TESTCENTRE
Choosing the dive mode is as easy as a button push or swipe
Dive Readiness app , which takes on board your previous activities , sleep patterns and various other metrics to let you know when you ’ re tip-top to dive .
The dive display can be customised to your personal taste ; it also provides essential information for up to a total of eight divers / transmitters via Garmin ’ s excellent SubWave system .
A further innovation is the sonar-based diver messaging option . Unlike topside – where I rigidly enforce a three-text rule to prevent annoying , extended messagesending – this feature only allows preset diver-to-diver messaging , with an impressive range of up to 30 metres . Quite handy in low viz .
While this was not yet available at the time of writing , just as soon as soon as Garmin releases the relevant software , the Test Centre is standing by to put it through its paces .
Features
The Mk3i provides single gas , multigas , CCR , gauge , apnea and apnea hunt modes , using the Bühlmann ZHL-16c ( with gradient factors ) algorithm favoured by many manufacturers .
Gas mixes up to 100 % O2 are supported , with up to 11 deco and / or backup gases . Flipping between dive displays can be facilitated either by the aforementioned tap feature or the lower left button does the same job .
The compass is very simple to use : after selecting a heading with a press of the top right button , repeating the action
The GPS can automatically mark entry and exit points
reveals a choice of reciprocal , 90 degree left , 90 right , or new headings .
It really feels like the complete dive computer , but frankly that ’ s only the half of it . If you ’ re into other sports or activities then there ’ s a heart rate monitor ( which operates underwater too if against the skin ), plus numerous apps for golf , cycling , running , swimming ... in fact , too many more to mention .
Connectivity
Connectivity is another key feature and pairing with other devices via Bluetooth or wifi is quick and easy . This allows access to notifications of phone calls , messages , the ability to play music , pay for goods and services , but primarily for divers , access to the Garmin Dive App .
There ’ s also an excellent GPS system with dive site maps , that also marks entry
Dive Mode , showing gas supply for two divers
Integrated torchlight can be adjusted for brightness / Strobe Mode
and exit points before and after a dive , or navigates to and from a destination on dry land . The new 300 bar , Garmin T2 transmitter with its enhanced SubWave sonar technology is the key to unlocking not only air integration but also the upcoming messaging mode .
Options
If you have a smaller wrist and prefer a computer to match , then the Descent is also available in two alternative versions : the 43mm Mk3 ( without air integration , £ 1099.99 ) and the 43mm Mk3i ( with air integration , £ 1249.99 ). For everyday use I found the smaller size a little more comfortable but the larger display and the LED torch , exclusive to the 51mm version , was more to my own liking . If you ’ re a spectacle-wearer then the larger of the pair will make good sense too .
SCUBA SAYS
Never let it be said that Garmin is resting on its laurels . The new Descent MK3i is a worthy upgrade on its predecessor , with its improved-definition touchscreen , a 200m depth-rating and gamechanging messaging system to follow .
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