Test: The Garmin Descent™ Mk3 Dive Computer: Test
Content
- Technical Specifications of the Garmin Descent™ Mk3 Series
- Design & Quality
- Display & Operation
- Battery Life and Charging Options
- Dive computer with Air Integration
- Diving with the Garmin Descent™ Mk3 Series
- Fitness-Tracking-Functions of the Garmin Descent™ Mk3 Series
- More Smartwatch Functions
- Conclusion of the Garmin Descent™ Mk3i Dive Computer
For passionate divers, the opportunity to explore the mysterious beauty of the underwater world is an unrivalled privilege. As this also comes with its challenges, this is where technology comes into play to ensure safety. Ready to dive in? Let's dive into the world of the Garmin Descent™ Mk3 series in this blog post!
The Garmin Descent™ Mk3 and Mk3i Dive Computer
The Garmin Descent™ Mk3 and Mk3i are the successors to the Descent™ Mk2 series and are aimed specifically at divers and adventurers (please find here a technical comparison from Mk2 to Mk3). It offers comprehensive diving functions, including multiple dive modes and the ability to monitor multiple gas mixtures. It also supports heart rate measurement, sports tracking and smartwatch functions.
The Garmin Descent Mk3 series was released in 2023 and is available without air-integrated version (Mk3) or with (Mk3i). The Mk3 with stainless steel has a case diameter of 43mm. The Mk3i is available in 43mm in gold-coloured PVD titanium or black DLC titanium and 51mm in black DLC titanium. Interchangeable straps in silicone, nylon and leather can also be ordered separately and exchanged.
Technical Specifications of the Garmin Descent™ Mk3 Series
Design & Quality
When unpacking the Garmin Descent™ Mk3i, the high-quality housing immediately catches the eye. The silicone wristband feels very soft and comfortable and as the dive computer arrived slightly pre-charged, it could be switched on straight away.
Display & Operation
Even without prior knowledge or instructions, the initial settings can be made - preferred language, time zone, different display designs and pairing with the smartphone.
The AMOLED touch display can be set to three different brightness levels - low, medium and high. Even in direct sunlight, the display is still easy to read at the ‘Low’ level. Another positive aspect is that the touch display responds immediately, even after a protecting display film has been applied.
Overall, operation is very intuitive and the manual is more for finding out how many options the dive computer actually offers.
Battery Life and Charging Options
The Garmin Descent™ Mk3i is charged using a USB-C terminal that is plugged into the watch. Alternatively, a cable with USB can be ordered separately.
Regarding the battery life, Garmin itself states that it lasts up to 30 hours in dive mode and up to 10 days in smartwatch mode. As these values naturally depend on your own usage, the brightness of the display and much more, I can't really test this.
In any case, I am very satisfied with the runtime. The exact percentage battery status and the estimated runtime can also be shown on the display.
Furthermore, the watch could also be set to energy-saving mode if you are travelling without a cable and want it to last longer.
Dive computer with Air Integration
The Garmin Descent™ Mk3i is a dive computer with air integration, so you can connect up to eight transmitters to the dive computer. The transmitter is screwed into the high pressure connection of the 1st stage of the regulator, coupled with the dive computer and transmits the cylinder pressure to the computer. This is done within 5 minutes!
The remaining pressure in the tank can therefore also be read on the computer display, as can, for example, the remaining dive time based on the current air consumption or low air pressure warnings.
The transmitter can be purchased separately or directly as a set with the Descent™ Mk3i (43mm or 51mm).
If you know for sure that you do not want to use the function, you can also opt for the Garmin Descent™ Mk3 model without air integration.
Diving with the Garmin Descent™ Mk3 Series
Diving with the Garmin Descent™ Mk3 series offers a first-class experience for divers of all experience levels. Multiple dive modes are available for single and multi-gas dives (including nitrox and trimix), gauge mode, apnoe and closed circuit rebreather (CCR) dives.
The high-resolution colour display remains clear and easy to read underwater, even in low light conditions. Like any dive computer, the Mk3 series provides the usual real-time data such as depth, time and ascent rate. GPS tracking on the surface allows you to mark your dive sites precisely, which is particularly useful when exploring. Underwater, the integrated 3-axis compass helps you navigate.
The intuitive user interface makes it easy to switch between the different displays while diving. Some of the fields on the various pages can even be customised to suit your own preferences.
Fitness-Tracking-Functions of the Garmin Descent™ Mk3 Series
The Garmin Descent™ Mk3 or Mk3i can also be used as a smartwatch in everyday life outside of diving. Over 80 different modes for walking, running, swimming, cycling, skiing, strength training, hiking, various rebound sports and many more can be used to record various activities.
More Smartwatch Functions
Your heart rate is regularly measured and displayed using the built-in sensors, and you can also record the oxygen saturation of your blood. Sleep analysis, jet lag advisor, daily training recommendations, dive readiness and women's health are just a few of the other functions of the Garmin Descent™ Mk3 series.
The Mk3s can also display notifications from your paired smartphone and contactless payment is possible.
Conclusion of the Garmin Descent™ Mk3i Dive Computer
Personal feedback from Tami, our Scubaonline Ambassador:
‘Overall, it can be said that the Garmin Descent™ Mk3i is the ideal companion for any diver, both under and above water!
I decided in favour of the Mk3i in gold, it is visually super beautiful and a real eye-catcher in everyday life. For women, I generally recommend the 43mm version so that it can also be worn comfortably in everyday life.
Whether you prefer it to be air-integrated or not is up to you. I like to see all the important information on my wrist at a glance!
The many different displays, which can also be completely customised via CONNECT IQ™ STORE, provide great variety and diversity, and as the computer is also my daily companion, I still enjoy it every day even after six months of use. But most of all, of course, when I use the dive mode.’
_preview.png "The Garmin Mk3i dive computer in test")
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Test: The Garmin Descent™ Mk3 Dive Computer: Test
September 27, 2024
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Ready to dive in? Let's dive into the world of the Garmin Descent™ Mk3 series in this blog post!
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