Computer Suggestions?

[Gamby]

Since I'm fairly new to diving, I have got to be honest, I don't know the first thing about dive computers. All of my dive's so far have been with your basic gauges for PSI and depth along with a compass. I've been looking at the Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus II (AI) because I like the functions that it comes with ie: graphs on the side, recalc of bottom time based on breathing rate, ect (though obviously it's alarms are not going to replace me checking periodically). Some reviews on this computer call into question is durability as well its quality.

What computer should i purchase that has a good amount of features and has a good track record with durability and performance?

Thanks!

 

[StuartT]

Since I'm fairly new to diving, I have got to be honest, I don't know the first thing about dive computers. All of my dive's so far have been with your basic gauges for PSI and depth along with a compass. I've been looking at the Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus II (AI) because I like the functions that it comes with ie: graphs on the side, recalc of bottom time based on breathing rate, ect (though obviously it's alarms are not going to replace me checking periodically). Some reviews on this computer call into question is durability as well its quality.

What computer should i purchase that has a good amount of features and has a good track record with durability and performance?

Thanks!

Check out the aeris elite t3 hoseless with transmitter. It does everything you will need for a long time. I only had to change the bateries after 100 dives. You can also download all your dives to a computer to check sac rate etc. Easy to read and operate.

 

[vixtor]

I would propose the Suunto Vyper Air. And anybody else will propose most probably what they wish/have.

Try to think what you need/wish. For example, I wanted a dot-matrix display, a user-replaceable battery, ascent speed indicator, backlight, friendly user-interface and button meanings, air, nitrox and gauge mode. I have liked the compass (as a backup in case my main compass gets lost). I had no issue with Suunto being conservative.

I have moved from the previous one - an Aeris Manta, for not having a matrix display, not having the ascent speed indicator and eating the batteries very fast.

I would like two more features to the Vyper Air: an average depth value and a toggle on/off backlight mode (now the lights turns off automatically). But I'm fine with it for now.

 

[NvScubaSteve]

I agree with Vixtor, evaluate what you feel you need then narrow the field down from there. If at all possible see if you can actually dive the computer(s) you are considering by renting or borrowing. How a computer looks or feels in the shop, or online, may different than what your impressions of the same computer are when diving it. Just my .02 cents worth.

As for the pro plus II, my wife dives that computer and she loves it. She has had no durability issues at all and we travel a lot with our dive gear, so her computer has seen some hard use and handeling in a lot of different places. It is also very intuitive to use and easy to udnerstand the data being presented to you.

Best of luck in making your choice.

S

 

[DiveNav]

Oceanic Pro Plus 2 ..... already integrated in the simulator .... and online specialty class coming soon

Alberto

 

[victor]

If you think you will be traveling then look at a wrist mounted computer rather than a console mount.
Given the changes in luggage allowances traveling with full gear may become difficult.

 

[samuel B]

Like Vixtor i bought a Vyper air and I like it ; very big (matrix)display I come from a Suunto Stinger so it is a big difference ,the menu is also super easy, I hassled always with the Gekko/Viper1 (3 button )menu and the damned buttons getting hard to press. A lot of fun if you forgot to log a lot of dives . Still the buttons of the Viper air are the same if you look under the rubber button-caps ; that not going to bend or break off I hope !!! Time will tell...
The compass works good , I just need to get used to it, I LOVE my SK7 ordinary compass because it always work fast, good, reliable ,no buttons to press and you see always your overall direction , Simple and no batteries
Just the ascent-rate is very conservatief that is 10meter/minute, safety is important so it is OK butt for example; if I dive with students and need to interact i think it is to slow. I think the previous computers had a max ascent-rate of 12 meter/minute what is conservative enough. Because the standard is 18meter/minute (anyway for PADI)

 

[Tango 6]

Check out the Aeris Atmos Ai...air integrated and has tons of easy to use features. Im in love with mine but really depends on your budget and what features are important to you. Also...the quick disconnect hose feature is a must...unless of course you go with a hoseless comp.

 

[higrob24]

I'm in the same boat as you, I'm looking at the Suunto Gekko Wrist Dive Computer

 

[nordiques]

All the other computers look great but i to am a novice at diving and the Apeks Quantum does a darn good job for me. Its wrist mount so you always have it close to infront of you, it is very easy to use and understand, it allows for nitrox. When we get experience and try more advanced dives, it has the 2 mix option which i hear works perfectly.

Being new and all, i didn't see the use of an air integrated computer or one with a transmitter, seems to be a gadget more than anything.

So this is my opinion, buy something easy to use without all the other useless ( for now) information displayed on the screen. All we have to see on a computer is time of dive, NDL, depth and thats about it...