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Let’s be honest, when you first read the words “best dive computer,” your mind tends to wander off to thoughts of complicated gadgets and gear. The truth is, while dive computers may have seemed like they were made for only divers at one time. Today, many models also offer fitness tracking and smartwatch features for use outside of diving. Garmin Descent Mk2i dive computer is a feature-rich device designed for divers who want reliable dive tracking, useful underwater data, and everyday smartwatch functions on their wrist. This product has many features that can meet the needs of any diver, from beginner to experienced. Here is a closer look at what you need to know about it!
Key Features
- 1.4” color sunlight-readable display
- Up to 80 hours in dive mode
- 16 days in smartwatch mode
- 15 hours in GPS mode with music
- Enhanced wrist-based heart rate
- Multiple sports apps
Pros
- Robust and durable design
- Easy to use
- Accurate
- Good battery life
- Can be used for a variety of activities
Cons
- Expensive
- The buttons can be challenging to press when wearing gloves
Garmin Descent Mk2i Dive Computer Review
The Garmin Descent Mk2i Dive Computer combines advanced diving features with everyday smartwatch functionality.
The dive computer is well built, although its large 52 mm case may not suit every wrist. It has a high-resolution display that is easy to read underwater, even in low-light conditions.
It also has an automatic altitude adjustment feature that allows you to account for elevation during dive calculations while separately measuring how deep you are diving. This is especially helpful when you are diving in a different location than usual because you don’t have to worry about adjusting your settings every time you go diving somewhere new.
I also love how simple this device is, it can start recording your dives automatically once you descend, which makes it easy for anyone with any level of experience with scuba diving gear or technology to use this product effectively without worrying about having any kind of technical difficulties with their equipment while they are under water.
Some special things I noticed about MK2i Dive Computer
Garmin Mk2i Dive Computer is a great product for many reasons. First, it is compact and easy to carry. It has a sleek design that looks good on any diver’s wrist. The battery life is also excellent, rated for up to 80 hours in dive mode or up to 32 hours when paired with a Descent T1 transmitter. It has an intuitive user interface and easy-to-read display that makes it easy for divers of all levels to use this device without any problems. The screen is also very clear even in low light conditions, making it easy for divers to read their data regardless of where they are diving or what time of day it is.
The Garmin Descent Mk2i supports air integration using a compatible Descent transmitter, such as the T1, connected to your tank regulator. With the transmitter paired, you can see tank pressure, estimated air time remaining, and gas consumption right on the watch during a dive. This makes it easier to monitor important gas information without having to glance at a separate analog gauge each time. The transmitter may be sold separately, so check which accessories are included before buying.
Design
The design of the Garmin Descent Mk2i Dive Computer is sleek and streamlined, with a matte black case and a round, 1.4-inch display. The buttons are arranged in an intuitive way, making it easy to use underwater. The physical buttons are convenient underwater, although thick gloves can make them slightly harder to press.
The screen is backlit by LEDs that come on automatically when you press one of the buttons. It offers several dive modes, including single-gas, multi-gas, gauge, and apnea, along with support for nitrox diving. In both modes, there is a dedicated depth sensor that shows how deep you are below the water’s surface. This feature can be handy if you are interested in exploring new depths or just curious about your depth level at any given time during your dive. If you want to be able to see more than just depth on your screen during a dive, there are also options for showing temperature and ascend/descend rates as well as information about your current depth, the time elapsed since the last bottom time reference point (BTRP), time remaining until next BTRP, and customizable dive alerts.
Garmin Descent Mk2i Dive Computer’s Display
The screen on this dive computer is backlit by LEDs that come on automatically when you press one of the buttons. It supports single-gas, multi-gas, gauge, and apnea diving modes, with both nitrox and trimix compatibility. In both modes, there is a dedicated depth sensor that shows how deep you are below the water’s surface. This feature can be handy if you are interested in exploring new depths or just curious about your depth level at any given time during your dive. If you want to be able to see more than just depth on your screen during a dive, there are also options for showing temperature and ascend/descend rates as well as information about your current depth, the time elapsed since the last bottom reference point (BTRP), time remaining until next BTRP, and customizable dive alerts.
Sensors
It has an array of sensors including an accelerometer for detecting movement; compass for tracking direction of travel; thermometer for monitoring water temperature; dedicated pressure sensor for tracking depth; and others. All of these sensors work together to provide real-time information about your dive so that you can make informed decisions throughout your trip down below!
Waterproof
The Descent Mk2i dive computer comes with an extensive set of features: a depth gauge, temperature sensor, dive-rated 100-meter operating depth, and Bühlmann ZHL-16C decompression calculations with gradient factors. It supports automatic altitude adjustment, configurable safety and depth alerts, single-gas and multi-gas dive modes, and air integration when a compatible Descent transmitter is paired. Its surface interval and no-fly time information can also help divers plan their next dive, but safe diving practices and proper training remain essential.
The material used in Garmin Descent Mk2i Dive Computer
The Garmin Descent Mk2i dive computer is made from a durable, waterproof material that’s easy to clean and maintain. The face of the watch is made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that can handle all kinds of wear and tear, and it also has an LED backlight so you can see it clearly at all times, even in low-light conditions.
The watch uses dive-rated construction designed to withstand pressure within Garmin’s specified operating limits. This is especially important for those who dive often because this part of the watch needs to be able to withstand high pressure for long periods of time without becoming damaged or breaking down over time.
The standard strap on this model is made from silicone, which helps prevent chafing between your wrist and the band itself when you’re wearing it during longer training sessions or dives with heavy equipment on board as well as ensuring that there aren’t any other irritations or injuries caused by friction burns caused by constant rubbing against each other over long periods of time
Comparison: Garmin MK2 vs MK2i
Here is a comparison table between the Garmin MK2i and MK2 dive computers:
| Feature | Garmin MK2i | Garmin MK2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Color MIP display | Color MIP display |
| Screen size | 1.4 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Battery life | Up to 16 days in watch mode, up to 80 hours in dive mode | Up to 80 hours in dive mode |
| Air integration | Yes, up to 5 tanks | No air integration |
| Nitrox | Yes | Yes |
| Trimix | Yes, up to 8 gases | Yes, up to 6 gases |
| Rebreather | Yes | Yes |
| Freediving mode | Yes | Yes |
| Dive log | Up to 200 dives | Up to 200 dives |
The biggest difference between these two products is air integration. The Garmin Descent Mk2i can connect to compatible Garmin Descent transmitters so you can check tank pressure and estimated air time remaining on the wrist display. The standard Mk2 cannot pair with those transmitters for air integration. Both watches have GPS for land-based activities and for recording dive entry and exit points when at the surface, but GPS tracking does not work underwater. If you want integrated tank-pressure information during dives, the Mk2i offers a meaningful advantage, while the Mk2 remains a capable dive computer for many users.
Why you should buy Garmin Descent Mk2i?
Diving deeper means that the pressure of the water can be more than twice as high as it is on the surface, which can cause nitrogen to build up in your body. This can lead to decompression sickness or “the bends,” which can be fatal if not treated immediately. The Garmin Mk2i helps you monitor important dive data by tracking depth, underwater time, ascent information, and decompression guidance, so you know when it’s time to ascend again.
You will also have access to all of the other features you will expect from a good dive computer, a clock, alarms that vibrate when they are due, reminders for when you need to change out your batteries or perform maintenance on your equipment, as well as a logbook that lets you track everything from temperature changes over time to how many times you have dived each day this week (or month).
Technical Specifications
| Product Length X Width X Height | 52 x 52 x 17.8 mm |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 99.6 g (silicone band) |
| ASIN | B08K2WS9S5 |
| Item model number | 010-02132-01 |
| Batteries | Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
| Screen Size | 1.4 inches |
| Modes | 6 |
| Connectivity technologies | Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, Wi-Fi, Subwave |
| Other display features | Wireless |
| Device interface – primary | Dial |
| Color | Black |
| Included Items in the package | Descent Mk2i Titanium carbon gray DLC with black band Black extra-long adjustment strap; Charging/data cable; Documentation |
| Department | For all |
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
Final Verdict
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, the Garmin Descent Mk2i dive computer is a great choice for your next diving adventure. It’s packed with features that make it easy to use, and its rugged design can withstand even the most challenging conditions. Plus, its large display is easy to read, even when you are wearing gloves. If you are looking for a top-of-the-line dive computer that can handle any situation, it is worth considering.
Hi, I’m Abi. I am a passionate blogger. I love writing about my passions: fitness, water sports, travel, and food. I also love getting to know new people and cultures through travel. When I’m not writing or traveling, you can find me coding up a storm!