ATM (100 m) |
| Flashlight | Yes (white + red) | Yes (white + red) | Yes (white + red) |
| NFC (Garmin Pay) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tactical Variant | Yes (green light, NVG, Applied Ballistics®) | Yes | Yes |
| Battery (real-world)* | ≈ 2 weeks with daily training | ≈ 2+ weeks | ≈ 3–4 weeks |
| Get it from Amazon | Instinct 2X Solar | Instinct 3 Solar | Instinct Crossover Solar |
*Real-world estimates reflect our sensor usage described above. Manufacturer values are higher for light/idle use and specified GPS modes.
Why we prefer Solar MIP: though AMOLED offers a faster CPU and more memory (and music) it cuts endurance. For martial artists and outdoor training, the MIP Solar balance (readability + longevity) wins.
⚙️ Garmin HRM-Pro+ — Why We Pair It
- Data collection during all the martial arts trainings when we can not wear a watch
- Accurate HR via ANT+ / BLE
- Running Dynamics: L/R balance, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, cadence
- Steps & Calories recorded independently, with on-strap storage
- Water-resistant (5 ATM) — great for swims and sweaty gym work
- Comfortable, washable strap — set and forget
🛒 Where to Get Yours
(Photos are ours; watch shown with our selected custom retro watchface.)
🔗 Explore Other Garmin Products
🕒 Smartwatches
- Garmin Forerunner Series [Amazon] — lightweight, runner-focused
- Garmin Fenix Series [Amazon] — premium multisport/outdoor
- Garmin Instinct 3 Series [Amazon] — latest, font customization
- Garmin Enduro Series [Amazon] — ultra-endurance champ
- Garmin Tactix Series [Amazon] — tactical build & features
- Garmin MARQ Series [Amazon] — luxury performance line
❤️ Chestbands
- Garmin HRM-Fit [Amazon]
- Garmin HRM 200 [Amazon]
- Garmin HRM 600 [Amazon]
⚠️ Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, FitBlitz Gear earns from qualifying purchases. We use and test what we recommend.
Note: Garmin, Garmin Connect, and the Garmin logo are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Screenshots used under fair use for review and educational purposes. FitBlitzGear.com is an independent reviewer and Amazon Associate.