A beginner seeking advice...

[Antonios (Holy Diver)]

Hello to everybody!
I am a fresh, inexperienced diver with meagre finances. Hopefully, next summer I will get my AOW certification,and maybe later EANx. I believe that I will be able to dive 8-10 times/year locally (in Southwest Greece). I am interested in buying a simple, inexpensive dive computer for beginners.What is your opinion on Cressi Donatello? As far as I understand, it is an upgraded Leonardo, with a better backlight and freedive mode. Has anyone purchased or used this model? Thank you in advance for your advice!

 

[myshadeofred]

I have not used that model...I use an Oceanic 2.0...and if you are on a budget I would look into ebay and sometimes you can mail in to have calibrated by the manufacturer. I can tell you, I do not like Suunto Zoop...I know you're on a budget but if you really plan to dive each year...get a watch that grows with you...not too basic and not too technical. I feel the Oceanic 2.0 is great...

Side note...EANx will be great after your AOW for your deep dives. Have fun.

 

[wheeledgoat]

While I would absolutely agree that having your own computer (that you can get to know) is definitely advisable, for your situation I might suggest leaving "computer" on your rental list for the time being.

This is because I am currently looking VERY hard at the $450 Shearwater Peregrine, and somewhat regretting my purchase of a previous-generation puck-style computer (though it'll be great as a backup). The intuitive function and clear display of the Shearwater computers are second to none, and while I do appreciate that $450 is about double the price of the Donatello, I predict your buyer's remorse will mirror mine in a very short period of time.

The only thing holding up my Peregrine purchase is the lack of Air Integration (AI), which is virtually guaranteed in a year or so (despite how coy Shearwater is being about it - they don't want to hinder the current model's sales). I predict the Peregrine will basically be the new standard, and it will only be a matter of time before you upgrade. Save yourself the cost of the Donatello and save up for the Peregrine. (disclaimer: I'm not affiliated with the company, just a discerning consumer).

Just my opinion - best of luck!

 

[Marie13]

From previous posts, Oceanic support seems to be sketchy outside of North America. The OP is in Greece.

 

[chillyinCanada]

I've never needed support for my Oceanics.

I'm quite happy with them all. Even the one I flooded myself and the one I lost.

Meanwhile, I've been diving the two that I have now, for many years.

I don't log my dives and so never cared about cables etc.

 

[Marie13]

I've never needed support for my Oceanics.

I'm quite happy with them all. Even the one I flooded myself and the one I lost.

Meanwhile, I've been diving the two that I have now, for many years.

I don't log my dives and so never cared about cables etc.

Chilly, you live in North America. We always tell posters to buy regs that can be serviced locally. Shouldn’t the same thing go for computers? Cressi seems to be more popular in Europe, as far as I can tell.

 

[BoltSnap]

Hello to everybody!
I am a fresh, inexperienced diver with meagre finances. Hopefully, next summer I will get my AOW certification,and maybe later EANx. I believe that I will be able to dive 8-10 times/year locally (in Southwest Greece). I am interested in buying a simple, inexpensive dive computer for beginners.What is your opinion on Cressi Donatello? As far as I understand, it is an upgraded Leonardo, with a better backlight and freedive mode. Has anyone purchased or used this model? Thank you in advance for your advice!

I would skip Cressi computers or anything Cressi. I have 3 used Cressi computers I am looking to sell to replace them with Scubapro computers. I'd look at Scubapro or Aqualung computers instead of Cressi. Both have lower cost computers that will be much better than the Cressi with much better support in your area.

 

[chillyinCanada]

I would skip Cressi computers or anything Cressi. I have 3 used Cressi computers I am looking to sell to replace them with Scubapro computers. I'd look at Scubapro or Aqualung computers instead of Cressi. Both have lower cost computers that will be much better than the Cressi with much better support in your area.

Aren't you a Scubapro rep?

 

[BoltSnap]

Aren't you a Scubapro rep?

No, I am not. I am a dive school.

 

[chillyinCanada]

No, I am not. I am a dive school.

What gear do you put your students into?