Nine 1/2 weeks with MK2i or a subjective Garmin multitool review

Nine 1/2 weeks with MK2i

OR A SUBJECTIVE GARMIN MULTITOOL REVIEW

Text WALDEMAR RYDZAK Photos REDAKCJA

This was no love at first sight. There was no technical infatuation here either, as expected by Jacek Michno, the head of the Extreme-Dive Diving Center at Głębokie Lake (one of our two testing locations), during our discussion on MK2i at that time. It was simply an affair – brief, initially rough, turbulent, which ended in a breakup, leaving a sense of emptiness.

MK2i is Garmin’s top second edition dive computer. As an alternative, MK2 – a stripped version of MK2i – is available, deprived of some features and materials. But stripped does not mean bad. Simply not everyone needs a titanium case or wireless transmitter support. For testing, we got an MK2i – with a sapphire crystal and titanium case, covered with a diamond-like carbon layer. There were no signs of wear or tear on the watch, no scratches on the case after the tests, so Garmin is keeping up to their standard. Upon request, we also got two Descent T1 wireless transmitters for testing. As an editorial team, we opted for something more than just a typical review, merely enumerating MK2i’s features. You can find the specifications on our competition’s or the manufacturer’s websites, but you won’t find any accounts of customer experience there. What we wanted to present were the feelings, emotions and observations regarding the everyday use of MK2i with T1. And this is what you will find in the following paragraphs.

Already from the beginning, our affair with MK2i was burdened directly fitted with a T1. Sometimes proper installation requires with the trauma of our previous relationship. While Fenix HR a short high-pressure hose connecting the first stage with the series did have some clear advantages, it also had some flaws, T1. The goal of a manual is to help the least experienced diver including a serious one: long GPS readiness waiting time. Imag- prepare their equipment for diving. It seems like everything is ine you are going for a run with a bunch of friends, start the there, but… there are surely areas for improvement. For examtraining recording function and you wait, and wait, and wait. ple, in the Polish version of the MK2i manual, the T1 installation I won’t be describing the differences between the Fenix and instructions on page 5 say: “…Confirm the regulator is depresDescent series, as these are two completely different product surized and detached from an oxygen cylinder*”. Now that’s all ranges, having very little in common. I also won’t cover the folks, as in the English version, this part reads “Confirm the regdifferences between the current series as compared to the ulator is depressurized and detached from a scuba cylinder”. previous edition of Descent. When preparing for my evaluation A scuba cylinder vs. an oxygen cylinder. This has been the topic of MK2i, I thoroughly studied other users’ opinions and vid- of many discussions within the diving community regarding eo reviews both of the current and the previous series. Apart journalists’ diving expertise, and here – a major manufacturer from describing my experience and facing my concerns on the with a translation like this. GPS operation speed, I also wanted to see whether in my tests I would be able to con- In our configuration, T1 has been screwed firm others’ critical opinions of the MK2i. Sometimes the users’ swipe was based on subjective feelings, misreading the manual. When preparing for my evaluation of directly to an Apex ATX100, which was attached to an air cylinder, although the specifications suggest the MK2i should also work In such cases, it is hard to blame the manu- MK2i, I thoroughly fine with O2 at concentrations up to 100%, facturer for faults that are actually not there. studied other users’ as well as with air, nitrox or trimix; 1 bottom Some other times, however, the comments opinions and video gas and up to 5 decompression or back-up were most certainly in place. Which option would I apply to Garmin MK2i? reviews both of the current and the gases. A scuba cylinder can contain different gases and unfortunately the Polish translator did not seize the opportunity to boast The first step following purchase, of course previous series. their expertise. I wonder if there are more besides unpacking, is setting up the com- “peculiarities” of this kind in the manual. In puter. For testing, we got an MK2i but with- the second configuration we used for testout a user manual. I suddenly felt like a “pro”. Trust me – the ing, the design of Tecline’s regulator body and HP port availonly type of diver on our editorial team is the perfect diver, ability forced us to use a high-pressure hose of about 10 cm so why would we need a manual anyway? So when we were of length. This was not a major problem, but an important one trying to setup satellite positioning and positioning according to consider before going for a dive, because if your friendly to current time location for the first time, instead of selecting diving center does not have the right equipment and you did the basic GPS+Glonass or Galileo setup mode, I selected Ultra- not foresee such a situation, the first MK2i installation might Trac. As a result, I got a signal searching prompt, suggesting end up in a failure. to take the watch into an open area. I took the chance but three 30-minute sessions gave no result. I returned to the ba- As such, pairing T1 with the computer is quick and easy, alsic settings and managed to successfully complete the initial though must be done under pressure above atmospheric pressetup. I never came back to the UltraTrac mode, so it is hard sure. Without it, the device switches into sleep mode to help to tell at what intervals MK2i determines its position in that conserve battery time. It seemed annoying at first, but it is just mode. Thus, I figured the manual should also be covered in a matter of getting used to it. You don’t pair your device very the review… and it is. I managed to find one on the Internet often and a longer battery life might make it up to you for the and read it. A well-designed user manual lets you move on initial inconvenience. My frustration was due to the fact that to actually using the product faster, a poorly designed one even in my old veteran Suunto Cobra there was a time switch can ruin your first impression and make it impossible to use for battery saving, which was activated once it detected conall features properly. In the case of Garmin, I think the Descent ditions that would suggest you’re actually not diving. Yet there T1 transmitter manual requires some optimizing. I mean the was a pushbutton for waking the computer up when on the alternative methods of installing the transmitter to the first surface. I wanted to quickly pair both transmitters while still stage. From the very beginning, a new user should be shown at home, before going for a dive. In order to do that, however, pictures, clearly showing them that not every first stage can be I had to attach the regulator with T1 to a filled cylinder. It only

had 44 ATM but this was enough to wake the transmitter. After grown from 1.2 to 1.4 inch. The legibility of the displayed data detecting pressure, T1 switched to standby mode very quickly. improved and the manufacturer-declared operating time The MK2i pairing procedure took less than a minute. You can increased. Default color settings, the contrast and backlight customize your transmitter name. This is useful not only in intensity were good enough out of the box and no changes a one diver setup, but also for a group of friends with identical were necessary. In this regard, my bad experience comes from Garmin gear who want to keep track of gas consumption and another computer I am using. I bought a Nitrox version, hopremaining gases during their dives not only for themselves ing for a good backup unit. As the piece came from a Polish but also for the rest of the group. We tested it between two manufacturer and initially had good marketing, this computer divers and it worked. Although we were unable to confirm the was flying off the shelves in Poland. Now it collects dust on maximum range of 10 meters for the transmitters’ communi- my shelf. Just waiting there for a moment when I can put it cation with the computer. Sometimes I was losing access to my up for sale. MK2i belongs to a different price segment and is diving buddy’s sensor when some 3 meters a different device. away, some other times the reading was stable at 4 meters. The manufacturer indicates a number of conditions to be met in order to reach the maximum, so I would just asAfter more than two months of testing, I Of course, 1.4 inch is not much compared to a couple of inches in some classical dive computers. The display with MK2i is similar sume the group should keep closer for their can confirm Garmin in size to Shearwater Teric (1.39 inch) which own comfort. Descent MK2i is free some people believe to be a direct competfrom the childhood itor for Garmin’s MK2i. In my opinion, howComparing depth readings from different computers (Suunto, Genz, Garmin) I couldn’t notice any differences. The only thing was ailments the MK1 users had been ever, the differences between both devices are bigger than those indicated in diving reviews. Looking at the specifications, Shearthe gas pressure indicated by Suunto Cobra complaining about. water Teric is comparable to what MK2i has mounted on the hose, which was 3 ATA less to offer. The price difference is minor – no than the reading of MK2i mounted directly more than a few hundred PLN, which is not to the first stage. The difference was stable at all times, so a game changer in equipment worth a few thousand PLN. this couldn’t have been some temporary reading glitch. Our Garmin MK2i, when compared with Shearwater Teric, seems test dives were not decompression dives. The algorithm used to offer a number of advantages that might be decisive for in all Garmin computers of the Descent series is the proven physically active people. It is a multitool – like the famous VicBühlmann ZHL-16c with gradient factors. By default, upon torinox pocket knives. It can be used not only for diving but detecting a depth of less than 1.2 m, the computer quickly also for other sports or tourism. My general sense of content ends the dive and treats the next descent as a new dive. This in this matter is ruined by Garmin’s strong emphasis on playing time is customizable, so my remark concerns default settings. golf. You can switch it off in the wrist watch settings but golf With reed dives where you explore the littoral, crossing the still comes round like boomerang in the app. 1.2 m barrier may happen more than once and take less time than designed by the manufacturer. Divers who count their During my two months of testing the MK2i, there were no dives will probably appreciate such a conservative approach, situations where I would frantically look for the power cable. others will have to remember to change the settings. When Clearly enough, you do have to charge it, but at surprisingly the dive ends, the “no fly” message may be displayed in the long intervals for a watch with that many features/sensors acmain screen in a graphic and digital form. Seems nothing, but tivated on purpose at the same time. Yes, I did that in order this is one of the differences between MK2i and classical dive to asses battery drainage. What surprised me pleasantly was computers. The latter rest in a box/ on a shelf and you’re jog- not only the discharge rate (e.g. 2% during a 40-minute dive ging your memory to remember the flight ban. In the case with two T1 paired, which translates to approximately 33 hours of computers with a wrist watch feature, this information is of operation vs. 32 hours declared by the manufacturer) but visible at all times. also the charging speed. After my experience with Fenix models below series 6, I expected many hours of charging. MeanAfter more than two months of testing, I can confirm Garmin while, whether I was charging MK2i from my car’s lighter outlet, Descent MK2i is free from the childhood ailments the MK1 a computer USB port or a standard charger, I felt that reaching users had been complaining about. Most of them are gone, a 100% charge was fast. Of course my phone charges faster, but including software, battery life or display size, which has I wouldn’t expect the same performance from a dive computer.

MK2i is so much more than just a dive computer. The watch has Garmin Pay. Combined with a Revolut card, it worked seamlessly. There were no issues with rejected payments. Of course, as a safety measure, it is better not to connect your main card but rather a prepaid card or a low-limit card. The payment feature felt comfortable. When jogging or cycling, I never took my cards or wallet. After my session, I was able to buy myself something to drink or eat also without connecting my watch with a phone. Payments are secured with a PIN code which needs to be entered every 24 hours or each time the watch is removed from the wrist or signal from the pulse sensor is lost. If worn constantly on your wrist, MK2i becomes your personal trainer, suggesting your everyday workouts. Though you are of course free to just ignore the suggestion. The functionality seems like a good solution for people who don’t plan but would like to do some sport in a more conscious way. Personally, during the tests I used MK2i for ice swimming (there were a couple of occasions in early March), jogging and cycling – both on roads and cross-country. At home, I used it for controlling my blood saturation. At this point, you should take into account that the pulse oximeter in Garmin is not a medical device. A body contact disruption or a loosely secured strap takes your 98% saturation down to, say, 89% (the lowest reading I noticed). Such a reading is not for the faint-hearted, especially if you treat it as support in COVID diagnostics. Luckily, you can force-reset the sensor. Unfortunately, if you activate manual measurement a short while after the automatic measurement, most times displaying readings from the automatic measurement will be displayed. Although you are prompted that a new saturation measurement was initiated. In such a case just return to manual measurement, but only after a dozen or so minutes.

During underwater tests, I haven’t noticed any such errors. It never crashed and was stable. Well, this computer is addictive, although probably its charm wouldn’t work on everyone.

What other problems did I have at the beginning? Music playback and navigation apps based on third-party maps available in the Garmin IQ store. I found a solution for the music issue on discussion groups concerning Garmin Fenix. For an unknown reason, if you have Deezer on your watch and the install Spotify, the latter wouldn’t work. Uninstalling Deezer did the trick. The same issue concerned using the Locus app. A software conflict forced me to uninstall a similar app from a different vendor.

At the beginning of my review I mentioned that the second edition of Garmin Descent includes two models – MK2i and MK2. The “i” in the name is crucial. Not only due to the differences between models from the same series. The danger is out there during the purchase as well. Should buying e.g. on Ebay cross your mind, be alert not to buy a set which is not really a set. Some canny sellers combine Descent MK2 (the stripped version) with a Descent T1 transmitter, while T1 is dedicated for MK2i only. I am writing about price traps on purpose. In my opinion, the manufacturer pricing for the European market is a bit excessive. While it is understandable that Garmin is seeking to avoid intra-Union import, due to EUR to USD rate discrepancies some thrifty consumers might be looking to optimize their purchasing costs. When I was writing this review, 1898 EUR (1499 EUR for MK2i + 399 EUR for T1) was, according to Revolut, approximately 8627 PLN for a set of MK2i and T1. Buying the same set in a shop with USD prices, you would have to pay 1898 USD (1499 USD for MK2i + 399 USD for T1) which gives 7092 PLN. Quick math and we have a difference of 1535 PLN. This is quite a lot, although the manufacturer probably has some justification for that.

After 9 1/2 weeks, my romance with MK2i came to an end. What remained was a sense of emptiness – in my heart and on my wrist. The yearning of my wrist soon passed, as MK2i was replaced by my old trusty Garmin Fenix HR. And my heart, well… my overall experience with this multitool is very positive. It is a full-fledged dive computer, a full-fledged sport watch, a smartwatch. Of course, what is an advantage for someone, can be a disadvantage for someone else. MK2i wasn’t tested in different gear and gas configurations, so we cannot be sure it wouldn’t surprise us in a negative manner. The manufacturer secured themselves against such circumstances, with a disclaimer displayed during the first setup, informing about the possibility of faulty readings during operation. Other manufacturers put such information in small print, so I appreciate Garmin for the courage. During underwater tests, I haven’t noticed any such errors. It never crashed and was stable. Well, this computer is addictive, although probably its charm wouldn’t work on everyone. Which, by the way, is the beauty of the free market – a decent selection of alternative goods and attempts to tailor the products/services features to the diverse consumers’ need.

*https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-4A2D3019BA14-49BD-B371-4214D187D493/PL-PL/Descent_Mk2i_OM_PLPL.pdf