At Mike's Dive Store, we’ve always strived to bring you the very best in dive gear, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recreational diver just starting your underwater journey. We know that the Garmin Descent™ G2 will set new standards in the world of diving technology, and we’re excited to introduce it to you. Launching on Wednesday, 12th February 2025, this innovative dive computer represents the culmination of years of research and development from one of the most trusted names in dive technology.
Watch the Garmin Descent™ G2 in Action!
See the Garmin Descent™ G2’s features and design up close in this video:
The Garmin Descent™ G2 is more than just a dive computer; it’s a multi-sport smartwatch, a fitness tracker, and a sustainable tech marvel. Designed for divers, adventurers, and eco-conscious consumers alike, the G2 offers ground-breaking features that you won’t find in any other dive computer—combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and user-friendly features for an unparalleled diving experience.
But how does the Descent™ G2 stack up against its predecessor, the Descent™ G1? Let’s dive deep into the details to uncover what sets this new model apart.
A Closer Look at the Garmin Descent™ G2
The Garmin Descent™ G2 is a leap forward in both functionality and sustainability. From its recycled ocean-bound plastic construction to the vibrant AMOLED display, this dive computer is designed with the modern diver in mind—whether you're exploring the depths of the ocean, hiking a mountain trail, or navigating the streets of your city.
Here’s a breakdown of the key features that make the G2 stand out:
1. Display & Durability
- 1.2” AMOLED Touchscreen: The G2’s display is not just functional but stunning. The AMOLED screen delivers incredibly sharp and vibrant colours, making it easy to read in even the brightest sunlight or darkest underwater depths. This is a significant upgrade from the G1’s monochrome screen, offering improved visibility and a more dynamic experience.
- Sapphire Crystal Lens: The lens is scratch-resistant and offers superior durability, which ensures that your watch remains free from scratches and damage, even after years of use.
- 10 ATM Water Rating: With a 10 ATM (100 meters) rating, the G2 is built to withstand harsh underwater conditions, ensuring that you can rely on it during any dive, from shallow recreational dives to deeper technical explorations.
2. Dive Modes & Multi-GNSS Support
- Multiple Dive Modes: Whether you’re diving for leisure, for technical purposes, or engaging in freediving, the G2 supports a variety of modes to accommodate every type of diver, including Recreational Scuba, Technical Scuba, Freediving, and Pool Apnea. This added versatility is a significant benefit over the G1, which only supported basic recreational and technical diving modes.
- Multi-GNSS Support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo): The Descent™ G2 offers GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support, allowing you to accurately track your surface entry and exit points with precision. This means you’ll never lose track of where you began your dive, even in remote locations. In comparison, the G1 lacked this feature and only offered basic positioning through the dive log.
3. Eco-Friendly Innovation
- 100% Recycled Ocean-Bound Plastics: One of the most significant upgrades to the G2 is its construction from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastics. This sustainable approach not only reduces plastic waste but also offers the same rugged and durable build quality that divers expect. The G1, while durable, was constructed from standard plastic materials, which now feels outdated compared to the eco-conscious G2.
Health & Fitness Tracking for Every Adventure
One of the most impressive aspects of the Garmin Descent™ G2 is that it’s not just a dive computer—it’s an all-around fitness and wellness companion. Garmin has added comprehensive health tracking to this new model, which was not available on the G1.
- 24/7 Wrist-Based Heart Rate Monitoring: The G2 provides continuous heart rate monitoring throughout the day, whether you're diving, running, or sleeping. The G1 did not include continuous heart rate tracking, which has become a crucial feature in modern dive computers for monitoring overall health and stress levels.
- Pulse Ox (Select Regions): The G2 offers Pulse Ox—a feature that measures the oxygen saturation levels in your blood. This is particularly beneficial for divers, as it can help assess acclimatisation to higher altitudes and ensure that your body is receiving enough oxygen. Unfortunately, the G1 didn’t have this feature.
- Body Battery™ and Stress Tracking: The Body Battery™ energy monitoring system tells you how much energy you have left throughout the day, while stress tracking helps you manage and reduce stress levels. These health-focused features make the G2 a much more holistic fitness companion, whereas the G1 only provided basic dive-specific stats.
- Sleep Tracking & VO2 Max: The G2 also provides advanced sleep tracking, helping you monitor your sleep quality, and VO2 Max for tracking aerobic fitness levels, both of which were not available on the G1.
Smartwatch Features: Connectivity and Convenience
While the Descent™ G2 is a sophisticated dive computer, it also functions as a fully connected smartwatch. Garmin has taken the G2 beyond the traditional dive tech by integrating modern smart features that fit into every aspect of your life, both in and out of the water.
- Smart Notifications: Receive calls, texts, and app notifications directly on your watch when paired with your smartphone. This makes the G2 a true hybrid device, perfect for divers who want to stay connected while on the go.
- Garmin Pay™: With Garmin Pay™, you can make contactless payments right from your wrist, which is especially useful when you’re on the move or exploring new dive sites.
- Connect IQ™ Custom Apps: Garmin’s Connect IQ™ app store allows you to customise your G2 with additional apps tailored to your needs. This feature was not available on the G1 and significantly enhances the device's versatility and personalisation options.
- Garmin Dive™ Integration: Sync your Descent™ G2 with the Garmin Dive™ app, allowing you to track, analyse, and share your dive logs and fitness data, all from your smartphone. The G1 also had this feature, but the G2 takes it a step further with more detailed insights and an intuitive interface.
Battery Life: Powered for Longer Adventures
When it comes to battery life, the Garmin Descent™ G2 shines. The G2 offers an impressive 27 hours of battery life in dive mode, ensuring you’ll never have to worry about your computer running out of power during a long dive. It also provides up to 10 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.
Available in Two Stunning Colours: Black & Paloma/Shell Pink
The Garmin Descent™ G2 isn’t just built for functionality; it’s also designed to suit your style. Whether you prefer a sleek, understated look or something a bit more vibrant, the G2 comes in two attractive colour options:
- Black: A classic choice for those who prefer a professional, timeless look. The black version of the G2 seamlessly blends with your dive gear and everyday attire, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
- Paloma/Shell Pink: If you’re looking to stand out or simply prefer a more playful, vibrant design, the Paloma/Shell Pink option might be just what you need. This refreshing, soft pink colour exudes a sense of fun while still offering all the performance and features you expect from the Descent™ G2.
Both colour choices feature the same high-quality materials, functionality, and eco-conscious construction, so you can pick the one that matches your personality and style preferences.
Descent™ G1 vs Descent™ G2: Detailed Breakdown of the Differences
Now, let’s dive into a more detailed comparison of the Garmin Descent™ G1 and Descent™ G2, looking at the core differences that set the G2 apart from the G1.
| Feature | Garmin Descent™ G1 | Garmin Descent™ G2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.2” monochrome display | 1.2” AMOLED touchscreen |
| Battery Life | 16 hours in dive mode, 7 days in smartwatch mode | 27 hours in dive mode, 10 days in smartwatch mode |
| Build Materials | Standard plastic, scratch-resistant lens | 100% recycled ocean-bound plastics, sapphire lens |
| Dive Modes | Recreational, Technical, Freediving | Recreational, Technical, Freediving, Pool Apnea |
| GNSS Support | No GPS, GLONASS, or Galileo support | GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support |
| Health Monitoring | Basic tracking | Advanced health tracking (heart rate, Pulse Ox, Body Battery™, etc.) |
| Smart Features | Basic notifications | Smart notifications, Garmin Pay™, Connect IQ™ custom apps, Garmin Dive™ integration |
| Sustainability | Standard plastic build | 100% recycled ocean-bound plastics |
Why the Descent™ G2 is a Game-Changer
At Mike's Dive Store, we pride ourselves on offering the most cutting-edge products that enhance the diving experience, and the Garmin Descent™ G2 is no exception. It is not just a dive computer; it is a multifunctional, eco-conscious, and feature-rich smartwatch that will appeal to divers of all levels. From its enhanced health and fitness features to its recycled ocean-bound plastic construction, Garmin has crafted a product that is both innovative and environmentally responsible.
The Descent™ G2 represents a clear evolution from the original Descent™ G1, with substantial upgrades in performance, usability, and sustainability. At Mike’s Dive Store, we are always looking for ways to elevate the diving experience for our customers, and the G2 is the perfect embodiment of this ethos. Whether you're an avid scuba diver, a free diver, or someone who enjoys Watersports like stand-up paddleboarding, the Descent™ G2 integrates seamlessly into both your diving adventures and your everyday lifestyle.
As dive professionals, we understand that divers want more than just a tool to track depth and time. With the Descent™ G2, Garmin offers a smart diving assistant that tracks your health metrics, guides you on your dive readiness, and even keeps you connected with the world around you—via smart notifications, Garmin Pay™, and app customisation. It is this versatility that sets the G2 apart from other dive computers.
Moreover, its battery life is another standout feature. The G2’s ability to last up to 27 hours in dive mode makes it the perfect companion for long, deep dives. Compared to the G1, which only offered 16 hours of dive mode battery life, the G2 is truly built for endurance. This is something that divers at Mike’s Dive Store often tell us they need: a device that lasts through extended trips and long dive sessions.
Finally, the eco-friendly materials used in the G2’s construction—100% recycled ocean-bound plastics—align with our values at Mike’s Dive Store. We are passionate about sustainability and supporting environmentally-conscious brands. The G2 doesn’t just perform—it helps contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.
Mike’s Dive Store: Your Trusted Garmin Retailer for the Descent™ G2 Dive Computer and More
We invite you to visit Mike’s Dive Store to experience the Garmin Descent™ G2 first-hand and discover its cutting-edge features in person. Our team of experts is on hand to guide you through the G2's impressive capabilities, ensuring you get the perfect fit and make the most of your diving technology. If you're unable to visit us in-store, you can easily order the Garmin Descent™ G2 online and have it delivered directly to you. For those who prefer a more personal touch, we now offer video consultations, allowing you to speak directly with one of our experienced team members, no matter where you are. Whether you need advice on diving gear, wetsuit fittings, or tech recommendations, we’re here to help.
Explore the future of diving today—the Garmin Descent™ G2 is available now. Want to discover more innovative Garmin products? Check out our full range of Garmin dive computers here and see how Garmin continues to revolutionise diving technology.
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