Don't let a "Tactical Edition" fool you into thinking its got more equipment. Around here they are "Poser Editions" (nothing more than blacked-out wheels). Of the 6 or 7 Tac Editions I've seen in person, NONE of them had the Adv. Pak. options. This says alot about GM's marketing, and why Hummer is sometimes scoffed at by Jeep and Yota guys. Regardless of the model...there are only (2) things you need to be concerned with for off-road purposes: Adv Pak and/or Alpha. Everything else is "fluff". If you look hard enough you can find an H3 with both, and all Champ Editions by default...have both. Confused yet? Here's a brief run-down of the H3 models...
H3 Alpha - Not really a "package". Its just means a V8 motor (not available with a stickshift in ANY package).
H3 Base - Usually no sunroof, Monsoon stereo, or towing package. Usually L5 motors.
H3 Lux - Chrome door handles, mirrors, and usually leather. (Lux is also available with the Adv) L5 or V8
H3 Adv - Locker(s), 4:1 t-case, more aggressive tires & shocks. (Adv is also available with the Lux) L5 or V8
H3X - 17" special paint, chrome wheels, leather, nav, chrome brushguard, hard spare tire cover L5 or V8
H3 Tac Edtion - black wheels, body-colored grille, L5 or V8 (might also be available with Adv paks)
H3 Champ Edition - A V8 Adv. Pak with a flat black hood, special paint, red shocks & calipers. Most have rock rails and UCP.
All Alphas have 4.10s. All 5-cyls. have 4.56s. Most off-roaders will want the Adv Pak, with or without the V8. If you are a die-hard gear-grabber...you'll be forced to buy a 5-cyl. However, the only restriction on the stick-shift is the 5-cyl motor, so there are plenty of stick-shift Adv Paks running around...you just can't get a V8 Stick-shift. Thats it in a nutshell!
