Garmin Tactix 8
Garmin introduced the Tactix 8, a smartwatch designed for various operational environments. Available in 47mm and 51mm sizes, it features dedicated rucking and diving activity tracking, a built-in speaker, and a microphone. Constructed to meet U.S. military standard MIL-STD-810 for thermal, shock, and water resistance, it is rated for dives up to 40 meters and includes leakproof buttons.
The 47mm model incorporates an AMOLED display with up to 16 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. The 51mm solar model offers an always-on display and up to 48 days of battery life. Dan Bartel, Garmin’s Vice President of GloGarmin’sumer Sales, stated that the Tactix 8’s design and new functionality make it a tactical GPS smartwatch suited for land, air, and sea operations.
Built with a titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens, the smartwatch is designed for durability. It allows users to make and receive calls when paired with a compatible smartphone, and voice commands can be issued directly from the device without requiring a phone connection.
Designed for underwater use, the smartwatch supports scuba and apnea diving. It tracks dive entry and exit locations, features a tilt-compensated digital compass, and provides alerts and timers for freediving and spearfishing. Leakproof buttons ensure reliable underwater operation.
A dedicated rucking activity profile lets users input pack weight to assess physical exertion. A pack weight feature can also be applied to trail running, hiking, and walking activities, automatically disabling VO2 Max recording when carrying at least 2kg.
The Tactix 8 includes the Applied Ballistics Ultralight solver and is compatible with the AB Quantum app. The Elite model integrates the Applied Ballistics Elite solver for advanced aiming solutions.
Users can choose between an AMOLED display or an always-on display with a solar charging lens to enhance power efficiency. The smartwatch also features an updated map interface for customized navigation layers. Terrain contours are visible on TopoActive maps, and a dynamic routing function suggests paths based on entered distances.
Navigation tools include preloaded TopoActive maps and an optional Outdoor Maps+ subscription for additional mapping data. SatIQ and multi-band GPS improve positioning accuracy while optimizing battery performance. Users can create or access courses in Garmin Connect and sync them to the watch for turn-by-turn directions.
A built-in multi-LED flashlight provides white and green light options for night operations. Night Vision Goggle mode dims the display to a level suitable for users wearing night optics while remaining less visible to others. Stealth Mode disables wireless communications while tracking biometric data and distance travelled without logging location details.
The smartwatch offers multiple training and health monitoring features. A daily training readiness score helps users gauge workout intensity, while endurance, hill score, VO2 Max, and overall training status provide performance insights. Health tracking includes wrist-based Pulse Ox, Body Battery energy monitoring, a jet lag adviser, advanced sleep tracking, and nap detection. Upon waking, users receive a morning report summarizing sleep patterns, training outlook, and heart rate variability. The smartwatch is also compatible with an ECG app that records heart rhythms and checks for signs of atrial fibrillation.
Aviation features include Direct-To-Navigation, which guides users to specific locations or waypoints. A “Nearest” function provides quick access to the closest airport. The smartwatch displays aviation weather, including NEXRAD radar, METARs, and TAFs, showing wind, visibility, and barometric pressure details. The Jumpmaster function supports HAHO, HALO, and Static jumps, while dual-positioning mode displays two coordinate systems simultaneously, including MGRS and latitude/longitude.
The Garmin Tactix 8 is priced from $1299.99.
Source Garmin.com