Garmin has upped the ante again with the launch of its deep-rated Descent Mk3 smartwatch-style dive-computer in two sizes, with features such as a built-in torch and, with the addition of a T2 transceiver and imminent software updates, the ability to exchange messages with other divers under water and monitor their computer data remotely.
The “designed by divers for divers” Descent Mk3 series is being launched by Garmin as it also introduces an Ocean Edition of its Descent G1 Solar, the dive-computer launched last year and now made with recycled plastics saved from polluting the ocean – a first for the manufacturer.
The Descent Mk3 has doubled its predecessor’s depth-rating, now claiming a full 200m capability for its 43 and 51mm-sized casings with metal buttons. It has a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, a touchscreen AMOLED display and promises up to 48 hours of battery-life in Dive mode between charges.
The 51mm Descent Mk3i has an integrated LED torch with Strobe mode for extra visibility in low-light conditions above or below the surface.
Garmin’s Descent T2 transceiver can be paired with both the 43 or 51mm Descent Mk3i models not only to enable tank-pressure monitoring but also, through an upcoming software update, diver-to-diver messaging using enhanced SubWave sonar technology. Divers will be able to exchange preset messages with other connected divers up to 30m away.
For dive-groups, up to eight T2 units can be paired with each compatible dive-computer, allowing other divers’ tank pressure, depth and distance to be read remotely from up to 10m away.
If a diver needs help, the upcoming Diver Assistance feature will enable an alert to be sent to other connected divers. They will be able to monitor the affected diver’s data to determine if and when intervention is required.
Dive modes
The Descent Mk3’s six dive modes cover Single-Gas and Multiple-Gas dives (including nitrox and trimix), Gauge, Apnea, Apnea Hunt (spearfishing) and Closed-Circuit Rebreather. Divers can either customise additional data screens for each mode or choose a simplified dive-screen with larger text to make it easier to see critical diving data.
Also included are new DiveView maps, offering bathymetric depth contours and more than 4,000 preloaded worldwide dive-sites to help the user locate specific wreck or other locations.
A Dive Readiness score indicates to the diver how lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, stress and jet-lag can affect preparedness to dive, with lower scores suggesting that using a higher conservatism setting or adjusting the planned dive-profile might be advisable.
Before diving in, users can also check nearby tide conditions from their Descent Mk3 and use the Reference Point tool for surface navigation to a target dive-site.
Built-in sensors such as an altimeter, barometer, compass and underwater compass can be used to help navigate a dive, says Garmin, while surface GPS helps in tracking entry and exit points. Freedivers can employ the Variometer tool to monitor descent and ascent rates through tone and vibration feedback.
At the surface
The Dive Log feature enables post-dive reviews of data, which can be shared using the Garmin Dive smartphone app.
The dive-computer doubles as a multisport GPS smartwatch, including many preloaded activity profiles for topside use. Included are health and fitness features such as VO2 Max, Pulse Ox and Jet Lag Adviser, as well as TopoActive maps and SatIQ™ navigational technology, and receipt of smart notifications, music downloads and making contactless payments can all be enabled.
The 43mm Descent Mk3 has a suggested retail price of £1,100, while the Descent Mk3i with added air-integration, diver messaging capabilities and Carbon Gray or Bronze titanium bezel options costs £1,250.
The bigger 51mm Descent Mk3i, also with air-integration and messaging capabilities, has a Carbon Gray DLC titanium bezel and black silicone band and costs £1,430 or, with a DLC titanium band, £1,600. The Descent T2 transceiver is priced at £430.
Descent G1 Solar Ocean Edition
The idea for the Descent G1 Solar Ocean Edition came from a Garmin internal brainstorming session. “Our associates spend a lot of time pursuing their passions – fishing, diving, surfing and more – in oceans around the world,” says global consumer marketing vice-president Susan Lyman.
“Some also dedicate their personal time to cleaning up areas around the water and, in doing so, started to think of ways to repurpose the plastic materials that are often bound for the ocean.
Plastics collected around bodies of water are sorted, cleaned, dried and melted into a pelletised resin before being reinforced with glass fibre and coloured. The material is then moulded to form the computer housing, bezel and buttons.
The 45mm-diameter G1 is depth-rated to 100m, offers the same modes as the Descent Mk3 and allows storage and review of up to 200 dives. its solar-charging lens is said to provide up to 25 hours of battery life in Dive mode and up to 124 days in Smartwatch mode.
Surface GPS is included in the unit’s topside smart features, with more than 30 built-in sports apps. The Descent G1 comes in Dark Lakeside with an Azure Blue band and has a recommended retail price of £570. Find more information on the Garmin site.
Also on Divernet: Garmin Descent G1 covers all the angles, Garmin Descent Mk2s, Garmin Descent Mk2 & MK2i computers, Diver Test: Garmin Descent Mk1
