Garmin Descent x50i experience?

[JrobC]

Hello all,
I am new here and curious. Has anyone dove the new Garmin Descent x50i? It has been out for a bit but I am not seeing any reviews. Garmin's website and promo videos make it clear what the positives are, but besides the price, does anyone have any real world experience they would like to share? Pros, cons, constructive feedback, interesting items to note? etc.

Thanks,

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Post in thread 'Garmin enters the large format dive computer market X50i'

Wednesday at 3:18 PM

Figured I'd add another post to an existing thread - I have not read the entire thread, but here is my impression of the X50i.

Background, I've been diving Garmin computers since 02/2022, starting with an Mk2i / T1, then upgrading to an Mk3i/T2 and now most recently I've added an X50i to the mix. I've done >400 dives on Garmin's during that time, often diving with one mounted on my DPV and one mounted on my wrist. Yay redundancy? I also have multiple regular dive buddies that dive various Garmin products, so we "use" the messaging feature - just kidding, we don't... it sucks... but we...

• TMurrr

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• 

C

Post in thread 'Garmin enters the large format dive computer market X50i'

Jan 11, 2025

So my son dove his new Garmin computer a few days ago in the Virgin Islands. Nitrox dive at 80' or so of water at an artificial reef.

His report was he loved it. The screen was very user friendly and intuitive, and of course the computer worked well. He's enamored of the GPS and SPOT distress features although he hasn't subscribed to the service yet. FWIW no crosstalk/interference with my or the divemaster's Shearwaters.

Admittedly this was not the most extensive test or the most technical dive but the unit is a promising entry. The only downside is the price, which I paid as an xmas...

• coldwaterglutton

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[Flamebut57]

My partner and I dove them last weekend and loved them. We didn’t have air integration hooked up and haven’t messed around with messaging each other so I cannot comment on those features. The screen size and display are awesome. We had them hooked up to an inReach for a drift dive.

The computer is a little heavy on land but it wasn’t noticeable in the water.

My only negative comment is that neither of us were crazy about the included strap. Lots of extra dangling strap if you’re not careful to tuck it away. I’ll probably look at replacing the buckle strap with bungie or at the very least cutting off the extra strap.

 

[Ty Hamby]

How is that battery on the X50i doing. I got a report from a diver that his unit was low after 2 hours of diving. Wondering if he got a defective unit.

 

[JrobC]

Post in thread 'Garmin enters the large format dive computer market X50i'

Wednesday at 3:18 PM

Figured I'd add another post to an existing thread - I have not read the entire thread, but here is my impression of the X50i.

Background, I've been diving Garmin computers since 02/2022, starting with an Mk2i / T1, then upgrading to an Mk3i/T2 and now most recently I've added an X50i to the mix. I've done >400 dives on Garmin's during that time, often diving with one mounted on my DPV and one mounted on my wrist. Yay redundancy? I also have multiple regular dive buddies that dive various Garmin products, so we "use" the messaging feature - just kidding, we don't... it sucks... but we...

• TMurrr

• 
• 

C

Post in thread 'Garmin enters the large format dive computer market X50i'

Jan 11, 2025

So my son dove his new Garmin computer a few days ago in the Virgin Islands. Nitrox dive at 80' or so of water at an artificial reef.

His report was he loved it. The screen was very user friendly and intuitive, and of course the computer worked well. He's enamored of the GPS and SPOT distress features although he hasn't subscribed to the service yet. FWIW no crosstalk/interference with my or the divemaster's Shearwaters.

Admittedly this was not the most extensive test or the most technical dive but the unit is a promising entry. The only downside is the price, which I paid as an xmas...

• coldwaterglutton

• 
• 

Thanks, that is great information. I have the Garmin Descent G1 and looking for a drastic upgrade and want the larger screen for better night visibility and for more accessible information. This was very helpful.

 

[Flamebut57]

How is that battery on the X50i doing. I got a report from a diver that his unit was low after 2 hours of diving. Wondering if he got a defective unit.

I just checked the battery, and after a two tank dive plus SI and boat ride back it was at 60%.

 

[Ty Hamby]

I just checked the battery, and after a two tank dive plus SI and boat ride back it was at 60%.

Wow! That sounds horrible! I hope a firmware update fixes that. Most modern dive computers go an entire week on a liveaboard doing 20+ dives before getting to 60%. Wonder what is causing the battery drain.

 

[Flamebut57]

Wow! That sounds horrible! I hope a firmware update fixes that. Most modern dive computers go an entire week on a liveaboard doing 20+ dives before getting to 60%. Wonder what is causing the battery drain.

Yeah it was lower than I expected. I should also say I’m not sure what percent it was at before getting in the water. We did play with them quite a bit but given the expected 16 hours I would have expected to be closer to 75-80%. It might have to do with inReach being on, I’m not sure if the firmware disabled it when underwater but if not that would probably cause quite a drain. I don’t think the computer will ever be able to do 20+ dives and be at 60% though unless you turn the screen off.

I’ll reply after my next dive and pay closer attention.

 

[Ty Hamby]

Yeah it was lower than I expected. I should also say I’m not sure what percent it was at before getting in the water. We did play with them quite a bit but given the expected 16 hours I would have expected to be closer to 75-80%. It might have to do with inReach being on, I’m not sure if the firmware disabled it when underwater but if not that would probably cause quite a drain. I don’t think the computer will ever be able to do 20+ dives and be at 60% though unless you turn the screen off.

I’ll reply after my next dive and pay closer attention.

Yes, please report back. I was hoping to buy this instead of a perdix. I need a computer that will do trimix over many days on a liveaboard without requiring battery maintenance. TIA for a follow up. Im eagerly awaiting positive battery information.

 

[jakehbk]

Does it give an estimate of battery time left? I'd love to know what the battery life with GPS turned off if that makes a difference or not