The Garmin Descent Mk2i is a dive computer smartwatch designed for serious divers. It is currently on sale at Woot for 650 USD, an 850 USD discount from its regular price of 1,500 USD. This is a 57 percent savings and the lowest price ever recorded for the device. The deal is available through May 29, but expected to sell out sooner. The Descent Mk2i is waterproof up to 100 meters, has six preset dive modes, supports underwater navigation, stores up to 200 dive logs and can be paired with the Descent T1 transmitter (sold separately) to monitor up to five air tanks simultaneously. It also includes standard smartwatch features like on wrist notifications and tap to pay. This review covers the key features, dive capabilities, battery life and how it compares to the Garmin Forerunner 970.
Key Specifications And Features
- Price: 650 USD (regular 1,500 USD, save 850 USD)
- Water resistance: 100 meters (328 feet)
- Dive modes: 6 preset (dive, apnea, snorkel, gauge, trimix, air)
- Dive log storage: up to 200 previous dives
- Underwater navigation: built in (depth, entry points)
- Transmitter: compatible with Descent T1 (sold separately)
- Tank monitoring: up to 5 air tanks simultaneously
- Other workout modes: running, swimming, cycling, etc
- Smart features: on wrist notifications, Garmin Pay (tap to pay)
- Battery life: not specified (smartwatch mode days, dive mode hours)
- Release year: 2020 (5 year old model)
The Descent Mk2i is specifically designed for scuba divers, free divers and snorkelers. It is not a general purpose fitness tracker.
Dive Capabilities
The Descent Mk2i is waterproof to 100 meters (328 feet), which is suitable for recreational and technical diving. It has six preset dive modes:
- Dive: standard scuba diving mode.
- Apnea: free diving mode.
- Snorkel: shallow water mode.
- Gauge: for backup gauge mode.
- Trimix: for technical diving with mixed gases.
- Air: for air integration with T1 transmitter.
The watch stores data from up to 200 previous dives, including depth, time, temperature and gas usage. Underwater navigation helps divers track entry points, depth and location.
T1 Transmitter And Tank Monitoring
The Descent T1 transmitter (sold separately) pairs with the Descent Mk2i to monitor air pressure in scuba tanks. You can monitor up to 5 tanks simultaneously (useful for side mount or technical diving). The watch displays remaining air time, gas consumption rate and tank pressure.
Garmin Descent Mk2i Vs Forerunner 970
| Aspect | Descent Mk2i | Forerunner 970 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (deal) | 650 USD | 650 USD |
| Primary Use | Scuba diving | Running, triathlon |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters | 50 meters (swim only) |
| Dive Modes | 6 (including trimix, apnea) | None |
| Tank Monitoring | Yes (with T1 transmitter) | No |
| Underwater Navigation | Yes | No |
| Dive Log Storage | 200 dives | N/A |
| Fitness Tracking | Basic | Advanced (VO2 max, training load) |
| Best For | Divers | Runners, triathletes |
The Descent Mk2i is for divers. The Forerunner 970 is for runners and triathletes. Choose based on your primary activity.
Pros And Cons Of The Garmin Descent Mk2i
Pros
- 850 USD discount (57 percent off) record low price.
- 100 meter water resistance.
- 6 dive modes (including trimix for technical divers).
- Underwater navigation (depth, entry points).
- Stores up to 200 dive logs.
- Compatible with T1 transmitter (monitor up to 5 tanks).
- Garmin Pay and smart notifications.
- Rugged and durable (Garmin reputation).
- Available through May 29.
Cons
- Released in 2020 (5 year old model).
- 650 USD is still expensive for a dive computer.
- T1 transmitter sold separately (adds cost).
- Not for casual users (diver specific features).
- Bulkier than standard fitness trackers.
- No mention of battery life in the article.
- Limited to Woot (may sell out quickly).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Garmin Descent Mk2i?
A dive computer smartwatch designed for scuba divers, free divers and snorkelers. It is waterproof to 100 meters and has six dive modes.
How much does the Garmin Descent Mk2i cost?
650 USD on Woot (regular price 1,500 USD). This is a record low price.
Is the Descent T1 transmitter included?
No. The T1 transmitter is sold separately.
