Garmin have just announced a new TACTIX CHARLIE model for April 2018 release. At a list price of US$645 it’s $100 more than the Fenix 5X. After the Chronos, this must make it Garmin’s (second) most expensive endurance watch.
Q: But is it really an endurance watch?
A: Yes.
The TACTIX CHARLIE is pretty much exactly the same as the Fenix 5X with some regional TOPO map differences (see comments).
The only differences shown on Garmin’s official comparison with the Fenix 5X (link to: garmin.com) are in build quality.
Specifically and officially, the TACTIX CHARLIE:
- Weighs 90g (Fenix 5 is 98g)
- Has a bezel is “Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coated titanium” whereas the Fenix 5X is stainless steel. The bezel is scratch resistant and has UTC markers.
- Has case material comprising a titanium rear cover, whereas the Fenix 5X has stainless steel. Although the CHARLIE has stainless steel buttons
Presumably the change of metal from stainless steel to titanium accounts for the weight difference.
But wait. There’s more.
The TACTIX CHARLIE has “night vision“. Well, more specifically a night vision mode which, when activated, will reduce the backlight settings of the screen to a level that won’t interfere with the function of night vision goggles. As you can see from the images, above, this can be enabled through a shortcut.
Summary
It’s a more expensive Fenix 5X with slightly different materials and an optionally dimmer screen.
If you regularly, or even occasionally, use night vision goggles then this is your watch. For the multi-sport, endurance athlete then, perhaps, only those who want a slightly more rugged version will be interested.
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Do you think, this is a new Fenix 5 Plus or we should still expect it 🙂
it is definately not a fenix 5 plus.
Has the antennae been improved for sensor conenctivity? don’t know
That was going to be what I was about to ask. Still, a rugged Fenix 5, but does what the 5x does (maps) is a good deal.
Meh, I’ve grown accustomed to the weight of my forerunner 935.
The 5x never had connectivity issues so there was nothing there to fix.
question was about f5+?
And the diving watch cost more https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/568181
grrr. it’s those facts getting in the way of a good story again. although technically it’s not for an endurance sport (diving), at least not by my definition 😉
copying suunto ‘s traverse alpha with the night vision, as usual Garmin is a flower instead own inventing
Lol, yes they copied it using their time machine to go 5 years into the future…
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/10/garmin-tactix-review.html
My observations regarding the price.
I don’t honestly think it’s much of a jump in the UK for the improved mapping. The Fenix 5x only included recreational mapping, whereas the Tactix includes Europe topo mapping. That alone for hiking, adventure types is a great “upgrade”
But if you are in the USA then the added price is not worth it really as it ships with the same maps as the Fenix 5X
true true. i’ll add that in.
I’ve just purchased the garmin fenix 5X in UK from official UK seller and I confirm the TopoActive Europe maps are included as well. If not already will be added at first software update