Garmin's Tactix 8: Setting New Standards in Rugged Smartwatch Excellence

This might be the toughest smartwatch available for purchase.

My Garmin Forerunner 965 It essentially saved my life, as they say. This device put an end to my relentless struggle with fitness and health following chemotherapy—a cycle where I would frequently find myself returning to bed, increasingly unwell. Prior to witnessing the effectiveness of this gadget’s technology and personally observing its benefits for individuals, I never paid much attention to smartwatches.

And now, Garmin is once more setting new standards with its newly released product. Tactix 8 .

Like many of Garmin's flagship models This model comes in either a 51mm or a newer 47mm case size. What sets the Tacitx 8 apart from other models in Garmin’s range is its inclusion of specialized modes for hiking and diving, along with integrated speakers and microphones. For those who use these features extensively, the device boasts waterproof buttons, a titanium bezel, and a shatterproof sapphire crystal lens designed to withstand tough conditions.

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I value having both the microphone and speaker included since, during moments when my heartbeat races and my hands are grimy, interacting with the watch becomes cumbersome. While navigating isn’t overly complicated, using voice commands on the Tactix 8 allows for seamless operation without needing to touch the device at all. Additionally, this functionality does not require connecting the watch to a smartphone.

If you’re all about the deep blues rather than high altitudes, the 40-meter dive-certified casing and compatibility with both scuba diving and free-diving will surely simplify things for you. For those who love rucking, the updated functionalities in the Tactix 8 aid in monitoring the physical stress placed upon your body during these activities. You have the option now to factor in the additional load from your backpack into exercises such as jogging, trekking, and strolling. However, once you enter a payload exceeding 2 kilograms, the device disables the VO2 max measurement; this adjustment aims at offering a clearer picture of your genuine aerobic capacity.

You have the option of selecting either an AMOLED screen or an always-on display protected by a sapphire lens. The always-on display comes equipped with a solar charging lens, providing approximately 50% more solar energy compared to earlier versions. In smartwatch mode, the battery life of the Tactix 8 can extend up to 16 days; however, choosing the 51mm solar version with an always-on display boosts this duration significantly to around 48 days.

Those opting for the AMOLED display will particularly appreciate the enhanced terrain details on TopoActive maps. For those eager to venture into natural surroundings, they can input a distance on their watch and obtain recommended routes to keep them aligned with their schedule through interactive round-trips.

routing.

However, these characteristics set the Tactix 8 apart within Garmin’s range, as their collection already includes top-tier health monitors and tracking technologies. Keep in mind that should you find yourself unable to part with one of these devices on your wrist, they come with a recommended starting price of $1,299.99.