New Garmin Dive Computer: Descent G1

[Still Kicking]

How reliable is a 3-axis compass like the one on this model? I'm looking to finally buy myself a dive computer as a novice diver (19 dives) and would like something that includes a compass but isn't really expensive, but I've mostly read that you can't trust digital compasses.

It looks pretty accurate and easy to use. I prefer an analog compass but this one seems pretty good.

 

[Scuba-Lad]

How reliable is a 3-axis compass like the one on this model? I'm looking to finally buy myself a dive computer as a novice diver (19 dives) and would like something that includes a compass but isn't really expensive, but I've mostly read that you can't trust digital compasses.

Can't comment on the Garmin but my shearwater's compass has been superb - no issues.

 

[brsnow]

Does this have music/Bluetooth heads phone capability?

 

[gstrek]

Does this have music/Bluetooth heads phone capability?

No, the G1 does not have direct playback capability. It has "Music Controls" that allow you to manage the playback of music on your Bluetooth paired device (most likely your phone).

 

[Still Kicking]

Does this have music/Bluetooth heads phone

No

 

[waterone]

Can't comment on the Garmin but my shearwater's compass has been superb - no issues.

Garmin compass tracks well in both my mk1 and mk2i. It has a few addtional nav features over Teric but is missing the nice overlay that the Teric has.

I never have needed to recalibrate the compass for the Garmin.

 

[Joneill]

Just one time and I'd be glad I had it!

I use 2 transmitters and 2 computers so I have full redundancy = zero need for an SPG for me. I keep my old SPG in my dive bag as an additional backup (just in case).

I never understand that “hate” for AI from some around here? If you like SPG’s, then use one and don’t worry about other people’s gear choices as there is no “right” solution for gear - use what works for you!

 

[Chris Stock]

I use 2 transmitters and 2 computers so I have full redundancy = zero need for an SPG for me. I keep my old SPG in my dive bag as an additional backup (just in case).

I never understand that “hate” for AI from some around here? If you like SPG’s, then use one and don’t worry about other people’s gear choices as there is no “right” solution for gear - use what works for you!

I don't "hate" AI, but I do find it odd that we never had the need for back up SPG's growing up, but now there is a need for back up AI?

 

[Joneill]

I don't "hate" AI, but I do find it odd that we never had the need for back up SPG's growing up, but now there is a need for back up AI?

I don’t have (nor does anyone have) a “need” for backup AI. I’ve actually had zero issues with AI over the last 5 year (though I did have 2 issues with SPG’s in the prior 2 years).

As I travel to dive, I choose to have redundancy to do my best to minimize the chances of having to cut dives short or miss dives due to gear issues.

BTW - for many years, no one had the need for SPG’s either, but in my 7 years of diving, I’ve never seen a diver without an SPG or AI. Is that odd? Times change so the past is no indicator of current or future best practices.

 

[formernuke]

I've had the battery die, so I also have a spg