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First Look: Garmin Descent™ X30 Dive Computer

Benjamin Hadfield   Oct 21, 2025

First Look: Garmin Descent™ X30 Dive Computer

A Bright, Bold Step Forward in Dive Tech — and We’re Loving It.

When Garmin announced the new Descent X30, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on it — and after several dives, including a challenging low-visibility test at 92 feet, we can confidently say: this computer is a winner.

First Impressions: Visibility Like Never Before

Let’s start with what every diver notices first — the screen. The Descent X30 boasts a stunning 2.4-inch color LCD display, and it’s not just big — it’s bright. In fact, it’s the brightest screen we’ve seen on any dive computer in this class.

During our last dive (92 ft, less than 4 ft of visibility), my buddy could easily read my computer from several feet away. If you’ve ever struggled to read your display in dark water or through a foggy mask, this screen is a revelation. For older eyes or anyone tired of squinting at tiny fonts, the large numbers and customizable layouts make dive data clear, fast, and effortless.

Tech-Level Features at a Recreational Price

The X30 punches well above its price tag. It includes virtually every feature found in high-end Pro Shearwater units — except for air integration (AI) and closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) support — while adding Garmin’s trademark polish, build quality, and interface design.

  • Supports single- and multi-gas diving, including air, Nitrox, and Trimix (up to 100% O₂)
     

  • Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm with customizable gradient factors
     

  • Dynamic depth chart for real-time depth and ascent awareness
     

  • 3-axis digital compass (arguably one of the best in its class)
     

  • NDL Aware™ depth metrics that adapt as you dive to show how changes in depth impact your bottom time
     

  • Surface GPS for marking entry/exit points
     

  • Audible and vibration alerts to keep you aware without distraction
     

Garmin didn’t cut corners — even the buttons are a leap forward. Four large leakproof metal buttons are easy to use, even with gloves, and the new flip-screen mode lets you rotate the display orientation based on your gear setup.

Eco-Friendly Build, Built to Last

Garmin has been leaning into sustainability, and the Descent X30 leads that charge.

100% of the plastic used in the housing and bezel is made from recycled ocean-bound plastics.

Despite its eco-conscious design, the X30 is no lightweight in toughness — it’s dive-rated to 100 meters (10 ATM) and features a fiber-reinforced polymer case with chemically strengthened glass. The result? A rugged, eco-friendly computer that feels premium without being fragile.

Customizable and Smart

Garmin nailed user experience with the X30. You can fully customize the dive data fields — up to three per screen — and select layouts that make sense for your dive style.

Want PPO₂ front and center? Done. Prefer a minimalist layout with depth and NDL only? Easy. And outside the water, you still get all the perks of Garmin’s connected ecosystem:

  • Bluetooth® and ANT+® connectivity
     

  • Smart notifications (text, weather, etc.)
     

  • Dive log sync via the Garmin Dive™ app
     

  • Surface interval tracking and tide data
     

  • InReach® compatibility for SOS capability when paired with Garmin’s dive case
     

Battery Life & Durability

Battery life is impressive:

  • 30 hours at medium brightness
     

  • 10 hours at high brightness
     

  • 47 hours on night-dive mode
     

That’s plenty for a weekend trip or liveaboard without worrying about mid-expedition charging.

X30 vs. X50 — What’s the Difference?

Feature

Descent X30

Descent X50

Display Size

2.4” LCD

2.4” AMOLED (touchscreen)

Touchscreen

❌

✅

CCR Support

❌

✅

Built-in Light

❌

✅

Air Integration (AI)

❌

✅

Price Point

 

 

 

 

About the Author — Benjamin Hadfield
Benjamin Hadfield is the owner of Stuart Scuba and an Instructor Trainer who’s happiest when underwater or talking gear between dives. With a knack for testing the latest dive tech (and occasionally breaking it in the name of science), Benjamin blends hands-on experience with a healthy dose of curiosity and humor. When he’s not leading classes or mentoring new instructors, you’ll find him somewhere on a reef, logging “just one more dive” — usually with a new gadget in hand.

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