Customer Reviews for Garmin - tactix 8 Solar GPS Smartwatch 51 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover - Black - (2025)
Customer Rating
5
Excellent Watch with Features I Needed
on November 18, 2025
Posted by: Uber Luber
I got the watch 2 weeks ago and love it. I was using an Instinct 2X Solar Tactical, but wanted to have maps on my wrist. I also used AB ballistics on the Instinct. I appreciate how well everything integrates to make it easier to use. I’ve used for hiking, walking, tactical, and track me applications. I’ve also compared the ballistics range card to my Kestrel and it matches pretty well. I tend to use the green light frequently and I’m glad this was kept. When you consider all features and functionality in a single device the tactix 8 Solar Elite is an excellent value. Having some experience with it now I would definitely purchase it again.
I was really excited about the Garmin Tactix 8, but honestly, the screen quality was a major letdown. The display looks pixelated, and the resolution is noticeably poor compared to what Garmin shows in their advertisements. The colors are dull and washed out—it doesn’t come close to the sharp, vibrant look that’s pictured online. For a watch in this price range, I expected a much clearer and more refined display. The overall performance might be solid, but the screen makes it feel outdated. Definitely disappointed.
Very nice, works excellently but I wish there was a way that you could put any injuries that you have in your profile and have the app suggest what exercises that you could do.
I have been considering upgrading my old Apple Watch to the Tactix for quite some time, and I'm happy I finally made the switch. I'm happy with all the features and capabilities. Its style, size, and feel are all great. Battery life is unbelievable, coming from a daily charge only to have my old Apple Watch die at 8:00 pm. Very responsive and does everything I expected. The only thing I miss from my Apple Watch is the ability to respond to iMessages. I rarely used the watch for texting because it wasn't the easiest to type on, but if I had to dig up a negative, thats it. And did I mention the battery life, crazy!
This watch was exactly what I was expecting. I didn’t realize how much tracking my sleep quality would benefit me. So many features to utilize. Eager to use during my hunting trips.