air Integration

[Overboard]

Hi,

I am a newbie ad want to buy a computer. I realy like the Cobra. Should I be concerned about the reliability of the air inegration feature, or is it as depenable as an analog guage?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[MNScuba]

I hope my inexperience doesn't cause a foot-in-mouth situation, but I think most people carry some sort of analog gauge as well, however the Cobra has had rave reviews and few problem reports as far as I know. It really depends on what kind of diving you are doing.

Simply put, you 'should' be fine with the Cobra. It's just a matter of how comfortable you are if the computer does fail. It's nice to have an analog backup so you know your depth and air pressure anyway.

 

[gadget]

I have never heard of the Cobra failing and don't personally know anyone who dives with a SPG along with a hosed air integrated computer. ( and I know a lot of divers)

I would personally be very interested to know if anyone has ever heard of any brand of hosed air integrated computer failing during a dive.

(Pre dive problems don't count as batteries etc can be a factor.)

The Cobra has worked Like a charm for me this past year and the Oceanic Datamaxpro plus is also a nice unit. One of my instructor buddies got the Aeris 5000AI and he has been quite pleased with it as well.

If you do go air integrated take a look at the HP quick disconnect as it is a great add on feature especially if you have the Dive Manger computer interface.

 

[Tavi]

Hi,
My wife, son and I all dive with Cobras.
The Suunto dive manager is great!
The quick disconnect is nice too.
The SK-7 compass is one of the best. (you can get this with it)

If I was going to carry an analog guage I wouldn't have spent all this money on computers. But if I need an analog guage (in technical diving this would be preffered) I could use it in Guage mode.

A freind of mine had a Cobra that died on it's 10nth dive. Suunto replaced it. Also If you do a search here you will find that there are 1 or 2 people that have had problems with differing information.

I like it, No problems here.

 

[ckharlan66]

Gadget,

I don't dive with a air integrated computer but in reguards to your request about computers failing during dive this thread was up not long ago. I sounds like the battery failed during the dive on this one, but it didn't cause a big problem as the diver was able to finish the dive safely.

Not trying to argue I just thought this might apply.

http://www.scubaboard.com/t7647/s.html

Overboard,

You might not carry a spg for computer failing during a dive as much as before the dive. If the battery dies, etc., then if you don't have a spg and a watch and depth guage you are done for the day. Never hurts to have backups not just for during the dive but also to make sure you get to dive.

Oh well just my opinion.

Chad

 

[TexasMike]

My personal, have just been diving for 1.5 years, am not an instructor (nor a gear tech), opinion on whether or not to go with air integrated computers is that it can depend upon your style of diving and whether or not you might one day make the jump into technical diving.

Me, I still prefer the "simpler" analog SPG. The current computer I use is the Genesis ReACT (but am lusting after the Nitek3).

As far as using air integrated computers in technical diving, I'm afraid I cannot comment on that since I'm still 30 days away from making my first jump into it (I start the TDI curriculum soon). But if my instructor has anything interesting worth saying about the topic, I'll consider relaying it.

 

[CincyBengalsFan]

I'm not a fan of air intergrated computers. I've been diving for 19 yrs. and teaching for 6. However; You are going to see all kinds of new intergrated computers this fall after DEMA. Genesis is coming out with a computer to rival Suunto's computers. I guess they are very popular still. I like my analog gauges.

 

[Tavi]

Originally posted by TexasMike

but am lusting after the Nitek3

"Lusting"? after equipment?

Oh man, your really hooked................. Just like me!

 

[wheezy]

Dude, if you got the bucks, Air Integration RULES... PERIOD

I've seen all sorts of setups...

having a backup (especially on any really deep dives or tech type dives i.e. caves, wrecks, ect...) is a GREAT idea

There is one guy that frequents my LDS that has a pony guage (the little spg) mounted to a hose off his 1'st stage... quite ingenious I thought

Also, Suunto makes a set of analog guages that are really small and would make a great backup. Actually just saw the them for the first time this weekend when I was at the shop. I'll get a name for you...

Anyhow, back to the point... The COBRA is the shizzzz... diveinn sells the thing for $399

Good Luck

 

[Overboard]

Thanks for all the input. I'll get the Cobra, I guess, but buy a back up set of guages for either myself or my wife. Good idea anyway.

Thanks,

Mark