FAQ ABOUT DIVE COMPUTERS
The Garmin Descent Mk2 builds on the features of their popular fēnix® 6X multi-activity smartwatch to add SCUBA diving functionality in addition to the many non-diving related features. The MK2i model adds support for hoseless gas pressure integration, sometimes called air integration (AI), with separately purchased optional Descent T1 wireless pressure transmitters. Based on the fēnix® 6s, the Mk2s is a physically smaller version of the Mk2. The G1 series has a more rugged purpose built design appropriate for active outdoor lifestyles that include SCUBA diving. The Mk2 series offers a full color display, while the G1 is a monochrome display. These differences make the G1 series a significantly lower price than the Mk2 series. The G1 is also available in a SOLAR version that substantially increases battery life between charges. For more details see our TekTip Descent Model Differences
The Garmin dive computers sold by Dive Gear Express support English by default and include a language pack that also supports: Български (Bulgaria), Čeština (Czech), Dansk (Danish), Deutsch (German), Eesti (Estonian), Eλληνικά (Greek), Español (Spanish), Français (French), Hrvatski (Croatian), Italiano (Italian), Latviešu (Latvian), Lietuvių (Lithuanian), Magyar(Hungarian), Nederlands (Netherlands), Norsk (Norwegian), Polski (Polish), Português (Portuguese), Русский (Russian - East Slavic), Română (Romanian), Slovenčina (West Slavic), Slovenščina (South Slavic), Suomi (Finnish), Svenska (Swedish), Türkçe (Turkish), and Yĸpaïaϲbĸa (Ukrainian).
All Garmin watches always support English, but have two different firmware versions that in turn each supports a specific language pack software download. The firmware version of the watch depends on the country of the authorized retailer: Asian Pacific (APAC) that supports the CJK ideographic character sets OR Rest of the World (RoW). The firmware between the APAC and RoW versions is different, so changing the language is not just a matter of downloading a different language pack. The Descent models sold by Dive Gear Express are the RoW version, not the APAC version, and do not support Chinese, Japanese or Korean languages.
The Perdix 2 is a richly featured technical diving computer and the Peregrine is an extended range sport diving computer. They have identical color displays with very similar core feature sets and operation.
The Perdix 2 is a best-in-class technical dive computer that includes support for Trimix, VPM alternative deco algorithm, wireless air integration, an electronic compass and rebreathers. The Peregrine can best be thought of as a value engineered Shearwater dive computer appropriate for Air and Nitrox divers that supports multi-gas planned decompression diving, yet without compromising on quality or ease-of-use.
The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti case also has a titanium bezel and titanium piezo touch buttons with user adjustable sensitivity plus an aluminosilicate toughened glass lens that has improved clarity and damage resistance. Compared to the very deep rating of the Perdix design, the Peregrine low profile case design is appropriate for the depth limits of Air and Nitrox divers thus allowing significant cost reduction. Omitting the wireless air integration radio receiver and the electronic compass generates further savings. No need to support mixed gas and closed-circuit also allows for simplified software. The Perdix is powered with any AA size battery and the battery is user changeable; the Peregrine is powered with an internal rechargeable Li-ion 900mAh battery.
The Shearwater dive computers sold by Dive Gear Express support English by default and also include language support for: Chinese-Simplified, Chinese-Traditional, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish.
There are a variety of aftermarket frames, covers and bull-bars for dive computers that are available on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and even at some dive retailers. Although these aftermarket accessories may enhance the cosmetic appearance of the device, in our experience they do not provide any significant additional protection. Dive computer manufacturers may not warrant their devices when used with the untested aftermarket covers as they have been known to obstruct, obscure or even damage the computer functions. There are also aftermarket 3D printed mounts for dive computers, again untested with the possibility of causing malfunction or even the loss of a device.
We have consulted with the manufacturers of the dive computers we sell and learned they express disdain for these aftermarket products. Our dive computer manufacturers tell us that they have delivered the best possible product and appropriate accessories after extensive research and development. The fact is, the addition of these aftermarket products cause more problems than any dubious benefits they may provide. Thus Dive Gear Express, as a respected major retailer for all the dive computers we carry, does not recommend or sell unapproved aftermarket dive computer accessories for this critical piece of life support equipment.