TESTCENTRE
Continuing Descent
Descent G2 Computer
COMPANY: GARMIN PRICE: £ 589.99 WEB: WWW. GARMIN. COM
It’ s safe to say that Garmin, however late they came to the game, are here to stay. Constantly refining and updating their diving computer range, the latest in the Descent line is the wristwatch-style G2. With its remodelled case, bezel and display, this is a worthy upgrade to its G1 predecessor.
While Garmin’ s flagship devices such as the MK3i and recently released dive-specific computer, the X50i offer air-integration via their manufacturer’ s pioneering Subwave technology, the G2 is a standalone device.
Omitting this feature is certainly not a negative. Many divers still prefer their information in the shape of a traditional submersible pressure gauge and with the G2’ s RRP around half that of its stablemates, it represents a much more practical purchase.
Subwave apart, the G2 provides practically all the topside and underwater features that the Descent has become renowned for. Apnea, Air, Nitrox, Trimix, Gauge and CCR modes are all included and with a battery life of 27 hours in Dive Mode and 10 days in Smartwatch mode, it’ s got plenty of gas in the tank.
Any differences aren’ t particularly jarring. For instance it is‘ only’ depth-rated to 100 metres versus 200m, while a 4GB memory v 32GB is of little worry when any statistics / dive logs can be uploaded automatically to the Garmin App.
The device’ s AMOLED 1.2” display is bright and easy to read, while the chunkier, redesigned bezel gives it a much more diving-watch appearance. Incidentally, the housing, bezel and buttons are all made from 100 % recycled ocean-bound plastics.
The five button controls, three to the left and two to the right, allow easy menu navigation via a series of short or long pushes. Menus can be stacked to show the most relevant to your requirements; whichever dive mode you choose, they’ re a doddle to set up. Three levels of pre-set conservatism are provided for convenience, along with a custom gradient factor using the Buhlmann ZHL-16c algorithm. Audible and visual alarms are available for the usual suspects such as depth, duration, ascent rate, PO2 NDL deco and gas switching. Dive data screens can be customised and the watch also has a 3-axis dive compass. I used the G2 on the wrist alongside a Descent MK3i. Despite the difference in display sizes, the G2 was still very readable and as expected they produced identical profiles. For everyday use, the topside features offer a myriad choice of sport and health monitoring, even a body battery and dive readiness feature factoring in pre-dive sleep, activity and exertion. NH
SCUBA SAYS
If you’ ve admired Garmin’ s Descent range of dive computers but found them just a little out of budget, then the G2 may be just what you’ re waiting for. While lacking air integration, it is nevertheless packed with the same great features as its more expensive siblings- for around half the price.
Dive display
Compass display
The G2’ s bright AMOLED display
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