Garmin - Descent Mk2S

I returned the mk3i 43mm. It’s heavy for daily use and the screen is small for diving. So trying to do everything but it’s not good at anything. I got the descent x50i instead and just use the super light Apple Watch 10 for everything else. The Apple Watch Ultra was also too heavy for me. To me heavy is ok for just a fashion watch. But for a fitness watch I don’t like it.

I have a Garmin MK3i (43mm) that also does everything you will ever need a fitness watch to do. I decided on getting a dive computer that did fitness watch stuff instead of a fitness watch that did dive watch stuff, cause, you know. I really like my MK3i, it is excellent underwater, and I cannot recommend it enough.

How do you like the super large display? I got a 43mm because it was more understated, but I'm still torn on whether or not I want the giant look or just a regular-looking watch.

My wife got me the 43, and I was hesitant because it's smaller, but I \*still\* knock it on shit, so I could only imagine if it were thicker/larger. haha

I have a Garmin Descent in the 42 mm and no AI (it wasn't available in the MK 2 in the 42mm version, I think in the MK 3 it is now) but it's only a bit thicker than the Forerunner 945 I had before. I wear it 95% of days and it does everything I want for diving and other activities.

That’s where I’m at as well. I love diving with my Garmins, and I have no issues wearing it 24/7 while on a dive vacation. But it can’t even come close to the functionality of my Apple Watch for daily use, especially at work, but the Apple Watch Ultra also doesn’t come close to the functionality of the Garmin for diving or even some of the activity and monitoring functions. Plus, my original Mk2i is five years old without any issue, so the cost to have both when averaged out over years is reasonable, and not wearing my dive computer daily also cuts down on the chances of eventually damaging it.

After owning several Suunto dive computers, I’d recommend looking elsewhere. They are fine computers but they’re overly conservative and their custom service is atrocious. They also had several hardware issues with some of their console computers that left a bad taste in my mouth. For what you’re looking for, the Garmin Descent product line would be a better match.

The one downside to the G2 is that it isn't air integrated. HOWEVER, I'm still planning to get one as an EDC and dive backup. The big selling point for me is that it is a good smartwatch with a very good battery life as well as a decent dive computer - PLUS, importantly, it can control my Garmin OutReach Mini 2 for emergencies. I dive a Perdix 2 as my main computer, and the G2 would be a backup. A Garmin AI feature would not be useful in this case because it is different technology, unable to synch with my Shearwater transmitter.

Second the Garmin Descent series. I daily-wear it and use it for diving, running, cycling, golf, and health tracking. The air integration is superb. Battery life blows all other smart watches out of the water - up to 24 days between recharges.

People have to stop comparing these. These are for two different people. I would never wear an Apple Watch based on battery life alone. I specifically got the Garmin for a wrist based gps and mapping tool to track and orient myself. You buy an Apple Watch to use smart features and be connected to your phone. Garmin has never been in that market. It’s a whole company based on gps systems for outdoor activities . You buy an Apple Watch to have Apple ecosystem. you can’t use half the feature of the fenix on an iPhone bc they only want you to use their watch… Garmin are all specifically made for their audience even down the the model . Apple watches are just to keep you plugged into your phone and have no bearing on actual outdoor activities despite calling it ultra. The Millitary has been orienteering with Garmin wrist based gps systems forever. You’d never catch an Apple Watch on patrol in Afghanistan. 😂