Garmin’s popular D2 watch has grown both in functionality and physicality over the years and the latest iteration, the Mach 1 Pro, keeps that progression going. The weighty device includes a surprisingly handy flashlight, night vision preserving modes and an ECG. The watch was announced Oct. 24, but FLYING’s Julie Boatman got one to take home from NBAA-BACE and has prepared this report.
I have the D2 Delta (the mid-sized one), and it’s about as big of a watch as I’d want. I’d actually like it to be a tad thinner, but otherwise I like it. But I have to admit, that flashlight feature looks pretty nice. Not sure I’d want a bigger/heavier watch for it, though.
I also have a D2 Delta. I like the watch but…the barometer function based on METAR went south a couple years ago, on a 2 yo watch. I contacted Garmin with the intention of sending it in for repair. I was told the unit was discontinued and the only option was to send them my watch and $350 for a remanufactured watch. I declined as spending over 1/3rd of the retail price for a repair seemed a bit out of line. I am all too familiar with Garmin’s on size fits all repairs, my GNS430 was in twice for repairs. I replaced the 430 with an Avidyne IFD440 and couldn’t be happier.
The watch looks great and follows a series of terrific watches by Garmin. However, most everyone I know uses ForeFlight. When will Garmin allow you to link the watch with ForeFlight. Only Garmin Pilot is supported. This is a huge miss IMHO.
Right! Garmin won’t allow my FlyQ EFB to connect to my GTX-345 transponder; only Garmin Pilot and ForeFlight.
I’m looking now at an Avidyne IFD440 to replace my 430W when it goes south.