Big gauge or small gauge

[chongming]

Dear Divers, I would like to ask your opinion on 3in1 gauge. Is bigger better? Or the smaller one has lesser drag? What product attributes should I be looking for when purchasing a gauge.

 

[crpntr133]

What ever you like the most. The rentals that I use have a brick console and I know I won't be using one that big on my own gear.
I wish someone would do a study of how much streamlining a diver actually helps. Lets face it we aren't Indy cars.

 

[jonnythan]

I'm a fan of wrist mounted gauges. I have a computer/bottom timer on my right wrist, a compass on my left when needed, and only a bare SPG by itself at the end of my HP hose.

 

[Vie]

Dear Divers, I would like to ask your opinion on 3in1 gauge. Is bigger better?

I personally don’t like having the compass on the console—I prefer it on my wrist. Also, the SPG is really all you need as your dive computer/bottom timer will tell you your depth.

 

[mossym]

I'm a fan of wrist mounted gauges. I have a computer/bottom timer on my right wrist, a compass on my left when needed, and only a bare SPG by itself at the end of my HP hose.

same setup here, much prefer wrist mount

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Dear Divers, I would like to ask your opinion on 3in1 gauge. Is bigger better? Or the smaller one has lesser drag? What product attributes should I be looking for when purchasing a gauge.

It's a matter of personal preference. I prefer my compass and computer on my wrist, and a mini-SPG clipped off at my waist. But I dive with lots of people who prefer consoles.

If you get a console, there are two practical considerations I'd mention. First ... don't get one that puts the gauges on both sides (e.g. compass on one side, computer on the other). People who get these invariably complain about them. Second ... make sure you purchase a console that provides a means to clip it off somewhere conveniently on your rig. A good way is to clip it off on a retractor to your right shoulder D-ring such that when diving it lays across your chest. This lets you view the SPG and computer by simply looking down (no hands required), and when you need the compass all you have to do is pull on the retractor. Note ... if you choose this method, spend the extra bucks and get the heavy-duty retractor. The cheap ones don't provide adequate tension and within a few weeks your console will be dangling.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[RedCash02]

when I bought my gear I went with all 3 in the console for the simple fact that it was going to cost me less. I dont mind having the computer and spg there, but since I'm often navigating, it gets to be a pain pulling out the compass and putting it away. I'll probably invest in a nice retractor soon, rather than a free anodized carabiner.

 

[merrken]

Readable,proper info,possable backup,quick access,reliable.

 

[chongming]

Thanx a big bubble ppl!
Anyway, I'm signing up for my Advance tomorrow. Don't want to be left behind by the gang at Sipadan this November.

 

[StSomewhere]

I wish someone would do a study of how much streamlining a diver actually helps. Lets face it we aren't Indy cars.

But we aren't diving through air, either. Adding additional surface area has an exponential effect on the amount of energy that is needed to move through water. Even proper trim makes a huge difference. I don't know how many joules or watts of energy we are talking about, but my air consumption rates improved dramatically with better trim, so the difference is more than enough to be measurable.