Instinct 2S - Surf Edition vs Garmin Forerunner 165
Side-by-side on the specs that matter, with category winners and an opinionated take to help you decide.
The choice is between Garmin's rugged, surf-ready outdoor watch and its streamlined, performance-focused running companion.
Pick Instinct 2S - Surf Edition if your pro work happens on the water or in harsh environments where durability and specialized surf metrics are critical.
Pick Garmin Forerunner 165 if your pro identity is tied to running or multi-sport training and you prioritize a lightweight design with advanced running analytics.
- —Instinct 2S trades a sleek, modern interface for extreme physical toughness and surf-tracking features.
- —Forerunner 165 gives up the ultra-rugged build and niche activity profiles to deliver a more focused athletic training tool.
- —The Instinct uses a monochrome display optimized for sunlight, while the Forerunner offers a full-color screen for detailed data visualization.
Full specs
Ask anything — we'll answer with Instinct 2S - Surf Edition and Garmin Forerunner 165 in mind for pro use.
Pindear may earn a commission when you buy through these links. Winners are determined by numeric spec comparisons only; non-numeric features (app quality, ecosystem, real-world feel) are covered in the verdict.