| Manufacturer | Garmin |
|---|---|
| Type | Watch-style dive computer and MIP multisport GPS smartwatch |
| Series | Descent |
| Released | 2 March 2022 (announced 2 March 2022); Solar Ocean Edition 14 November 2023 |
| Price at launch | Descent G1: GBP 479.99 / USD 549.99 / EUR 549.99. Descent G1 Solar: GBP 569.99 / USD 649.99 / EUR 649.99. Solar Ocean Edition: USD 699.99 |
| Predecessor | None; the first G-series Descent |
| Successor | Descent G2 |
| Sizes | 45.5mm (medium) |
| Variants | Descent G1 (sapphire lens); Descent G1 Solar (Power Sapphire solar lens); Descent G1 Solar Ocean Edition (solar, parts made with recycled ocean-bound plastics) |
| Colours | G1: Slate Grey; Powder Grey. G1 Solar: Black; Hurricane Blue. Solar Ocean Edition: Azure |
Specifications as at launch. Features and activity profiles reflect the latest Garmin software.
Expert opinion | Specifications | Battery life | Features | Activity profiles | Quick answers | Further reading
Expert opinion
Who it suits: Recreational divers and freedivers who want a tough dive computer that also tracks training on land.
The Descent G1 handles single-gas, multi-gas, rebreather, gauge and apnea diving to 100 metres, with dive planning and logs synced to the Garmin Dive app. On land it is a capable outdoor and fitness watch with GPS, a compass and barometric altimeter, and battery lasts up to 25 hours of diving or 21 days as a smartwatch.
The sapphire lens and simple monochrome screen suit rough use, and the Solar version stretches battery further. It lacks the AMOLED display, maps and air integration of the Descent Mk3i, but costs far less.
Garmin Descent G1
Rugged dive computer that also tracks your training on land, with optional solar charging.
Specifications
The Descent G1 comes in one 45.5mm size. The Solar editions add a Power Sapphire solar lens and weigh 5g more. Garmin also lists an extra-long band, 128 to 373mm, for wearing over a wetsuit.
| Specification | Descent G1 | Descent G1 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Display | ||
| Display type | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP), solar charging lens |
| Display size | Custom, two-window design: 23 x 23mm (0.9″ x 0.9″) | Custom, two-window design: 23 x 23mm (0.9″ x 0.9″) |
| Resolution | 176 x 176 pixels | 176 x 176 pixels |
| Colour | Monochrome | Monochrome |
| Lens | Sapphire crystal | Power Sapphire |
| Touchscreen | No, buttons only | No, buttons only |
| Physical | ||
| Case size | 45.5mm (medium) | 45.5mm (medium) |
| Dimensions | 45.5 x 45.5 x 15.2mm | 45.5 x 45.5 x 15.2mm |
| Weight | 61g | 66g |
| Bezel material | Fibre-reinforced polymer | Fibre-reinforced polymer |
| Case material | Fibre-reinforced polymer | Fibre-reinforced polymer |
| Band | 22mm QuickFit, silicone | 22mm QuickFit, silicone |
| Wrist fit | Silicone band: 128 to 224mm; Extra-long silicone band: 128 to 373mm | Silicone band: 128 to 224mm; Extra-long silicone band: 128 to 373mm |
| Water rating | Dive (100 metres) | Dive (100 metres) |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | ||
| Sensors and positioning | ||
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Heart rate | Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate monitor | Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate monitor |
| Pulse Ox | Yes | Yes |
| Skin temperature | No | No |
| Depth sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Other sensors | Barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer | Barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, thermometer |
| Connectivity and storage | ||
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| NFC (Garmin Pay) | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 32MB | 32MB |
| Music | Smartphone music controls only | Smartphone music controls only |
| Maps | No maps; breadcrumb, point-to-point, TracBack and back to start navigation | No maps; breadcrumb, point-to-point, TracBack and back to start navigation |
| LED flashlight | No | No |
| Speaker and microphone | No | No |
| Charging | Garmin proprietary clip charger | Garmin proprietary clip charger |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | ||
Battery life
Solar figures assume 3 hours a day outdoors in 50,000 lux conditions for watch modes, and continuous use in 50,000 lux conditions for GPS modes.
| Mode | Descent G1 | Descent G1 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Dive | Up to 25 hours | Up to 25 hours |
| Smartwatch | Up to 21 days | Up to 21 days (4 months with solar) |
| Battery saver | Up to 48 days | Up to 48 days (unlimited with solar) |
| GPS | Up to 26 hours | Up to 26 hours (39 hours with solar) |
| Max battery GPS | Up to 56 hours | Up to 56 hours (205 hours with solar) |
| Expedition GPS | Up to 27 days | Up to 27 days (unlimited with solar) |
| © the5krunner. Link required. | ||
| Internal components | ||
| Bluetooth | Nordic nRF52832 (first used on Vivosport in July 2017) | |
| Component identification from FCC filing teardown photos. | ||
Features
A full breakdown of Garmin platform features is available at Garmin features explained.
Diving
- Dive computer rated to 100 metres
- Single-gas, multi-gas, gauge and closed circuit rebreather (CCR) modes
- Apnea and Apnea Hunt modes for freediving
- Bühlmann ZHL-16c with gradient factors decompression model
- Customisable conservatism (low, medium, high or custom gradient factors) and deep stops
- Air, Nitrox and Trimix up to 100% O2; 1 bottom gas and up to 11 deco and/or backup gases
- PO2 up to 2.0 with customisable deco PO2 setting
- Dive planner for NDL and multi-gas decompression
- Custom dive data screens
- Audible and vibration alarms for ascent rate, PO2, CNS/OTU, NDL, deco and gas switching
- Up to 40 custom depth or time alerts per dive mode
- Ascent and descent rate indicator
- Customisable safety stop (off, 3 or 5 minutes)
- Automatic dive start and end with a custom end-dive timeout
- 3-axis dive compass with set heading, 90 degrees left and right, and reciprocal
- Surface diver status: surface interval, N2/He loading, CNS, OTU and tissue compartments
- No-fly time and automatic altitude adjustment
- Missed deco lockout and residual tissue loading reset, each with user acknowledgement
- Backlight with configurable time and intensity, automatically on at depth
- Dive entry and exit locations saved automatically
- Dive log sync to the Garmin Dive app
- Tide data
Plan
- Daily Suggested Workouts for running and cycling
- Garmin Running Coach (including Running Coach Experts) and Garmin Cycling Coach plans
- Garmin Coach prebuilt cycling plans
- Cardio, strength, HIIT, yoga and Pilates workouts
- Pool swim workouts
- Race predictor
- Courses with course guidance
Prepare
- Training Status and Training Load
- Recovery Time
- Body Battery energy monitoring
- Sleep score and sleep monitoring
- All-day stress and respiration tracking
- Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation
- Breathwork and relaxation breathing
- Health Snapshot
- Heat and altitude acclimation
- Abnormal heart rate alerts
- Fitness Age
- Women’s health and hydration tracking
Perform
- VO2 max for running and trail running
- Training Effect, aerobic and anaerobic
- Performance condition
- Running dynamics with a compatible accessory
- Lactate threshold and FTP with a compatible accessory
- Breadcrumb, point-to-point and TracBack navigation
- Expedition GPS activity and UltraTrac mode
- Customisable Power Modes
- Golf yardages, digital scorecard and stat tracking
- MTB Grit and Flow
- Power meter, Varia radar and Varia lights compatibility
- Pool and open water swim metrics with underwater wrist heart rate
- Drill logging and auto rest
- Manual multisport activities
Connect
- Smart notifications, with text replies on Android
- Garmin Pay contactless payments
- Smartphone music controls
- Incident detection and assistance during select activities
- Connect IQ apps, data fields and watch faces
- Smart trainer control
Activity profiles
| Category | Profiles |
|---|---|
| Running | Running, Trail Running, Treadmill Running, Indoor Track Running |
| Cycling | Biking, Road biking, Mountain Biking, Gravel biking, Bike commuting, Bike touring, eBiking, eMountain Biking, Indoor Biking |
| Swimming | Pool Swimming, Open Water Swimming |
| Multisport | Swimming/Running |
| Gym and fitness | Strength, HIIT, Cardio and Elliptical Training, Stair Stepping, Floor Climbing, Indoor rowing, Pilates, Yoga, Indoor Climbing |
| Outdoor | Walking, Hiking, Bouldering, Climbing, Hunting, Horseback Riding |
| Other | Winter sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, XC Classic Skiing, Snowshoeing | Water sports: Stand Up Paddleboarding, Rowing, Kayaking, Surfing, Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Fishing, Boating | Racket sports: Tennis | Other: Tactical |
Garmin Descent G1
Rugged dive computer that also tracks your training on land, with optional solar charging.
Quick answers
When was the Garmin Descent G1 released?
Garmin announced and released the Descent G1 and G1 Solar on 2 March 2022 at GBP 479.99 or USD 549.99, and GBP 569.99 or USD 649.99 for the Solar.
How deep can the Descent G1 dive?
The Descent G1 is rated to 100 metres and supports single-gas, multi-gas, gauge, CCR and apnea modes with nitrox and trimix.
What does the Descent G1 Solar add?
The Solar edition adds a Power Sapphire solar charging lens, which can extend smartwatch battery from 21 days to about 4 months in strong sunlight.
Does the Descent G1 have maps or music?
No, the Descent G1 has neither. It offers breadcrumb, point-to-point and TracBack navigation and controls music on a paired phone.
How long does the Descent G1 battery last?
Garmin rates the Descent G1 for up to 25 hours in dive mode, 21 days as a smartwatch and 26 hours in GPS mode.
Further reading
- Which Garmin Descent to buy
- Garmin Descent G1 quick review
- Garmin Descent G2 opinion and comparison with the G1
- Garmin watch specifications
- Release Radar: upcoming Garmin watches
Related watches
Successor: Garmin Descent G2, with an AMOLED touchscreen and leakproof buttons.
Also consider: Suunto Ocean, an AMOLED sapphire dive computer with wireless air integration.
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Beet It Sport nitrate shots: Beetroot shots I take in the days before a race. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Ravemen FR1000: The light and the computer mount in one unit, so nothing else goes on the bars. Better than mine.
- Ravemen FR1500SE: 1,500 lumens hanging under your Garmin, for proper night rides.
- Ravemen FR1100SE: 1,100 lumens under your Garmin, and up to 46 hours on slow flash.
- Ravemen FR500: A brighter FR300 with the same mount.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Kineon MOVE+: Red and infrared light for sore knees, Achilles and other joints after hard training. I use it.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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