The Garmin Descent G1 is a rugged, versatile dive computer built for divers of all types. Whether you enjoy recreational scuba, technical diving, spearfishing, or freediving, the Descent G1 aims to be a capable companion. Garmin even bills it as tough enough for any diving environment. But, marketed as a jack-of-all-trades among dive computers, the question is whether the Descent G1 truly excels at any one thing. In this review, we’ll see if it lives up to promises and identify who this high-tech dive computer is best suited for.
Specifications
- Rugged dive computer with 1.27″ display and scratch-resistant sapphire lens
- Battery life up to 25 hours in dive mode or 21 days in smartwatch mode
- Built-in GPS marks entry/exit locations for reviewing dives
- 30+ preloaded sports apps with advanced metrics like VO2 max
- Wrist-based heart rate, Pulse Ox blood oxygen, sleep tracking
- Smartwatch connectivity for notifications, Garmin Pay
- Logs up to 200 dives, connects to smartphone app
- Supports recreational, technical, free diving and spearfishing
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Pros and Cons of the Garmin Descent G1
The Garmin Descent G1 earns strong praise for its versatility both in and out of the water. As a rugged smartwatch with health/fitness tracking, it competes well against the Apple Watch while offering unique benefits for divers.
For daily wear, the Descent G1 accurately tracks running, biking, hiking and gym workouts. Its 30+ built-in sports apps and advanced metrics like VO2 max cater well for active lifestyles. The display is easy to customize and view progress towards fitness goals. Integrations with Garmin’s ecosystem and third-party apps like Apple Health provide data and analysis that fitness enthusiasts expect from a high-end smartwatch.
Where the Descent G1 really shines is as a dive computer. It provides all the expected features like depth/temperature logs, safety stop timers and GPS coordinates for entry/exit mapping. Its compact, watch-sized package makes for effortless wearing and viewing underwater, even down to 130ft as tested by reviewers. While it lacks air integration, the essential dive stats are clear, customizable and complete.
After reviewing dives, the ability to instantly upload logs via Bluetooth to Garmin’s and third-party apps draws acclaim. This makes it easy to analyze dives across devices and share key metrics. Reviewers appreciate how they can search for and tag new dive sites right on the Descent G1 for quick reference later.
For the price point, reviewers feel the Descent G1 packs an impressive amount of functionality into one rugged, waterproof package that transitions smoothly from land to sea adventures. Compact yet readable in deep waters, it offers stats and features competitive with pricier dive computers. If you want robust fitness tracking tightly integrated with a capable wrist-based dive computer, the G1 warrants a close look.
Final Thoughts
With a rugged build and sleek profile, the Garmin Descent G1 impresses as a versatile dive computer that pulls double-duty as an advanced sports smartwatch. Packed with metrics, mapping, and connectivity suited for active divers and adventurers alike, it provides ample functionality without the bulk. Easy to view and intuitively designed, the G1 lets you dip in and out of activities on land or sea with confidence.
Despite the relatively reasonable $549.99 price tag for a GPS dive watch, it keeps up with pricier competitors in key areas that matter – responsively tracking run distance and reps in the gym, then ably logging your latest plunge with all the essential underwater data you expect. So whether you’re surveying the ocean depths or your last sprint time, the G1 offers the right mix of features and portability. For divers wanting a GPS-equipped, rugged sidekick that works as hard on land as it does underwater, the Descent G1 warrants a close look.
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