TESTCENTRE
pertaining to gases , conservatism , air integration , PO2 , setpoints , alerts and safety stops et al is accessible . In CCR mode there ' s the option to dial in your choice of setpoint percentage , the depth you ' d like to make the change plus the option to make the switch manually or just let the Descent take care of it automatically .
It ' s the same simple process whichever mode – single gas , multi-gas , gauge – is required . Underwater the full-colour display is nicely lit and legible . While not as stunningly bright as some OLED-based displays , neither does it have the associated high battery consumption and frequent recharges associated with such technology .
Screen options
There are three main dive screens to the Descent – four if you include the compass – and they can be accessed via button or much more conveniently by a double-tap on the display itself . The first shows the gas type ; its contents via transmitter readout ; NDL ( No Decompression Limit ) and current depth , with dive time .
The second is the compass , followed by a third which in addition to screen one , adds the time of day , TTS ( Time to Surface ), temperature , maximum depth and battery level . The fourth and final screen shows air consumption / estimated gas usage with remaining contents , depth , time and NDL .
The aforementioned 3-axis compass is one of the best and simplest to operate I ' ve used . In compass mode just hit the top right button to set your heading ( two quick pushes does the job when you ' re familiar with the process ) and a green pointer shows you the way to go . There ' s also reciprocal , 90-degree left and 90-degree right settings that are another button push away and really do make navigation an absolute joy .
There ' s also a useful dive planner , which will compute both No Decompression Limit dives and decompression dives , with the option for using deep stops if desired . Just input your gas , depth , time and the Descent will come up with the figures . Visual , audible and vibration alerts and alarms are
available for ascent rate , PO2 CNC / OTU , NDL deco and gas switching with a missed decompression lockout that can also be user disabled .
As a diving instrument the Descent Mk2i certainly cuts the mustard , not just as an upgrade on the original Mk1 , but as a worthy competitor among the leading computer brands . What does set the Descent apart is its incredible versatility above the waterline . Its complex technology provides apps for running , hiking , cycling , golf , pool and open water swimming , kayaking , paddle-boarding , yoga , triathlon , skiing and many more – all while monitoring heart rate , respiration , stress and hydration .
While these may not be classed as essential features , many divers will embrace the Descent ' s inbuilt GPS , which records entry / exit points automatically . When paired with a smartphone there are options to check tides and weather , receive email / text alerts or even just relax and play music during surface intervals .
What ’ s the catch ?
Are there any downsides to the Descent , you may ask ? It ' s a fair wad of cash to part with , but it does compare favourably with many of its high-end peers . Anyone with a sporty lifestyle will no doubt be seduced by its many above water options . As with all wristwatch-style computers - despite the large and legible display - some spectacle wearers may require prescription mask inserts to view it in its full glory .
Another is the heart rate / pulse monitor , which will only work when placed directly against the skin . While dry-suited divers will have to forgo this particular feature , they will benefit from the quick-change strap extension , which clips on and off in a jiffy while remaining secure during use .
The Descent ' s 32gb memory will happily store dive data for up to 200 dives internally but the better option by far is Garmin ' s excellent Dive app . Easily connected to your device via bluetooth - be it computer , tablet or smartphone – it ’ s simple to use and provides a comprehensive analysis of your dives .
SCUBA SAYS
Garmin ’ s Descent Mk2i has built on the solid foundations of the original Mk1 with upgrades across the board . The 10m range provided by its innovative SubWave T1 transmitter could be a real game-changer .
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