- Hey SD fans, welcome back
to the scuba diver YouTube channel.
Today, we're going to be talking about dive computers
more specifically the Garmin Descent MK2
and MK2I dive computers,
which have literally just been launched today.
Garmin have been a force to be reckoned with
in the world of aviation, marine,
outdoor recreation, sports and fitness,
and automotive for many years.
And so their entry into the diving arena
with the Descent dive computer couple of years ago
really caused a stir, quite deservedly.
Now they are back with a new improved model
that has some key new technologies.
Join me as I give you some more details
about these and also look at how it stacks up
against some of its main rivals
from the likes of Shearwater Research, Suunto, and ScubaPro.
(enthusiastic music)
All divers love a shiny new kit,
in fact, newfangled equipment is probably one
of the main driving forces for a lot of divers.
So the launch today of the Garmin Descent MK2 and MK2I
Dive Computers will be warmly welcomed by those kit hounds,
keen to get their hands on the latest piece
of diving tech.
The MK2 and the MK2I are both watch style dive computers
and Garmin say that they are for any diver,
beginners or experienced technical divers
and even free divers.
They certainly look the part for everyday wear
with the use of titanium and other premium materials.
And with the quick release straps,
you can swap and change these out as you wish.
Like the MK1, they feature a host
of Garmin's most sought after everyday
smart watch features, many from the well-regarded Fenix 6,
but with a larger viewable screen,
it's 30% larger than the original Descent
and a bigger internal memory.
It has more than 30 sports apps already installed
including hiking, running, mountain biking,
golfing, climbing, and so on,
and it even provides risk-based heart rate monitoring.
From a diving point of view,
they have multiple dive modes,
single and multiple gas dives,
including Nitrox, tri-mix, and 100% O2,
gauge, apnea, apnea hunt,
and closed circuit rebreather.
They have a three axis compass
as well as surface GPS capabilities
to mark your entry and exit point.
Garmin have also released their Dive app
at the same time which the MK2 and the MK2I
will seamlessly connect with.
When you need some inspiration
this will even let you scroll through
2,700 dive sites from around the world.
So what else is new?
The MK2I, as the I suggests,
is air integrated and it connects
to the forthcoming Descent T1 Transmitter
which is due out towards the end of the year.
Garmin have used sonar technology,
which they call sub-wave,
and it apparently has a range of 10 meters
which is very impressive, up to five transmitters
can be connected to the computer
so that you can either monitor multiple tanks
or even your buddy's gas pressure.
So who are Garmin going up against?
Well, you have the Shearwater Research Teric,
which has a similar number of dive modes,
a three access compass, a vivid customizable color screen,
audible and vibration alarms, and air integration
with up to two transmitters.
Then there's the ScubaPro Air 2,
this has a 3D compass, numerous dive modes,
can link to multiple transmitters,
and with the ScubaPro HRM Belt
can monitor heart rate and skin temperature.
Suunto's titanium DX was the first
wristwatch style computer that could deal with CCRs
and it is still a well specced unit today,
with a 3D compass, five dive modes,
and air integration with multiple tank pumps.
We can't wait to get a test unit
of the Garmin Descent MK2I, and take a dive in,
but on paper, it's gonna give
it's rivals a run for their money.
They might stack up well from a diving point of view
but the myriad topside capabilities
of the Garmin are truly amazing.
And that could be the clincher for someone who dives
and leads an active lifestyle
when they are not under the water.
In the meantime, check out the video
from our friends at Black Manta Photography.
I'll put the link down below.
They were lucky enough to get their hands on one already.
Richard will take you through
some of the multiple features step-by-step.
If you already dive with a Garmin Descent MK1
or are tempted by the new models,
we'd love to hear from you,
so add your comment to this video.
As always, if you enjoyed watching,
please hit that subscribe button and ring that bell,
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of any new content as we put it up.
If you're going diving, have a great time, stay safe.
(uplifting music)