Computer advice

[victorzamora]

If you are going to be spending a lot of money on scuba gear and don't have any plans to go into tech, then look to save some money on a computer. Victor gave good advice. I will only add that user-replaceable batteries are a good thing, and being able to go into gauge mode will be very nice for you in case you do unexpectedly decide to go into tech. There was a time in my life when I saw nothing in my diving future but warm tropical reefs. Now I am mostly doing the things I thought I would never do.

That's a great point regarding the user-replaceable batteries and the gauge mode. I hinted at gauge mode, but didn't come out and say it. The DG03 has a user-replaceable battery, but you have to get a spare while you have civilization around you....don't count on getting one in the middle of a big dive trip. The Petrel uses the ultra-rare "AA" battery. Wait, not rare....

As for never going in to Tech diving.....be VERY careful saying that. I swore I'd never be a tech/cave diver and I'd never own any tanks. I've got 9 tanks in my house, pricing out a few more, and I'm a lightweight amongst my peers. Plus, I'm certified Deco and Cave and looking into Trimix.

 

[TBel]

I'll keep that in mind. Now that you mention it, taking some sidemount training may be in my future. Back to computers, nobody mentioned the X-Deep Black. I like the idea of being able to upgrade it as your needs change and it appears very similar to the Shearwater Petrel. Any thoughts or experience with that one.

 

[victorzamora]

I'll keep that in mind. Now that you mention taking some side mount training may be in my future. Back to computers, nobody mentioned the X-Deep Black. I like the idea of being able to upgrade it and it appears very similar to the Shearwater Petrel

Similar, but without the reliability. So far, reviews have been very disheartening. I wanted one until I saw all of the problems

 

[TBel]

Pulling the trigger on a couple of Petrel 2's. It's a lot of money, but I'll never have to buy another one during my diving days.