Garmin Mk3i / Mk2i Comparison

[@scottr6009]

Picked up the MK3i this week. This video is practically spot on from a description standpoint-point. Big learning curve from what I am used to but what fun discovering all the the great features.

[@vnoockthebrain]

"I love my Mk2i. I've been using it for a year now, having done some dives with it as a spare DC. It looks as if I bought it yesterday, despite being very active using outdoors. The new features of the Mk3i don't make me consider selling my Mk2i to buy the Mk3i. Everything an active person and diver needs is already built into the Mk2i.

[@MikeR_DiveR]

The bezel scratches just mean you’re diving ;). The amazing thing on the MK2 series is that the sapphire glass in my experience does not scratch. I’ve bashed my MK2i into so many things on the surface (once got too close to a stainless steel table corner while walking by) and underwater (like protecting a student’s head when they’re too close to rocks) and not a single scratch on the glass. It’s going to be a fantastic backup computer. The MK3i is supposed to ship next week 🎉🤿🤙 Safe diving all!!

[@madmack2198]

means you look like a scrub in the office... ( I wear a mk2 52mm daily... STAINLESS ) because I do not want to be confused with a meth addict or think wearing a 1600.00 CASIO GSHOCK makes me cool.. I do about 90~120 dives every 3 or so months... [the only reason I did not get the air integration on the Mk2 was the garbage powedercoating... I would have been happier with a polished metal ] thus why I got the Stainless... it still have a professional look in and out of the water unlike the 52mm Mk2i just looks like trash. only possible saving grace would be if AMX in france makes a CNC cover for the retarded device... else garmin just made mistake 2 versions in a row ... dlc crap coated metal watch as the flagship.. like painting a Astin Martin with latex paint not ONCE BUT TWICE mk2i/mk3i 52/51mm!

[@blueskyscubanut]

If you use a 6 inch or longer hp air hose between the transmitter and the first stage, this quiets the sonar. Connecting directly to the first stage regulator acts like a guitar and amplifies the sonar signal and makes a lot of noise.

[@zackw7587]

My wife and I are both really interested. I think I'll need to get in the water with one to see if the beeping bothers me before we shell out the money for 2 sets.

[@kurttidd8922]

Really useful comparison - thanks for putting in the time to produce! A key reason to upgrade from the Mk2i to the Mk3i: if like me you’re an early adopter and bought the Mk2i when it first came out, you are probably reaching the end of serviceable battery life (as I am, sadly). Having to recharge every couple of days, or even nightly when on a live-aboard, so whether I want to or not I have to replace my current Mk2i. If choosing between buying another 2i or upgrading to the 3i, the choice for me is obvious. I have it on order, eagerly anticipating a pre-Christmas arrival! Have been diving the T1 for several years, and if you are concerned about hearing the “chirp,” I find that after a few minutes I filter it out - no longer really annoying. Also, when wearing a wetsuit hood, I really can’t hear the chirp at all unless I focus on it. As others have done, I recommend using the transmitter on a short (6”) pigtail; reduces chance of someone using the transmitter for a handle when picking up the tank, and seems to produce more consistent comms connection with the watch.

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Nice assessment. Yeah, that's the main downside to rechargeables, it would be great if you could swap the rechargeable battery for a fresh one when they start to diminish.

[@kurttidd8922]

@@ScubaDiverMagazine True; that’s why my primary DIVE computer is a Perdix; my Garmin is my secondary, but it’s my every-day wear smartwatch, and three years continuous service in that capacity has been terrific. The hard truth is that tech (of whatever purpose) is designed to be a consumable. That’s what seems to be driving technology forward. I first started diving with “J” valves, and SPGs were considered optional luxuries. We’ve come a very long way since then!

[@schartup3]

@@kurttidd8922 thanks for the info on longevity! How long before your mk2i battery performance got noticably worse? Do you tend to let it discharge to near 0 then charge to near 100 or do you tend to charge a little bit at a time keeping the battery' charge somewhere in the middle?

[@kurttidd8922]

@@schartup3 I got almost 2.5 years of good service from the battery; it’s only been over the past five or six months that I’ve noticed a steady decline in ability to hold a charge. I will be honest, I have tried to never let it drop all the way, and never want to start a dive with less than 50% charge. Others might be less conservative. What I’ve noticed on my last couple of week-long dive vacations with usually 3-5 dives per day, is the charge decreases about 15-20% per dive. So I really do have to recharge every night. That’s why I’m holding on for a few more weeks until my Mk3i (hopefully) arrives! Let me know if that answers your question?

[@schartup3]

@@kurttidd8922 it does. Thank you for your time!

[@ahmedmahomed]

Oooooh ❤❤❤❤ Thank you so much for this comparison. Absolutely appreciated by me. Thank you. ❤

[@michaelpennell5411]

I've had the pleasure of exploring the depths with the MK2i for several years, and it has truly become an indispensable part of my diving experience. So, naturally, when the opportunity arose to upgrade to the Mk3i, I didn't hesitate. Yes, the price tag may raise an eyebrow, but let me assure you - it's worth every penny. Comparing it to higher-end dive computers like the Scubapro Luna or Galileo HUD, which come close to the cost, the Mk3i stands out. The key difference? I don't limit its use to diving alone. In fact, I wear my Garmin every day, and it even stays on my wrist as I catch some Z's. The battery life is nothing short of remarkable, leading me to tease my Apple Watch friends about their daily charging. One feature that sets the Mk2/3i apart is Garmin's exceptional diving app. Trying to convey how much more advanced it is compared to Scubapro is like comparing a flip phone to an iPhone 15. I'm stoked to give the Mk3i a debut dive in Belize next month.

[@aviratica6370]

As a fellow Mk2i owner, you just sold me on buying a new Mk3i.

[@joshf-o6696]

Thanks for your take on the new Mk3. I'd love to hear a followup after your experience diving with it. Further, which dives in Belize? That's where I did my classes as I sailed through in 2022. Looking forward to diving there again in 2024

[@bbz149]

My MK2i is permanently on my Wrist! Actually the only time I take it off is to shower LOL. Hate putting a wet watch back on 🙂While the MK2i is still making good money used, works out I only need to chuck another few hundred in to get a MK3i so a no brainer for me!!

[@jhkbmx]

You forgot to mention the Diveview maps, it’s what I’m more excited about, if users can update with their own gps and dive log info that would be amazing

[@jodeci888]

Broke down like a fraction! Can't wait to see you hands on review. Happy holidays to all and 🤞🏻 I win the Shearwater Teric. 🤞🏻

[@Frank-ye1ol]

Sounds like a great watch! Seems to have a lot of features, however it would be nice if you could locate the dive boat underwater.

[@buddy-film993]

Парень, какой ты классный! Прочитал вслух содержание сайта Гармин. Лекция на тему : я видел банку в которой есть шпроты. Щас я вам расскажу. Пальцами буду показывать где на руке должны быть часы!

[@Patrick-wt5kl]

BEST NEW DIVECOMPUTER EVER !🧜‍♂️🚀 But you forgot something new to mention : It has Garmin Pay ! ALL IN ONE ! I LOVE IT ❤

[@fatphoca5009]

The Mk2i also has Garmin Pay

[@cyklopPL]

Okaaaay, I love the torch feature on my Garmin Enduro 2 for night time bathroom voyages, but penetrating a wreck using a dive computer torch is a bit of a stretch.

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Sure, but I'd rather that than nothing if my primary floods inside a wreck.

[@ericramosmd]

Looks like a good upgrade from MK2. I've been waiting for this new computer. thx!

[@MrFcb4u]

Great channel and thx for this good comparison. My life is to short to watch all from you, but i love the calm style of your vids👌

[@AngusMurray]

The inductive buttons are on the older descents aswell

[@revodiver7574]

I have the MK2 and I’m really happy with it. If I could sell the MK2 for a reasonable price I think I would upgrade to the MK3.

[@mellamodiego8458]

i just bought this yesterday i hope i like it

[@pruteanu6]

it’s a pity they didn’t put their latest HR sensor (the one from Fenix 7 Pro) … come on Garmin !

[@davidrogers1279]

I have the MK2i and love it. Not sure if there is enough to upgrade......or wait till the MK4i.

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

The Mk2i is still a top-tier dive computer, the new features on the Mk3i are great _but_, not worth the upgrade IMO. With the popularity of the Descent range I'm sure we'll see a Mk4 in the next couple years

[@GhostTrooper5]

I had a Shearwater Teric and it worked great as a dive computer. However, on a recent vacation, it fell short as a dive computer and a daily use watch. Between the screen which isn't always on and the battery life, it just didn't fit. I recently received my Garmin Descent Mk3i and, although I haven't dived with it yet, it is already leaps and bounds better than the Teric. I also bike and run and it just does... everything. I find that battery life with the screen always on is 8+ days. The AMOLED screen is beautiful and there are many 3rd party straps available.

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

That's where the Mk3i excels, all of the multi-sport features and if the battery times are what they claim it stands well above most of the competition.

[@NevadaMontagu]

I just upgraded to the Mk3i from the Mk1. I’m still learning how to use all the new features. It does so much more than the Mk1. Does anyone know where you can buy a screen protector for the Mk3i that actually stays on and works well?

[@wilkotaz]

Does anyone know if the watch needs to be in range of a smartphone in order to get tide information, or whether all tide data is on (or can be downloaded too) the watch?

[@KEREMBALIKADAM]

Hello, the feature I am most curious about is whether the new AMOLED screen can be seen as easily and beautifully as the Mk2i's screen under high sunlight. When you have the opportunity to test the product, I ask you to share this with us with its images. If there is a reading difficulty like Shearewater Teric, I would definitely not consider replacing the Mk2i with the Mk3i. enjoy your work

[@DaveStern2]

just as a side comment, the AMOLED screen on the Epix 2 (basically the same screen) is very readable outside, in sunlight, etc. It won't quite "get better" in the sun like the mk2i MIP screen but I've not had any issues in sunlight or outdoors with my Epix 2.

[@KEREMBALIKADAM]

@@DaveStern2 Unfortunately, this video came to my mind immediately when I said AMOLED screen, and that's why I had big question marks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJC8lqCFicufkJo

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

I've never had any issues with my Teric in direct sunlight. I've never seen it as much of an issue because you can always tilt your wrist or block the sun with something if you can't see the screen. The AMOLED on the Teric has always looked better and brighter than others in my opinion.

[@KEREMBALIKADAM]

​@@ScubaDiverMagazine

[@spencermaslen2096]

my main question is, have they fixed the accuracy issues that were on the mk2i? I've seen it all over the forums and a person at my dive club bought one that said she had 30 bar more than she really did.

[@Spartan9567]

Im still rocking the Mk1, it's an amazing watch. I really want the Mk3 but the price is steep.

[@for674me]

My mk3i in smal variant in full charge have no more than 12 Days and now after 10 months only 9 days, Thant means in Triathlon no more then 10 hours with all bike power sensors. Still now I don’t find how I can use the dive site and maps underwater

[@easaalsharhan5166]

Does it have marine gps ?

[@jacobalinsky4507]

Will the T1 transmitters work with the MK3i?

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Yes, you can pair up to 5 Descent T1 transmitters with the Descent Mk3i watch and it will send tank pressure data to your computer.

[@catchbay]

This is crazy, I have a Shearwater Perdix 2 and a Swift Transmitter. The intention was to buy another Swift and throw away the analog SPG when the Teric 2 comes. Two transmitters, each of which can be monitored by two computers. An experienced diver (rebreather + petrel + nerd and all the whistles) recommended that I abandon my plan and use Garmin MK2i as a second dive computer and Descent transmitter, and keep the SPG. Then Shearwater released the Tern TX. I decided to go back to my earlier idea and now Garmin's MK3i came. It has GPS + everything else... Why couldn't Shearwater copy the features of the MK2i into the Tern TX ??? GPS and maps... and I use iPhone...

[@michaelstidham2891]

You didn’t include the price which I’ve noticed in a few of your videos.

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

The prices fluctuate over time and location so I don't tend to focus on the hard number that anybody can search online anyway.

[@eriknodland8352]

lol. If you own nvg’a you’re probably also interested in the bdc. Yup, nailed it!

[@Drabbi1337]

My ordered Mk3i isn't arrived yet. :(

[@gerryhirschfeld3044]

Works the Mk3I with T1?

[@ScubaDiverMagazine]

Yes, not the full features but, you will be able to pair the T1 with a Mk3i for tank pressure data.

[@JamesCarter-tc6bo]

When I upgrade I will keep the T1. I don't want to send messages while diving.

[@Iam.Jean1987]

He doesn’t have the watch and talks about it from descriptions he read online

[@IonutParaschiv28]

oh no, somebody put a lot of work into feeding you information so you don't have to dig it and that makes you upset? Must be sad in that world :(

[@dimi-88]

😂😂😂

[@Curradososa]

He left it at your moms house.

[@jayman5692]

😂😂😂

[@danthaman8216]

He is comparing the differences? You don’t really need them both? and is for entertainment anyway?

[@harrison6082]

5:55 Interesting

[@jrb_uy]

Beautiful one, but a lot more info would fit in a rectangular screen.

[@paulclissold2677]

I have the Mk2. The “Diamond Like Coating” on the bezel is terrible. Would have been better with a silver bezel to hide the inevitable nicks and marks.

[@paulclissold2677]

Wish there had been a rubber bezel protector like on my Suunto EON Steel Black. Going to pass on moving the to Mk3. Might do the 4 or 5 when the time comes. Do love Garmin though.

[@fatphoca5009]

You can buy 3rd party bezel protectors

[@PedroOjeda]

Still used that annoying sonar AI integration? Then no.

[@bryanfok7523]

basically all the useless features all-in-one

[@haydendougherty8694]

Mate I can hear your whole esophagus

[@linkfan32]

Can you please edit out the heavy swallowing noises