Customer Reviews for Garmin - Descent Mk3i GPS Dive Smartwatch 51 mm Fiber-reinforced polymer - Carbon Gray DLC Titanium with DLC Titanium Band - (2023)
Customer Rating
5
on June 21, 2024
Posted by: Luke S
from Gulfport, MS, US
It's probably no surprise that I'll start with the screen. The AMOLED screen in the Mk3i is a MAJOR improvement over the Mk2i. It is bright, crisp, and clear and doesn't leave anything to be desired. According to the specs, Garmin had finally cracked the code when it comes to offering this type of screen while simultaneously preserving the amazing battery life that the Mk2i offered The Mk3i now also comes with a touchscreen that allows you to tap and swipe the screen. I will not focus on the overall features of the Mk3i because many videos on the web go pretty deep into this.
The unit itself feels rugged and well-built. It's a tank, but it doesn't feel heavy on the wrist for me. It looks and feels like the very premium product that it is.
After two months of using the Mk3i for running, hiking, and diving, I can confidently say it's the only watch I'll ever need for the foreseeable future, and, apart from the significant pricetag hurdle, a no-brainer for anyone who spends time underwater and enjoys tracking their fitness.
Got the Descent MK3i 51mm as a replacement for my FR945 as it was showing it's age. Note, I didn't get the transmitter, so can't comment about the integration. As an everyday watch, it's great. I really like the new features such as dive & training readiness from the glances. As a dive watch, I am still getting used to it, and I will be comparing it to the larger Shearwater models (Peregrin & Perdix). I also dive normally in cold water, with drygloves and lose a good amount of dexterity. Screen is great & bright. The large number model is a really nice feature. I really like the pool move feature as well. The customization of fields is nice. Battery life is great as well.
With the drygloves, I do find the larger buttons on the perdix / peregrin easier to trigger, but I suspect it will take time to get used to. I do love how since it's paired with my phone, I don't need to manually sync my dives.
It has almost everything but it’s slow sometimes and sometimes it just freezes You need to press everything and wait few seconds for the watch to process
Response from GarminBy Garmin, June 18, 2024
Thank you for your review and experience with the Descent Mk3i. We would like to discuss this further over email. If you would please email us at product.support@garmin.com.
I had an Epix for a few years and loved it. Also a diver so had a separate lower level dive computer to take on trips. Super excited to have a great dive computer in the same package of an otherwise amazing Garmin watch.
Upgraded from the Mk2i, which I felt was a solid performing dive/adventure watch. The Mk3i takes it to another level, most notably the AMOLED display. Several dives on this watch have proven it to be as solid, if not slightly more so, as the Mk2i.
I’ve had the Apple Watch, the Garmin Descent mk1 and other speciality watches. Got the mk3 prior to a cruise and dive trip and this by far the best everyday device and dive comp combination ever. I’ve also used it for golf and workouts and at work. Very flexible and customizable. The best thing is the battery life. It’s been days since I charged it and still have days left. Took it to Bonaire and it had me ahead of everything on the dive. Best watch I’ve ever had. Ever going to the Apple Watch again.