Garmin Tactix 7 vs Instinct 2x: comparison with real world use

[@beardeddragons2639]

Really enjoy the 2x tactical so far. 96 days on one charge 42 days so far on this one and still have the infinite sign at 86%

[@thebrainongames8337]

I have had the instinct 2x tactical for a couple weeks now, got it based on your reviews and I have loved it. Always look forwared to PreparedAirman videos!

[@dudechronicles1]

You forgot about the flashlight which i think is a very good feature!

[@Gunner4D]

A selling point for me between the crossover and the 2X Tactical is the light Red and Green lights. They are good companions to have on your wrist 24/7!

[@dudechronicles1]

@ just bought a instinct 2x solar and can't wait to see what is capable of. I had some fenix models but now changed to instinct!

[@X.C_]

Thanks for the comparison. I currently have the Tactix 7 Pro and I am waiting to see what the Tactix 8 will look like.

[@PreparedAirman]

I agree I interested in it aswell. I guessing the price will be pretty ridiculous though.

[@robertloszewski1347]

Awesome review! Thank you. I’ve been running the Tactix 7 Pro with Ballistics for a couple of years now. While I’m a civilian, and not military, this watch has been amazing. I’m charging mine once per month, but that’s because my use is limited and I’m not utilizing all the tracking features, GPS, etc. The Instinct is on my list to grab

[@Yay4IamCute]

I can't wait for Tactix 8.

[@snafuedem]

Better not be one. Just bought the tactix like 3 mo ago

[@PreparedAirman]

The Tactix is an amazing watch. Who cares if they come out with a new one. I have a co worker they literally still wares a tactix bravo every day. It still works.

[@LuisLuna-te4gf]

I've had instincts 1 & 2 tactical, now rocking a fenix 7 pro. I've been wanting the tactix 7 but 51mm is too big for my wrist so I'm waiting for the tactix 8 47mm to drop next year. Good thing I'm already saved for it

[@Skyvation643]

Great reviews i have watched your reviews a few times now as there straight to the point !! its good to see someone be realistic about it all. i just got the instinct 2x solar and I'm super happy its a beast !

[@ericsantos8461]

does the tactix 7 have the back tract feature like the instinct 2x tactical? just curious because Im about to deploy to the sandbox soon and im debating which 1 to get

[@RadBunny2269]

If someone wants the Tactix, they should wait for the upgrade coming soon as it follows the Fenix one, which already dropped.

[@PreparedAirman]

Just be ready for the price jump. I'm expecting it to be $1900 USD

[@nopejnope4444]

@RadBunny2269 I was thinking this as well. Either getting the new one or hoping the tactix 7 will drop in price.

[@PreparedAirman]

@nopejnope4444 the tactix 7 luckily has already dropped in price. It was new $1600 now it's at $1300. I would be willing to bet you will see a sub $1000 Tactix 7 in the next 8 months.

[@nopejnope4444]

@PreparedAirman 1300 without the ap correct?

[@PreparedAirman]

$1300 with Applied Ballistics. amzn.to/3XFhaXH

[@ES44AC-2]

Very informative!

[@marctlm3636]

Which one do you pair with your bug out bags? If you can only have one watch for grid down scenarios.

[@PreparedAirman]

I would use the Tactix because of its maps. If you are navigating, it is invaluable.

[@gon-tanaka]

Could you make a review of the Garmin Marq "Commander" please ?

[@PreparedAirman]

If they don't make a Taxtix 8, I probably will. But they have stopped making the Garmin epix series, which is what the Garmin Marq is based on. So, with that said, I'm not sure how long the Marq will be around or if they will merge it into another series. Regardless ,$3200 for a watch that realistically is the same as the Tactix 7 pro($1300) but without solar capabilities is an extremely hard sell. The only notable upgrade is the carbon on titanium case... which, if we're being honest, what was wrong with the older metal case? It's just meant to appeal to folks with disposable income.

[@dtheguy]

Hey great review, i bought a garmin instinct 2x tactical last month after a trip abroad, and i really love that thing, theres one thing i don’t get, what is the difference the two compasses when i go into ABC mode

[@brentlestage9633]

Thanks for the thorough comparison! Is it just me, or does the Instinct 2X have a more visible display in bright light?

[@braisr]

If you had to choose a survival watch, what would it be? Suunto core black or garmin instinct 2X solar? I hope you answer me, thank you very much

[@PreparedAirman]

It would probably depend on the survival situation/length of time, but I would probably go with the Instinct 2x solar. I know the solar can keep it running indefinitely if needed. The Core has a 9 to 12 month battery life no matter what. If we are talking a really long survival situation like Cast Away the movie (4 years stranded on an island), I would choose an automatic watch like the GSAR.

[@braisr]

Thanks for you time!!!

[@markp9705]

I’m having trouble understanding the difference with the offline maps. Both watches have navigation and GPS map features, but what is the difference between the offline map on the Tactix and the online map on the Instinct? How do they work? In terms of tracking or survival situations, is the online map and GPS on the Instinct less useful compared to the Tactix? I would appreciate a video covering this topic. Thank you!

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

There are some reports that the 2X crashes sometimes and is a little bit slow in operating e.g. while saving activities. Did you discover such issues?

[@Theonewhoroamstherealms]

@PreparedAirman do you use a screen protector over the tactix 7?

[@PreparedAirman]

No, I don't. It has a Sapphire crystal so it's very resistant to scratches.

[@Theonewhoroamstherealms]

@PreparedAirman have you heard of anyone using it, or does it effect overall touch screen negatively?

[@PreparedAirman]

I can't say I've ever seen one used. I'm not sure if it would effect the touch screen. You could always give it a try. If it doesn't work just peel it off.

[@RaymundoRock]

It looks like you put them through some good honest hard use. How does the sapphire crystal hold up on the Tactix 7? Do you think it needs a screen protector?

[@PreparedAirman]

I've used 4 Garmins with sapphire glass and I have never had an issue. I personally would not put a screen protector on it. It not nessesary in my use. It may degrade the Solar capabilities, too.

[@sinepari9160]

I've been using the Tactix series since the Bravo and have owned the Charlie and Delta Solar with ballistics. Now, I'm itching for the 7 for the touchscreen and AMOLED. I'm just concerned about the battery life with the AMOLED.

[@PreparedAirman]

Funny enough, the bravo was my first as well. I haven't owned a AMOLED version yet so I can't say. I have heard it does take a toll on your battery life.

[@sinepari9160]

@@PreparedAirman I think I had the Bravo for about 6 years-it seemed like forever. I sold it to my buddy for $100, and it was still going strong. They are crazy durable watches.

[@AFGixxeR88]

I went to the Charlie then the 7 pro. I don’t think going from the 7 -8 would be worth it +$600. It’s easy to get shiny object syndrome

[@PreparedAirman]

@AFGixxeR88 Yeah, I'm interested to see what new features are going to come with it. I will more than likely get one to test for all of the viewers.

[@braisr]

Sorry to bother you again, but I’m very interested in this, If you had to choose a survival watch, what would it be? could you say what’s your top 3 would be among these? Suunto core black or garmin instinct 2X solar And a Casio gshock that cost between $100 and $200? And why! Would you trust more in the Garmin 2x solar (I just bought it) or in a Casio that can last 5 years the battery? I hope you answer me again and thank you so much for your time 🙌🏻

[@PreparedAirman]

I haven't owned a Gshock yet, so i can't exactly say anything about the gshock, but I'm aware folks love them. The Instinct 2x solar would be my first pick. It has so many features that are useful to the user in a said survival situation. Compass, barometer with storm alarm, sleep tracking stuff like that. It has a power saver mode that will last a 100+ days. Along with solar to recharge. Also one feature folks don't factor in id you can actually Turn off a garmin so it consumes zero power. You could turn it on twice a day to check the time and it would probably last you a year or two on one charge with out the solar. The Sunnto core is only going to last you about a year on one battery. If you had a view batteries with you, then it would would be more capable. It also has a storm alarm and Compass. You can also turn it off aswell to preserve battery. The gshock would probably be last . Due to my lack of knowledge but I know they are solar power aswell...

[@braisr]

@@PreparedAirman thank you 🙏🏻 appreciate it

[@BottlecapDwarf]

Unless tactix 8 has the same or similar solar charging as the 2x instinct ,I'll probably grab a 7 pro on sale when the tactix 8 drops

[@nopejnope4444]

What size wrist? I wish the tactix was a touch smaller.....

[@PreparedAirman]

My wrist is 6.9 inches and the tactix measures 51 x 51 x 14.9mm.

[@nicholasrandell7666]

Does the Tactix not have Applied Ballistics??

[@joellelinden7079]

So if i understand well the garmin solar charging capability is random at best? (Tactix)

[@PreparedAirman]

It does work just not to the level of the instinct. The tactix is more power-hungry and has a smaller solar panel so it will not perform as well.

[@joellelinden7079]

​@@PreparedAirmani need a watch which doesn't need reloading at all, where solarpower will be enough for powering it permanently. Which one would you recommend. I don't want to be dependend on external charging

[@maledetto1221]

The solar pannel in the tactix is the crown, in the instict is all the black part(you can see the weird redish color in the reflection). This means the instic uses less energy(no touch and color screen) plus has a bigger surface for recharging. So it's not random, just weaker and a more power hungry device

[@PreparedAirman]

If you are interested in a never plug-in watch, I wouldn't recommend any Garmin. I would go with a mechanical watch or a G shock model. The Garmins do need to be charged even if it's every 90 days or so. In theory the Instinct 2X Solar could be indefinite but real world environments come into play.

[@John_439]

The biggest difference is price. A tactix 2x tactical solar is only $400 new. The garmin fenix 7 pro balistic is $1,500.

[@jameslin-nq2qz]

You bought the version of tactix 7 amoled, I have not been clear with the difference from tactix7 pro, I bought the version of tactix 7 amoled is more expensive, but it is very useful in the army, but the Taiwan military banned the use of sprout mode, it is a pity.

[@PreparedAirman]

I do not have the AMOLED version. Personally I don't want it do to it consuming almost 30% more power then the original version. I like long battery life over a brighter screen but that's just me. The US military also bans Garmins to be used in certain locations.

[@jameslin-nq2qz]

@PreparedAirman Thank you.

[@steveairarmskirk]

Does the instinct have a ballistic calculator on it

[@PreparedAirman]

It doesn't come with it, but you can add it to the device if wanted. So to answer your question Yes and no.

[@musicmaestro88]

Needs moar Hemsut Rugged watchband. :)

[@kevinbergeron7333]

I am trying to decide between the instinct 2x tactical or the mudmaster any thoughts

[@PreparedAirman]

It depends on the version of mudmaster. Ultimately, the Garmin will have a lot more features built in. Heart rate, gps, sleep tracking, activities like running hiking and much more. If you are torn between the two I would recommend looking into the Instinct 2x hybrid. amzn.to/4e1tqYv Ithas the anolog hands like the mudmaster just with all the features of the Garmin.

[@Gunner4D]

Instinct 2X Tactical would be my bet.

[@kevinbergeron7333]

@ thanks for the advice. Is there any particular reason?

[@Gunner4D]

@@kevinbergeron7333 Even for the battery power alone. The watch is an anomaly in watches. Worth every penny because it can do what a $1,300 Tactix 7 can do. If you are into tactical or operations this is also a great watch because you can depend on it finishing the mission. Hope this helps!

[@MattJohnson-xm7gk]

i really hope they bridge the gap, instinct with touch and offline maps would be the dream. have always said thats the only think that watch is missing. if it had that i would never buy a watch again.

[@Tofik-89]

Co byś wybrał tactix 7 czy tactix delta?

[@PreparedAirman]

Tactix 7. The touch screen makes maps a lot more usable. Plus, the flashlight is extremely useful.

[@Tofik-89]

@PreparedAirman a masz film jak działa backtrack?

[@PreparedAirman]

I don't have a dedicated video showing how to use it but i do mention it in a couple of my videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5XIY6F7gdB3hZYsi=3guaAVDgQJkKtplG

[@Mr.please]

Why don't you talk about the satellite messenger that the tacitx 7 comes with. It's worth a good bit

[@PreparedAirman]

You need an Inreach to use satellite messages.

[@PhantomTD]

Garmin just need to be repairable. Casio's can last forever, garmin's not.