Garmin Instinct 3 TACTICAL – compared to TACTIX and Instinct 3

More: Garmin Instinct 3 review – map WORKAROUND

Today, Garmin announced the Instinct 3 TACTICAL. It comes as a Solar or non-Solar model with features corresponding to the regular Instinct 3 Series announced earlier in the year.

There are subtle differences between non-tactical Instincts and the Tactix 8, the high-end Tactical version of the Fenix 8.

Garmin Instinct 3 TACTICAL dedicated features

As well as an activity profile called ‘Tactical’, general Tactical features also include: XERO chronograph integration, Waypoint headings and distances, DUAL-POSITION FORMAT Display of  Military Grid Reference System (MGRS) and latitude/longitude (Lat/Long).

The TACTICAL version of Instinct then adds a new watchface, and these unique features, when compared to the Garmin Instinct 3.

• NIGHT VISION CAPABILITY – Operate stealthily in the dark or with a dedicated mode for night optical devices (NODs)/night vision goggles (NVG), dimming the display and controlling brightness to reduce detectability.
• RUCKING ACTIVITY – Use the dedicated rucking activity profile (weighted hiking) to input and track your pack weight during training or missions.
• STEALTH MODE – Stealth mode keeps the watch fully operational while disabling wireless connectivity and GPS tracking to prevent location sharing or data transmission.
• PROJECTED WAYPOINTS – Set and save remote geographic positions for future navigation and mission planning.
• APPLIED BALLISTICS SOLVER – Access long-range shooting solutions in the field with the preloaded Applied Ballistics solver (one-time fee required from $100).
• AB QUANTUM APP – Download the AB Quantum mobile app to manage ballistic profiles and targets, or use your phone as a secondary display.
• KILL SWITCH – If operational security is compromised, activate the kill switch to erase all user data from the device immediately.
• JUMPMASTER MODE – Calculate high-altitude release points following military guidelines and navigate to your objective after the jump.
• TACTICAL ACTIVITY – Track time, pace, elevation, and your precise location using both coordinate formats during tactical operations.
• GREEN LED – not RED. Both have a white torch.

Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical vs Tactix 8

There are several sizing and case quality differences to the Tactix 8. In terms of tactical-related features, this is what you miss out on if you get the Instinct

• QZSS and BeiDou satellite support (Source: Garmin)
• Voice commands
• Jet lag advisor
• Skin temperature
• Dive support
• Aviation support
• Maps including ski maps
• Golf
• Several advanced training features, such as stamina and CSS.

Price & Availability

• Instinct 3 Tactical 50mm AMOLED: $599
• Instinct 3 Tactical 45mm SOLAR: $499
• Instinct 3 Tactical 50mm SOLAR: $549