TESTCENTRE
The primary dive screen is straightforward in its layout. Divided into two sections, the smaller of the pair on the left shows NDL( No-Decompression Limit), Depth, Dive Time, Gas and PO2. The larger section shows Compass, TTS( Time to Surface), Max Depth, TOD( Time Of Day) and Temp.
Scrolling through the alternative displays( on the right side of the screen) provides a variety of other pertinent information, including full-screen compass and cylinder-related pressure / air consumption figures for yourself and any diving buddies using Garmin’ s T2 transmitter. There’ s also a very useful tapscroll feature alternative to the buttons.
The X50i is capable of linking with up to eight transmitters using the company’ s SubWave sonar network. While I’ ve only linked with a pair myself, I found it a simple and very useful feature to be able to monitor my buddy’ s consumption when leading a dive.
Not only sharing tank pressure up to 10 metres away, this also allows the exchange of pre-set diver-to-diver messages at distances up to 30 metres. I’ ve yet to try this to its maximum range but within safe-diving practices it proved very easy to both send and receive. I see this feature as being of particular benefit to separate buddy pairs who may have distance between them on wreck or reef.
Form and functionality
Depth-rated to 200 metres, the computer sticks with the same Bühlmann ZHL-16c( with gradient factors) decompression algorithm as previous Descent models. It has a deep stop option and also records entry and exit points via the device’ s integrated Global Positioning System. It’ s also possible to make use of the GPS topside to help navigating to your dive site or wreck of choice.
An option to connect to Garmin’ s InReach satellite communicator could prove beneficial when diving in far-flung destinations to make emergency contact, should things go awry.
If this all sounds overly technical, nothing could be further from the truth. Setting up the X50i is no different to the average smartphone – you’ ll soon be swiping through menus and settings just like an iPhone.
Once in the water, the backlit display provides all the essential dive information in a concise, easy-to-read interface with colourcoded nitrogen and helium load bars. A second bar signals green( good), yellow( moderately high) and red( high) ascent warnings.
The X50i did everything I could have asked of it, despite the inclement British weather curtailing the opportunity to do some CCR diving, something I’ m keen to explore with the unit after my experience with previous Descent models.
Extras include a very useful LED torch. A long press on the right-side button brings you to a choice of two output settings and a pair of emergency flashing modes.
Garmin describes the X50i as a Premium Dive Computer and its price(£ 1,329.99 plus another £ 429.99 for the T2) reflects this. If you’ re using the computer as a standalone unit, you’ d certainly not be disappointed. However, adding a T2 Transmitter is a gamechanger, while linking up with a buddy or multiple buddies with a similarly-enabled Descent( s) opens up a whole new ball game as far as connectivity is concerned.
Garmin offers excellent support with regular software updates and improvements, plus seamless connection to their Connect and Dive apps, so there’ s every expectation that the X50i could support and grow with a diver from novice to wherever they want to go over the course of their journey.
SCUBA SAYS
Garmin pulls another one out of the bag with the Descent X50i, a wrist-mounted, dive-specific computer which provides a great alternative to their watch-based products. The crisp, clear and full-colour rectangular screen offers four dive modes, air integration, messaging and connectivity with up to eight transmitters. You get what you pay for and with the X50i that’ s a lot!
Garmin’ s data screen The dive mode display
The GPS display The home screen
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