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

[@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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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?

[@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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@EEDIR-DK]

It is a pretty fair review. I have had this watch for a few years now, and I have been quite happy with it. It had some early issues that got fixed with firmware updates (compass). The light feel was actually something I wanted, as I do a lot of sports (swimming, running and fitness). Having a light watch for those activities is great. I did change the straps, because it had too little color (as a long distance swimmer in the oceans of Denmark, you want bright colors if the strap breaks, the water isn't as clear). For the dive computer side of things, I am a recreational diver, who is diving typically in the 20-30m range in visibility of 2-5 meters, and I have had no issues reading it (I usually have it set on big numbers mode, so it is extremely easy to read at a quick glance, and use black on white). I dive regularly 8 months of the year (usually weekly) on air, but sometimes also on nitrox, which also is very easy to set up on this watch. In all it is a very capable dive computer, that just feels kind of out of the way, when diving.

[@DeeferDiving]

Changing the strap is something Racquel has done too. Too much grey plastic otherwise...

[@jackhaggard4973]

Wow just wow... the video and review were great.. but the greatest is that you answer the comments/queries candidly, professsionally and intelligently with bases and backed by experience/s..

[@DeeferDiving]

Thanks Jack. I think it's important to take the time to answer questions. I mean someone has taken the time to watch the video and ask a question. The very least I could do is provide an answer.... Thanks for the feedback too

[@stevieb300]

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

[@DeeferDiving]

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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@electricalsociety5593]

@@DeeferDiving 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!

[@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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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!

[@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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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]

@@DeeferDiving 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.

[@DeeferDiving]

@@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

[@vinniemcloughlin7848]

Could this be used as a free Dive watch? i.e can it do dive time and surface time

[@DeeferDiving]

Yes it can be used as a free diving computer. It has a gauge and apnea mode

[@johnmontgomery2735]

Great to see you guys back!

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@jimmcmillan370]

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

[@DeeferDiving]

Thanks Jim.

[@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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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.

[@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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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]

@@DeeferDiving cheers, I appreciate the response!

[@racqsartuzward]

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. 💯👍

[@DeeferDiving]

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?

[@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?

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@svensteinbrucker6428]

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

[@DeeferDiving]

You are correct. Thank you...

[@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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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]

@@DeeferDiving got it, thanks for the reply

[@nilzthorbo5437]

is the G1 basiclly the instinct 2 solar with added diving computer stuff? can i do things with the instinct 2 solar what i can't do with the descent g1 solar?

[@DeeferDiving]

I don't know the non diving products Garmin offer, but I believe it is the Instinct 2 with a depth sensor and different software. I don't know what functions the instinct has though

[@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?

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@Tiganopterix-dn2kx]

So I was considering buying thus one as a first dive computer. Why? Well I'm a Padi Advanced Open water diver but i only got like nax 30 dives under my belt. So i don't consider myself an experienced diver. But because i only dive a few times a year i think that it's better if i sepend a few mor bucks on a watch style dive computer that a normal one. In my eyes its worth the price for the amount of features you have, considering that i can track much more that only diving.

[@DeeferDiving]

I believe that's the reason why this one just hits a sweet spot. All the dive computer functionality, but with so many other useful features... and it's not Apple. Racquel has now put an aftermarket strap on hers and really brightened it up/made it personal... which looks cool

[@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?

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@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

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@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

[@DeeferDiving]

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....

[@peterpanci78]

Can you compare with suunto ocean?

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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?

[@torbal999]

What about this G1 vs used MK1?

[@DeeferDiving]

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]

@@DeeferDiving 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* 🤭🤭🤭

[@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.

[@DeeferDiving]

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.

[@anaflaviadias4854]

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

[@DeeferDiving]

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.

[@DavidRussell-e1i]

just wish the g1 had the torch😪....garmin sort it out...dx

[@DeeferDiving]

I've not seen the torch in action. Haven't yet had access to an Mk3i.... Perhaps it will come on the G2?

[@peterpanci78]

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

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@cblaster171]

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

[@DeeferDiving]

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....

[@Sammy9382]

100 meters is 11 atm, not 10atm.

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@georgekaridas9971]

But no air integration??? Other dive computers more cheap have Ai 😢

[@DeeferDiving]

George, You're right. If AI is the most important thing to you, then you'd need to choose one of those. Those AI'able computers won't have all the other smart watch features though - so you need to make a choice. Personally, AI is an easy thing to dispense with (Its a great bit of technology searching for a problem to fix), as I can look at my pressure gauge to know how much air I have.

[@georgekaridas9971]

I appreciate your answer and to be honest you help me to reconsider and think about my dive experience and where and if I need ai or more a dive computer with smart watch ... So I just order my G1 ocean edition and tomorrow I will have it in my hands .... I live in Greece by the sea and I enjoy daily swimming and some free diving training ... As a scuba diver I make like 20 dives per year max ... So thanks again for your help to decide between G1 . Mk2i used or another dive computer and G1 win and also you win another subscriber!!!! ❤🎉❤🎉

[@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. 😁

[@DeeferDiving]

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

[@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 ) :)

[@DeeferDiving]

I like your imagery......

[@giuseppecasey2842]

@@DeeferDiving 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 🤢) .

[@DeeferDiving]

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 ;)