Computer Recomendations?

[ianr33]

You said above that you have bad eyesight. At Sport Chalet in California they sell magnification add ons for a mask, they turn your mask into bi-focals. Also take this into consideration when choosing a wrist computer over a hose unit. You and your buddy are swimming along and he/she kicks your wrist with their fin on accident, the strap breaks and your $700 computer is gone. I have seen it happen and we couldn't find it.

Avoid that problem by putting it in a boot from deep Sea Supply https://www.deepseasupply.com/index.php?product=46

Redundant bungees! Even if one breaks the other will keep it on your wrist. And no more fiddling with silly straps

 

[squidster]

oceanic versa pro,air integrated is the way to go

 

[Airborne!]

If you decide on a wrist unit, and if it is your price range, then you might look at the Tusa IQ-800. Big numbers and overall a nice unit with Nitrox capabilities and a 2 year warranty. Plus the battery is user replaceable. The Vib alert seems gimmicky at first, but actually works quite well.

 

[EvaL]

Hi GrumpyOldGuy, if you'e thinking of nitrox, I'd definitely get a nitrox capable computer (only cost a little more than air only ones) or else you'll have to buy an new computer once you get certified. I agree with one of the posters above that air-integrated computers cost too much and I prefer non-integrated wrist units which cost less than $300.
I like big digits too. I love my Oceanic Versa Pro (more liberal NDL calculations) and Cressi-Sub Archimedes II (more conservative Bulhmann NDL calculations, and allows 2 gas mixes). Although not technical computers, both will get you back safely should you exceed deco limits.
I've also heard good reviews for the Aeris Atmos 2 Nitrox (big digits as well).
Good luck shopping and welcome back to diving!

 

[ghostrunner007]

Get a Suunto Vyper 2 , I went and got one it can do Air, Nitrox, 2 Gas diving or Gauge. Big display and big buttons so its easy to use with gloves on

 

[ianr33]

oceanic versa pro,air integrated is the way to go

IMHO non air integrated is the way to go.

Air integration just adds cost,complexity and failure points.

Opinions vary

 

[427Dave]

I am just getting back into diving after a really long absence. I am starting to look at computers, being an engineer, I just can't help myself. Anyway...I would appreciate advice.

My eye are not great, I can use corrective lense for distance but up close I need some pretty decent sized numbers (I have not seen bifocal mask yet!).

Most of my diving will be in cold water, so I will be wearing heavy gloves.

From my previous experience, I like to keep my hose gauges to a minimum, so I think I want a wrist mounted unit.

For now I am sticking to normal air, but all the other gear I am getting is Nitrox ready, so that might be a possibility in the future.

I will stick to NDL dives, no tech stuff, but want the security just in case I go over sometime.

Since my dive buddies are my teen sons, I might have to help them out on the gear cost - so far I am splitting their gear cost 50/50 with them (making it cost enough to appreciate it, not so much they can't earn it). It makes sense to get the same computer for all, everyone say sharing is NG. So cost is going to be a significant issue.

I have "old eyes" and like my Suunto Vyper a lot. No problem seeing the readout without bifocles. I have put Optix bifocles in my mask now and they work real good also. I can now read my watch date The buttons are big enought to use with gloves. I use mine as a wrist mount and have depth, SPG, and compass in my console and wear a watch. If the computer goes out I can still rely on the old methods and not end up knowing what my depth is.

 

[douglasville diver]

Sherwood Wisdom,I dive it I trust it

 

[Oceanus]

This is an opinion and I have no problem with it... I disagree depending on the diver's wants/needs

IMHO non air integrated is the way to go.

These areas however can be quantitatively measured and discussed

Air integration just adds cost,complexity and failure points.

They are more expensive, but your getting additional value
They are a little more complex, but only the addition of a pressure sensor and a little software (and transmission bits for the 'hoseless' models).
Failure points, may actual decrease depending on design and this kind of statement requires some factual backup.

Remember when divers didn't even use a SPG...
Sometimes the cost, complexity, and failure points are worth it

Grumpy
I view air integration like I view calculators... You should know how to get along without one, but they can be handy tools. And recall your NDL have nothing to do with how much gas you use, it's only time and depth.

I think it's great your diving and supporting your sons. Since your likely buying multiple units I would talk to shops about buying/trying some rental gear. I don't think everyone needs the exact same computer (pros and cons), but I would only look for a Nitrox model, preferably one capable of "gauge mode". Skip the integrated compasses in favor of a wrist mounted SK7.

I have a Oceanic DataMax Pro Plus (2000), a Suunto Cobra, and a few SPGs. I like AI because I can use software later to accurately determine my gas consumption rate for the dive. I also like that the computer has alarms for turn & end pressures, but the alarm should be a backup to regular gauge checks. I think it's dangerous for divers to let the computer do all the thinking.

When you think you have decided on a model do a search to make sure you're not missing something.

 

[PaulSmithTek]

My only recommendation is VR3