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My Fenix 3 on production 6.50 firmware has both Tactical and Jumpmaster Mode. I have never been on any beta firmware so this is not something left behind from testing either.
So one other person noted that too (maybe it was you). And I tested it on one of mine, and didn’t get the modes. :-/ Weird.
I see, under ‘Add’ (doesn’t show by default). In any case, still conflicts with what Garmin’s PR group is saying about it being there.
Yip, just checked – its under add new app
But didn’t garmin add tactical app and jumpmaster with a beta fw update to the f3, so there is no difference?
Just cleaned up a few things, but I’m still getting conflicting information though. Garmin told me at CES that these weren’t to be in the production versions of the Fenix3. Yet at the same time, they do appear to be there under the ‘Add’ options to add new modes (but not otherwise shown by default).
Rather odd discrepancy.
For a visual perspective that is great!
Did the guys at Garmin give you an update on the epix when you spoke with them at CES? Personally I don’t care about adding new features but I’m hoping they get around to fixing the bugs soon. Thanks!
Not yet. Working on that still…
Is it possible to use those straps – nylon and leather – on the Fenix3 HR, or do the straps cover the optical Heartrate reader ?
They’d cover the sensor.
Ok, thanks for the info :)
Ray, I see row indoor displayed. Does it mean it works with Concept2?
No, just tracks movements.
Unfortunately not. :-(
Only older models (link to www8.garmin.com) do the trick. I personally use a FR610 to get my data (link to dr3do.wordpress.com).
Blimey, does that mean I can pair my Vivoactive with my PM5? If so that would be awesome, will try this evening.
Bugger, apparently that won’t work with the newer Garmin watches without some kind of firmware upgrade for the PM5. I’ll email my contact at Concept2 support and see what plans they have for this.
Yeh would love to see an app that connects via Ant/BT to the PM4 or PM5 to be able to record workouts etc and upload them to keep track.. it is doable via the card into the conceptII headunit but we are in 2016 now… should be all wireless!!!
In my fenix 3 New firmware i can see those two modes
What’s your wrist size?
Her Ray, first of all let me state that I am a huge fan. Nevertheless there is one thing I am curious about. What’s the reason that you are writing that regularly about new Garmin products, but almost never about Suunto devices? Especially as Suunto introduced several new watches during the recent couple of weeks.
Super simple: Suunto has yet to get the device in my hands. You’ll notice virtually all of my posts are based on actual hands-on usage, however brief it may be. Garmin, Polar, Under Armor, GoPro and virtually every other company has done so pre-launch.
I gave Suunto numerous heads-up over the last month about impending CES related posts. They believe however they’ll be able to get a unit to me later this week. Looking forward to it.
Also, to be fair to Ray, he is specifically reporting on CES this week, and Suunto chose not to have a stand at CES. You can hardly blame him for that.
And, I even offered to fly myself up one day from Vegas (CES) to Salt Lake City (OR) in the event they had some announcements to ensure they had proper coverage. Which undoubtedly would have been a full days worth of non-CES coverage given up, just dedicated to them. I gave them advance warnings numerous times over the month prior so I could arrange my schedule accordingly to ensure they got coverage. They didn’t respond till the night before the announcement.
Sometimes, I can really only do so much before I have to give up.
So the “tactical app” is nothing more as a marketing gag. Showing two different coordinate systems at the same time is no big thing…(perhaps for garmin).
And talking about jumpmaster:
Will someone ever be so stupid to jump out of a plane and rely on the garmin jumpmaster?????
I think you are supposed to use them in *addition* to a parachute…..
That should be clear.
& 99% of people purchasing a thing like that because
1) looks good
2) don’t use/need the NVG/Jumpmaster options!
+200$ for sapphire & rarely used NVG/Jumpmaster??
Just like Ray said it: Use the features, buy it! if not, go with the fenix3 (and invest the 200$ in sensors or other usefull stuff)
Yes, and I have to add that in my own time in the Forces, the guys who opted for the £10 Casios or whatever didn’t seem to fare any worse than those with “tactical” watches
I also found it amusing a week or so ago that the Tactix supported the Garmin Golf stuff, but the fenix3 still didn’t (I think it does now). Essential feature for every SpecOps team member!
I am interested in both of Tactix watches because of :
Slight difference in bezel/case design: Ensuring it’s non-reflective. Also is carbon-coated to “prevent knicks and scratches” (their words, not mine)
I really really hate reflections when I am riding. I will admit it might not be worth the extra 200USD.
It’s the number 1 thing I hate about my 910 … the sliver strip around the face is very very lame.
C
Golf is a requirement for “survivor mode”… remember bat21… :)
Hi Ray, if I run a comparison on Garmin’s website between the Tactix Bravo and Fenix 3, I see some additional differences in the Maps & Memory and Swimming Features sections: link to buy.garmin.com
Do these indeed exists, or has these been equaled now with a software update? I prefer the looks of the Tactix, but dont want to trade in (key) functions of the Fenix.
On a different note, any news on updates to the Scosche Rhythm+ (measure metrics, data storage, battery life, size) or alternatives with similar/improved functions?
Nah, all equalled. Just typical Garmin.com spec inaccuracies.
Nothing new for Scosche, talked with them at CES at length.
Maybe fenix and tactics have the same firmware.
Maybe garmin add an algorithm to the firmware and show or hide these futures based on watch SN.
And this algorithm is confused by some fenix SN and shows the futures.
I think that the same is happening with 230/630 and indoor bike
I got a short explanation on Jumpmaster on my FB site which can be found here link to facebook.com
Hello, thanks for the sum-up and the additional pictures!
* Are the measurements (especially thickness) of the Tactix different from the usual Fenix 3 (not counting the HR variant, of course)?
* If the firmware isn’t fully compatible, will the Tactix still get the same updates as the Fenix?
* Is there any notable difference in the background light visible with the naked eye? I.E. is it darker? I’m sometimes in some very dark environments and some headlights (even with red LEDs) really ruin my nightsight…
Greetings from the North,
Tichy
Nice image of over $4500 in Fenixes. I’m trying to figure out how two of them have different times, and a few of them have different dates. Don’t they all sync their time to GPS time?
I’ve got one of each style, and mostly just use one, so the others sit around in a drawer. Sometimes I’ll take on or more on a trip, and not update time when I get back, etc… Usually just too lazy to take them all outside to get GPS time for a single photo.
Off topic but have you run into the guys from Bragi at CES? I’d be interested to know what you make of the finished Dash.
+1 on that :-)
From Ray’s Twitter feed:
“Always good to catchup with Nikolaj, creator of The Dash. And to see final product. More on that later…”
Thanks Matt
Hey Guys – for those that asked, here’s my Bragi Dash post: link to dcrainmaker.com
Is there a documentation or demo on how the Jumpmaster mode can be used for recreational parachuting (skydiving)
This explains it a bit more (with further links to the Jumpmaster manual, etc…): link to facebook.com
What about the D2 Bravo? Is it just additional aviation stuff?
My F3 now has Jumpmaster and Tactical apps with the latest firmware but lost the ability to set crank length on the P1 pedals. :(
So when will you be writing up a night-vision goggle review??? :)
Heck, I want to see a full test of the jumpmaster mode by Ray ?
Garmin must have a model that fits every person’s needs exactly, or they have the most confusing line-up of products, or both.
Why doesnt Garmin just make a “special edition fenix 3 tactix” makes no sense why they would have a whole new product for basically the same watch except for a few small things.
This isn’t a whole new product. Essentially what you suggested is what Garmin has done. Other than a new ‘knurled’ effect bezel, the underlying technology hasn’t changed much, as Ray said in the article “So what’s different then between the Fenix3 and the Tactix Bravo? Beyond the price ($699 vs $499), not a ton.”
The only other thing that has actually (possibly) changed is the screen, being night-vision friendly, though I couldn’t tell you if the old F3 screen is necessarily night-vision unfriendly… (read: segment & price differentiation doesn’t always mean hardware differentiation). Garmin even used current F3 users on the beta program to test the Jumpmaster and Tactical apps. The watch is to all intentions physically exactly the same as an F3.
Clearly the F3 has been a huge hit for Garmin, and by adding in a load of “slightly-different-but-bascially-the-same” variants, they are milking the market for as much as they can for basically zero new R&D cost. Which, to be fair, makes pretty good business sense to me.
I guess I just worded it wrong. I get what they are doing but calling it a “tactix” instead of a version of the Fenix 3 is just silly to me. I know it cost them basically nothing research the “new” features so it is smart business in that sense. Im surprised they didnt call the fenix 3 HR something totally different.
I’m surprised the rowing part wouldn’t be on the 920 as it’s more an exercise thing then and adventure thing
Wasn`t the old tactix able to display tides? The new tactix bravo isn´t able?
I doubt that the Tactix (or Fenix 3, for that matter) will include a tide display. Most likely it will be provided as a Connect IQ App.
I really don’t know why not even the simple tide display (i.e. moon-age + graph based on a specific high-tide time) is included…
From what I saw when playing with this (CES) its not so much the “tactical’ or “jump master” SW your talking about that sets these two units apart (fenix 3/Tactix). Its the Dual Position Format and the quick access to this information. It’s one button press away all the time. You dont need be in a profile or active route to see your position, just press and hold the top right button and within sec’s you have your coordinates (MGRS or whatever you use along with D.M.SS.S for your air support needs). I think with just using the DPF and not being in a active GPS mode you would extend your battery life even longer then what is spec’d In the NVG case, it’s a two button process, press the light button and hold, do you want NVG mode? Second button press yes….done! You don’t need to adjust the backlight % (I have forgotten that at times….not cool) and it goes from the white backlight to the green for proper light discipline and no flare on the NOD’s (I couldn’t test this at the time) but the original tactix is great with Gen III’s so one would assume the same. For most of the prior post this may not be for you. Stick with the fenix 3 and save some money, its a great unit. Bravo appears to be for the professional who is in need of real world application.
v/r
Quick access to dual position is there in the f3 firmware too.
The NVG mode looks like the only software difference and even that sounds like it just sets the backlight to the lowest level for you rather than it being a different physical led or anything.
I got excited when you wrote about the price difference: “So what’s different then between the Fenix3 and the Tactix Bravo? Beyond the price ($699 vs $499), not a ton.” Then reality struck. The prices in your sentence are reversed. Drats.
So, if the Tactix Bravo is Sapphire only, this means it should be compared to the F3 Sapphire. On that ground, its $100 extra for the “special coating, less-reflective-lens and NV compatibility”. Plus the special software modes, if they remain as Tactix exclusives.
I could see it that way. But at the same time, it goes towards (IMHO) the whole trying to get people to pay extra for something that’s honestly not needed.
I’ve yet to hear of anyone breaking the non-sapphire glass units, and upon quick glance I could only find a single person who scratched their Fenix3 non-sapphire glass . Scratches on the bezel are however far more common.
Yeah, I can totally understand that and you may be right.
I don’t own any Garmins, my previous experience is limited to a Timex Adventure something which I completely trashed airsofting (broken glass by bb included) and A Casio Pro-Trek which apart from broken strap due to age seems to continue ticking.
Make that two people as my Fenix 3 glass also has a small scratch on it. I’m glad the Fenix 3HR will be sapphire but I’m disappointed that it’s grey and not silver.
Any insight on the durability of the different bezels: Tactix, Titanium, Sapphire Grey, and the regular Fenix silver? As you mentioned, there are plenty of online posts complaining of scratches to the grey bezels of the regular Fenix 3.
Hi the fenix 3 hr , It is available in France maintenantou well right? and thank you
Ray,
Question about “Tactical Mode”. How does Garmin let you update what coordinate system to use as the alternative one. I work outdoors surveying and the ability to view the local state plane coordinate system along with the Lat/Longs would be very useful to me professionally. This could be a dumb question but I have been a Suunto Ambit 3 user and only read about the Fenix capabilities on your blog. Thanks!
Why are they making such a big deal about the “dual mode” night vision “capability”.
It’s simply a quick brightness control. It still relies on inferior (light up the whole screen instead of just the digits) LED backlighting.
Looking at the Fenix 3 watch at night is like looking at a computer display. The original Tactix with electro-luminescent backlighting is far superior for night ops/discreetness and Garmin knows it. For the extra $200 beyond the cost of the Fenix 3, Garmin could have designed a true “dual mode” night vision capability into the watch, allowing the user to perhaps switch the backlight from “enemy sniper-beacon blue” (which lights up the whole display instead of just the digits and blows your naked-eye night vision as well) to green or red. Or perhaps they could have integrated a dual electro-luminescent/LED display into the watch. Garmin should stop hyping a brightness control as a cutting edge NVG feature.
That said, I’m really hoping I’ve missed some critical fact about this new feature and that someone will correct me and help me see it in a new light.
Thanks for the review. While I don’t need the Jumpmaster mode, since I deploy globally for disaster response, the “Tactical” mode displaying two coordinate sets is something that could be quite useful. I’m also a firefighter & USAR tech, so I could see a benefit of the sapphire display. I’m sitting on the fence as to whether they are worth the extra money for me.
You didn’t mention any differences in terms of the display colors and backlight. In the original Tactix, there was a distinct and very significant difference. I recall that the standard layout was designed with a dark background, and the backlight was a subdued color (red?), whereas the Fenix 2 could double as a flashlight. Since you didn’t mention any difference between the Fenix 3 and the Tactix Bravo, are they now identical in terms of display color and backlight?
To expand on my own question, I stopped by REI to compare an in-stock Tactix Bravo and Fenix 3 Sapphire. I couldn’t see any difference in the backlight or the display format/coloring between the two. Did I miss something?
Since the Fenix 3 Sapphire bundle includes the HRM ($99 separely) and metal band ($129 separately) for less than the price of the Tactix Bravo that includes neither, I’m struggling here.
The Tactical and Waypoint Projection modes are important for me. Is there any chance Garmin will remove them from the general Fenix 3 firmware? Are there any other differences to the various status screen or menu layouts between the two?
I like the appearance of the Tactix more, but not necessarily $230 more. I want the Tactix, but if the software modes that are important to me will definitely be in the Fenix 3, I may make a more practical decision.
Thanks
I didn’t see any difference either, but I only had the Tactix during daylight – so I didn’t have a chance to see how it looked at night.
As far as removing features from the Fenix3 – I think it’s safe at this point that it won’t happen.
Thanks. I guess I’ll go for the Fenix 3 Sapphire. As much as I like the aesthetics of the watch casing, the added $230 for the metal band and HRM aren’t justified if they are otherwise identical in function.
Hi Steve,
Came across your comments about the Bravo while looking to replace a beater watch. I’m a retired Jake that continues to serve and deploy with Flannigan, Brannigan and Iscovicz as a Medic. (CONTOMS ’90’) The NVG mode is a nice feature but the killer for me is that I have to use both hands and push a button to illuminate the watch taking hands off vehicle and boat wheel.
I played with it at REI, maybe I don’t understand fully understand. Did you end up buying the watch?
Take care and stay safe.
Kevin
Thanks for your service. If you’re out of HQ, it sounds like we might shop at the same REI store. :)
As much as the price penalty pissed me off, when they dropped the prices of the Fenix3/Tactix line by $100 across the board, I decided to bite the bullet.
I found 2 settings that should help you. I can’t speak to the NVG mode, but there is an auto-backlight mode that I assume should function exactly the same if the NVG backlight is in use.
With the auto-backlight “gesture” mode on and the accelerometers detect a motion similar to your flipping your wrist up, it will turn on the backlight so that you don’t have to use the button. I just tried it out, and with my thumb and forefinger remaining in contact with the desk surface, I was able to flick the rest of my wrist enough for the watch to turn on the backlight.
You can set the gesture mode to “after sunset” or “on”, so the later would help in a structure.
The second option is to adjust the backlight timeout setting. You can also set the backlight timeout anywhere from 4 seconds up to 1 minute.
You can also set the backlight timeout to “Stays on”, so you could use either the button or the gesture trigger to turn it on, and then it would stay on until you manually turned it off.
If you’re out of HQ or down in PWC, happy to figure out way to let you try mine out with your NVGs.
Steve
Thanks Steve, been busy, and I regret the delay getting back to you. I really appreciate the info regarding the wrist activation; I’ll have to experiment with it.
Not at HQ, I’m north of there and am frequently abroad.
It is likely I will get the Bravo this week. After a few weeks playing with it, I’ll let you know how it goes. (I’m terrible with technology!)
My best to you, be careful and take care.
Kevin
Steve:
The answers to your questions are here:
link to forums.watchuseek.com
Steve:
From the above link:
I find that a lot of reviewers minimize or miss all the differences between the Tactix Bravo and fēnix 3 models.
Here is what sets the Tactix Bravo apart (aside from the Sapphire Crystal also present on some fēnix 3 models, and the new Tactical Software Profile present on all):
• Low-Reflectivity, All Matte Black (the only black watch in the fēnix 3 family)
• Inner Bezel Marked in 24 Hour/Military Time, Hours 13-24, Along with a Subdued Garmin Logo (fēnix 3 models are marked in seconds/minutes)
• Abrasion-Resistant, Diamond-Like Carbon Bezel and Buttons
• Night-Vision Goggle Compatible Backlight Mode (Hardware-Based)
[Also, there are two box versions of the Tactix Bravo being sold. The only difference between the two versions is the strap style included with the watch. One version comes with a silicone band. REI only carries the NATO strap version currently—regardless of whether you buy online or in store. You get two NATO Straps in the box, one black, one olive drab.]
Michael,
Thanks for the detailed response. I noticed those various differences, such as the low-reflectivity, 24hr markings and diamond pattern on the bezel. I really prefer those design elements on the Tactix, and if the difference in price were reasonable, I’d go for it without hesitating. Since the Sapphire bundle includes the HRM and metal band, which would add an additional $210-230 on top of the Tactix that already lists $60-70 more than the Sapphire bundle, I just can’t justify $300 for the nicer bezel if the display and functionality is absolutely identical. I was just really hoping I was missing something.
Thanks a lot.
Steve
Steve:
Two things to consider:
1. If you buy either watch from REI between now and March 8th, you get a $20 REI gift card.
2. You get back $70 cash from REI as part of your dividend by buying the Tactix Bravo and $60 for buying the fēnix 3 Sapphire.
And a third thing to consider – if set on REI. If you use the below link for the Tactix Bravo, you’ll help support the site (plus all your normal REI goodness): link to dcra.in
However, if you want to buy via Clever Training, you’ll save 10% upfront (versus later in coupon) and get free expedited shipping (and still support the site).
Noted. Thanks
The REI points are pretty much negated by the sales tax, at least here in CA.
Steve:
Just to be clear. The diamond pattern on the bezel is a nice design element, but is not what Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) is referring to. DLC is an abrasion resistant coating to the metal and significantly cuts down on damage to the bezel and buttons from scrapes, scuffs, and dings.
Oh, gotcha. Thanks for the clarification on the DLC.
Good suggestion regarding REI. I hadn’t thought of that. I was looking at either Clever Training (10% off for $5 via DCR program), or GovX (discounts for military & first responders) that is similarly priced but final sale.
I wanted to thank everyone for all of the help.
In the end, I realized that given my lifestyle, a $600 watch with scuff marks would no longer be presentable in a professional environment, so the Tactix was the better route with the protective coating. However, when I did the math on the accessories (metal band & HRM), I realized that the bundles offered with **every other model** of the Fenix 3 reduced them to half of their individual retail price. Yet the watch that was being marketed to those for whom fitness is more than a lifestyle…but rather can mean the difference between life or death for themselves or their buddy…did not offer the discount on the HRM. That really turned me off. I provided feedback about this to Garmin in the hopes they might reconsider. They said they had no intention of offering a bundle for the Tactix.
I’m ok paying extra to get something more. I realized that I’m not ok paying extra for the same thing, with the only ones facing this being people who serve. This turned me off enough that I’m choosing to vote with my wallet, and I’m going to abandon plans to buy any of them.
We get it Steve, you are a jilted operator operating at a peak operating condition. Its a shame Garmin couldn’t keep up with you
Didn’t your parents ever teach you something about keeping your mouth shut when you have nothing useful or nice to say?
Hi,
tried someone to add maps into the new Tactix Bravo? Thanks.
The Tactix’s NVG compatibility refers to the backlight’s ability to be invisible to the NVGs rather than visible. Modern NVG’s have a coating on the objective lens that prevents light of a specific wavelength (typically blue-green) from being amplified by the NVGs. The utility of this is that it prevents the NVGs from degaining your’s and your buddy’s NVGs everytime you use the backlight on your watch. When there is a bright light in an otherwise dark environment the NVGs decrease the overall light amplification (degain) to reduce the displayed intensity of the bright light with the adverse consequence of making the rest of the image too dark to see. It’s like when you look at the sun with your naked eye and then look away you are momentarily unable to see until your eyes adjust. The NVGs experience the same response but many times over because they amplify light tens of thousands of times and thus the degaining response is that much more drastic than the naked eye’s. The color/wavelength of the Tactix’s illumination is matched to the most common NVG lens filter coating allowing folks to use their watch and their NVGs at the same time, which is useful for those late night attempts at a Strava PR in rougher parts of the world.
What is the usual daily battery consumption for tactix bravo in watch mode only? mine with all apps off (gps/activity tracker/bluetooth/notifications etc) consumes abt 7-8% per day. Garmin says approx 6 weeks which seems rather impossible in my case.
Wondering if you could do a really quick breakdown of the differences between the original Tactix and the Tactix Bravo. All I see on my own are the Bravo has the nylon straps and sapphire glass. To that end, do you know if the nylon straps fit the original Tactix? and if the software is still being/can be updated?
Thanks, your site has the most in-depth and useful reviews I’ve ever seen.
Hi!
are the differences between the QUATIX3 and the FENIX3 the same as the ones described above, i.e. nothing but for a couple of apps/modes (that can be installed anytime in the F3 anyway) … ? :-\
Cheers
Yes, the article I was looking for. Your article gives me another approach on the subject. I hope to read more articles from you.