Beginner Dive Computer Watch Suggestions

[Dirkadiver]

I would buy something inexpensive or just rent it from your LDS. Until you figure out what kind of diving you are ultimately going to do, the last thing you want to do is spend 500,600,700$$ or more on a computer that might not do what you need it to do in the future.

 

[MentalMarine]

I bought a Gekko, it has the capability to do nitrox when I want to do that. I really like it so far, have about 8 dives with it.

 

[misterguy]

I got the Vyper
Works great for me, you can down load the dive via a usb cable and view the dive profile on a computer using a program from Suunto, called Dive Manager(its a free Down load)
check out ebay for the cable as i got mine for around half of what the LDS had it for
then for the watch to count down your SS get a G Shock
good luck

 

[MentalMarine]

...then for the watch to count down your SS get a G Shock
good luck

Doesnt it count it down automaticlly?

 

[serrada]

I would suggest something that has both a stop watch and a safety stop count down timer. I believe all the suunto computers do and the oceanic geo does. I'd recommend not spending much money as others have said.

I have a citizen hyper aqualand (no stop watch feature) $300, an oceanic VT3 (no stop watch feature) $700, an oceanic consoul computer (no stop watch feature) $300, a bottom timer (no stop watch feature) $219 http://www.diveriteexpress.com/computers/bottomtimer.shtml, a casio g-shock $39.

Lately most of the time I only take the bottom timer and the g-shock with me for simplicity and dive tables.

I want to get one of the suunto that has the stop watch feature so I can eliminate one.

 

[wjefferis]

I would recommend that you buy a computer that is nitrox ready. Many computers now have that function, but make sure before you buy it. No reason buying a computer that only calculates air tables to find out you want to get nitrox certified and have to buy a new computer (although your local dive shop will love you ). Next you need to decide if you want a gauge or wrist computer. Most people I know or see seem to like the wrist computers (me included). But it is all personal preference. I have a suunto Mosquito and it can download your dive info onto your computer, hit print, and you have a very cool dive log. here is there website, check 'em out. http://www.suunto.com/suunto/Worlds/diving/main/world_article_product.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673971571&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302755331&bmUID=1186206304576

 

[halocline]

I'm still unclear whether you want something that will calculate decompression info (computer) or just something that will give you depth/time info. (bottom timer/watch w/depth guage)

If you want a computer, I'd suggest a wrist model that has a very easy to read screen and is not too expensive. You might consider the different algorithms, decide which one you think is right for, keeping in mind that none are proven safer than any other. I'd also avoid unnecessary features like air integration, "buddy check", and probably stay away from the smallest ones as well.

In single tank rec diving, computers really don't need to do much, and don't forget that decompression theories are just that; theories. Avoiding DCS involves many factors that the computer has nothing to do with.

 

[Stingray Brett]

http://www.diversdirect.com/item/Aeris%20-%20XR1%20Wrist%20Computer_ID45826

only $144.00

 

[Nardulli]

I bought a Suunto Mosquito and after nearly three years still love it. Simple to use and it connects to my laptop to log my dives.

I replaced the battery myself, which is a nice feature.

I like it because it is small enough to wear for the duration of a dive trip, under and above water.

 

[soonerwink]

Check this out 199.00 nitrox capable http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=VEO180