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Garmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition GPS Watch

Curated from 90 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: January 3, 2025

Garmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition GPS Watch

Brand: Garmin
Price: $1419
Snoop Score:
5.9
Sentiment
7.2
Popularity
6.0
Technical
6.5

Snoop's Take

The Garmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition is a rugged tactical GPS watch designed for outdoor enthusiasts and military personnel. Featuring solar charging capabilities, a built-in applied ballistics calculator, and a durable design, this watch is tailored for precision navigation and performance tracking in extreme conditions. Consumer feedback highlights the Garmin tactix 7's reliability and functionality, with users praising its advanced mapping and emergency features. One user noted, "Garmin currently is the leading company that does devices that do mapping, texting, and emergency services all in one," underscoring its reputation for dependable outdoor navigation. Many also appreciate the watch's unique tactical features, describing it as "incredible" and an ideal choice for those seeking specialized tools for outdoor activities. Overall, the Garmin tactix 7 is highly recommended for anyone looking for a robust GPS watch that excels in both tactical and recreational settings, thanks to its impressive durability and user satisfaction.

Not for you? Check out our other rated GPS Units

Garmin currently is the leading company that does devices that do mapping, texting, and emergency services all in one.

Positive Feedback

It's a bit of a pain as the screen is too small.

Negative Feedback
Product
5.9
Garmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition GPS Watch
Marathon & Road Running
1 / 10
Trail & Ultra Running
9 / 10
Triathlon & Multisport
2 / 10
Everyday Fitness & Wellness
1 / 10
See how this compares to all GPS Units

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Garmin devices are reliable for mapping and emergency services
Garmin currently is the leading company that does devices that do mapping, texting, and emergency services all in one.
I still vastly prefer a handheld GPS, I've seen phones conk out or have app/connectivity issues to many times in the slightest bit of adverse weather.
I carry a garmin because phones are too fragile for my liking.
Garmin devices are tougher and more reliable than smartphones
I do load openly available maps into CanTopo (Canadian equiv of the popular CalTopo) so my phone is always a backup.
Garmin handheld GPS is reliable for outdoor jobs
They're relatively inexpensive, easy to use, lightweight and accurate.
Garmin devices have reliable lifetime map updates
both came with *1 year* of updates
all of them have free lifetime upgrades
Highly functional for military use
It makes recon life 10x easier
Considered a great all-encompassing GPS unit
If you want an all encompassing GPS then yeah the 67i will do everything you want and is probably the best “complete” unit.
Reliable for pure navigation
You can later download the .gpx files and import into strava if you’re into that kind of thing.
I am really having a hard time to find the right device for my need, hope someone will be able to help me.
Phone connectivity for route planning
the phone connectivity actually is a big plus because you can create a route on your phone and directly send it to your gps via bluetooth, no signal required.
Dedicated GPS units have better battery efficiency.
The handheld GPSs are quite sturdy and waterproof.
GPS units can be preloaded with maps for offline use.
Plenty of map apps can download offline maps to use when you're in areas with bad/no reception
Older GPS devices can be more accurate
Older GPS devices are more accurate as they were single goal devices and didn’t have to share space and battery power with all other uses.
Garmin devices have improved reliability over time
They used to be horribly unreliable, but I think it's unjustified nowadays.
Users generally find Garmin products satisfactory
I've been using Garmin for few years and I'm ok with it.
Standalone GPS units have preloaded maps
Standalone GPS units have the maps already installed and those cost a lot of money for companies to create and keep updated.
GPS units are more reliable in extreme temperatures
The thermal envelope of a dash mounted navigation system is a lot wider than a phone.
Recommended for road trips and long-distance driving
my car's 2010 navigation system that uses satellite. I was very thankful for that feature on my road trip.
Tactix series includes unique tactical features
Most of those things are not terribly useful for your typical person, and they're not really meant to be.
Highly reliable for tracking activities in rough conditions
I‘m almost a year with it now, and would not change to any other even for money.
Good accuracy for outdoor navigation
Accuracy is plenty good enough for navigating in the outdoors.
Considered an ideal choice for tactical features
Just being a hobbyist shooter isn't reason enough to get a Tactix, in my opinion.
Incredible functionality of the Tactix 7
I have been contemplating getting the garmin tactix 7 with applied ballistic elite software.
It’s an incredible watch. Wish I would have gotten the AB version, especially now that the Xero is out.
Satisfaction with Applied Ballistics UI
I went with Applied Ballistics and have been extremely happy.
Updated heart rate sensor with ECG support
The AMOLED gives you the updated HR sensor, which has support to do an ECG, which is a recent update via firmware.
The amoled has the latest heart rate sensor, so it's supposed to be better.
Heart rate monitor glass improves comfort
the heart rate monitor is glass on the Tactix compared to plastic on the Delta. My wrist no longer reacts to it.
Good value for money with discounts considered
So as far as how the watches compare:

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Small screen size makes navigation difficult
It's a bit of a pain as the screen is too small.
A watch is a much smaller screen and more finnicky to use than a stand alone unit or an app on your phone.
The UI is terrible and randomly does stuff but it's cool that I can track how fast I was going snowboarding.
Requires manual operation for route adherence
I’ve missed turnings because of that but I still prefer to have everything I need on my wrist for walking / running than have an additional device solely for riding.
Smartphones can be better for recreational backpacking
Hand held GPS…probably not for recreational backpacking. Smart phones do this adequately and arguably better because they can have different apps that look at the data differently.
Some Garmin models can be slow and barely usable
I have a nuvi 50, and honestly it's slow AF. I am keeping it in my go bag only for disaster scenarios - it's barely usable for regular navigation.
Garmin units eventually reach End of Life and stop receiving updates
Even if it still technically works, it's the manufacturer that determines the end of the device's life.
Smartphones can offer similar functionality to GPS units.
a dedicated device has a number of benefits over a GPS app on a phone
GPS devices can become obsolete without updates
your GPS will be out of date and will need to be updated.
Garmin devices have a history of unreliability
The Bolt came out and just worked. It had global maps right there included, battery that lasted a week and was rock solid.
Standalone GPS units can be expensive
Why are gps units still expensive even though cell phone apps such as google,apple maps and waze have taken over the market?
GPS units replicate features available on smartphones
A Lot of the stand alone units price is for replicated features.
Some models may not have many sales at high price points
Would you really say it is 200$ worth.
Slimmer bezel may reduce rugged appearance
The bezel is slimmer and it makes the watch look less rugged.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Garmin Forerunner 265 Running SmartwatchGarmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch$449
8.4
DetailsBuy
Garmin Fenix 7X Solar Multisport GPS WatchGarmin Fenix 7X Solar Multisport GPS Watch$559
7.1
DetailsBuy
COROS APEX 2 Outdoor GPS WatchCOROS APEX 2 Outdoor GPS Watch$349
6.9
DetailsBuy
Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS UnitGarmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS Unit$229
6.8
DetailsBuy
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running WatchGarmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch$178
6.7
DetailsBuy
Garmin 010-02626-10 Instinct 2 Outdoor WatchGarmin 010-02626-10 Instinct 2 Outdoor Watch$198
6.6
DetailsBuy
COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport WatchCOROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch$229
6.4
DetailsBuy
Garmin Forerunner 165 Running SmartwatchGarmin Forerunner 165 Running Smartwatch$249
6.3
DetailsBuy
Garmin fenix 6 Pro GPS WatchGarmin fenix 6 Pro GPS Watch$479
6.0
DetailsBuy
Garmin Enduro™ 2 Ultraperformance WatchGarmin Enduro™ 2 Ultraperformance Watch$667
6.0
DetailsBuy
Garmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition GPS WatchGarmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics Edition GPS Watch$1419
5.9
DetailsBuy
Garmin Forerunner 955 GPS Running SmartwatchGarmin Forerunner 955 GPS Running Smartwatch$374
3.9
DetailsBuy
Garmin 010-12520-00 Running Dynamics PodGarmin 010-12520-00 Running Dynamics Pod$59
3.2
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about the types of GPS features desired
What are you looking to get out of your GPS? Tracking your hikes? Seeing your location on a map? Do you want something that is also satellite messaging enabled?
Mapping on Fenix is beneficial for battery saving
I tried fenix 6 with prepared map. It was great, I saved a lot of battery on my phone and it is better in rain.
Discussion on the advantages of dedicated GPS over smartphone apps.
Garmin doesn't need cell coverage
Discussion on Tactix vs Fenix features
So I wondered if I would be missing out on any fitness functions if I bought a Tactix instead of Fenix.
Discussion on similarities with Fenix series
While the screen obviously doesnt hold up to a phone screen due to MIP, the map is intuitive enough and reliable enough that I have not run into issues so far.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Garmin watches are preferred over Google Maps for cycling navigation
Google is great for driving but pretty terrible for cycling, especially if you are trying to avoid riding on roads.
Using old Garmin GPS for privacy reasons
I'm actually thinking about buying one for privacy reasons.
Fenix serves as a backup for phone and has smart features
Nothing a stand-alone unit can really do better than your phone, unless you want to be able to message with it.
The mapping on the Fenix is really just an emergency backup. It works but is hard to navigate well.
Old smartphones can serve as a GPS alternative
I use an old android smartphone with Locus Maps which I mount to my handle bars when touring.
Open source free maps are available for GPS units
There are open source free road maps out there.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Seeking accurate GNSS equipment recommendations.
I really want one that will do well in wooded areas.
Bad Elf Flex Mini and Eos Arrow Lite would be the lowest price points for what you want in my opinion.
Smartphones can work well for GPS but require preloaded maps
The GPS functionality on phones is fairly good and will work in most locations so long as you’ve preloaded the maps for locations that have no cell phone coverage.
Preference for smartphone apps over dedicated GPS devices
Apps on your phone will get that job done.
I bikepack with my cellphone and apps and a backup paper map.
Seeking an all-encompassing device for navigation
Looking for one device to rule them all.
Discussion on the usability of very old GPS models
Are very old GPS still usable? I have a nuvi 750 from more than a decade ago.
Discussion on user experiences affecting brand loyalty
experience with a product is really significant in next purchases.
Comparison between Garmin and Wahoo products
Garmin issued a software update that broke pairing of their OWN HRM straps, for over a solid month.
Comparison of AMOLED vs. PRO features
The AMOLED has a better HR monitor than the PRO but cannot confirm.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Venu lacks map functionality
As far as i know, the venu doesn’t offer the map function, so you should get the fenix or epix.
Discussion on testing GPS units under forest conditions.
Phones are also tested.
Discussion about the Foretrex model's effectiveness
I was under the impression the Foretrex is nearly considered a needed piece of equipment when used in conjunction with traditional map+compass for doing land nav.
Discussion around the eTrex models and battery life
Uses AA batteries so easy to carry along a couple extra or pick up at a gas station if needed
A pair of AA Lithium batteries usually last me a good 32 hours of recording.
I think the 20x pans the map a tiny bit faster, but it's the same exact form factor, same UI, same everything.
Concerns about smartphones overheating when used for navigation.
I've got a motorcycle specific TOMTOM that I switch between bikes.

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