Garmin introduces Instinct 3 – high-tech watch for demanding needs
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 line's innovations include a clear AMOLED screen, with an alternative version featuring a solar lens, which allows the device's runtime to be significantly extended.
Designed with demanding tasks in mind, the Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition features a metal bezel that reinforces the case and an LED flashlight useful in low-light conditions.
Garmin Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition in detail
The exceptionally long battery life ensures readiness in any condition. The variant with an AMOLED display can operate for up to 24 days without needing a charge (in watch mode), while the solar-powered versions can offer unlimited usage time.
The fiber-reinforced polymer housing, metal ring, reinforcing screws, and scratch-resistant screen make the Instinct 3 – Tactical Edition set a new standard in durability. The smartwatch meets military standards MIL-STD 810 for shock and extreme temperature resistance, and it is waterproof up to 328 feet.
The integrated flashlight offers several lighting modes, ranging from variable brightness to non-blinding green light in the dark, to a strobe signal mode, which is useful in challenging field conditions. The watch also includes an NVG (Night Vision Goggle) function, which dims the screen to a comfortable level for the user—particularly those using night vision goggles—while remaining nearly invisible from the outside.
Main features
Below are some distinctive features available in the latest Instinct 3 series model:
- Rucking activity mode: A specially designed activity profile that considers the weight of a 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 (which requires a fee to unlock) and works with the Applied Ballistics Quantum system.
- Dedicated tactical functions: The smartwatch offers features for operational activities, such as hidden mode, kill switch, and the Jumpmaster app for parachutists.
- Two sizes: Available in versions with a 1.97-inch AMOLED display and solar models in 1.77-inch and 1.97-inch sizes.
- Increased solar panel efficiency: The improved, larger panel better utilizes sunlight. Compared to the Instinct 2 Solar, the new 1.97-inch variant offers over five times longer GPS mode usage time.
- Multi-band GPS with SatIQ technology: Provides precise positioning while conserving battery power.
- 24/7 health and fitness monitoring: Records data concerning steps, heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen levels (Pulse Ox), heart rate variability (HRV), and much more.
- Notifications: Allows you to receive emails, 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, exceptionally precise navigation and effective route optimization are possible. The watch can connect with the Garmin Explore app, enabling you to view detailed maps, set route points, plan routes, and much more.
During operations in key locations, hidden mode can be activated, which deactivates wireless communication while allowing for distance and biometric data recording—without saving location data. In situations requiring immediate action, the kill switch function enables the rapid deletion of 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, with its extensive activity monitoring functions such as running, hiking, climbing, skiing, and many others, serves as a versatile training tool. 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 HIIT, cardio, treadmill workouts, basketball training, and more. With free Garmin Coach plans, you 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 the Assistance feature are available—allowing users to send a message with the GPS location (if available) to emergency contacts after connecting with a smartphone.
The AMOLED screen model is available at a suggested retail price of $620, while solar versions start at $515.
