Dive to 40m

So this actually did not happen that the Fenix 8 automatically killed all descent computers... right? ;)

Yes obviously it doesn't, that was my point.

Garmin has a 2 min video comparing the Dive features of fenix 8 (40m) and Descent Mk3i (200m and AI).

youtu.be/EDeNeWUGZM0

Theres a few other software related differences but it basically comes down to if you want AI or not.

8335017 said:

Yes obviously it doesn't, that was my point

Sorry, I didn't get it.

Well, for recreational divers without AI, not much point of getting Descent.

How much that is then from the customer base of Descent is hard to say... At least majority of the divers are just recreational divers, but then not sure about their dive computer usage and AI usage.

There is a point getting the descent if you want a fully fledged Fenix 7 with full dive statistics and mapping capabilities. Being a recreational diver doesn't mean you want less dive data any less than being a hobby runner means you want less running data. So what, you won't go beyond 40m any time soon, you can still get a TON of good use out of a Descent Mk3 for years as an above-gound and underwater sports tracking watch.

The Fenix 8 has TERRIBLE software, buggy and broken, and I would not trust it at all for diving. The Descent G1 is based on an old platform and hardware and needs to be updated before it can even be considered as a one-watch replacement.

What less data you are getting with Fenix 8?  

Of course you don't get AI stuff, but I'm not sure that most people want/use/have AI. People who rent gear for example, the AI is pretty annoying hassle.

Fenix 8 is just released watch with typical new released watch issues, it takes half year/year to stabilize. But like, I haven't seen diving related bugs in Fenix 8 forums?

So I would appreciate if you would give some hard facts to your statements, now that looks more like a general rant.

AI is very much a personal preference but it does have some benefits.

I had an Oceanic ATOM 2 dive watch since 2008 and it had AI.
It was great being able to see everything you need on one screen on your wrist.

When diving I don’t want to have to look at too many things in different places.

I also had a simple analog pressure gauge as a backup.

The pressure gauge eventually failed but I still had AI from the watch.

I replaced the pressure gauge with a Cressi Digi2 smart gauge, which shows depth, air, dive time, but also calculates air time based on your consumption rate, just like the Oceanic did, which is a big plus for having AI.

I sold the Oceanic after 14 years as I wanted something newer, and the Mk3i was not released yet, so I got the Descent G1 Solar, which I find very good as an all-rounder for fitness and diving, but it doesnt have AI, which I miss now not having it all on the one screen, so I have to reach for the Digi2 console to check air and air time remaining.

No big deal of course but I still have my eye on getting an Mk3i when I can afford it.

The Fenix 8 has the worst software and bugs of any watch Garmin has released in generations, the forums are full of problems and Garmins patch lists are full of significant fixes. And yes there was a major dive bug for cold water diving google "Garmin Fenix 8 cold water bug". Also, Fenix 8 only supports big numbers mode so reduced data on the screen while diving (not a big deal for many I know but some may be bothered by it).