Computer Suggestions

[DeepSeaDan]

Looking for a basic, bare-bones computer, mounted in a console with a compass on top; already have a Shearwater for deeper diving, thus simply want a reliable, basic computer for shallow water diving at a reasonable price - any ideas?

TIA...

DSD

 

[brphilli]

Suunto Zoop or Cressi Leonardo are both solid, basic and inexpensive. Zoop commonly show up used for $150 or less, little more in a console with a compass. I wouldn't call the interface on Suunto computers overly intuitive, but once you get used to it, really solid basic computers. Zoop was my first computer and twenty years later, its still my backup to the Terix I use all the time.

Cheap is relative, of course. You can get a Shearwater Peregrine for half the price of a Terix and that can be mounted in a console with a compass, but it has a digital compass onboard so you could just mount it with your pressure gauge if that is your preference. Wouldn't call that bare bones but its a fantastic computer for the price. This computer is my typical recommendation to students. Might be that this is what you are already diving.

 

[DeepSeaDan]

Suunto Zoop or Cressi Leonardo are both solid, basic and inexpensive. Zoop commonly show up used for $150 or less, little more in a console with a compass. I wouldn't call the interface on Suunto computers overly intuitive, but once you get used to it, really solid basic computers. Zoop was my first computer and twenty years later, its still my backup to the Terix I use all the time.

Cheap is relative, of course. You can get a Shearwater Peregrine for half the price of a Terix and that can be mounted in a console with a compass, but it has a digital compass onboard so you could just mount it with your pressure gauge if that is your preference. Wouldn't call that bare bones but its a fantastic computer for the price. This computer is my typical recommendation to students. Might be that this is what you are already diving.

Thank you, brphilli. My Suunto Cobra just passed on after many years of flawless service. My students used the Zoop as well; I'm retired from teaching diving now & am outta the loop vis-a-vis the latest in dive computers. The Zoop might just be the answer I'm looking for, as I spend most of my dive time now in <20'.

 

[rongoodman]

I'm not getting why you want to buy a cheap second computer when you already have a Shearwater.

 

[tursiops]

I'm not getting why you want to buy a cheap second computer when you already have a Shearwater.

ditto

 

[lizardland]

I got an Aladin Prime from Ebay as a back up timer and for travel (my main computer is hardwired to my rebreather). It's small, simple, comes as a little puck shaped thing that fits in a wrist-mounted pod so should fit in a console fine. User changeable battery. Does nitrox too. It cost me £25 so around $35.

 

[tursiops]

Suunto Zoop or Cressi Leonardo are both solid, basic and inexpensive.

OP: To this one should add: hard to navigate the menus and change things, difficult to read, and algorithms that are quite different from your Shearwater.