B5 Systems

Garmin – Descent Mk2i

The Descent Mk2i is Garmin’s latest watch-style dive computer. It pairs with Garmin’s Descent T1 transmitter via Garmin SubWave, which is a sonar-based communication protocol, to send tank pressure data right to the diver’s wrist.

The Mk2i can accept data from up to five paired Descent T1 transmitters, offering tank pressure, air time remaining, gas consumption rate to monitor other divers or additional tanks within a 10-meter range.

The dive computer function supports multiple dive modes for single and multiple gas dives (including nitrox, trimix and 100% O2), gauge, apnea, apnea hunt and closed circuit rebreather. It also features an underwater 3-axis compass and display depth, dive time, temperature, NDL/TTS, ascent/descent rates, gas mix, PO2, N2 loading, decompression/safety stop information, and time.

You can also share and review up to 200 dives via the Garmin Dive app.

Featuring a 1.4-inch sunlight-readable color display, it’s also a GPS watch for use on the surface. Garmin’s GPS watch features are well known. Anymore, it’s more a matter of what it won’t do rather than talking about what it does. However, we’ll quickly review.

First off is Global Navigation Satellite System connectivity which includes GOS, GLONASS and Galileo. You get position data, turn by turn navigation and round trip routing. There are also Garmin’s classic ABC sensors, including an altimeter for elevation data, barometer to monitor weather and 3-axis compass.

You also get advanced training metrics which include running dynamics, heat- and altitude-adjusted VO2 max, recovery advisor and more. There are also preloaded activity profiles for trail running, swimming, running, biking, hiking, rowing, skiing, and golfing.

Your watch will also guide your workout with animated workouts for cardio, strength, yoga and Pilates. Additionally, PacePro technology helps keep you on pace with grade-adjusted guidance as you run a course.

Respiration, pulse ox and heart rate monitors are all embedded in the Descent Mk2i. And, there are always more apps being added.

What’s more, the Descent Mk2i can be connected to a Garmin inReach satellite communicator at the surface so you can send and receive messages from watch and even trigger an interactive SOS.

Expect about 16 days of battery life from the Descent Mk2i in smartwatch mode and up to 80 hours in dive mode. It has a battery life of up to 32 hours when paired with a Descent T1. The T1 transmitter is depth rated to 11 ATM10 and has a battery life of up to 110 hours of diving with a user-replaceable CR123 battery.

Offered in two versions, Stainless Steel with Black Band and Titanium Carbon Gray DLC with Black Band.

If you’re looking for a Garmin product, I’ve got to recommend Strohman Enterprise, particularly if you’re military or LE.

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