Discover Diver will take OW Course soon...

[bbdqsony]

Hello all, I'm going to Oahu and I'll be doing my discover diver and I know I will love it since I've always dream of doing it but never take action. After My discover dive I'll take OW class. I have question... I've looked allover for Dive Computer Watch and I couldn't find good one at reasonable price that almost have everything. I would love to have Suunto D9 but omg look at that price!! So can anyone let me know what's good dive computer watch at reasonable price? Thank you all!

 

[sabbath999]

Congratuatulations on making the first step.

Honestly, getting a computer right off the bat may be putting the cart before the horse a bit, but I will tell you my one bit of advice... whatever you decide to get, make sure it is Nitrox compatible.

If I were in your shoes, I would buy one of these, from this scource, at this price:

Mares M2

It does everything you would want from a non-air integrated computer (you are NOT ready for one of those yet), is conservative and reliable, and down the road when you find the computer you REALLY want it will serve you as a great backup (I keep one with me in a dive pocket at all times, in case my main one dies in the middle of a trip).

With all due respect, when people say "don't buy gear right away" it is worth listening to... but if you just HAVE to have one, this one I am recommending is good, cheap and reliable... and Nitrox compatible.

 

[bbdqsony]

Thanks for the suggestion, one problem is that the watch is Nitrox?? I'm going to use Air as discover dive?? Will that be ok?

You are right about don't buy gear right away... I just have purchased marine camera case for my camera and glove thats it but really need computer watch so I can learn while I do my discover dive so my OW course will be impressed Then I plan to buy cressi sub big eye evo and fins and possible wet suit thats it until I become expert then I'll buy more gears and hopefully suunto D9 (you have that? )

 

[ligersandtions]

Have you considered taking the OW course instead of the Discover Scuba course? If you know you're going to enjoy diving, you might as well become a fully certified diver right off the bat, rather than spending the extra money to just try diving, but not really getting anything out of it.

As for a computer, look for a wrist mounted, non-air integrated computer that does both nitrox and air (to my knowledge, there are no computers that do nitrox only....). The D9 is a nice looking computer, but it is expensive and probably has some unnecessary features (imo, of course). You can find good deals on used computers....ebay is great. But don't buy too much before you get certified and make certain that it is something you really want to do and devote your time and money toward.

 

[bbdqsony]

I would take OW course in Oahu but we have tight schedule since we booked several tour include one day tour to big island. I don't have 3 days to do it in Oahu since this is our anniversary trip and I cannot just ditch em and take 3 day course you know so I just want to do discover dive while I'm there in fact I've already decide on taking OW course here there are 2 place I am deciding on.

I see you are going to Hawaii June 19- july 4! I'll be there July 22-30.

 

[rstofer]

First of all, get used to the FACT that nothing about scuba is inexpensive. Not computers, not regulators, not BCs, nothing! It is all expensive. If you're worried about the price of a computer as a first purchase, you're about to embark on the wrong hobby/sport. Set aside about $2500 to get started with decent gear.

A Nitrox compatible dive computer lets you select the % of O2 you have in your tank. By default, the computer will assume 21% or AIR. Later on you may want to get extended bottom time or decreased surface interval (waiting around) time and you may take a Nitrox class. With Nitrox you get a lot of benefits but the cost is increased complexity. The Nitrox compatible computer can handle it for you. IF you remember to set it for the blend you are actually diving...

I have a Dive Rite Nitek DUO computer and I like it a lot. However, the downloader is crap and the software isn't much to write home about. But, as a computer, it is terrific. Look around, ScubaToys usually sells the computer with the downloader for less than others sell the computer alone.

Buying a computer should be one of the LAST things you buy, not one of the first. I got by for 20 years without a computer and only bought one to deal with Nitrox. Dive tables will get you by for a very long time and they are about the only thing in diving that is cheap.

Your OW training classes are so guided and the dives are so short you won't have any need for a computer. What you will need is your personal gear: mask, snorkel, fins and gloves. Most shops require you have these when you take the course. You can buy them wherever you want but conventional wisdom would have you buy them from the shop that is training you. What you probably DON'T want to do is show up with brand new stuff you bought from LeisurePro. Figure about $200-$300 for this stuff. Maybe a little more, maybe a little less but you should be buying stuff that is high quality and will last for a few years.

Richard

 

[Crowley]

If you want a good, reasonably priced computer look at the Suunto Gekko - should retail for around $250 (US). It's basic but will do everything that could reasonably be expected of a recreational diver.

The D9 is an expensive luxury - if you have the money then by all means have a look at buying one. I have to say, even if I *did* have the money I still wouldn't buy one - more features than I need and I actually prefer the larger style computers.

Good luck and have fun!

C.

 

[TMHeimer]

Perhaps you should look at buying a simple dive watch first. They can be as cheap as under $30, but be sure it's rated for depth (at least 165 feet). I did many deep dives with just the watch before I bought the Mares 2 computer. Just use the tables for your depth & time and be conservative. Then, when you do buy the computer and it bums out (as mine did), you have a backup time piece. Wear it on your other wrist.

 

[Teamcasa]

First off, you are going to have a great time. I'll also second the notion of getting certified before going but your reasons for doing this way are your reasons.

As for a computer, you simply don't need it for the discover dives but if you want that cool, divers watch look, get one of these.
I use it as a backup to my computer and it works very well as a topside watch.

Have fun and good luck starting down the SCUBA path, you won't regret it.

 

[I Dive]

I'd hold off on buying until after you are certified. Just buy the basics (mask, snorkel, fins, booties, maybe an exposure suit) to get started. Once you get certified, check shops in your area to find out which ones rent computers. In Ft Luauderdale, you shouldn't have any trouble finding several shops that rent computers. Then, start renting computers, a variety of them, to find out what you do and don't like about each. That will help you pinpoint what type of computer you will be happiest with. You don't have to spend a ton on a computer, but you aren't going to get one for a few dollars either. You are much better off finding out what you want before you buy. I recently read some awesome advice on SB about this very thing. "Buy your second dive computer FIRST"