Wearable tech specialist Garmin has just announced its new Descent G2, an all-in-one dive computer and smartwatch with a bright AMOLED display and a set of tools ‘for life in and out of the water’.
The Descent G2 supports multiple dive modes for recreational, technical and freediving, and includes some of Garmin’s latest features such as the ‘dive readiness’ score, which measures not just surface interval times but other recent pre-dive factors such as sleep, stress and jetlag.
The new computer is built with an eco-friendly design that includes parts made with recycled ocean-bound plastics, similar to Garmin’s 2023 Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition
Battery life is up to 24 hours underwater and, above the surface, the Descent G2 will last up to 12 days on a single charge in smartwatch mode.
Like most of Garmin’s smartwatch range, the G2 is kitted out with the suite of health, fitness and connectivity features for which the brand is renowned.
Descent G2’s dive-ready design
AMOLED screens have become the de facto industry standard for higher-end dive computers as the bright display makes data easier to read while underwater – and the Descent G2’s 1.2” AMOLED display represents a significant upgrade over the Descent G1’s LCD screen.
The computer’s housing, bezel and buttons are produced from 100 per cent recycled ocean-bound plastics, and the rugged material is complemented by a strong sapphire lens, 100-metre depth-rated case and leakproof buttons.
The Descent G2’s dive-readiness feature provides insights into how lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, recent exercise and jet lag can affect the body’s overall preparedness to dive.
A higher readiness score means it’s time to go diving, while a lower score may mean choosing a higher conservatism setting or switching to an easier dive.
Post-dive, the dive logging facility enables divers to record their dive data, track gear, make notes and share the details via the Garmin Dive app. The watch also has surface GPS built in to help track entry and exit points to be viewed on a map.
Descent G2 scuba diving features
- Multiple dive modes: Track all types of diving, including single and multi-gas (including nitrox and trimix), closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) and gauge.
- In-dive compass: Navigate below the waterline with a built-in 3-axis compass.
- Big numbers mode: View critical data, no-decompression limit (NDL), time and depth thanks to a simplified screen and larger text.
Freediving features
- Dynamic apnea mode: Track pool dives while training for the next freedive.
- Apnea alerts: Reduce the need to look at the watch during a dive by receiving audible and haptic alerts for custom depth, interval, direction, target depth and neutral buoyancy.
- Variometer: Receive audible and haptic alerts based on descent or ascent rates.
- Velocity chart: Log velocity and review descent and ascent rates, as well as hang time, throughout the dive in the Garmin Dive smartphone app.
All-day wearability
For life above the water, the Descent G2 includes Garmin’s suite of health and wellness, training and connectivity features, including:
- Health and wellness monitoring:
- Track heart rate and pulse oximetry 24/7
- Keep tabs on daily steps, calories burned and floors climbed
- Breakdown of light sleep stages with sleep score and advanced sleep insights
- Track levels stress, hydration and respiration
- Training insights:
- Dozens of preloaded sports apps for cycling, open-water swimming, strength training and more
- Track intensity minutes, VO2 max, heat and altitude acclimation and recovery time
- Garmin Coach training plans adapt based on performance, recovery and health metrics
- Connectivity tools:
- Receive emails, texts and alerts when paired with a compatible Apple or Android smartphone
- Health and fitness stats in Garmin Connect
- Workout monitoring and assistance with Garmin LiveTrack
- Garmin Pay contactless payments
- Downloadable watch faces and apps from the Garmin Connect IQ store
The Descent G2 is available in two colour schemes – black and paloma/shell pink – and is compatible with Garmin’s interchangeable QuickFit bands.
