Garmin vs shearwater

[Belzelbub]

FENIX 8
Dive computer capabilities about 1/2 way down the page:

Thanks for posting.

A couple real quick observations.

Looks like the compass is a bit different. At least compared to my MK2s, not sure how it shows in the MK3 line. On my MK2s, there is a compass screen where the compass occupies the majority of the screen. Looks like the Fenix 8 has a compass ring occupying a portion of the top of the screen.

No user adjustable layout configuration according to the table. Though, the way that’s worded, it’s possible that there is user configuration, just not for advanced data fields. Also, no mention in this article if you can use custom GFs or disable lockout.

Still, it will work for most recreational divers, though I do wonder what happens if you go deeper than 40M/130 ft.

 

[scrane]

Thanks for posting.

A couple real quick observations.

Looks like the compass is a bit different. At least compared to my MK2s, not sure how it shows in the MK3 line. On my MK2s, there is a compass screen where the compass occupies the majority of the screen. Looks like the Fenix 8 has a compass ring occupying a portion of the top of the screen.

No user adjustable layout configuration according to the table. Though, the way that’s worded, it’s possible that there is user configuration, just not for advanced data fields. Also, no mention in this article if you can use custom GFs or disable lockout.

Still, it will work for most recreational divers, though I do wonder what happens if you go deeper than 40M/130 ft.

More of a smart watch that can be used as a computer than a computer that can be used as a smart watch like the Descent models.
The author includes certification data showing it can live through greater depths at least.
Seems to be a good option for an active person who is also a recreational diver.
Garmin has been in the dive computer business for a few years now, so I imagine its capabilities, although limited, will be well thought out.
I’ve been using a Descent Mk 1 as a backup for about six years now and it has never failed me. It has been more than the toy I had originally thought it to be.

 

[SummerHawaii]

I wish the Shearwater computers have GPS logging features. If they did, would be a very easy choice over the Garmin Descents.

Right? I’m torn between the two the GPS mapping is pretty epic especially during a challenging dive

 

[Belzelbub]

Right? I’m torn between the two the GPS mapping is pretty epic especially during a challenging dive

Just for clarity. The Garmin doesn't have GPS mapping of a dive. It will only mark the entry and exit points. The Suunto Ocean does have dive mapping capability. It uses the entry and exit points along with the accelerometers on the DC to extrapolate a probable map. From what I've understood, it doesn't actually display the map during the dive. Needs the exit location to make a guess as to where you've been. Not sure how accurate it is, though.

I decided to go with both. My primary is a Shearwater Perdix AI and my backup is a Garmin Descent MK2s. They pair with each other quite well. The Shearwater covers the gas usage, and the Garmin adds the GPS locations as well as heart rate measurements. I use Subsurface for logging. I download from the Shearwater first, and fill in relevant details while at the dive site. I leave location blank, though. When I get to my home, I'll import the Garmin profile into Subsurface. The location is updated and the heart rate graph is pulled in as well.

 

[spatty99]

The new Garmin X50i just updated firmware to include "Added the Map tool in dive, available in the menu". I assume this means you will be able to view your entry GPS point and the surrounding area depth chart underwater during your dive (assuming you are in a location covered by the "DiveView" maps).

 

[SKS22]

I love my Garmin mk2i. It makes me sad to write this, but I think Shearwater won.

Garmin has been playing penny pinching and subscription games and it keeps getting worse. First, they started with silly things like watch faces that nobody cares about. Then they tricked folks into losing maps when they updated Garmin Explore, which is a companion app that enhances the Garmin experience where mapping and routing is concerned. My favorite maps were suddenly stuck behind a paywall.

Today Garmin has announced that they're going even further, and now putting out new AI features and hiding them behind a paywall in Garmin Connect.

A lot of Garmin users are angry because they rightly fear that Garmin will over time move the best connect features to the paywall. We've seen it from a dozen different companies. Once they start down this path they don't stop until all the value is gone.

For now, Garmin is still a great choice, but today's purchasers must be cautious because it's impossible to say what features will end up behind a future paywall.

 

[brsnow]

I love my Garmin mk2i. It makes me sad to write this, but I think Shearwater won.

Garmin has been playing penny pinching and subscription games and it keeps getting worse. First, they started with silly things like watch faces that nobody cares about. Then they tricked folks into losing maps when they updated Garmin Explore, which is a companion app that enhances the Garmin experience where mapping and routing is concerned. My favorite maps were suddenly stuck behind a paywall.

Today Garmin has announced that they're going even further, and now putting out new AI features and hiding them behind a paywall in Garmin Connect.

A lot of Garmin users are angry because they rightly fear that Garmin will over time move the best connect features to the paywall. We've seen it from a dozen different companies. Once they start down this path they don't stop until all the value is gone.

For now, Garmin is still a great choice, but today's purchasers must be cautious because it's impossible to say what features will end up behind a future paywall.

Highly unlikely they sell a dive computer that you have to pay a subscription to dive with.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Highly unlikely they sell a dive computer that you have to pay a subscription to dive with.

That isn't what @SKS22 said. He said Garmin has a habit of moving the best features behind a pay wall. Those would not be the basic, core features required to use the computer, but rather nice-to-have "delighter" type features.

Sorry to hear that Garmin may be going this route with their dive computers. I dive Shearwaters, but I do have two other Garmin devices ... a forerunner 735XT fitness watch and an inReach mini 2. On both I have noticed Garmin loves to slice and dice across so many apps and features it will make you dizzy. I don't fall for their marketing crap as I focus on the basic capabilities that I need. But I can see their approach working on a large percentage of users, especially younger folks, who are driven to stay on the bleeding edge of the technology.

 

[boqurant]

When looking at rough equivalents, I'd always choose the product from the company for whom that product is most important to their revenue. Shearwater make excellent dive computers and nothing else.

 

[Still Kicking]

The nautical navigation software company Navionics used to sell a subscription for their US chart for $15. Garmin bought the company in 2017. Now the subscription is $50/year.