Garmin's Instinct 3 Tactical Edition: Redefining durability and endurance
Garmin has introduced the Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition, a new generation of tactical smartwatches available in two sizes. What sets this new device apart?
The latest addition to the line includes a clear AMOLED screen, with an alternative version featuring a solar lens. This option significantly extends the device's battery life.
Designed with demanding tasks in mind, the Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition is equipped with a metal bezel that reinforces the case and an LED flashlight, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions.
Garmin Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition in detail
The exceptionally long battery life ensures reliability under any conditions. The variant with an AMOLED display can operate up to 24 days without needing a charge (in watch mode), while versions with solar power can offer unlimited usage time.
The fiber-reinforced polymer housing, metal ring, and reinforcing screws, along with a scratch-resistant screen, redefine durability standards. The Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition meets military standards MIL-STD 810 for shock and extreme temperature resistance and is waterproof up to 100 metres.
The integrated flashlight offers several lighting modes, ranging from variable brightness to a non-blinding green light, and even a strobe signal mode, which is useful in challenging field conditions. The watch also features an NVG (Night Vision Goggle) function, dimming the screen to a comfortable level for the user, including those using night vision goggles, while remaining almost invisible from the outside.
Main features
Below are some standout features of the newest model in the Instinct 3 series:
- Rucking activity mode: A specially designed activity profile that considers the weight of a carried backpack, allowing for more accurate tracking of effort levels when trail running, hiking, or marching with a load.
- Ballistic functions: Every version of the Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition includes the Applied Ballistics app (subscription required) and works with the Applied Ballistics Quantum system.
- Dedicated tactical functions: The smartwatch offers features designed for operational activities, such as hidden mode, a kill switch, and the Jumpmaster app for parachutists.
- Two sizes: Available are versions with a 5 cm (1.97-inch) AMOLED display and solar models in sizes 4.5 cm (1.77-inch) and 5 cm (1.97-inch).
- Increased solar panel efficiency: The improved, larger panel better utilizes sunlight. Compared to the Instinct 2 Solar, the new 5 cm variant offers over five times longer GPS mode usage time.
- Multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology: Provides precise positioning while saving battery power.
- 24/7 health and fitness monitoring: Tracks data such as steps, heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen levels (Pulse Ox), heart rate variability (HRV), and more.
- Notifications: Receive e-mails, texts, and other alerts directly on the watch when connected with a compatible Apple or Android smartphone.
Tactical character
With a three-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and GPS with SatIQ technology, the watch provides exceptionally precise navigation and effective route optimization. It can connect with the Garmin Explore app, allowing users to view detailed maps, set route points, plan routes, and more.
During operations in key locations, hidden mode can be activated to deactivate wireless communication while still recording distance and biometric data—without saving location data. In urgent situations, the kill switch function lets users quickly delete all data from the device. Other functions include displaying coordinates in two formats, the Jumpmaster app, built-in tactical mode, and waypoint planning options.
The Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition serves as a versatile training tool with extensive activity monitoring functions such as running, hiking, climbing, skiing, and more. In the field, the TracBack function helps guide you back to your starting point by setting reference points based on known locations.
Apart from outdoor activities, the smartwatch also supports activities such as HIIT, cardio, treadmill, basketball training, and others. Using free Garmin Coach plans, users can prepare for competitions, achieve training goals, or simply improve fitness. Based on data like VO2 max, training load, and current body status, the watch calculates predicted recovery time and provides rest recommendations.
In terms of safety, incident detection functions (for selected outdoor activities) and Assistance are available, allowing users to send a message with GPS location (if available) to emergency contacts after connecting with a smartphone.
The AMOLED screen model is available at a suggested retail price of 439.99 CAD, and solar versions start from 729.99 CAD.
