Best First Dive Comp under $700?

[tbone1004]

what does the Wisdom 3 bring to the table at essentially the same price point as the Petrel? Why does AI matter to a new diver? It gives you dive time remaining based on air, but you should have set your limits of depth, air, and time. Time is set on either NDL or air, whichever comes first, so that's out. It calculates your SAC rate for you, but that is a 30 second calculation manually.

Sherwood doesn't have a compass, isn't really set up for decompression, certainly not with multi-gas, so why does it make more sense to spend the same amount of money for something with less features that you might need in the future for one that you don't need now?

I have nothing wrong with AI computers, I really don't, and I actually think that if a good one was ever made for the right price it would be a great tool for technical diving. I.e. come out with one like the Wisdom 3, but at like $250-$300, leave it in gauge mode, but a bluetooth chip in it, and it would be nice to have your air consumption on top of your regular dive log, but at $700 it's stupid.

 

[tursiops]

Why does AI matter to a new diver? It gives you dive time remaining based on air, but you should have set your limits of depth, air, and time. Time is set on either NDL or air, whichever comes first, so that's out.

Maybe you haven't used a modern AI computer. All the ones I've seen give you time remaining based on either gas or NDL, depending on which is most limiting.

 

[tbone1004]

yes, but the point was the diver should be responsible enough to plan a dive going "I have x time for NDL planned, and y time for gas availability", my time limit is whichever is shorter. In the wonderful words of Chris Richardson, relying on that is an equipment solution to a skills problem... Not saying it isn't convenient, it's super convenient, but saying it's better for a new diver is basically telling them that they don't need the skills because the computer will do it for them...

 

[ronscuba]

y.... Not saying it isn't convenient, it's super convenient, but saying it's better for a new diver is basically telling them that they don't need the skills because the computer will do it for them...

I was shocked when my wife got OW certified a few years ago. No tables. Everything was done with a dive computer.

 

[victorzamora]

Maybe you haven't used a modern AI computer. All the ones I've seen give you time remaining based on either gas or NDL, depending on which is most limiting.

Air time remaining is actually one of my biggest beefs. I think that's an awful metric and far, far too liberal. I'm a wuss, so I run rock bottom.

 

[Grender]

disclaimer: I love the Petrel and it is 100% the next computer I buy.

BUT......

Guys, remember the question is 'first dive computer'. All of your answers are relevant to someone who has been diving for a while and is well versed in NDL and air volume calculations. They don't really teach that **** in open water course anymore.

The reality is that for the first 50 or so dives (especially for divers in the tropics), you are very reliant on your computer to tell you these things. AI is good because as you venture deeper the air volume calculations can be a bit daunting for the new diver. I like the fact that no matter how deep I am, no matter what kind of tank I have.. I know how much time I have.

Hence the reason I suggest an AI computer instead of a (complicated as ****) Petrel.

The only reason I recommend the Sherwood is because I have had a great experience with it. Quick disconnect console, compass, great UI to DL your dives.

And don't give me that price crap... 95% of AI computers are 600-700

 

[buddhasummer]

disclaimer: I love the Petrel and it is 100% the next computer I buy.

BUT......

Guys, remember the question is 'first dive computer'. All of your answers are relevant to someone who has been diving for a while and is well versed in NDL and air volume calculations. They don't really teach that **** in open water course anymore.

The reality is that for the first 50 or so dives (especially for divers in the tropics), you are very reliant on your computer to tell you these things. AI is good because as you venture deeper the air volume calculations can be a bit daunting for the new diver. I like the fact that no matter how deep I am, no matter what kind of tank I have.. I know how much time I have.

Hence the reason I suggest an AI computer instead of a (complicated as ****) Petrel.

The only reason I recommend the Sherwood is because I have had a great experience with it. Quick disconnect console, compass, great UI to DL your dives.

And don't give me that price crap... 95% of AI computers are 600-700

I don't mean to be an argumentative a%^ but, new diver or not, if one needs/wants a computer with AI to tell them "how much time they have" then something is missing.

---------- Post added June 12th, 2015 at 10:15 AM ----------

For the record I am an OW rec diver only and use a Petrel, not because I'm one of the cool kids but because I wanted a reliable, colour screen, Bluetooth computer that ran on AA batteries from a reputable company with a phenomenal track record for customer service. I'm not suggesting everyone should run out and buy one but it met all my needs and requirements and I'm sure would do the same for most, cost aside and AI aside. Cheers.

 

[Grender]

I don't mean to be an argumentative a%^ but, new diver or not, if one needs/wants a computer with AI to tell them "how much time they have" then something is missing.

Not really man, I might suggest you take the open water course again. Try to imagine yourself as someone who has never breathed underwater before, ever.

You don't just become a skilled diver over night.

And for the record, by that logic, why make AI at all?

Why is it so bad for someone (like me) who is relatively new to diving, who dives 90% of the time to hunt, to value AI for its ability to give me time frame for the duration of my dive.

I plan, I know based on my gas mix that I have x amount of time at a certain depth. But I am up and down all over the reef. In Florida you may start a dive at 60 feet and end up at 80, and back up to 50 by the end.

I never take the 'dive time left' as gospel, but it is nice to have for a new diver. Which is what this thread is all about.

 

[victorzamora]

Guys, remember the question is 'first dive computer'. All of your answers are relevant to someone who has been diving for a while and is well versed in NDL and air volume calculations. They don't really teach that **** in open water course anymore.

So you're saying divers should have to buy a crappy computer before they buy a good one because they're too dumb to watch a needle? That's....thought provoking.

And don't give me that price crap... 95% of AI computers are 600-700

Yeah, and how dare somebody buy a good computer when they could waste just as much money on a garbage one they'll toss after 50 dives?

 

[Grender]

I am not going to argue against being more prepared, studying the tables, planning your dive and diving your plan.

Nothing could be more true.

I am just saying that for a lot of casual divers, in practice, AI can be an extremely helpful tool.