Computers---Console or Wrist?

[rocketry]

I am planning to purchase the Suunto Gekko, which the more I read about the more I think is an amazing computer for the pricetag...$250 at LP (please don't bash me, I live 20 minutes from their retail store). I am sure this has more to do with preference than it has to do with convention, but which do you prefer? Console or Wrist? This is my first dive computer purchase, and I want to make the right choice. It seems that having the computer on my wrist would allow me to more frequently check my bottom time, rather than have to retrieve my console to check things like my ND time remaining. Also, while i never have a problem guaging my ascent rate, it wouldn't hurt to check my computer's calculation---wouldn't this be a problem on the console.....holding it and watching it during an ascent? Any ideas?

 

[HowardE]

What do you mean by retrieve your console? Do you have it attached to you?

 

[rocketry]

By retreive I mean hold onto and move into my focus so that I can read it----as opposed to just looking at my wrist.

 

[sasscuba]

I have a Suunto Stinger and love a computer on my wrist. Used to have one on my console and I like it on wrist better. As for having to hold it or retrieve it use a snap bolt and clip it to a d-ring and it will be close to you on your chest to read it whenever you want.

 

[Jake]

I've used both quite a bit, and I've found that I prefer the computer on my wrist. I either mount my compass on a retractor on my BC, or I use a wrist boot for it. I then clip my SPG low and out of the way (lower left D-ring). The computer and compass are close at hand, the SPG which I check less frequently is no disturbance.

 

[HowardE]

By retreive I mean hold onto and move into my focus so that I can read it----as opposed to just looking at my wrist.

Ok... Well - I don't have a Suunto, but I keep my console across my chest (its AI also) - attached to a d-ring, so I only have to glance down, and I can read it without having to retrieve it. I usually hold it in my hand on ascents.

If it's just a straight up computer... the wrist is fine, and your basis is quite valid.

 

[rocketry]

By straight up---you mean without air-time remaining calculations (with which you would need a wireless transmitter to use a wrist console)...? This is not the suunto, you are right.

 

[spectrum]

I run it all in a 3 bay console on a short bungee boltsnapped to a LH shoulder D ring. It's all right there and the compass has a nice linear reference. Works for me.

Pete

 

[RaginCajun]

I'm a wrist man too.

I wear my Oceanic VT Pro on my "watch wrist" facing my palm, that way when I'm hanging on the rope timing my safety stops it's conveniently facing me. Additionally, it was suggested to me that wearing it facing my palm and not the outside of my hand that it would tend to get banged on less things...which is a good way to protect your $600 dive puter. Furthermore, I really find that it's a natural position and fit for me.

Again, the sage advise that one of our more experienced divers will certainly be....do what makes you feel more comfortable.

Cheers!

 

[HowardE]

By straight up---you mean without air-time remaining calculations (with which you would need a wireless transmitter to use a wrist console)...? This is not the suunto, you are right.

Yes - by straight up, I mean - just a dive computer that calcs NDL, BT, and Depth.

I know this suunto isn't AI