Garmin Descent G1 vs Shearwater

[pisauron]

It's annoying that you have to manually put the G1 into dive mode (which i never do) before it logs locations. I understand why this is (no GPS underwater) but it's annoying that it doesn't have a clever workaround.

The workaround would be having GPS on all the time, and much faster battery drain.

 

[The Chairman]

It's annoying

Not to me. When I finally locate that Spanish Galleon loaded with gems, gold, and silver, I'll have a far better idea of how to relocate it now. You don't think I dive for the fish, do you?

 

[oldschool45]

I have a Garmin Decent G1 and my eyes suck (bi-focal dive mask) but I've been running Garmin watches for 6 years so I just adjusted the fields I scroll through to make it easier to see. My wife uses a Garmin Venue SQ for daily wear but just bought a Shearwater Peregrine to dive with (Bigger and easier to see). Battery life on the newer Garmins's are pretty good. Normal use, one or 2 runs with GPS and I get almost a week between charges which really annoys Apple watch users. When I get back from Central Florida I'll have a better idea of what daily diving does to the battery life. I really like the Garmin Dive app. I can store certifications and pictures of those cards plus easy editing of dive details.
Big difference to me is that the Garmin has compass and GPS. The Shearwater doesn't do Compass or GPS and I've quit using the compass on my console because the Garmin's is so much better.
As far as Garmin reliability? In the last few years I've owned 2 and gifted 4. I've only had 2 issues and Garmin took care of it quickly.
My $.02

 

[Nick_Radov]

It's annoying that you have to manually put the G1 into dive mode (which i never do) before it logs locations. I understand why this is (no GPS underwater) but it's annoying that it doesn't have a clever workaround.

There is no reliable workaround that wouldn't kill battery life. Turning on the GNSS receiver significantly increases power consumption so Garmin devices only do this when you manually press the Start button. Part of the standard pre-dive sequence includes checking your instruments to verify that they're working and in the correct mode.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

There is no reliable workaround that wouldn't kill battery life. Turning on the GNSS receiver significantly increases power consumption so Garmin devices only do this when you manually press the Start button. Part of the standard pre-dive sequence includes checking your instruments to verify that they're working and in the correct mode.

I don't own any Garmin dive computers, but I do own a Garmin fitness watch. This sounds just like the need to activate and start the GPS before going on a run/walk/hike/bike ride. I would simply see that as a standard pre-dive activity just like you would before any other fitness activity.