Sports tech specialist Garmin has announced the launch of its latest watch-style dive computer, the Descent G1 Solar. Following in the footsteps of the Descent Mk1 and Descent Mk2/Mk2S, the new dive computer comes packaged with 24/7 health and wellness features, smartwatch functionality and optional solar charging, all packed into a rugged design.
‘Whether you are looking to purchase your first dive computer or wanting to support your active lifestyle, our Descent G1 Series is the ideal companion for all types of divers who appreciate having a multisport smartwatch for all other aspects of life topside,’ said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. ‘Descent G1 Solar builds upon Garmin’s innovative dive technology line-up with the addition of solar charging, allowing customers more time to enjoy their topside activities.’
Garmin Descent G1 design
The Garmin Descent G1 features an easy-to-read, high-contrast display built into a 45mm watch case which is rated to 10ATM (100m depth), tested to engineering standard EN133319 for dive compliance with leakproof inductive buttons and a sapphire lens. The Descent G1 series’ rugged case is constructed for activities above and below the water’s surface, and is compatible with Garmin’s QuickFit interchangeable watch bands, which divers can use to switch between long and short straps for different thicknesses of exposure suit, or heading out for a post-dive dinner.
The standard rechargeable battery will grant the diver up to 25 hours in dive mode and 3 weeks in smartwatch mode – and the new Descent G1 solar-charging models may last up to 4 months on a single charge assuming the watch is worn in bright sunshine for around three hours per day.
Garmin Descent G1 technical features
The new Descent G1 Series has features that should cover a broad range of dive abilities, from entry-level recreational diver to experienced technical. The G1 supports multiple dive modes for single and multiple gas dives – including air, nitrox, trimix and 100 per cent O2; gauge, apnea, apnea hunt and closed-circuit rebreather modes.
The Descent G1 displays all the standard dive data: depth, dive time, temperature, NDL/TTS, ascent/descent rates, gas mix, PO2, N2 loading, decompression/safety stop information, and time-of-day, all of which are customisable to the user’s preference. A 3-axis digital compass is included and vibrating depth alerts help to keep the user informed when closing on dive limits. Freedivers are also able to customise their displays and measure other metrics such as ascent and descent rates while set in apnoea mode.
Surface entry and exit points are automatically marked by the Descent G1 using multi-GNSS satellite support, which can be logged in the companion Garmin Dive app, allowing divers to easily review a detailed analysis of each dive. The Garmin Dive App can also be used to to configure settings on the Descent G1 Series, or plan new trips around dive sites that have been rated and reviewed by other users.
Health monitoring and sports apps
The Descent G1 Series contains a multitude of built-in sports apps including apps for swimming, hiking, running, cycling, golf, yoga and surfing. With the integrated Surfline Widget, surfers will see a visual representation of tide information, wave height, wind, and surf quality rating right on the wrist.
The computer also contains a range of fitness and wellness features including advanced sleep monitoring, VO2 Max, Fitness Age, Training Status, Recovery Time, HIIT Workouts, and Daily Suggested Workouts
Connectivity features
In between scuba diving or other sporting activities, the Garmin Descent G1 has a number of other connected features such as Garmin Pay, and the ability to, receive notifications for calls, texts, calendar reminders, social media updates and breaking news stories when paired with a compatible Android or Apple smartphones.
The Descent G1 Series can also be paired with an inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator (satellite subscription required) to send and receive messages or trigger an SOS in case of emergency. If an incident is detected, Garmin Connect Mobile can send a message with the user’s name and location (if available) to their emergency contacts.
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