Digital or Analog

[TheSuppishDiver]

Hey there, I just have a quick question. I'm finally looking into getting my own regulators and gauges, so I wanted to ask you guys for help.

My question is regarding the gauges. I already have a dive computer (SubGear XP10), so factor that in. I've been looking at the fancy-pants Atomic Cobalt because not only would it provide an extra computer calculation for safety's sake, but it is air integrated and would thus function as a full set of gauges (compass, spg, etc...).

Should I go ahead and go with the digital dreaminess that is the Atomic Cobalt, or should I stick with some "fail-proof" analog gauges in a console?

Thanks!

~Suppish

 

[Straegen]

The Cobalt is pure luxury while a wrist computer, compass and a brass/glass SPG is functional, simple and solid. So the answer depends on what you want versus what you need. I dove a SPG, compass and wrist computer for a couple years but have recently switched to a Cobalt. The Cobalt really doesn't do anything that I need more than the previous setup but the Cobalt does have some neat features. Like the luxury but certainly not necessary.

 

[Teamcasa]

...Should I go ahead and go with the digital dreaminess that is the Atomic Cobalt, or should I stick with some "fail-proof" analog gauges in a console?

First off, nothing is fail-proof. Even analog gauges fail.
But the real question is, can you afford it? If the money is not an issue then I say get and enjoy it. Don't let the anti-console crowd deter you.

 

[fire_diver]

You should dive the type of gear you are most comfortable with. Some people like "simple", while others like to have the latest technology. As long as it does job, use what you like.

 

[fnfalman]

Should I go ahead and go with the digital dreaminess that is the Atomic Cobalt, or should I stick with some "fail-proof" analog gauges in a console?

Thanks!

~Suppish

First of all, buy whatever trips your trigger.

Secondly, if you think that the analog SPG is fail-proof...well, I have some cheap beach front properties in Arizona I'd love to sell you.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I think you should consider the opportunity cost of purchasing the Cobalt.

You're a new diver located in SoCal. Exposure protection is important here, assuming that you'll be diving locally.
I look at the Cobalt's price and see the combined cost of an analog SPG, standalone compass, and drysuit.

Do you already own a drysuit? If not, and you're interested in eventually going in that direction, it might make sense to purchase the drysuit now.

At some point in the future, after you have all the gear you need, it might make more sense to splurge on a drool-worthy computer like the Cobalt.

 

[TheSuppishDiver]

I think you should consider the opportunity cost of purchasing the Cobalt.

You're a new diver located in SoCal. Exposure protection is important here, assuming that you'll be diving locally.
I look at the Cobalt's price and see the combined cost of an analog SPG, standalone compass, and drysuit.

Do you already own a drysuit? If not, and you're interested in eventually going in that direction, it might make sense to purchase the drysuit now.

At some point in the future, after you have all the gear you need, it might make more sense to splurge on a drool-worthy computer like the Cobalt.

Actually, yeah, that might be a better investment now. You're right about exposure protection in Los Angeles...the first dive is usually fine in my Xcel 9/7/6mm, but get into multiple dives and I start FREEZING. :cold:

The only other option is to see if I can use my celebrity to convince Atomic Aquatics to send me a Cobalt and T2X for free. You know, free marketing for them and such. ;D

Thanks guys!

 

[lucca brassi]

From my point of view : with more dives you want less .

As I see you have SubGear XP10 which is former uwatec ( dont remember which model now) but I have Aladin Tec 2G in my case from full computer I go on gauge.

Atomic cobalt uses OLED display which is very visable but use a lot of electricity and empty batteries ( there is a lot of computers on the market with OLED ) but after some few dives it need recharging and go OFF. Now you can be simply in position you forget recharging , you don't have acess to power supply , you are on flight to the next location and then ....... ups..

 

[CPH]

I opted to go fully intergrated last year and love it. I do not however have a colbalt but a Luna and the features on it are great. I get some people going on about failures but I have never had a problem so far and if there is a problem....well, is that not what a buddy is for.....problems.
If you can afford it then get it. If you could do better spending it on other equipment then you need to make a choice.

 

[fnfalman]

I'd recommend exposure suit first. If wetsuit doesn't cut it for SoCal dive, then go dry. You won't dive if you're miserable.

Then get a BC. Then get reg setup (regulator, computer, gauges, etc.).

Or if you can get everything at once then do it.