The Garmin tactix Tactical Ops GPS watch is a rugged time piece that packs a lot of features into its frame. The case is made from stainless steel, PVD-coated in a non-reflective Black, and is waterproof up to 50 meters. The face consists of a non-reflective, scratch-resistant, curved mineral glass. The negative mode liquid crystal display is designed for stealth operation, and the Green LED backlight is NVD compatible. The wrist straps are made of polyurethane, and are also Black.
The tactix’s high-sensitivity GPS automatically calibrates the on-board altimeter, barometer and 3-axis compass, in addition to the time and date in multiple time zones. The GPS feature allows the user to create routes, record up to 1000 waypoints, 10,000 track points, and the TrackBack features guides the user back along a previously recorded tracklog. The tactix has ANT+ and Bluetooth capabilities to share tracks, waypoints, and routes with other compatible Garmin devices or smartphones. The tactix features a preloaded world wide basemap.
The tactix functions as a recording tool for training. It can provide real-time performance data, including distance, pace, cadence, and calories burnt. It’s compatible with Garmin’s heart rate monitor, speed/cadence bike sensor, and foot pod. Additionally, the tactix features U.S. tidal data and the Garmin jumpmaster software for amphibious and airborne operations.
The tactix is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. It can last up to 50 hours on a single charge in GPS mode, three weeks in sensor mode, and five weeks in watch mode.
I’ve been wearing the tactix around for a few days, and I like it. Setup was quick and simple, and once I got used to the buttons and menu navigation it became easy to switch between the different functions. At first, it didn’t seem that I was getting the listed battery life out of the watch, so I left it on an extended charge and now it’s still going strong a couple of days later, with barely a dent in the battery meter. It’s also worth mentioning that despite the styling, this isn’t a “big watch”. It’s lightweight and isn’t uncomfortable to wear at all.
The Garmin tactix is currently available from www.strohmanenterprise.com. Run by a USMC Veteran, Strohman takes good care of military and LE personnel.
Tags: Garmin, Strohman Enterprise
Would you say this is a good alternative to the Suunto Ambit? Or at this point is it one is as good as the other it’s just branding?
Maybe a dumb question, how big is it?
I love the idea of having all these features I a compact watch, but at the same time I’m 5’7″ tall and some of these watches end up being uncormortable on my wrist.
I’ve been wearing the watch around for a few days now, and as you can see by the image above, its not much larger than a standard G-Shock, the watch I usually wear.
For point to point NAV and as an ABC watch it’s better than the Ambit (in my opinion). Supports various co-ordinate systems including Mils.
Size is approx 1.5in diameter (45mm)
I was also advised to fully charge the unit and then let it run totally flat before re-charging to 100%. Seems if you don’t do this battery life is affected.
Normal use as an ABC type watch I get at two weeks between charges. Using the compass and or GPS facility can see the battery needing recharged in under 12hrs.
Be aware – The fat button on left is used for selecting several features including switching off and on the GPS. It can get easily pressed by accident when the watch is stored in a bacpac pocket for example, resulting in a flat battery. Done it at least twice!
Pressing the “illuminate button” activates the backlight. Pressing it a second time switches it off rather than waiting the 8-10 seconds for it to self extinguish.
Would it replace my Suunto Vector and Garmin Foretrex 101 combo – No!
Is it a reasonable piece of kit for a weekend in the hills – definitely
Impressive list of capabilities, but with a 50 hour battery life, it’s just one more thing you’ll have to recharge. This is clearly for limited duration operations and ill suited for line infantry who could be out for weeks if not months.
Oh no. Oh no!
I’ve been really happy with my Rino 655 set, but have been eyeing compact GPS watches for a while to offer something more carry-able than the radios.
This is exactly the kind of thing that I lust after for months before finally buying.
Looking at features description, Tactix seems to be just repacked Garmin Fenix. If it’s true, then it’s even more feature-rich. For example, device life on the single charge could be prolonged by lowering the coordinates update rate. In addition, Fenix has one undocumented feature – ability to use custom simplified maps (like trail maps). It’s not so convenient to look at digital map “through the quarter-size hole” but as backup solution, it should work well.
How extensive is the tidal data?
Garmin website says “U.S. Tides”. I suppose, it’s the same data Garmin putting into their marine devices and it contains also some stations in Canada and Central America. Judging by their Quatix watch, European version will have the tide tables for the rest of the world.
As I understand, tide tables are included in base map data, so, likely, it’s possible to replace the tide table with one from European version.
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Very cool. I like it a lot.
Nice!