Garmin Launches Descent X50i Dive Computer

Garmin, a brand known for its extensive range of fitness, outdoor, and lifestyle devices, has once again expanded its offerings by stepping into a new segment of the sports tech market. The company, which is no stranger to innovation, has recently launched the Garmin Descent X50i, a product that introduces a new category for the health and fitness giant. This dive computer, the company’s first large-format model, marks a significant step forward in their product evolution, catering specifically to divers who require more advanced features in a sleek, wrist-mounted device.

The Garmin Descent X50i boasts a large 3-inch display, significantly larger than the screens on most dive computers, making it easier to view critical dive data at a glance. It is designed to be worn on a diver’s wrist, secured with a pair of strap mounts that ensure a snug fit. This dive computer isn’t just about a bigger screen, though; it’s also packed with features that offer functionality and convenience to divers.

The Garmin Descent X50i offers 200m water resistance, matching the Descent Mk3i in terms of durability. While the Descent Mk3i comes in a larger 51mm size and a higher price point, the Descent X50i provides an equally impressive waterproof rating while being more affordable. At a retail price of $1499.99, the X50i provides divers with a blend of premium features at a price that’s relatively competitive within its category. The device is currently listed for availability in the Garmin store within 3-5 weeks.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Descent X50i is its ability to connect wirelessly to a diver’s air tank through the Garmin Descent T2 transceiver, providing real-time data on remaining air levels. This feature ensures that divers are always aware of their air supply during dives, which is crucial for safety. Additionally, the device can relay tidal data, giving divers real-time updates on underwater conditions, such as currents and water movement. It also has the ability to send messages to other divers using Subwave, Garmin’s wireless underwater communication system. As long as the other divers are equipped with Subwave-compatible devices, communication is seamless, providing a significant advantage for dive groups.

The larger screen size of the Descent X50i allows for more data to be displayed at once, reducing the need for divers to interact with their device frequently during dives. This is particularly helpful when dealing with crucial dive information, as divers can quickly access everything they need without having to navigate through multiple screens. Additionally, the Garmin Descent X50i comes preloaded with dive contour maps for over 4000 dive sites across the globe. This is a major advantage for divers who travel and explore new locations, as they won’t need to manually upload maps before their dive.

The 3-inch LCD screen of the Descent X50i has a resolution of 640 x 360 pixels, providing clear and crisp visuals even in challenging underwater conditions. The display is large enough to show detailed dive information like depth, time, and air pressure at a glance. However, while the device offers excellent display quality above water, it’s important to note that the touchscreen does not function underwater. This is standard for most dive computers, as touchscreen technology generally does not perform well under water. To compensate for this, the Descent X50i is equipped with leakproof buttons, similar to those found in Garmin’s Fenix 8 series. These physical buttons are specially designed to be used underwater, ensuring that divers can easily operate the device without worrying about accidental leaks or malfunctions. This tactile feedback is especially useful when operating the device in colder or murkier waters, where visibility and ease of touch are often limited.

The device is powered by a long-lasting battery, rated to last up to 13 hours with the screen set to high brightness, which is useful during daylight dives. For night dives, the battery life extends to an impressive 20 hours, making it suitable for extended dive sessions. Garmin’s focus on battery performance ensures that the Descent X50i can withstand long periods underwater without losing power, an essential feature for serious divers.

Like many dive computers, the Garmin Descent X50i faces some strong contenders in the dive computer market, such as the Shearwater Perdix 2 and Suunto Eon Steel. These rivals are also packed with advanced features but tend to offer smaller screens and less extensive feature sets at similar or higher price points. The larger screen size and more comprehensive functionality of the Descent X50i, however, give it a competitive edge, especially for divers who prefer a more intuitive interface and additional data at their fingertips. The Garmin Descent X50i also distinguishes itself with its design. Garmin has consistently prioritized creating rugged yet user-friendly devices, and the X50i is no exception. Its durable construction, paired with a sleek, modern design, makes it an attractive option for serious divers who need both performance and style in their gear.

The Garmin Descent X50i represents a significant leap forward for the company as it enters the world of advanced dive computers. With its large screen, robust feature set, and competitive price point, the X50i is sure to appeal to divers looking for a versatile, reliable device. While it may not come cheap, the features and functionality it offers make it a standout choice in the dive computer market, pushing Garmin further into the spotlight as a leader in the sports tech industry.