How good is the Garmin Descent Mk3i really? The Divers Ready Review

After 70 dives, I'm ready to share my thoughts on the Garmin Mk3i dive computer. Wow.
This is the ultimate dive computer. It can do everything. We are now crossing over into a place where your dive computer can assess your health signs and advise you on dive safety. I'm here for it!
Is this the greatest dive computer ever made?
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James
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How good is the Garmin Descent Mk3i really? The Divers Ready Review

[@kidntrope]

I bought one about a month ago and I love it! The biggest downside is the price but you get what you pay for. I’m old and blind but I am still able to clearly see the info on a dive. You covered everything else wonderfully! Thanks!

[@melhausreel]

Great points. All on point. On the SubWave functions. The messaging is nice, it's pretty limited and a bit wonky to get into the menu, additionally it's easy to miss incoming messages and the messages are limited to just a few per-determined (Are you ok? Yes. No. Help Me) but it's a nice little safety thing to have. But where the SubWave has really sold it for me, is the sharing of information. I have my dive buddies tank pressures listed at all times (as they have mine). Plus it will tell me approx how far away from they are, and what their approx. depth is. Connection is amazing, I've been as far as 100-150' from other Mk3 users and am still connected. As much as I love Shearwater (and still use it as my secondary computer) to see pressure of another diver, I had to be right on top of them to get the connection. It's a great all around smart watch for active users - that has a fantastic dive computer and function.

[@Master_Failure]

I was giddy when I saw this video post. I knew I would get the best views of the watch here. It has been sitting in my shopping cart for 2 weeks. You convinced me to move that to my wrist. Thanks for the amazing video quality and ACTUAL dives!

[@HasanGez]

I loved your video. Thanks a lot.. .I was at Philippines (Bohol) 1-9 June (yes 2 days ago). On my way back home I had 10 hours between my flights to İstanbul so I made a quick visit to a mall at Makati. There at the mall I upgraded my Garmin Descent MK2s to MK3i 43mm. MK3i, good stuff.

[@TheLoosenit2]

I’m leery of the “ready to dive” rating based on sleep etc. Those are known factors leading to DCS but they are not mathematical and therefore cannot be modeled. I would like to see the “math” under the hood of those assessments

[@Fifty4Phoenix]

I've been rocking my G1 Solar, and it still looks brand new after being through the ringer of work, the gym, diving, etc .. There were reasons why I chose my g1 over a mk2, but now I got my eye on the mk3. I was worried about the usability of my g1 when I first got it and your concerns with it, but it's proven to be very versatile to fit my life style. And now you got me hyped about the mk3. Shut up and take my money, Garmin, haha!

[@elliotkersale1612]

I am not sure the garmin can be compared to the apple watch ultra. Apple watches main usage is to be an exceptional smartwatches that can be paired with the iPhones. Sure it can eventually be a backup dive computer but I would not trust it as my main. The garmin is a dive computer, and it has some smartwatch features. However if you only take a look to the smartwatch features (with iphones) you can't beat the apple watch ultra. I had to make the choice a few weeks ago and only using the dive computer a few times a year I finally bought the apple watch ultra + a cheaper dive computer. But once again if it was not a question of how much money I would have both Apple Watch Ultra as my daily and Garmin as my sport/diving computer.

[@worldcitizen966]

That's the best take here - Garmin = dive computer + Smart watch. It's big to wear day to day and lacks the functionality and tight phone integration of apple/samsung etc.

[@zackw7587]

Went from a Suunto Eon Core to a Garmin Mk3i. Total game changer.

[@davewellen]

I bought the 53 mm Mk3i as my first dive computer back in December, shortly after it was released, and you just renewed my excitment to dive with it for the first time next week! Thank you, James!

[@monkeyspacepilot007]

My mk2i started having wifi issues and was out of warranty, Garmin offered me a new replacement for just 150 euros, which I sold on ebay to help finance a new mk3i. Can't say I notice most of the "incremental improvements" but the screen is so much much better than the mk2i. Although I was disappointed they didn't have the ecg function on the watch,

[@pavlekrivokuca5104]

For how much i can sell mine mk1?

[@stevereilly]

It's a great watch, Garmin swapped my Mk2i after 200 dives for the Mk3i because of a few issues. It's a very good watch. Just make sure you wash the buttons thoroughly, as the top left will stick if not. A better improvement. And the Garmin warranty is brilliant. They stand by their products in my experience.

[@DrippyWaffler]

Damn they won't replace my mk2s when the button assembly came apart :( still in talks with them

[@stevereilly]

@@DrippyWaffler was it in warranty, they have been really good replacing 3 mk2's for me with eventually a mk3i which solved the issues?

[@patrickmowry1650]

Thanks for the review. I have a smaller wrist, so the smaller version fits me better for a daily wear. Would there be any drawbacks to the smaller version for diving under receational limits? Even for wreck and deeper dives Im assuming no. But for this much money trying to get the most use that I can. Guess my question is about visibility and using the buttons mainly. Edit: Follow up to my own post from the web spec sheets No LED light - loved the letting the wife sleep factor. Battery Life 10 days/4 always on vs 25/10 for larger model. But to be expected Then personal pref stuff. Comes with silicone strap only Bronze bezel available. Rest seems to be the same.

[@kms08711]

Thats some long ass intro

[@jansenjones1289]

The MK3i looks amazing. I currently have a Fenix since I don't dice enough to justify the mk3 and I love the flashlight. You can start wearing a watch on each wrist to take advantage of the smart/fitness features of the Garmin and then wear a classic watch on the other wrist.

[@TheMagistrate8]

Upgraded from my Mk2i to the Mk3i specifically for the running dynamics, training readiness, and the flashlight. It really is the best daily wear dive computer!

[@laminar0886]

I’m really interested in the Mk3i but I find the Garmin manual to be very basic and unhelpful. Especially when compared to Shearwater manuals. Where can we go to fully learn all the Mk3i features and how to setup and customize? I like to fully understand how I’m setting up each feature, rather than rely on “trial and error”. Really important If we’re to switch from Shearwater! Otherwise.. it looks great and has great reviews! Can’t beat the transceiver distance and abilities.

[@thewogster7440]

Just ordered mine ! Super duper excited. New diver here who plans to go all the way up the diving ladder

[@lukem2889]

Thanks for the review James! I bought a Perdix 2 last year and don't regret it, but it's nice to see what else is comparable and the high quality offerings. It makes me excited to see what the future of dive computers entails

[@mhouse16]

Lol I empathized with what you meant about the rugby setting. I wear it during practice and warmup touch only. It definitely gives me an idea what the calorie usage and etc during a match would approximately be. Thank you for the review! I've lamented over the decision of the dive computer versus the Garmin watch at depth. It would be nice to have 1 device to do both functions with the free software updates!

[@SMF36K]

I waited for this video. So as soon as i saw it, i went to the store and got mine. We will see how it performs next few days. Thank you for the review.

[@billtaylor5875]

I usually buy stuff after your reviews, but I saw this computer on some DEMA videos and had to have it. I have had several Garmin sport watches in my life. This brings sport watch and dive computer together. Also got my wife the 43mm with transmitter. It was expensive, but I don’t think I will need another watch or computer for years. I upgraded from an aqua lung i200 to this.

[@C0n7ax]

Of course this computer comes out shortly after I finally bit the bullet and bought a Perdix 2. My first computer when I started diving was the Garmin Descent G1 and while it has limitations such as the small, B/W display, it has been an excellent computer and fitness watch. When the need / desire for another dive watch arises I will definitely be getting another Garmin.

[@Capitanmerloc]

Very nice review, thanks. I’d like to add that the support of Garmin for many other sports is superb! One can access specific sailing or boating apps, cycling, trekking and so on. It even has a ballistic calculator… no other product does it! I love it! Such a good product and considering all it can do it’s less expensive than getting specific watches for various applications.

[@BrentDurand]

Really useful review - thanks James!

[@CopyRightJT]

What a great video as always James thanks for that. The beginning was almost like a diversporn?! ;-) At the end you talked about your personal list. The perdix 2 being No 1 and this Garmin being No. 2. Did you ever write down this list? Or can you give a hint of which are your No. 3 to No. 10? What about a "Best Off Divecomputers" Video? Can't thank you enough for the great content you are putting out there. It helps and amouses me alot!

[@raynlim]

Thank You for sharing. I've been using decend g1 solar for years now. Loved it. I'm considering if to upgrade to mk3. Thank You for your sharing

[@chrisuiterwijkwinkel4046]

Nice review! Fully agree this is one of the best computers out there. I upgraded to the mk3i for the dive readiness feature and the massively improved screen but still kept my mk2i as my backup computer for tec dives (having similar diving features/options and way of working on both primary and backup computers is a big prop for me). Selling a mk2i makes a lot of sense in case you dive only recreational with a single computer, and fancy the mk3i due to the improvements.

[@RickSumrall]

Disappointed that the diver SubWave messaging and diver distances wasn’t reviewed since this was released by Garmin back in April of this year.

[@xeniasaikempf3532]

My Apple ultra died 30 dives in and Apple said, sorry this isn't a real dive computer. No replacement, nothing ...never buying it again

[@MaciejJeszkeP]

Did you find any negatives or problems during test ? 1. How about sounds during using AIR integration is still annoying ? 2. how about problem with stucking on dive mode during flights ? 3. Is It better for tech Diver then perdix shearwater ? 4. how comunication fuction works (range / available mesg ) ?

[@luisj8970]

What about the sonar noise from the transmitter?

[@DanChain-y1c]

ive had the mk2i since the first month it came out years ago, the mk2i absolutely knocked it out of the park so if mine ever dies ill be getting the mk3

[@Pascal1534]

Hi from France and congrats for that really interesting review. I’m diver and use an apple watch and Mares Quad. Have a question : how many people really NEED all the high end specs of the descent ? How many people can’t be satisfied by a 40 meters Apple Watch and get satisfied by the loyalty of the quad if dive is under 40 m? I think that getting a descent is a must for tech divers (15%) and a « geek affair » for most of all myself included 😊

[@Scubamaddin]

thanks for the Video, James. What i dont get is why it is only second place behind shearwater. What is missing copared to it?

[@weibinglee5297]

James, how do you turn on the torchlight of this dive computer during a dive?

[@Team_399]

Sitting at LAX on our way back from Australia (GBR). Spent a week on a live aboard boat with no internet, no shipborne wi-fi. The Dive App wouldn't open, the Connect app apparently stores all data in on a server somewhere as it wasn't in the app. Couldn't sync the watch to the apps through bluetooth. Once on the ground in Australia the Garmin network experienced outages every day for at least 30 minutes. Also, the transmitter wouldn't fit in to the remaining HP port (too big at base) unless I moved the analog gauges to the right side of the octo....what am I missing?

[@Rage.0331]

Dont forget the plan dive/calculate gas function on the Descents, I work in a dive shop and use this Dalton’s triangle daily to help Mor….”customers” calculate their MODs , best mixes for the nitrox log its pretty handy

[@alevey64]

Question; I use the Oceanic Pro Plus 4 as my default computer. I have been using the Oceanic Geo as my wrist/redundant computer. It crapped out midweek on a liveaboard 27 dive trip. Pro Plus was solid. Looking at this or Shearwater for wrist/ redundant computer, but algorithms are different. Any opinion on which would be a better match to my oceanic Pro Plus 4 and is Garmin +/- conservative to oceanic ? Shearwater? thanks in advance.

[@slvreagle2004]

Two questions 1. How is the on land topographic functions ... can i use it for backpacking? 2. In your MK2 video, you referenced the transmitters beep, did they fix that?

[@adrianedwards4805]

Thanks James. In your Mk2i review you talked about beeping from the transmitter. Did you notice the same with the T2?

[@MRFISHPIG27]

Want this watch but in the same style as the g1 solar. I know its tougher to see but I prefer the simplicity of the b&w screen and the increased battery life

[@alykissas]

The messaging capability is cool - not a necessity, but a really nice add-on.

[@hitchjay]

Would love a "clash of the titans" sort of review vs the new Suunto Ocean :) Since shearwater was mentioned, how does Garmin Customer support/care compare to Shearwater? Can this computer be easily serviced?

[@M-DIVER]

can you review on the map contour setting. i still cant fine it after 3 month using it .... its so stress full. thank you

[@eriknodland8352]

Thanks for the review. As an Apple phone user, I currently use an Apple Watch to help keep me on track in daily life (the calendar). The alerts 5 minutes before a meeting are how I leverage technology to help me be successful despite high adhd. Does the Apple/Google calendar from an iPhone work with the Garmin mk3i with alerts? Thanks

[@animishlimaye]

Thanks for this review. Please do one for the new Suunto Ocean and maybe a comparison?

[@mattwu6994]

Do you think this is a reliable diving watch? Planned to start learning tech diving this year and I’m thinking of upgrading my dive computer, just not sure if Garmin is reliable enough?

[@ahmadkaddoura7060]

Hi , thanks for this video.. for a recreational diver, how do you find Suunto OCEAN compared to Gamin MK3i ? thanks

[@adamcorzatt6847]

I'm really curious why the Perdix is still number one over this Garmin. What would Garmin need to do to win that battle, or is it unwinnable? (Seriously, I'm shopping DCs and those are my two options.)

[@MaximeCheminade]

Do you prioritize a big screen and user replaceable battery? Perdix. You want health data and every day wear? Mk3i as simple As this

[@WeiseGuy91]

Receiving a product for free is considered sponsored fyi, you need to check that box on KZbin’s upload / in studio now.

[@Quines_coses_tu]

Garmin MK3 or Suunto ocean ... This is the question 😂

[@kissamoray]

The Dan Dawson joke... lol

[@MrJeanelgato]

I wish I had more money

[@jeffa6156]

Huawei Ultimate is a better choice if looking for a dive watch that looks like a dive watch

[@M.M.M.M.M890]

As far as I know, Huawei Ultimate does not have air integration, which for many people is an essential feature.

[@yechielrechtschaffen5257]

I like the new 2024 ringtone...

[@whaleshark2625]

Does the sonar still make the annoying noise for AI?

[@worldcitizen966]

Yes - it annoying as heck for me.

[@chuckhennessey9335]

Is the AI still noisy/loud?

[@rocaveda9757]

Using the mk3i & T2 transmitter, it's not bad to my 35 y.o. ears. It sounds a bit like a distant pod of dolphins lol. You have the option to adjust the power level of the transmitter so you can reduce the noise (consquentially reducing the range of the transmitter for other divers to see your pressure, depth, distance, and messaging) if it bothers you but I have found the standard power to be very ignorable. In fact, I only notice it when I turn my head and it's more in-line with my ear, and it was completely inaudible when I wore a 3mm hood. I have 31 dives on it for reference.

[@Tombo5150]

Does the AI transmitter still have an aural beeping sound?

[@maximum8876]

To expensive! Features are almost the same as G1. Got a Apeks DSX with transmitter for 1000€! The greatest dive computer on the market 😉

[@Michael-qe6qe]

Sorry, but the Huawei ultimate can do a lot as well plus diving computer. 100 meter and works for me.

[@jeffa6156]

2nd the Huawei Ultimate and it looks much better than the Garmin or the weird square Apple watch with much higher quality materials

[@M.M.M.M.M890]

As far as I know, Huawei Ultimate does NOT have air integration, so it's not quite comparable. Otherwise I would also consider getting the Huawei Ultimate, as it is a lot cheaper does most of the other stuff.

[@Michael-qe6qe]

@@M.M.M.M.M890 but apple neither

[@NetDogFL]

So giving Dan crap the next time I see him :)

[@pyhoff]

Yeah perdix 2 for me. Because blind

[@FedericoLucchi]

soooo... now the NSA can get your heartrate and sleeping habits as well?

[@EAN32-gz4cv]

some people will find the safety of tracking your readiness to dive and being suggested more conservative profiles when applicable more important than ownership of personal data. each to their own.

[@kabulbolan]

Too expensive. I'll stick to my Apple Watch Ultra and just get an analog SPG for like $100.

[@angryGTS]

The only advantage apple has is phone calls. That is all.

[@sawomirpudocki6693]

No negatives about it are stated. I have experienced a bunch of mk2i malfunctions without being manufacturer defects, counting or missing lapses on the pool, adding steps, impossibility to set up map and track to go indoor, GPS signal acquire was a nightmare and last but not least, the temperature showing whatever, as nor body nor environment nor forecast temperature on it while wearing. For me mk2i is a distaster and never recommend anyone to purchase a one. On top of that a customer service completely unreliable and giving me solutions what never work or would work. Simply trying to mask flaws of the device and mishaps in its built. Having said that.... i doubt mk3i is so brilliant and no single flaw you can point out.. Questionably you didn't, so is the device so perfect or you didn't share an honest review? Nearly impossible is thay mk3i has zero flaws itself or even ine what mk2i suffered from.... Moreover The images during your video beginning are advertising not really showing the watch itself either... sadly seeing the notion and intent of the video therfore reliability behind is Questionable for me rather than an honest review.

[@sawomirpudocki6693]

No negatives about it are stated. I have experienced a bunch of mk2i malfunctions without being manufacturer defects, counting or missing lapses on the pool, adding steps, impossibility to set up map and track to go indoor, GPS signal acquire was a nightmare and last but not least, the temperature showing whatever, as nor body nor environment nor forecast temperature on it while wearing. For me mk2i is a distaster and never recommend anyone to purchase a one. On top of that a customer service completely unreliable and giving me solutions what never work or would work. Simply trying to mask flaws of the device and mishaps in its built. Having said that.... i doubt mk3i is so brilliant and no single flaw you can point out.. Questionably you didn't, so is the device so perfect or you didn't share an honest review? Nearly impossible is thay mk3i has zero flaws itself or even ine what mk2i suffered from.... Moreover The images during your video beginning are advertising not really showing the watch itself either... sadly seeing the notion and intent of the video therfore reliability behind is Questionable for me rather than an honest review.