REVIEW: Garmin Tactix

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To not get completely lost, a GPS receiver is always very helpful. Even better if it is also multifunctional and ideally also a watch. Garmin delivers exactly that with the new Tactix, and we have taken a look at it for you:

"Robust GPS watch in a cool design" is the slogan Garmin uses to advertise this watch. Based on the tests, we can't really disagree. It's quite stylish, in its tactical black with the inverted display. The technical data and functions are compactly summarized here in the link.

Let's start with our first impression and then delve deeper into the functions we tested. In terms of size, it's barely larger than various dive watches (for comparison, the dive watch from Bombfrog). It's comfortable to wear due to the wide band, but the plastic material makes you sweat more than usual. But this is nitpicking at a high level. The battery lasts about two weeks with normal watch operation and using the alarm. When GPS is activated and you use all the functions of this little technical masterpiece, the battery life reduces to 16 to 24 hours.

The watch is charged using a USB cable and a special adapter for the watch. This adapter is also used to connect the watch to the PC to read data or store things on it.

So you can read the chronograph in the dark, the screen lights up in green at the touch of a button. It illuminates beautifully from dark to bright and after a certain time interval or button press, the light fades slowly. The brightest level is not really dazzling but rather very subdued. You don't want to stand out, tactically speaking. In direct, bright sunlight, we sometimes found it difficult to read the display, whether with or without light. By the way, the image shows the flashlight function, which provides a very dim light only for close proximity.

Now let's talk about some of the features. The compass does what it promises, showing the direction you are facing in either normal degrees or mils. There are actually two different compass modes. One without GPS activated (left in the image) and one with GPS activated (right in the image) that are noticeably different.

The temperature display also works very well, but you should take the watch off your wrist for 15-20 minutes first, as otherwise you'll get slightly higher ambient values.

All the GPS navigation functions operate the same as with all other Garmin devices. Whether it's Trackback, saving waypoints, or the fishing calendar. The watch is not lacking compared to a regular GPS receiver, and it also has a pre-loaded worldwide base map with all major cities.

The coordinate display format can of course also be selected. Whether MGRS or longitude and latitude.

The watch layout can also be customized, we have kept the default layout, but everything from the second hand display to the date format can be changed. The small satellite icon at the top left indicates that GPS is active and also shows the signal strength through the fill level. Below the time, the moon symbol and the moonrise time are displayed. The moon symbol changes depending on the moon phase.

The watch is operated by only 5 buttons on the side, which are very self-explanatory. The menu navigation is somewhat complex, but after some trial and error, you'll get the hang of it. By the way, you can customize every display screen during GPS operation according to your preferences or needs.

One feature we would have liked to test but couldn't is the so-called Jumpmaster function. With this, you can perform HALO and HAHO parachute jumps to reach the intended point.

CONCLUSION: A versatile GPS receiver that also displays the time and looks good. The Tactix can also be used simply as a sports watch - with a suitable heart rate monitor. This watch leaves hardly any desires unfulfilled, except that charging the battery in the field can sometimes be challenging if you don't bring extra equipment.

Available directly from GARMIN for 399€ excluding shipping