Discovering the Perfect Fit: Who Should Use the Garmin Descent G1?

Hello, divers and watch enthusiasts! Welcome to Deefer Diving, the channel where we dive deep into the world of diving gadgets and gear. I’m Gary, your host for today’s video, and I’m glad to be back with another dive computer review. In this video, I’m going to show you the Garmin Descent G1, a dive computer that is also a fully featured smart watch. This device is designed for intermediate divers who want a versatile and reliable companion for their underwater adventures. It has a sleek and durable design, a bright and colorful display, and a host of features that make it stand out from the crowd. Some of these features include:
+ built-in GPS that lets you mark your dive entry and exit points on a map
+ 3-axis compass that helps you navigate underwater
+ heart rate monitor that tracks your fitness and stress levels
+ dive log that records your dive data and syncs with your smartphone
+ multisport mode that lets you switch between different activities such as swimming, cycling, running, and more
+ smartwatch mode that lets you receive notifications, control music, and access other apps on your wrist
The Garmin Descent G1 is not only a dive computer, but also a smart watch that you can wear on any occasion. It has a battery life of up to 40 hours in dive mode, 19 days in smartwatch mode, and 10 days in GPS mode.
The Garmin Descent G1 is priced at around $500-$600, which is quite reasonable for a device that offers so much functionality and quality. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
So, what do you think of the Garmin Descent G1? Is it worth the money? How does it compare to other dive computers or dive watches on the market? Let me know in the comments section below. And don’t forget to like this video, subscribe to Deefer Diving, and hit the bell icon to get notified of our future videos. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one!
Here are some of the links to other videos we've done on the Garmin Descent range. We're on no way endorsed or supported by Garmin. We're consumers of their products. We've bought them with our own money and choose to dive with them versus any other products on the market.
Here is our video on the MK2S - studio.youtube...
And Our Video on the MK2 - studio.youtube...
#ThisIsCarriacou #GarminDescentG1 #DiveComputer #divewatch #diversready #GaryWard
#JamesBlackmore #applewatch

[@racquelartuz8981]

I love my Garmin Descent G1. 😁 Perfect for beginner divers like me. And even when I'm not diving, it's still very useful for tracking my daily activities, health stats, performance stats, etc. 💯👍

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Thanks for your feedback Racquel. For an active woman like yourself, the additional smart watch features I'm sure are really helpful - which is true of most Garmin watches. I find that to have all those features in a small form factor dive computer at this price point is good. I'd like to see some of the other manufacturers step up and provide some alternative options too. Perhaps a smart D4?

[@richardshepherd1216]

I have a G1. I do triathlons predominantly so I love going to Mallorca in the Summer. It supports multisport and bike power meters etc etc. I also dive 2-3 times a year. So the G1 is perfect device for me. 99% of the time it's a timepiece and triathlon watch and then I can also dive with it. Even as a backup if you use another device (I also have a Suunto Eon Core with AI) it's a great device.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Thanks for your feedback. Agree, its a great device for people of all activities.

[@badgett83]

This watch is for someone who wants an every day smartwatch and use this as a secondary backup dive computer or a primary computer. For me, this is going to be a backup computer. A dive computer you will never forget.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Since the majority of divers don't use backup computers (a lot still don't have a primary either), this is a good, fully featured dive computer at a reasonable price if you're looking for a watch style. The fact it has all the smart watch features of its bigger siblings is what seperates it from the Suunto D4/6 for me. And its surprisingly robust too. But I hear you.

[@williamschoeningh3721]

I am a dive professional and I love it. What I like is the simplicity of the watch. I also find it very versitile. I can go do a work or go for a run and I can go diving all in one watch. I can also use garmin pay so I don't have to worry about a wallet. It is stand alone so I dont even need to take me phone to use it. My eye site is also not as well as it use to be, but underwater where it is necessary I can see it well. When I tech dive I use it as a back up and it works fine.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Thanks for sharing William. I'd love to be able to use a digital payment method here where I live, but we're a long way away from using anything other than cash. But you highlight some good points about the utility of the computer as an everyday watch. Thanks for watching and thanks even more for commenting. We really appreciate you

[@everythingunderwater08]

Hi,, i have a question, it's save or work fine for the dual gas? i was thinking to buy one

[@everythingunderwater08]

I tried to find the video of an example for it while diving but didn't fine any

[@GaryWard23]

@@everythingunderwater08 yes. It has a multi gas diving mode, where I believe you can switch between 6 gases.

[@everythingunderwater08]

@@GaryWard23 oh wow, that's awesome

[@julianjosephs8822]

The Garmin Descent G1 is based on the popular Garmin Instinct series. The G1 is perfect for anyone who is in the market for an Instinct who loves diving.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

What I like about Garmin's approach is they're using existing products like the Fenix and Instinct to create new dive options. They have the capacity to keep updating, and I've found their customer service to be exemplary too

[@johndrama80ify]

Does descent support dog track option?

[@stevieb300]

I like that it has a casio look. Good for the gym when not diving.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

I've had quite a few people point out that they like the understated, simple look. I'm not sure about the little window on the right though. But Racquel loves it.

[@electricalsociety5593]

Such educational content from Deefer. When I was down there I got to learn what a “Fanny” was and you can’t argue with the value of that.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Omg that made me laugh so hard. What can I say? We're a mine if useless information 🤣🤣🤣

[@electricalsociety5593]

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou all jokes aside, it was a great experience and ending a day of diving and watching the sun set from Tims while stuffing my face with lobster will be a memory I’ll have for the rest of my life. Thank you!

[@tinonga3]

Love it! I'm using Descent G1 as a secondary to my Perdix for solo diving. Also as a everyday smart watch, as well as a great cycling computer. Sync with any ANT+ and Bluetooth sensors.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

The G1 syncs with a AI sensor? I didn't know that!

[@freediverhd]

This watch is prefect for people on a budget, but need all the features. New divers, people in their 20's, new instructors starting out.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

We agree. It's a great little dive computer at a very compelling price point, that also offers so much more. Racquel on our team absolutely loves it!

[@johnmontgomery2735]

Great to see you guys back!

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Thanks John. Have plenty of content ideas. Now just got to find the time to shoot them 🤭

[@jimmcmillan370]

Big Numbers....!! extremely good facility.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Thanks Jim.

[@masseywillingham2740]

I’m the target audience. I primarily want a do everything smart watch for running/swimming, but also an occasional (3-4x per year) diver. The mk2 is too bulky for daily exercise.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

I'm thrilled that you love the G1. Racquel on the team loves it too. She'd like the 42mm MK3, but does not want to commit to the additional price just for a colour screen. Great product.

[@richardpochman6406]

I own also a G1 and i love it, it's simple to use and simple to read under water. I also use it for Mountaineerung, for me, it's perfect

[@everythingunderwater08]

Hi,, how it works while diving is it good? What about the dual gass? I was thinking to buy one,i work in diving industry so I'm an active diver

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Awesome. I love to read comments from people who use these things daily. So getting feedback from a daily user is brilliant

[@svensteinbrucker6428]

Great review, thank you. FYI 100 meters is not 10 ATA yet 11 ATA 🙂

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

You are correct. Thank you...

[@SheepDoggyDog]

I wonder if you've seen people using the Atmos Mission 2 or have any basis of comparison? I'm mostly thinking between these two watches to also using them for cycling. They seem to have about the same functionality, just the Mission has a nicer watch face and is about $130 cheaper than Solar version of G1.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

We have had some of our DM's buy the Mission/Mission 2. They have held up well and shown themselves to be an excellent dive computer and smart watch for a very reasonable amount of money. I like them. The app, and the data the watch can provide for you is a little more limited than the Garmin. For me the clincher is support for CCR diving, which the Mission does not do. So it would mean I would need to buy a dedicated backup dive computer for when I am CCR diving. But otherwise I feel its also a really good dive computer with a colour screen, GPS and smart watch capabilities.

[@SheepDoggyDog]

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou cheers, I appreciate the response!

[@linyasen5]

Thank you for this video you are sharing. I am wondering if you have taken it to night dives? If you have, how is it easy to read the screen?? Thank you again.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Yes. I've done a few night dives with it. As it's an LCD display it needs the backlight button pressed to see it, or the flashlight pointing at it. Both were no big deal and the display was very clear

[@linyasen5]

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou I appreciate your response. Just wondering, if you are aware that the watch has a function where you can set the backlight to be on throughout the dive, especially the night dives? Thank you very much.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

@@linyasen5 I am aware of it.... just kills the battery, and I'm OK just pointing my light at it when I need to see it... But thank you for the heads up too

[@alirezaahmadi5919]

I have a Garmin Descent G1 Solar. I like the battery life (2-3 weeks, based on settings) and that it is rechargeable. Before, I had a Suunto D4i novo and I payed every 1,5 year 45-50 euros for battery change and pressure test. I dive since the last 9 years, I have 100+ dives and I yearly dive 4-12 times on holidays. Spending 1200-2000 euro for a dive computer with color display, just for using during holidays is not reasonable for me. With the Garmin Descent G1, I have my own dive computer and sport tracker/smart watch with excellent battery life and watch size dimensions, all in one for 600 euro. I would say this dive computer is for recreational scuba divers like me, who know they will dive a fixed number of dives every year or do each 1-2 years a liveboard dive trip. Regarding the Multigas and CCR modes, I feel they just want to keep the same algoithm in all their dive computers, probably a safety/liability measure.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

I'm so thrilled that you're happy with your G1. I've seen so many reviews and commentators talk negatively about it, but I've enjoyed diving with it. As you mention, for a recreational diver diving a few times a year... this is the perfect product. And without the subscription model of an Apple. Keep diving brother....

[@SuparjitoTeo]

wow.. what setting do you use to make the battery life last for 2-3 weeks? I run 3 times a week, go to the gym 3 times a week. wear it to sleep. pulse ox is off. The battery life only managed to last 7 days.

[@GaryWard23]

@@SuparjitoTeo I've got the dark theme screen on (black screen white writing). Blood ox off, WiFi off, but everything else on. Seriously lasts about 2.5 weeks between charge

[@ali.aliraqi1]

​@@SuparjitoTeomose probably yours has something with the batter and some customers claimrd that, contact Garmin for a replacement

[@ColouredPixels]

@@SuparjitoTeomaybe don’t wear it to sleep?

[@namrnam5413]

Thanks for the video! Quick question, when the memory is full, do i have to reset my log to record new dive? Or Does it automatically erase the oldest data and write over it?

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

It has gb of data available, so the log should in theory never run out. But as long as you sync with the dive app, I you'll have all your log information. For reference, Nora has over 1000 logged on hers

[@Forestamp2024]

Did you try it in freediving, does it measures live depth, or just at the end of the dive it shows how kuch depth that was?

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

No. I'm not a fan of free diving, so didn't try that mode

[@danieledm0101]

I’m having the idea recently to sell my iwatch 5 series, and the suunto D4 to get this one , any thoughts on that?

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

If you can stretch to an MK2 then I'd suggest that would be the better choice, as the brighter colour screen makes a difference. If budget is a major factor, and you're ok without colour (but much longer battery)* then you won't be dissapointed

[@peterpanci78]

Hi buddy, I am looking to buy a dive computer and I don't know which one between mk3 and g1. I dive 2 times a year Many thanks How its the display under water

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

If you're only diving twice a year and have good eyesight... Go for the G1. Has almost all the features of the MK3, except the ai and wicked colour screen, but you get much longer battery for 1/3 of the price....

[@everythingunderwater08]

It's sounds like a good dive computer.. But how about the dual gas have you tried to us it?

[@GaryWard23]

I have not tried it on the G1, but have on the MK2, which is running the same software/has the same modes. It's fairly easy in the settings to set up your gases, and then you use the top right button to select a menu u/w to switch.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

If it was a toss up between a G1 and other watch style dive computers at a similar price point (say a Suunto D4i or Scubapro Aladin A1 for expample), then I would suggest this would be an excellent dive computer option. The hardware is proven as rugged, whilst the software is a port from the MK1. The feature-set is immense and you'll never outgrow the functionality..... if you're focusing on a watch style.

[@everythingunderwater08]

@@GaryWard23 cool thanks

[@everythingunderwater08]

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou got it, thanks for the reply

[@cblaster171]

It has a sapphire lens unlike sunnto D5 plus smartwatch functions. Long battery life. I bought it.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

And I can completely understand that. The D5 is also a good computer, limited by it's algorithm and lack of battery capacity. That's before you factor in smart watch. I will be interested to see how the MK3 compares with the forthcoming Teric 2 though....

[@peterpanci78]

Can you compare with suunto ocean?

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

I'd love to... If I could get my hands on the Ocean. By all accounts it's a more direct upgrade to the D6 and aiming at the space the Teric dominated....will be interesting to see if the battery life is better than the D5

[@anaflaviadias4854]

Why do you say the shearwater peregrine is a better dive watch?

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Better dive watch? No. I don't think its a better dive watch, however it could be argued that due to its form factor and display it is a better all round dive computer. Whilst it doesn't have CCR mode or GPS, for the price it is an excellent piece of kit and for many divers would represent an excellent (or better choice). However, it is not a watch style computer. So we are not comparing apples with apples. The miniaturization of the MK series functionality to the G series hardware has unavoidably meant there have needed to be some display compromises. Whether those compromises would work for you becomes a purely personal descision.

[@peterpanci78]

Also, do you think how important AI is to many thanks

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Personally..... I'm not a fan of AI. I think it's an excellent technology looking for a problem to solve. Whilst knowing what your SAC rate is right now, or a calculation for how long you could spend at a depth may be nice to know for some divers, it fails the '3 what's' test. 1) What is it? 2) What does it mean/tell you? 3) What are you going to do about/with it? Imho save the cash and treat yourself to another diving holiday

[@torbal999]

What about this G1 vs used MK1?

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Oh now that's a good idea... although I sold my MK1😞.

[@julianjosephs8822]

As a sportswatch, the G1 comes out on top. As a dive watch they are both the same. The G1 has better software, updated performance and health metrics, and also have much better battery life. The MK1 battery was 12 days when it was new but will degrade over time.

[@torbal999]

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou I tried the g1 and it’s even cheaper feeling than a g shock. 😂

[@GaryWard23]

@@torbal999 I guess that depends on the G Shock. Racqs, whose computer I was using for the review period... just said "Ouch, that hurt twice* 🤭🤭🤭

[@IntuitiveIQ]

The MK2 is too big, too heavy on the wrist, and too expensive. The G1 does everything the MK2 does, except the things you (I) don't need. And in black, it looks really nice. 😁

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

I go with you on the MK series being expensive! I prefer the heft and size of the MK versus the G, but thats why I love the Garmin package - you're able to have the options you want. Whether thats the monochrome G1, the smaller MK2S or the 53mm MK2. I'm glad you're enjoying your G1, and I hope you're able to keep diving often

[@Sammy9382]

100 meters is 11 atm, not 10atm.

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

Yeah, I would have got that right if I'd kept to the script!

[@giuseppecasey2842]

Hi! Greetings from Germany ! I have the black model, solar. I am extremely satisfied with it. It's like a Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio with a Porsche 911 GT 2 RS engine , ( Of course , led by a sexy woman with long hair and retro glasses ) :)

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

I like your imagery......

[@giuseppecasey2842]

@@DeeferDivingCarriacou Hi! With many regrets I gave up my beloved G1. I sold it and bought...the "fancy" Mk3i. Honestly.....since I saw the new Mk3i...don't sleep anymore, I had thoughts against and for buying it. After 3 months, for my physical and mental health....I gave up on a diving vacation and bought the "toy" for divers. Now I sleep better. No money and no worries. I hope I don't end up like the one in the movie, who lived in a cave and kept saying......,,my precious, my precious".

[@Hypnotic6]

Im same despite the infinity love i have to solar watches i will never by any instinct or g1 because they have this ugly , repulsive and wasting the free space on screen with the circle ( I don't know whose this bad idea to put it in such good cheap device - bad realy bad 🤢) .

[@DeeferDivingCarriacou]

I hear ya! It is one of those things that I do think detracts from the useability of the display... but if you have good eyesight, you can still see all the information you want... I'm also not a fan of the rear bumper assembly on the new Porsche 911. I'd still have one though ;)