Garmin - tactix 7 – Standard Edition

I had a Garmin Instinct 2x Solar Tactical Coyote tan, I was in love with that watch, and I didn't need detailed maps and a color screen. But...that watch is not for longer trips with routes loaded, say over 130km with GPS on. My watch froze twice. That day the watch and the navigation were unusable. Then I bought a Garmin Tactix 7 Standard Edition, for me it is the best Garmin watch I have ever had.

Garmin Tactix 7 user. I see absolutely no benefit over the Apple Watch besides battery life. My OLD Apple Watch was better for heart rate than this Garmin ever as been. I'm only wearing it because work gave it to me for free (and I only wear it while exercising). My wife, who swore she'd never use a smart watch now runs and sleeps wearing my ancient Apple Watch and she gets all the actually useful data that I have. Complaint about the Garmin: Several times, usually while cycling, it'll read 80-90bpm while my heart is actually 170ish. I won't even use the Garmin while cycling anymore. Sure it has extra bells and whistles that the Apple Watch might not have ...but if you can't be consistent and reliable with something as simple as HR, why waste the time/money? I'll get hate for this, but I think Garmin is more of a status symbol for "serious" endurance athletes more than it is its own unique and valuable tool.

Not a swim specific watch, but I use a Garmin Tactix 7. I find the tracking very accurate, but the watch is pretty bulky and I notice it more over long distances. Heard good things about the Garmin swim though

https://preview.redd.it/7fhs78of36xe1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9203c8b09dff4c3250f76de1cca6e3baaa1ea018 I have big wrists and arms and a 51mm is still a monster watch. I love it though and honestly don’t think anyone else cares how big your watch is. Added bonus - it can be used to break down a door in an emergency

Sounds like you don't need the best and newest to get all the features you need here. Most of the watches you're being recommended will be perfect for you, yes. But any older Fenix/Tactix will work for you too. In fact, I'm still using my Fenix 6x Solar, does literally everything you outlined here besides the stealth mode, jump master, etc. A Tactix 7 or event Tactix Delta will achieve all you need. Just a side note, best battery = MIP display. Don't think you can get a stealth mode (night vision) with an MIP display, that's reserved for the amoled versions. Good luck on your search!

IMO, think about the what it is, a watch. It's primary function still is to tell time. If you have to charge it every day, flick your wrist in a weird way to see it, etc then it's not very good as a watch. Get the Garmin. I have the Tactix 7 and it's amazing.

Is the Instinct a touch screen? I had a Fenixn3 HR which I used for about 5 years. Upgraded to a Tactix 7 and was disappointed with how much dimmer it was than the 3. I figured it must be the touch screen functionality which I don't even use.

Hmm Fenix 3 HR had sapphire crystal but no touch screen or solar charging. I thought the solar was just the ring. Who knows....Fenix 3 HR was noticeably brighter. Anyway I want MIPs so 8 pro definitely won't do anything for me. Instinct 3 looks nice but I have Tactix 7 now so I'll stick with that.

I have the Tactix 7 and AWU1. I always use AWU1 and see zero reasons to upgrade.

Yeah next step I to move away from garmin after 6-7 years. Every update eats battery, more issues added less fixed. My tactix 7 can’t even run any other IQ store watchface due to having massive battery drain. Despite full watch reset, reboots and so on it’s not last the 28 day as advertised.

I’ve been using tactix 7 for just over 3 years and never had any issues with it. I’m not bothered by “outdated” software as long as my watch records my sport activities reliably. I do not want advanced smartwatch on my wrist. I want a robust sport watch, hence I prefer Garmin over AW.

Some of the responses are from non-iPhone users, so their experiences will differ. Here is my (iPhone user) response to a different post, same-ish question. “I didn’t fully switch. I have an Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin Tactix 7. When I do wear the Tactix I miss the rich notifications from my AWU. My security cameras send screenshots whenever motion is detected. Apple Pay is great, esp using public transit. No need to pull out my phone, just tap and go. Calls/texts can be answered. All of the above can be done without your phone present, assuming you have LTE on your Apple Watch. It’s nice to leave my phone behind for runs/hikes or just a quick trip to the store.” Both tell the time. Both track steps. Notifications on Garmin will be just plain text. Nothing fancy. You will NOT be responding to text messages as it is not compatible with iOS. If someone sends you a picture, you won’t be seeing that on your watch (for most models I think). As others have said, your list of wants and needs lean towards an Apple Watch. Edit: Another thing to note about notifications… Apple Watch will receive notifications via Bluetooth, WiFi, or LTE. So you’d have the option to not be near your phone. Garmin will always need to be within Bluetooth range of your phone.

The 3 is slightly better all around, but the 2 has better battery life(due to some more modern features on the 3). You can't load music on either but you can control it if you're listening from your phone(but it is NOT very intuitive). Neither has maps per se but they have "breadcrumb navigation" which essentially points you in the right direction and gives you a path to follow to a predetermined point. If money isn't an issue you should look at the tactix 7