A set of suitable gauges for DIR folks

[b1gcountry]

I just posted a review elsewhere for the National Geographic Dive Master Watch:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/4423886-post19.html

It is a $60 watch that gives you current depth, and elapsed dive time. It has a water activated function so the dive time starts automatically when you descend below 5'. Buy.com currently has them for sale for $60:

Egana NG705GWSK National Geographic Men's' Pioneer Series DiveMaster Strap Watch - NG705GWSK-R - Buy.com

Anyway, the Suunto watches in guage mode seem to be pretty popular around here, as well as the Uwatec 330 digital guage. This is very similar in functionality, and at a fraction of the cost. Seems to be pretty ideal with Warm water stuff, and it might even have some applications as a backup guage for deeper stuff if it proves itself reliable enough.

Sorry for the cross-link of my own review, but I know a lot of DIR folks might be interested, and that a lot don't really keep up on the other forums.

Tom

 

[Blackwood]

edit: never mind.

Nice review.

 

[ae3753]

Thanks for the review, very interesting...

 

[scubamountaingirl]

thank you its just what i need in my price range. i have a depth guage but the extra guage for time just clutters up my arm. I am NOT using a computer so my guages are essential. i will check it out now...

wendy

 

[gxsr_sarge]

Tom, very nice review. Thanks.

Let me throw this out there: What's a good combination timepiece/timer (for right wrist)? I used to use a Casio to time stops but found the buttons hard to use with gloves in open water. I currently use a second BT (Alladin 2G) that I use for the timer function (I know, it's an expensive timer) but was advised by my C1 instructor to ditch the 2nd BT on my right arm to minimize another snag potential. Any suggestions?

 

[b1gcountry]

I had a Timex Ironman that worked pretty well before it flooded. It has a big button on the face that is used for lap timing. It worked well with smurf gloves and heavy wool liners. The big numbers on the bottom will give you the lap time, and a smaller set of numbers gives you total time. (You can select which time goes where.) Other than the strap situation, it worked well until it flooded.

This was a 100m version. They also make a 200m version that will probably last longer. Also, I tried filling my watch with Mineral Oil and seeing if that helps any.

Tom