TESTCENTRE
The compact Descent Mk 2S ( above ), seen next to its larger predecessor , the Mk 2 .
Descent MK2S
An elegant Descent
After a lengthy interval between the launch of Garmin ’ s Descent Mk1 dive computer , the Descent Mk2 and groundbreaking air-integrated Mk2i eventually arrived on the scene earlier this year . It seems that Garmin are on something of a roll , as yet another model has just hit the market – the Descent Mk2S - offering everything the Mk2 does , but in a much smaller form .
If there was ever anything to criticise about the Descent Mk2 , it would have to be its size . With a case diameter of 52mm it ’ s hardly a beast of a device . I personally find its 103g weight barely noticeable , thanks to its comfortable silicone strap . The relatively large display is ideally suited for viewing underwater and while you ’ re aware of having a substantial timepiece on your wrist topside , I ’ ve never found it to be a problem .
Nevertheless , here we have a new , slimmed-down version , which measures 43mm across the case and weighs only 61g . In Garmin ’ s words , it offers : “ A smaller and more fashionable alternative to what ’ s currently available in the dive computer market .” Holding the two side-by-side seems to make the larger model appear somewhat oversized , but to say that would be doing it an injustice .
All the same , once I strapped on the smaller version , I became an almost instant convert . It will certainly appeal to divers with thinner wrists ( myself included ) and therefore is suited to the needs of many
women divers . It has a less-imposing case , but retains the same fivebutton navigation system as the original .
The sapphire crystal display , encased in a fibre-reinforced case and finished with a stainless-steel bezel , is around 5mm smaller than its sibling , but the actual digits seem only very slightly reduced in size and are practically just as readable .
Double-tap
Revisiting the Descent ’ s main dive features for anyone not familiar with the original is easy : it does just about everything you could ask for in a dive computer , barring the air integration capabilities of the Mk2i .
Depth-rated to 100m , there ’ s a single-gas mode , a multi-gas mode plus gauge , apnea , apnea hunt , nitrox , trimix and CCR ( Closed Circuit Rebreather ) options . Buhlmann ’ s ZHL-16c algorithm , with useradjustable gradient factors , is used for decompression calculations , with up to 11 deco / backup gases available .
There ’ s also a GPS feature that records entry and exit point locations automatically . There are 40 – yes , 40 - audible and vibrating alarms which can be set for ascent rate , PO2 , CNC / OTU , NDL , decompression , gas switches and what time your supper will be ready . That last one I made up - but you get my drift . In dive mode there ’ s an option to double-tap the screen to switch between the two main information screens and the three-axis compass display . This can be adjusted for sensitivity to avoid accidental activation . The compass is arguably the best I ’ ve come across and has simple-to-operate heading , reciprocal heading ,
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