Customer Reviews for Garmin - tactix 8 Solar GPS Smartwatch 51 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover - Black - (2025)
Customer Rating
5
Amazing watch
on June 24, 2026
Posted by: JP9595
I bought it a few weeks ago and I love how streamlined it is. Plus it looks so sleek. The features are easy to use and navigate and the upgrades from the last Tactix are phenomenal.
So far the watch seems ok. The user interface is ok, but a little clunky. It has a ton of great features. The GPS connectivity is a little spotty and the battery is good, but seems to be a 2 to one as far as how many days it says it will last versus actual useable time. The NV function is solid.
I've owned both the Fenix and the Taxtic, and I like the Taxtic watch better. The flat face design looks more appealing. Improved performance and more seamless software. “The only concern is the sunlight bouncing off the glass, which can reveal my position.”
I've had this watch for about 3 weeks and I'm still exploring the features/options available. Due to my work schedule, I'm unable to use or test all of the functions that I want to. Navigating the menu(s) has become a breeze and I thoroughly enjoy the apps that I've used, so far. Tracking my steps and heart rate for exercise, is what I appreciate most. The battery lasted from 100% to 40% a little over 2 weeks. This is with updates, adding apps, exploring features, replying to texts, etc. Pros: Can respond to phone text(when in range of phone), lots of available apps(free and paid/subscription), notifications from phone are instantaneous(email, text, phone calls, etc) Cons: Learning curve for using buttons(minor), Can't generate a text message, unless you and end user download the Garmin Messenger app(but can respond to text messages, if you do so promptly. I have found no way to access previously sent messages.
The menu system and scooting around the watch is a bit clunky. If you use all the sensors for health, the battery life goes to about 66% the max listed on the website. Solar is neat but I wish it could really resupply the battery as you move through the month.