In terms of purpose-built smartwatches, Garmin is the trade chief, and inside the model’s huge lineup, the Descent sequence is its assortment of dive computer systems. Whereas they nonetheless provide the entire identical well being and health monitoring options that you’d count on from a contemporary well-equipped smartwatch, the Garmin Descent fashions additionally embrace an assortment of built-in dive-specific modes and sensors, which makes them absolutely able to functioning as extremely competent dive computer systems. As its newest launch of 2023, Garmin has launched a complete assortment of recent Descent fashions, and alongside the all-new Garmin Descent Mk3 sequence that gives twice the water resistance of the earlier technology is the Descent G1 Photo voltaic – Ocean Version, which options parts made out of 100% recycled ocean plastic.
Just like the earlier technology, the brand new Garmin Garmin Descent Mk3 sequence consists of each the usual Descent Mk3 and the Descent Mk3i, with the latter of the 2 being the one which helps air integration with the up to date T2 auxiliary tank accent. Moreover, whereas the usual Descent Mk3 is simply accessible in a 43mm format, the Garmin Descent Mk3i is obtainable in each 43mm and 51mm case sizes, together with the selection of both Carbon Grey or Bronze titanium bezels for the 43mm variant or a Carbon Grey DLC titanium bezel for the bigger 51mm model. Moreover, do you have to go for the full-size 51mm mannequin, you additionally get the addition of a built-in LED flashlight with strobe settings, together with the choice of an identical DLC-coated titanium bracelet as an alternative of the Garmin Descent sequence’ commonplace silicone rubber strap.
One different main key distinction between the usual Garmin Descent Mk3 and the Descent Mk3i dive computer systems is that the extra superior Descent Mk3i fashions additionally embrace SubWave sonar know-how that gives diver-to-diver messaging and Diver Help to tank strain monitoring, which can be added to the Garmin Descent Mk3i watches as a part of an upcoming replace. The SubWave know-how used throughout the brand new Descent Mk3i and Descent T2 transceiver units works with different linked divers as much as 30 meters away, and along with permitting customers to change preset messages, it’s supreme for divemasters who have to preserve tabs on a number of different divers for security causes.
The Diver Help function will permit Garmin Descent Mk3i dive pc customers to request help straight from their wrists, and when an alert is shipped to different SubWave-connected divers within the space, these with different Descent Mk3i smartwatches will have the ability to view that diver’s depth and distance and monitor them till help is now not required. Moreover, the Dive Group Monitoring function on the Garmin Descent Mk3i sequence permits a divemaster main a bunch to maintain monitor of as much as eight divers on the identical time and consider knowledge from their Descent T2 tank transceivers (with a spread of 10 meters) to maintain tabs on metrics comparable to tank strain, air consumption fee, and remaining air time.
The instances of the brand new Garmin Descent Mk3 dive computer systems are fitted with extra-bright AMOLED contact screens which might be protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystals and DLC-coated titanium bezels. Moreover, the brand new fashions from the Descent Mk3 sequence additionally function leak-proof steel button buildings, permitting them to stay absolutely operational and sealed in opposition to moisture, even when pressed on the Descent Mk3 sequence’ most depth score of 200 meters. This elevated water resistance represents twice what will be discovered among the many earlier Descent Mk2 sequence, and the built-in diving functions embrace modes for the whole lot from freediving and spearfishing to extra technical types of scuba diving with blended gasses (together with nitrox and trimix) and even settings to be used with a closed-circuit rebreather. Moreover, regardless of its vibrant AMOLED colour contact display screen, the Descent Mk3 remains to be capable of provide customers as much as 48 hours of battery life when in Dive Mode.
Similar to different trendy Garmin smartwatches, the shows of the brand new Descent Mk3 sequence are user-customizable and DiveView maps provide bathymetric depth contours for greater than 4,000 pre-loaded dive websites to assist find particular websites comparable to shipwrecks and spearfishing hotspots. Constructed-in sensors embrace an altimeter, barometer, compass, and even an underwater compass, and satellite-based floor GPS helps divers monitor entry and exit factors for his or her dives, along with facilitating the entire Descent’s varied different modes which might be devoted to sports activities comparable to working or biking. Moreover, free divers can use the variometer instrument to watch their descent and ascent charges utilizing tone and vibration suggestions, and after customers full a dive, the built-in dive log permits customers to evaluate knowledge, monitor gear, take notes, and share particulars via the Garmin Dive smartphone software.
The opposite new dive pc launched alongside the Mk3 sequence is the Garmin Descent G1 Photo voltaic – Ocean Version, which takes the core blueprint of the unique Descent G1 Photo voltaic that debuted final yr in 2022 and provides it a case that’s made out of recycled ocean plastic. Similar to the usual mannequin, the brand new Descent G1 Photo voltaic – Ocean Version is predicated upon a 45mm bolstered polymer case with a sapphire crystal and a water resistance score of 100 meters, though the 100% of the fabric used to make the watch’s housing, bezel, and buttons come from recycled ocean-bound plastics. Similar to the unique Descent G1 Photo voltaic, the light-powered function provides customers as much as 25 hours of battery life when in Dive Mode, and a whopping 124 days of autonomy when in smartwatch mode and utilizing its photo voltaic charging operate.
Whereas the Garmin Descent G1 Photo voltaic – Ocean Version lacks the varied SubWave-enabled linked options of its Mk3i siblings, it nonetheless provides the entire Descent sequence commonplace dive pc and smartwatch features, together with the entire identical diving modes and 30+ different sport-specific functions. Except for its use of recycled ocean plastic and its new Darkish Lakeside and Azure Blue colorway, the brand new Descent G1 Photo voltaic – Ocean Version could be very a lot the identical inexpensive dive pc as the usual mannequin, and it’s examined to the identical U.S. army 810 requirements for thermal, shock, and water resistance.
Costs for this newest batch of Garmin Descent dive computer systems begin out at $699 USD for the Descent G1 Photo voltaic – Ocean Version or $1,199.99 USD for the usual 43mm Garmin Descent Mk3. Moreover, the Garmin Descent Mk3i prices $1,399.99 USDand that very same worth applies to both of the 2 accessible colorways for the 43mm model of the mannequin. Lastly, the 51mm Garmin Descent Mk3i is accompanied by an official retail worth of $1,599.99 USD when bought on its commonplace silicone rubber strap or $1,799.99 USD ought to patrons go for the op-of-the-line model that comes with an identical DLC-coated titanium bracelet. Whereas it’s actually potential to get your self a succesful dive pc for much less cash today, one of many greatest advantages of getting a smartwatch that doubles as a dive pc is that it’s going to monitor all your varied well being and health metrics, together with providing superior evaluation of how prepared and rested your physique is earlier than embarking in your subsequent underwater journey. For extra data on the Garmin Descent Mk3 sequence and the Descent G1 Photo voltaic – Ocean Version, please go to the model’s web site.
