Computer recommendations for New Divers
- Thread starter WDiver78
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Thanks for the advice! I’ve been recommended the leonardo a couple of times now. I have also heard a lot of good things with the Mares Puck Pro as an entry-level computer.
As for an AI computer, it is a cool feature but I am not particularly concerned with that as of right now but if it is at a right price, I wouldn’t mind it. The Atmos Mission One seems to appeal to me though this is the first time hearing about it and I will do further research on it
Unfortunately, the only computer I have had the opportunity to use has always been the Suunto Zoop as it is the most common rented computer here. Due to this I do not have first hand experience with a variety of computers. There are some great suggestions here which I will most definitely have a look at.
I have had the mentality of buying the best computer there is and would not have to replace it for a long time (was thinking of the Shearwater Teric) but I figured I was getting way ahead of myself as I would not be using half the features anytime soon.
As for an AI computer, it is a cool feature but I am not particularly concerned with that as of right now but if it is at a right price, I wouldn’t mind it. The Atmos Mission One seems to appeal to me though this is the first time hearing about it and I will do further research on it
Unfortunately, the only computer I have had the opportunity to use has always been the Suunto Zoop as it is the most common rented computer here. Due to this I do not have first hand experience with a variety of computers. There are some great suggestions here which I will most definitely have a look at.
I have had the mentality of buying the best computer there is and would not have to replace it for a long time (was thinking of the Shearwater Teric) but I figured I was getting way ahead of myself as I would not be using half the features anytime soon.
Leonardo and probably Mares should not be that different from Zoop in how they calculate your bottom time. Where the differences between them and "non-RGBM" computers begin to add up is multi-day multi dive trips, particulariy with liveaboard-type schedules. If you plan on doing that sort of thing, that would be an argument against Zoop/Leo/Puck.
Knockneed Man
Contributor
The puck pro is great. A very simple one button setup that after a quick tutorial is easy to navigate and hard to go wrong. The alarm and ascent rate visuals are straight forward. A great choice for someone who wants to keep things simple.
Thanks for that, I think I have summed my choices down to one of those. There seems to be another computer that interests me, the Mares Smart. I’ve read some reviews and they seem good but does anyone have first hand experience with this? If so, I am interested to know more about this particular computer.
Skulmoski
Contributor
Buy a mid-level pre-owned dive computer. There are lots of great computers at budget prices that will do the basics for you. Then in a few years, with lots of diving, you can get your ideal computer.
Something that you will find useful if you choose to go for a second hand is this:
Most (if not all) entry to medium level computers can't erase their dive log. Hence you can really know the actual number of dives and hours the computer has been underwater.
2 years ago I fount a very good deal for a Cressi Newton (similar to Leonardo but smaller form and I think it allows more gasses than Leonardo). It had 3 dives (2 of which down to few feet/meters) less than 30 minutes underwater in total!! When I saw this I was worried that the guy had somehow reset it to trick me to think that it is like new. Later I fount out that resetting the dive count on this kind of computers is not possible. I am still using it ....
Personally I would recommend second hand for divers like you. Buy now something affordable until you get to know better your needs and whether you will be in long term relationship with diving or not. Unless cost is not a factor for your decisions.
Okay my 2c
There is nothing wrong with something like the Cressi Leonardo etc, I started divign with one, I still have mine and I'd happily use it - although because I'm in my 50's I find the screen harder to read
If you want Colour Screen then the D5 is a fine computer and a decent price. I't about the same as a D4 (depending on your location) and much better - however it's slightly larger.
Regarding choice between RGBM and Buhlmann - I dive both and I make non Trimix Tech dives on both, and most of the stuff spouted on SB is nonsense when applied to baby tech dives. If I were making 50m pl;us dives on CCR or multi trimix gases I might view things differently (although I have highly experiences and competent friends who regularly make 80 - 110m dives using the Eon Steel which is RGMB
RGBM2 if fine as is Buhlmann in fact RGBM2 is more liberal if you want it to be
Regarding AI the Suunto Pod is has better technology than the PPS (better range and doesn't drop out), in my region its also cheaper. HOWEVER the PPS transmitter is used by a number of different computer manufacturers so if you change models you might be able to keep your transmitter
Regarding going tech in the future. All sorts of changes might have been made to computers by then, also your knowledge and experience should have grown and thus will probably mean you're in a better place to decide what you want.
In the great scheme of things, buying a $200 computer now, and then writing off that cost in a few years to buy something else, is nothing in comparison to the amount you're going to be spending on equipment and courses
There is nothing wrong with something like the Cressi Leonardo etc, I started divign with one, I still have mine and I'd happily use it - although because I'm in my 50's I find the screen harder to read
If you want Colour Screen then the D5 is a fine computer and a decent price. I't about the same as a D4 (depending on your location) and much better - however it's slightly larger.
Regarding choice between RGBM and Buhlmann - I dive both and I make non Trimix Tech dives on both, and most of the stuff spouted on SB is nonsense when applied to baby tech dives. If I were making 50m pl;us dives on CCR or multi trimix gases I might view things differently (although I have highly experiences and competent friends who regularly make 80 - 110m dives using the Eon Steel which is RGMB
RGBM2 if fine as is Buhlmann in fact RGBM2 is more liberal if you want it to be
Regarding AI the Suunto Pod is has better technology than the PPS (better range and doesn't drop out), in my region its also cheaper. HOWEVER the PPS transmitter is used by a number of different computer manufacturers so if you change models you might be able to keep your transmitter
Regarding going tech in the future. All sorts of changes might have been made to computers by then, also your knowledge and experience should have grown and thus will probably mean you're in a better place to decide what you want.
In the great scheme of things, buying a $200 computer now, and then writing off that cost in a few years to buy something else, is nothing in comparison to the amount you're going to be spending on equipment and courses
I'm in this crowd. I had 2 suunto computers both were in the faulty sensor list. One was prone to transmitter explosions. The main thing was both were bought new from authorized US dealers and i find out about the safety issues here on scubaboard. It then took 2 months for the recall work. Never again will I buy or recommend a suunto.
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