Another equipment question specific to the GL

[MrSmitty13]

Ok my LDS just saved me from buying a cheaper (Scubapro MK2) first stage regulator explaining to me it would be fine for my upcoming trip to florida but when I want to go diving over the summer even in the depths of lake MI it would freeze up. So I went with his reccomendation of an Scubapro MK17.

Now the only thing left I have to buy is my guage. I've been looking at a standard scubapro guage but while I was pricing them I came across this Mares M2 "RGBM" Wrist Computer that was only $65 more than I was going to spend on the guage. From what I see so far it seems pretty decent. What do you think? Go with the guage or the dive computer? I'm on a price budget so any computers or guages over $200 are just out of the question at this time in my life. Would you think this dive computer would be safe to use in the the colder summer temps of lake MI?

Thanks!!!!

 

[superstar]

Seems that since you have to suck it up and buy two wetsuits (3mm Florida & 7mm Michigan) you may want to save a few bucks and go with just the pressure and depth guage. You don't really even need the depth guage if you allready know the depth of the dive site so you could just buy the pressure guage now and buy the computer later. The M2 "RGBM" is $199.95 at LP. It looks good to me.

 

[boat sju]

When you say gauge you do mean depth not pressure, right?

Nowadays, I'd suggest buying a computer rather than a depth gauge. You might even want to look at the Aeris XR-1 at Scubatoys if you want inexpensive. Remember board members get a discount.

I've never heard of any problems using a computer in cold water.

 

[spectrum]

Ok my LDS just saved me from buying a cheaper (Scubapro MK2) first stage regulator explaining to me it would be fine for my upcoming trip to florida but when I want to go diving over the summer even in the depths of lake MI it would freeze up. So I went with his reccomendation of an Scubapro MK17.

Good catch on that one. Bad things can happen in deep freshwater with the wrong regulator even on the hottest summer day. If you have not been down there yet it does have an out of this world feel as you come and go from the relatively warm summer surface water.

Now the only thing left I have to buy is my guage. I've been looking at a standard scubapro guage but while I was pricing them I came across this Mares M2 "RGBM" Wrist Computer that was only $65 more than I was going to spend on the guage. From what I see so far it seems pretty decent. What do you think? Go with the guage or the dive computer? I'm on a price budget so any computers or guages over $200 are just out of the question at this time in my life. Would you think this dive computer would be safe to use in the the colder summer temps of lake MI?
Thanks!!!!

That model does have you covered for nitrox and after that it's your choice of mounting location and if you like the digit size and the feel of the controls. You can dig in a lot more but those seem to be the essential touch points.

You will still need an air pressure gauge (SPG) to monitor your air supply.

Having a depth gauge becomes optional with the computer. Some divers prefer to have a redundant analog depth gauge but for recreational use you can decide if you want to snap one up latter. Used ones can be easy to find as they get retired in favor of computers. Even if you know the site you still want a depth instrument to manage free water ascents and stops. Your computer serves this function and your buddies are the backup.

Any time you mix electronics and water there is always a slight failure risk and cold never did a battery any good. That being said you're using the product within design limits and you will be fine. I have never come across a computer rated especially for cold water. Based on the one website I just looked at less than $200 for that model is a nice deal. Looking at it and lacking much of a size reference make sure you can read the display. If you wear glasses be sure to check it as you dive.

Pete

 

[moneysavr]

It looks like a nice unit for the money and it lets you plan nitrox dives which you may do in Florida as lots of shops push it to get the two trips in daily cuts run times!
not sure on your dive skill level but seems like you may be a starting diver Great-

IMO then start with a counsel air/depth /temperature/compass then add a dive computer like the Mares,or Sunnto ect,,, to compliment and back up your rig.

You could just get a hosed air pressure gauge and go with the dive computer wrist model like the Mares and this is a common rig used by many divers as they believe the counsels bulky and DIR frowns on danglers
But my reason IMO to start with the basics is I see to many lazy divers that dont use air charts to plan their dives and relay solely on there computer-not to nock computers they are great with many fabulous functions like dive to fly timers,assent rate indicators-mixed gas and so on.
As you dive more you will change your rig several times I know I did -like loose the BC and go for wings - move into mixed gases - different gear configurations,regs,tanks ect,, Or you may just stay a sport travel diver and then the basics are great!
Brad

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

I'm a huge fan of Mares gear except their computers. I have a Suunto Cobra and my brother has a wrist mount Mares. The Suunto is a lot more user friendly than the Mares.

 

[MrSmitty13]

Thanks again for the replies everybody....

So this is what i'm thinking at the moment... Me being a "newbie" I thought the computer that I was lookign at had something that actually hooked up to the tank and showed my pressure on it as well... WRONG... LOL Thanks for pointing that out spectrum that I would need an SPG. Since I am in need of the pressure guage as well, now i'm looking at the combo pressure guage and dive comptuer. I've taken a look at the Aeris XR-1 that "boat SJU" had mentioned. I think that will work best for me right now. I have to order it by tomorrow if I want to have it at my doorstep by the time I leave on thursday for florida. I'm pretty much all set now with equipment. Thanks to my larger than expected tax return I was able to get some of the equipment..... This is what i've accumulated if anybody is interested.....

Mask: Scubapro Crystal VU with purge bought new from LDS $90
Snorkel: Scubapro bought new from LDS $25 (dont know the model but a standard one)
Wetsuit: Scubapro 3mm Profile Wetsuit bought new on ebay for $100 (for FL, will be buying another for MI diving)
Boots: Scubapro molded sole boots $70
Fins: Scubapro twin jet max bought new from LDS $220
BCD: Scubapro Equator bought new from a LDS in MA for $210
First Stage Reg: Scubapro MK17 bought new from LDS $230
2nd Stage Reg: Scubapro R395 bought new from LDS $155
backup 2nd Stage Reg: Have not bought yet, but will be getting used from LDS for under $100
Guage and Computer: as stated above....
Camera: Powershot G9 with underwater case... (this I already owned cause I love the water, i'll try and post some photos when I get back)

Thanks to everybody for all the help on this forum! I'm diving a week from today and am really excited! Off subject too i'm going to Discovery cove while down there so I'll get to swim with dolphins as well!

-Keith