Garmin has released the Tactix 8, a new tactical smartwatch that builds upon the foundation of its Fenix series. Designed for military and outdoor enthusiasts, it comes packed with features like a dedicated Rucking activity and advanced ballistics solvers, all built to withstand extreme conditions. While it shares many similarities with the Fenix 8, the Tactix 8 introduces unique functions that make it a compelling choice for specific users.
Buying Options and Pricing
The Garmin Tactix 8 is available in multiple configurations, each tailored to meet different needs and budgets. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the available options:
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47mm AMOLED:
- Features a 47mm case with an AMOLED display—the first 47mm size in the Tactix lineup.
- Price: $1,299.99 / £1,189
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51mm AMOLED:
- Offers a 51mm case with an AMOLED display.
- Price: $1,399 / £1,279
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51mm Solar:
- Includes a 51mm case, an AMOLED display, and solar charging capabilities to extend battery life.
- Price: $1,399
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51mm Solar: AB Elite:
- The top-tier model with a 51mm case, solar charging, and the Applied Ballistics Elite Solver for advanced long-range shooting calculations.
- Price: $1,599
Release Date: February 21st.
Applied Ballistics: Ultralight vs. Elite Solver
A standout feature of the Tactix 8 is its Applied Ballistics solver, designed for long-range shooting enthusiasts. There are two versions available:
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Applied Ballistics Ultralight Solver:
- Standard on all Tactix 8 models, providing essential ballistic calculations.
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Applied Ballistics Elite Solver:
- Exclusive to the top-tier 51mm Solar: AB Elite model.
- Offers more sophisticated calculations for users requiring higher precision.
- For a detailed breakdown of the differences, refer to the Leica website.
Rucking: A New Activity Profile
The Tactix 8 introduces a dedicated Rucking activity profile, inspired by military training:
- Weight Input:
- Users input the weight of their pack before starting the exercise.
- Health Metric Calculation:
- The watch factors in the added weight to provide more accurate tracking of physical exertion.
Note: While rucking is currently exclusive to the Tactix 8, there is potential for this activity to be expanded to other models in the future. Many users hope to see it added to watches like the Fenix 8. I also think it's highly likely we'll see this Rucking activity if Garmin releases a Tactical edition of it's new Garmin Instinct 3 device.
Similarities to the Fenix 8
The Tactix 8 borrows several design and functionality elements from the Fenix 8:
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Build and Design:
- Rugged construction with a low-weight titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
- Built to military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance.
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Display Options:
- Both offer AMOLED displays, with the Tactix 8 also featuring a solar-charging variant.
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Battery Life:
- 51mm Solar: Up to 48 days in smartwatch mode.
- 47mm AMOLED: Up to 16 days.
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Diving Capability:
- Dive-ready up to a depth of 40 meters.
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Health and Fitness Tracking:
- Equipped with top-end Garmin features such as ECG capability, Training Status, VO2 max estimates, TopoActive maps, dual-frequency GNSS, and hands-free voice commands.
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Sensors:
- Both watches feature upgraded sensor technology.
Tactical and Military Features
In addition to its Fenix 8 roots, the Tactix 8 includes unique tactical functionalities:
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Stealth Mode:
- Disables the storage of GPS data and wireless connections for enhanced security.
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Night Vision Mode:
- Optimized for visibility through night vision goggles.
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Jumpmaster Mode:
- Tailored for parachutists by providing operational guidance during airborne activities.
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Direct-To-Navigation:
- Assists pilots in navigating to nearby airports with real-time aviation weather updates (NEXRAD radar, METARs, TAFs).
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Kill Switch:
- A security feature that wipes the device when activated.
Conclusion
The Garmin Tactix 8 is a rugged, versatile smartwatch that blends the trusted features of the Fenix 8 with specialized tactical functions. While some may view it as a rebranded Fenix 8, features like the Rucking activity profile and advanced ballistics solvers set it apart for military and outdoor enthusiasts. With multiple buying options and price points, users can choose the model that best fits their needs—provided they require its tactical edge over the Fenix 8.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a full review. All images are taken from Garmin's release video of this device found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNCWq6zsWv4