Image unavailable
Garmin Foretrex 901 Ballistic Edition
Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.
$599.99
View on Sportsmans Guide
You'll be taken to Sportsmans Guide to complete your purchase.
Hunter's Outpost earns a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
SKU: WX2*0735809
Overview
Built for users who need navigation and ballistic tools in one compact device, this GPS navigator combines an easy-to-read monochrome display with multi-band GNSS for use in demanding or uncertain environments. The Ballistic Edition adds Applied Ballistics solver software and support for managing ballistic profiles through the AB Synapse Garmin app on a compatible smartphone, making it useful for long-range shot planning. It also includes advanced sensors, jumpmaster mode, stealth mode, and a kill switch, giving it a focused feature set for field use where control and security matter. With MIL-STD-810 testing and battery life rated up to 100 hours in navigation mode or up to 1000 hours in expedition mode, it is designed for extended outings, though it uses two AAA batteries that are not included.
Why Hunters Choose the Garmin
Includes Applied
Ballistics solver software for long-range
Wireless Connection
To the AB Synapse Garmin
Easy-to-read Monochrome
Display supports clear navigation information
Upgraded Multi-band
GNSS for improved position accuracy
Built Military
Standards for resistance to sand,
Key Features
- Easy-to-read monochrome display for straightforward navigation viewing.
- Upgraded multi-band GNSS for improved position accuracy.
- Applied Ballistics solver software for long-range shot calculations.
- Wireless profile management through the AB Synapse Garmin app.
- MIL-STD-810 tested for sand, dust, vibration, shock, temperature, altitude, and humidity.
- Up to 100 hours in navigation mode or 1000 hours in expedition mode with two AAA batteries.
- Stealth mode disables GPS data storage, sharing, and wireless connectivity.
Best Used For
- Hunters needing ballistic calculations for long-range shot planning in the field
- Users navigating challenging terrain with multi-band GNSS and onboard sensors
- Backcountry hunters wanting long battery life and field-replaceable AAA power
- Operators who need stealth mode, kill switch, and military-standard durability
- Users pairing a compatible smartphone or inReach communicator for connected navigation
Specifications
| Ballistic Software | Applied Ballistics solver software |
|---|---|
| Battery Life Expedition Mode | Up to 1000 hours |
| Battery Life Navigation Mode | Up to 100 hours |
| Battery Type | 2 field-replaceable AAA batteries (not included) |
| Communication | Multi-band communication |
| Display | Easy-to-read monochrome display |
| Gnss | Upgraded multi-band GNSS |
| In Reach Compatibility | Compatible with inReach satellite communicator |
| Jumpmaster Mode | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes |
| Message Viewing | View messages directly on the screen |
| Military Standard Testing | MIL-STD-810 |
| Resistance | Sand and dust; vibration; shock; temperature; altitude; humidity |
| Sensors | 3-axis accelerometer; 3-axis compass; barometric altimeter |
| Smart Notifications | Yes |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Compatible smartphone wireless connection to the AB synapse Garmin app |
| Stealth Mode | Yes |
Pros
- Includes Applied Ballistics solver software for long-range shot calculations.
- Wireless connection to the AB Synapse Garmin app for ballistic profile management.
- Easy-to-read monochrome display supports clear navigation information.
- Upgraded multi-band GNSS for improved position accuracy.
- Built to military standards for resistance to sand, dust, vibration, shock, and more.
- Long battery life: up to 100 hours in navigation mode or 1000 hours in expedition mode.
Considerations & Trade-offs
- The monochrome display is functional and easy to read, but it does not offer the color mapping or visual detail some users prefer for general navigation.
- Ballistic solver features and profile management depend on a compatible smartphone and the AB Synapse Garmin app, so the full workflow is more involved than a standalone GPS unit.
- The device uses 2 field-replaceable AAA batteries, which is practical in the field but means you need to carry spares and manage battery supply yourself.
- Advanced functions such as stealth mode, kill switch, jumpmaster mode, and inReach message viewing add capability, but they also make the unit more specialized than a basic handheld navigator.
Suggested Comparisons
- Handheld GPS navigator
- Ballistics calculator device
- Military-standard rugged navigation device
- Satellite communicator-compatible GPS device
Suggested Accessories
- GPS mount
- Protective case
- AAA batteries
- Screen protector
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Ballistic Edition different from the standard Foretrex 901?
This Ballistic Edition includes Applied Ballistics solver software for calculating long-range shots, and it can connect with the AB Synapse-Garmin app to manage ballistic profiles on a compatible smartphone.
Can I use this device for navigation in difficult environments?
Yes. The product description highlights multi-band communication, upgraded multi-band GNSS, and advanced navigation for challenging or unexpected environments.
How long does the battery last?
Garmin lists up to 100 hours in navigation mode or up to 1000 hours in expedition mode. It uses 2 field-replaceable AAA batteries, which are not included.
Does it have any privacy or security features?
Yes. It includes stealth mode, which stops storing and sharing GPS data and disables wireless connectivity. It also has a kill switch that erases the device memory if needed.
Can it connect with other Garmin devices or apps?
Yes. It can wirelessly connect to the AB Synapse-Garmin app on a compatible smartphone, and it can pair with a compatible inReach satellite communicator to view messages directly on the screen.