The Garmin Tactix series has always been shrouded in a bit of mystery, hasn’t it? There’s been so much talk and anticipation around the new Garmin Tactix 8, and honestly, I can see why.
While I might not be the typical user—you know, military, law enforcement, or a pilot—I’m drawn to its rugged aesthetic.
So, what’s the deal with this new watch? This isn’t going to be your typical deep dive review, because I literally just pulled this thing out of the box.
Instead, we’re going to take a first look at the Tactix 8, checking out its design, features, and how it stacks up against the popular Garmin Fenix 8. Let’s get started!
Unboxing the Garmin Tactix 8
Okay, I’m not a huge fan of unboxing, but here we are! The box looks super similar to the previous Tactix 7, although this one feels a bit bigger.
Inside, the watch is nestled in place, and wow, it looks even better in person.
This is what I was hoping the Fenix 8 would look like.
Check out Amazon for the Garmin Tactix 8
What else is in the box? There is some paperwork I’ll probably never read and the classic Garmin charging cable.
If you’re coming from a Tactix 7, you might notice something missing: the extra nylon band.
Yeah, that’s gone now for US customers. Some regions might still get it, but not in the States.
Honestly, while that band looked cool, it was too thick for my liking and messed with the heart rate readings.
Models, Sizes, and Price
For the first time, the Tactix series comes in two sizes: 51mm and 47mm, just like the Fenix 8. But the options don’t stop there.
The 51mm version comes in an AMOLED Sapphire model (that’s the one I have), a Solar MIP version, and even a Solar MIP with Applied Ballistics Elite Edition.
If you prefer the smaller 47mm size, you’re limited to the AMOLED display, and you can’t get the Elite version of Applied Ballistics.
And be prepared for the price tag – the Tactix 8 is roughly $200 more than a comparable Fenix 8.
Design: Garmin Tactix 8 vs. Fenix 8
One of the biggest appeals of the Tactix 8 is its sleek, blacked-out design.
The bezel has a DLC-coated gray finish, the body is black composite, and even the back has a titanium coating.
It’s a color scheme that the Fenix 8 just doesn’t offer. Honestly, this alone might be worth the upgrade for some people.
At first glance, the Tactix 8 and Fenix 8 look quite similar. Both share cutting-edge features, AMOLED displays, and rugged builds.
But under the hood, the Tactix 8 brings tactical-specific enhancements that set it apart.
| Feature | Garmin Tactix 8 | Garmin Fenix 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | AMOLED / Solar MIP | AMOLED / Solar MIP |
| Size Options | 51mm & 47mm | 51mm & 47mm |
| Bezel Finish | DLC-coated gray | Stainless steel |
| Stealth Mode | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Night Vision Mode | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Applied Ballistics (Elite Edition Only) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Kill Switch (Secure Data Wipe) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Aviation Activity Profiles | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Biggest Difference? The Tactix 8 is built for military & tactical professionals, while the Fenix 8 is more of a premium outdoor fitness smartwatch.
Bezels, Buttons, and Sensors
The main difference between the Tactix 8 and Fenix 8 comes down to the bezel.
The Fenix 8 has a tapered design with indentations and exposed screws, while the Tactix 8 sports a flat bezel with subtle scribe marks and exposed screws.
The buttons on the Tactix 8 have a cool, knurled texture, providing a better grip compared to the smoother buttons on the Fenix 8.
Flipping the watch over, you’ll find the upgraded Gen5 heart rate sensor, promising improved accuracy, ECG capabilities, and skin temperature sensing. Plus, it uses quick-fit bands, so swapping them out is a breeze.
Shared Features
The Tactix 8 shares a ton of features with the Fenix 8. Let’s run through some of them:
- Built-in Flashlight: Just like the Fenix 8, the Tactix 8 has a built-in flashlight. But the Tactix 8 has a green light option, which is supposedly better for reading maps in the dark. The Fenix 8 has a red light instead.
- Voice Commands: You can use voice commands to set timers, start activities, and more, even offline.
- Dive-Proof Rating: This watch is ready for scuba diving, thanks to its depth sensor and leak-proof buttons.
- Music Playback: Listen to music stored on the watch or control your phone’s music. It supports Spotify, and Amazon Music, and has 32GB of storage.
- Advanced Navigation with multi-band GNSS, ABC sensors, and preloaded maps.
- ECG Heart Rate Monitoring & Skin Temperature Sensing.
Tactix 8 Battery Life: How Long Does It Last?
Garmin has optimized the Tactix 8 for extended battery life, making it ideal for long missions and outdoor adventures.
| Mode | Battery Life (AMOLED Model) | Battery Life (Solar MIP Model) |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch Mode | Up to 16 days | Up to 37 days (with solar) |
| GPS Mode | Up to 42 hours | Up to 89 hours (with solar) |
| Expedition Mode | Up to 46 days | Up to 139 days (with solar) |
Who should get the Solar MIP model? If you spend weeks in the field or in extreme outdoor conditions, the Solar MIP version is the better choice.
Must See: – AMOLED vs. MIP Displays in Garmin Devices: A Comprehensive Analysis
Garmin Tactix 8 Unique Tactical Features
Okay, so the Tactix 8 is basically a Fenix 8 in disguise, right? Not entirely. There are a few exclusive features that set it apart.
Rucking Activity
The Tactix 8 introduces a new “Rucking” activity profile. This lets you track walks or hikes with a weighted backpack.
You can even input the pack weight, which gets recorded in the activity file in Garmin Connect. Pretty cool, right?
Tactical Features
This is where the Tactix 8 really shines. These are a few features that the Fenix 8 doesn’t have:
- Stealth Mode: This disables location storage and wireless connectivity.
- Aviation Activity Profiles: If you’re a pilot, you’ll appreciate the aviation activity profiles. You can view your location, altitude, and nearby airports.
- Night Vision Mode: Dims the display and turns it green for use with night vision goggles.
- Kill Switch: This feature completely wipes the watch, securely erasing all data.
- Applied Ballistics: For long-range shooting calculations. There are two versions: Ultralight and Elite, with the Elite version offering a longer range calculation (up to 5500 yards).
Is the Tactix 8 For You?
So, who should buy the Tactix 8? I think it really comes down to two groups of people:
- Tactical Users: If you’re in the military, law enforcement, or aviation, the specialized features of the Tactix 8 might be worth the extra cost.
- Design-Conscious Buyers: If you like the look of the Tactix 8 more than the Fenix 8, and you’re willing to spend the extra money for it, go for it! There’s no shame in wanting a certain aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
That was a quick first look at the Garmin Tactix 8. I have to say, I’m impressed. It takes everything great about the Fenix 8 and adds a tactical twist.
But is it worth the extra money? That’s up to you to decide.
Now it’s your turn. Are you thinking about picking up the Tactix 8? Or will you stick with the Fenix 8 or even the Fenix 7? Drop a comment below and let me know!
Also, check out TrackBetter.com and Amazon if you’re interested in buying a Tactix 8.
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