This Fully Loaded New Tactical Watch Does Badass Things Others Simply Can’t

The word “tactical” gets thrown around so much that it can be hard to take seriously.

If you don’t believe me, just take a moment and Google “tactical diaper bag.” (I’ll wait.)

But despite the rampant, sometimes comical, sometimes problematic misappropriation of the term, brands continue to release legit products with every right to have that word stamped on them. 

Garmin

The latest example? Garmin’s new Instinct 3 Tactical Edition smartwatches.

This rugged three-unit series packs all the features that already make the Instinct 3 great — including multi-band GPS with SatIQ tech, high-level activity tracking and smart notifications — plus a host of unique additional attributes you don’t necessarily need to pair with camouflage to find useful.

How do the three units differ? At the top of the line is a 50mm AMOLED version, which offers a super crisp display and gets up to 24 days on a single charge in smartwatch mode.

There are also 45mm and 50mm solar-powered units, each of which offers potentially unlimited battery life.

Go ruck yourself

Though most of the Tactical Edition’s distinguishing features are on the inside, one is immediately visible on the outside.

Bolted construction, a fiber-reinforced polymer case and a scratch-resistant display are joined by a metal-reinforced bezel that maxes out its toughness and durability in the face of extreme conditions. 

Garmin

Water-rated up to 100 meters, it’s built to MIL-STD 810 spec for thermal and shock resistance.

There’s also a built-in flashlight with varying intensities, a green light to protect natural night vision and a strobe mode for location signaling in difficult terrain.

Oh, and let’s not forget NVG (Night Vision Goggle) mode, which dims the display so you can see it but no one else can.

Garmin

As far as specific tracking tech, my favorite is “rucking activity,” a setting that allows users to input pack weight and better understand the physical exertion of rucking. 

You can also add in your pack weight when tracking trail running, hiking, walking and other activities.

Battle ready

I’d be remiss not to mention that the Tactical Edition boasts a number of features that, if you find yourself using regularly, all I can say is “thank you for your service.”

For hunters or those who enjoy target practice, the Tactical Edition units come with the long range shooting-oriented Applied Ballistics solver (unlock fee required) and compatibility with the Applied Ballistics Quantum app.

Another unique feature is Jumpmaster, which lets you “calculate high-altitude release points according to military guidelines while navigating to your objective once you’ve jumped.” (’Nuff said?)

Garmin

Then there’s Stealth Mode, which sounds pretty cool if you are going undercover or, let’s be honest, cheating on your partner. This feature tracks distances and biometrics without recording location data, so you can gather info without any evidence of where you are. 

Lastly, this watch has a function that is quite aptly named. It’s called Kill Switch and, if your identity or security become compromised, it can be used to wipe the device of all user memory. 

That seems like the most awesome feature I sure hope I never have to actually use.

Availability and pricing

The Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical Edition watches will be available to order beginning on April 30.

The 45mm solar-powered unit costs $500, the 50mm solar unit costs $550 and the 50mm AMOLED display unit (below) costs $600.

Garmin

Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical Edition

• Starts at $500

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