The D2 Mach 1 is a Garmin Epix 2 for aviators
Garmin has landed a pilot-focused D2 Mach 1 watch. It slaps on aviation features on top of all the great fitness and health functionality of the Epix (2nd gen).
This in not Garmin’s first device of its kind. It is an extension of the D2 range for aviators which consists of the D2 Air X10, D2 Delta S, D2 Delta and D2 Delta PX. As the D2 Mach 1 comes with a 1.3 inch AMOLED touchscreen display it is the most expensive of the bunch. The $1,199 ($1,299.99 with a titanium bracelet) it retails for is also more expensive than the Epix 2 which starts at $899.
A premium version of Epix (gen 2) with aviation functionality
Think of it as a premium version of the Epix (gen 2) with some added features. The dimensions and screen are exactly the same between the two watches, but D2 Mach 1 comes with a sapphire crystal lens and titanium bezel on top of the fibre-reinforced polymer (with titanium rear cover) body. This keeps it lightweight. The case weighs only 47 grams, which climbs to 70 grams with the band.
The add ons come in the form of a long list of aviation features. This includes worldwide airport databases and wireless flight plans from Garmin Pilot. The functionality provides navigation capabilities so you can waypoint directly to a fixed location. To watch also displays NEXRAD radar overlaid on top of your route, a moving map and horizontal situation indicator. Think of it as a complete flight system on your wrist.
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Beyond that, there are aviation alerts, automatic notifications for changing conditions (along with temperature trends, wind, dewpoint, sky cover, and precipitation probability), an altimeter with adjustable bars setting, in-flight pulse oxygen information and much much more. Users also get two additional tactical features – a Stealth Mode and a Kill switch.
It is no surprise that all these extras have an effect on battery life. Whereas you get up to 16 days (6 days always-on) in smartwatch mode on the Epix (gen 2), you only get 11 days (4 days always-on) on the aviator iteration. With GPS there is no difference – up to 42 hours.
A complete sports tracker on your wrist
On the ground, you have the benefit of using the most complete health and fitness watch Garmin has on offer. Anything the Fenix 7 or Epix 2 can do on this count, is doable on the D2 Mach 1.
There’s multi-frequency positioning support, along with a plethora of activity tracking, cycling, running, golfing, outdoor recreation, cycling and swimming features. Smart functionality highlights include Garmin Pay, offline storage for up to 650 songs (including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer), along with notifications for calls, texts and apps.
The D2 Mach 1 is available now on Garmin’s website in an oxford brown leather band vented or more pricey titanium bracelet option. A purchase gets you a trial subscription of the Garmin Pilot app.
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