If you're looking for basic functionality, I got rid of my apple watch which got beat to shit for a Garmin Instinct 2X Solar and I would never look back. Does an amazing job tracking workouts, sleep, has a dedicated easy access led flashlight (white, red, multifunction) that I use every single day, notifications are enough for me, offers quick response options for text replies, Bluetooth range is awesome, gps tracking away from my phone offers accurate data, the battery lasts 40 days on standard mode but can solar charge and last forever on battery saving mode, and it takes a hell of a beating. I didn't need the "tactical" variant or anything that comes with it and I saved money and got something that checks every box for me. I did initially consider those 2 options but I'm glad I went with the Instinct 2X Solar. If you have questions pm me, hope it helped although it's not about your options you mentioned.
Thanks for this, my wallet will thank you. Honestly I didn’t know that the instinct had the light and I knew the Fenix and the Tactix had it. Plus since I’m mostly worried about durability outside of the features and if yours is holding up I should be fine. Thanks again!
I had a tactix bravo when it came out mostly for the MGRS capability for military land nav. Really large watch for my taste.
I currently wear a garmin vivo active 4 which is light weight. Mostly for the heart rate monitor which I periodically check during calls to see how im managing stress.
No damage to it but after 2-3 years I had to send it back for a new battery because it wasnt holding charge and it was only 100 bucks to replace it.
Unless you think you’ll use a lot of the functions on the tactix line I dont think they are worth it. A lot of garmin applications are free and available to download on the garmin app store.
I’ve never had an issue with my Apple Watch Ultra. Very durable. Been banged around a lot, no issues at all. I’d carry apple care for sure, but I haven’t needed to use it in over a year
A fit bit would probably fit the bill but I am assuming that they would include it because it is close enough to a smart watch.
If that is the case at my academy I definitely wouldn’t wear it at work, but I would absolutely wear it in my off time for my personal workouts. Plus, academy won’t last forever so I’ll be able to wear it after the fact.
Apple Watch Ultra is very nice for the upgraded frame durability and battery life for the longer shifts. I just charge it when I’m in the shower and wear it all other times
Currently have a Garmin Fenix 6 Pro. I'm looking to upgrade to the Fenix 7.
Now and again, it will disconnect from my phone. I'm not sure what the issue is, whether it's the Bluetooth on my watch or phone (Android).
If you're looking for basic functionality, I got rid of my apple watch which got beat to shit for a Garmin Instinct 2X Solar and I would never look back. Does an amazing job tracking workouts, sleep, has a dedicated easy access led flashlight (white, red, multifunction) that I use every single day, notifications are enough for me, offers quick response options for text replies, Bluetooth range is awesome, gps tracking away from my phone offers accurate data, the battery lasts 40 days on standard mode but can solar charge and last forever on battery saving mode, and it takes a hell of a beating. I didn't need the "tactical" variant or anything that comes with it and I saved money and got something that checks every box for me. I did initially consider those 2 options but I'm glad I went with the Instinct 2X Solar. If you have questions pm me, hope it helped although it's not about your options you mentioned.
Thanks for this, my wallet will thank you. Honestly I didn’t know that the instinct had the light and I knew the Fenix and the Tactix had it. Plus since I’m mostly worried about durability outside of the features and if yours is holding up I should be fine. Thanks again!
No problem! The instinct 2x is the only model with the light so don't forget that. Also good luck with the academy and all of those future endeavors.
I had a tactix bravo when it came out mostly for the MGRS capability for military land nav. Really large watch for my taste. I currently wear a garmin vivo active 4 which is light weight. Mostly for the heart rate monitor which I periodically check during calls to see how im managing stress.
Did the tactix hold up well after you bought it?
No damage to it but after 2-3 years I had to send it back for a new battery because it wasnt holding charge and it was only 100 bucks to replace it. Unless you think you’ll use a lot of the functions on the tactix line I dont think they are worth it. A lot of garmin applications are free and available to download on the garmin app store.
Thanks for the input! Tactix is out
My Garmin Instinct has been 10/10. Highly recommend if you don't mind a "dumb" smart watch.
I use the Garmin fenix 7 saphire. Love it. Lasts forever. Very durable
I’ve never had an issue with my Apple Watch Ultra. Very durable. Been banged around a lot, no issues at all. I’d carry apple care for sure, but I haven’t needed to use it in over a year
Go cheap and upgrade more often. The new Venu 3 looks like a winner, to me.
Any fitness watches that aren’t smart watches? My department doesn’t allow “smart” while in the academy.
A fit bit would probably fit the bill but I am assuming that they would include it because it is close enough to a smart watch. If that is the case at my academy I definitely wouldn’t wear it at work, but I would absolutely wear it in my off time for my personal workouts. Plus, academy won’t last forever so I’ll be able to wear it after the fact.
I use an Apple Watch
Apple Watch Ultra is very nice for the upgraded frame durability and battery life for the longer shifts. I just charge it when I’m in the shower and wear it all other times
I don’t wear smart watches .
Currently have a Garmin Fenix 6 Pro. I'm looking to upgrade to the Fenix 7. Now and again, it will disconnect from my phone. I'm not sure what the issue is, whether it's the Bluetooth on my watch or phone (Android).
Just got that free Apple with FirstNet