Technology
Garmin Tactix 8 just launched, and it might be the most formidable Garmin ever
Garmin just unveiled the new Tactix 8, here's what's new.
TechRadar
published: Feb 13, 2025
Garmin has just surprised us with the launch of its new tactix 8 smartwatch, probably the company's most formidable Garmin ever. The new tactix 8 is the company's latest 'tactical' watch. The tactix series is jammed full of military-inspired features. All Garmin's usual workout smarts are here, combined with serious rugged durability and tactical features, such as rucking and a new Applied Ballistics Solver. If you don't know what that last one is, the tactix 8 probably isn't for you: it's a feature designed to offer more information on shooting a rifle, with 'customized aiming solutions for long-range shooting based on your rifle characteristics, bullet characteristics, and various environmental conditions' according to Garmin's website. A bit like a golf watch for gun users. The tactix 8 is a military-grade smartwatch with advanced GPS, a 1.4-inch AMOLED display, titanium bezel, and a sapphire lens. It's all tested to US military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, with dedicated tactical features including jumpmaster activity, waypoint projection, dual-position GPS format, stealth mode, a kill switch, night vision compatibility, and support for the trendy new rucking activity. The Garmin tactix 8 looks set to become the best Garmin for the military mind and those who want the most formidable Garmin watch on the market. It even has a preloaded Applied Ballistics solver that gives you access to aiming solutions for long-range shooting in the field. As you can see, this isn't really a watch you'd wear for a Park Run. It features Garmin's SatIQ tech from the Instinct 3, a 3-axis compass, support for recreational diving, and a built-in flashlight. It also comes with 43,000 golf courses for downtime between missions, and Garmin's usual suite of industry-leading health and fitness tracking features. The Garmin tactix 8 costs $1,299.99 for the 47mm AMOLED version, or $1,399 for the 51mm version. The solar 51mm version is also the same price. If you're serious, there's also a $1,599 solar version with an Applied Ballistics Elite Solver for even more intense shooting solutions. Otherwise, the taxtix 8 comes with the Ultralight Applied Ballistics Solver. The tactix 8 starts life at £1,189 in the UK and AU$2,299 down under. Order availability begins on February 21.
Garmin tactix 8: the details
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