Aeris Atmos 2 Navcon Opinions?

[MarcusCarr]

I have researched and researched these dive computers. My eyes are about to melt from staring at the monitor so long. I am 90% sure that I want to buy the Atmos 2 with compass. I would like the perceptions of anyone who has actually used one in a diving situation.

Here are the criteria that I have considered:

Ease of Use: I want to be able to see all the gauges at once. I would rather not have to flip to see the pressure gauge (versa pro).

What if it breaks: I want an analog pressure gauge, not air integrated (the needle moving toward red has more impact for me than a digital countdown, strange as that may seem. If the computer does go out, I still have a display of air remaining.)

Price: I need to stay under $400 or my wife will probably leave me

Availability: The Atmos 2, and others, are readily available. My first option was a A300G, but they are no longer mainstream and are on their way out.

So...If you have used one of these, what was your perception of the computer, ease of use, etc.

Thank you,
Marcus

 

[hex92]

I have the Atmos 2 in the console with the compass and pressure gauge. I think its great. You can see everything at a glance. You have the compass right there in front of you too. The nice thing is if you decide to wrist mount or ditch the compass later (probably not a good idea) you can unscrew that part of the console making it that much smaller.

The computer is simple to use. I read through the instructions once and haven't had to look at them again. The readout is very intuitive. You would have to be a complete moron not to be able to figure it out.

I got mine with the HP disconnect (Very nice) and the knife that fits into the built in spot on the back (cool). I bought it through my LDS so I paid alot more than $400. But I am sure LP or scubatoys are much cheaper.

One caveat: Its the only computer I have ever used so there may be better stuff out there, but I am happy with my purchase....well I wish I had bought it online and saved lots of $$$

 

[ScubaTexas]

I wouldn't purchase an Aeris computer. I personally own an Atmos 2 and I like the computer itself and its functionality. However, I have found their quality control to be lacking. The brand new Atmos 2 I purchased apparently contained an older software version. That should not happen, especially with a dive computer. When I brought the issue to their attention, I found the customer service to be some of the worse I have ever experienced. My $.02

 

[scubatoys]

I'll have to disagree with ScubaTexas as far as their customer service. Anytime I've had any problem with their products - they tell me to swap it out for the customer - make it right by them, and they'll send me out a new one.

Now I'm one of the largest dealers in the country for them, so maybe I get special treatment - but even when I was smaller, they always seemed to really stand behind their products. And I've personally used the Atmos 2 console and found it very easy to use. Your price is just about right if you don't want the quick disconnect.

 

[MarcusCarr]

I'll have to disagree with ScubaTexas as far as their customer service. Anytime I've had any problem with their products - they tell me to swap it out for the customer - make it right by them, and they'll send me out a new one.

Now I'm one of the largest dealers in the country for them, so maybe I get special treatment - but even when I was smaller, they always seemed to really stand behind their products. And I've personally used the Atmos 2 console and found it very easy to use. Your price is just about right if you don't want the quick disconnect.

Hey Scubatoys,

You may know that I opted for the Atmos 2, because I just called you and ordered one =]

Quick plug for Scubatoys...the service was good, quick and they shipped my console the next day. I plan to buy from them again. -Marcus Carr

 

[khenson]

I purchased the Atmos 2 wrist mount. I am excited about using it but I was wondering if there was any user tips I should know about before I get it into the water for the first time.

Kathryn

 

[Wristshot]

Originally I bought an Oceanic Versa Pro because I liked the huge display and Oceanic seemed good to me as a newbie. It worked well, but I was real disappointed with the console. It seemed flimsy and I hated having one gauge or the compass on the back side.

Then I found out about the Aeris Atmos 2. I loved the cool console, and the computer is almost identical to the Versa Pro. That means that I would not have to learn a different set of controls. I was thinking about getting a back up computer anyway, even though my Versa Pro was pretty new. Then I was faced with a real good sale price, so I jumped on it.

After diving with the Aeris, I really loved the Aeris console even more. No more turning it over, and who doesn't love the built in knife.

Then I found out something interesting. The Versa Pro will fit in the Aeris console! So I bought an extra Aeris console (I think it was about $29.95) and I had my Versa Pro installed into the Aeris Console. Oceanic sells a knife for the console that says Oceanic on it, so now I have two complete setups. One with Oceanic computer, guages, compass and knife, and one with everything Aeris. Both have quick disconnects and carabiners for the retractor clip, so I can use either one.

My buddy has an Oceanic Data Pro Plus with a quick disconnect, so my back up compter will work for him also if his ever dies.

Sorry for the long rambling saga. The point is that the Versa Pro had a crummy console in my opinion, and I upgraded to the Aeris console, and I love it!

The only real concern is that you need to remember to take the knife out of the computer if you carry your computer with you on airplanes (as most of us do!) Once (and I knew that I would screw up some day) I forgot, and had to leave the Security line and get the knife into a piece of checked luggage before I could travel.

Just some tidbits,

Wristshot