Wrist Dive Computer or Console?

[gcbryan]

I figure at the end of the day a fellow has to just sit back, relax, kick a little clay off his shoes, scratch his favorite bird dog behind the ears and ask his self what do I really want?

A Suuto console just might fit the ticket if you catch my drift. Maybe I'm just a little too techy myself but the young ins aren't likely to lose them and it's there when you need it like a cold Bud or a Colt 45 (beer or handgun).

A wrist computer is a little too wimpy for me. Give me a good console anyday.

Let us know what you decide

 

[gypsyjim]

Often having a camera in my hand, the wrist mount is very handy.

 

[bsumner]

I have never used a console computer. My first computer was a wrist model, which was in a backpack that was stolen only 5 months after I got it. I replaced it with a hose mount. That was 8 years and more than 3,000 dives ago.



90% of my dives I have my hands full; strobe camera system, large slate, and dragging newbies through caverns in current and surge. We are just talking about recreational diving, right? If it is just warm water diving shouldn't you be able to swim up on ascent with empty BC?

I can move it between both my reg sets, if there is a failure and I have to use a rental it moves, it doesn't cost $900...

My post wasn't directed at you specifically. It was a general statement.

 

[Jupiter31]

I've got both a wrist computer and a console computer. I typically dive with both.

I like the wrist computer better. It's just easier to see and take a "quick glance at".


Air integrated "wireless" is up to you. but I personally think they are a little expensive for what you get. (but then again I've never used one before either. I know some people who love them). I wouldn't trust a wireless connection as your only pressure reading though. always have an analog gauge for backup.

Gotta agree 100% -

I use the same set up - while its all what you get used to, I really miss having a wrist computer the times I dive w/out it (service, lending it to friends).

Too, I purchased 2 wrist computers for under $200 each - so the cost is reasonable.

My wife has a wrist computer and an analog SPG - this is a good way to save a few $$'s too.

I had the opportunity to purchase an air integrated "wireless" at a really good price a year ago and passed - just did not see the need.

Also - and while this may be ovbious to many - if this thread has motivated those w/ consoles to consider a wrist computer as a back up - make sure the wrist computer and the console computer has a compatable algorithim (sp??) - processes u/w and gas data in a similar manner -

I had an Oceanic console, aor integrated and later purchased an Atmos - very similar, so no issues - different story had my "primary" been a Suunto for example.

 

[gypsyjim]

I let my kids go with analog/consoles until they'd shown me they could handle themselves, and their gear well. They each just got wrist comps, but not $300 each. THAT's for them to buy when they're earning their own $$$!
The gf is talking about a comp too, but I'm waiting to see her log quite a few more dives, both to give her more experience logging dives manually, and to wait and make sure she's staying with the sport. At this point, if she does go to a comp, it will be console mounted, to give her one less piece of equip to handle, and keep track of!

 

[iztok]

Also - and while this may be ovbious to many - if this thread has motivated those w/ consoles to consider a wrist computer as a back up - make sure the wrist computer and the console computer has a compatable algorithim (sp??) - processes u/w and gas data in a similar manner -

I had an Oceanic console, aor integrated and later purchased an Atmos - very similar, so no issues - different story had my "primary" been a Suunto for example.

Why would different algorithms matter? They truly don't. You pick whichever computer as your primary and other as a backup. You follow primary and if that one dies you switch to backup. They do not have to use same/similar algorithms as long as you dive them at the same time

 

[ScubaTodd77]

I'm a new diver and would like to keep my console computer and eventually add a wrist computer. I have dove with a wrist computer and I liked it b/c I had it on my right wrist, which allowed me to look at my computer while dumping/adding air with my inflator hose which is on the left. Normally I have to hold my console computer with the same hand as my inflator in order to keep an eye on my ascent rate as I'm dumping air. So I want both! Plus one could be used as back up in case of failure.

 

[usmcguy367]

I have had both, right now I have a console, and like it better. I run the console though the sholder strap on my BC under my arm. That keeps the console right on the middle of my chest. Easy to see and I always know where it is.

 

[SCUBASailor]

I haven't seen anyone address the issue of display size here. I am recently OW certified, and almost 50 years old. My close vision is not what it used to be. It seems that some of the console computers have large enough displays to make reading in dim light much easier. The small puck or wrist displays seem like they might be hard to read. I have a tough time just reading my watch, even in near the surface. I have not purchased a computer yet, so any feedback regarding this would be appreciated.

 

[gcbryan]

I haven't seen anyone address the issue of display size here. I am recently OW certified, and almost 50 years old. My close vision is not what it used to be. It seems that some of the console computers have large enough displays to make reading in dim light much easier. The small puck or wrist displays seem like they might be hard to read. I have a tough time just reading my watch, even in near the surface. I have not purchased a computer yet, so any feedback regarding this would be appreciated.

Many consoles use a puck sized computer that is the same size whether it's in the console or on the wrist. Some are larger however.

The size of the numbers is what matters. There are some puck sized computers with pretty good display layout with larger numbers.