Dive Computer?

[Roninvalhalla2015]

Hi All,

I got certified in 1982 and have no knowledge of today's dive computers. Now that I am retiring and would like to start a DM program, what would you folks suggest?

Regards,

Rick

 

[Caveeagle]

Really depends on what kind of diving you intend to do and what your budget is.

For something cheap to get you going.. Make sure you get one that can handle Nitrox and can switch to gauge mode so you can use it as a backup bottom timer if, or when you upgrade. Plenty of option in this area, but I am happy with Hollis DG02 (same as Oceanic Veo180), these can be found used as cheap as $75, and new at around $175-$250..

I am not a huge fan of the air integrated computers, but some folks really like them. Most are wireless now and have a transmitter that attaches to the 1st stage.

On the higher end.. Shearwater has really separated themselves from the pack. I have the newest model (Perdix) but the Petrel model is a great option, just a little larger. The Perdix has a wireless air integreated version and will do everything but rotate the tires on your car. The non AI perdix seems to run around $850 new.. I have seen used Petrels in the $500-$600 range.

Lots of options in the middle...

If you narrow the field down to 1 or two options.. post up what you find.. You should be able to get some feedback from folks who have used whatever you can find...

 

[Cap335]

If your eyes are like mine look at the oceanic pro plus 3 big #'s

 

[Roninvalhalla2015]

Thanks for the replies guys. Do you guys have recommendations of where to shop online for used/new deals?

 

[Caveeagle]

It's a lot easier if you know what you want. Then you can start keeping an eye on Craigslist, eBay, and forums like this one. I saw a DG02 sell just last week on another diving forum (CDF) for $75. But I would recommend you get in the water with one before you proceed just based on my comments. Dive gear can be very personal and something , like the 1-button programming does not bother me, might just drive you nuts.

Where and when are you starting your DM training. If through a shop, you might want to talk with them before making a purchase. They might offer you discounts to use the brands they sell.

Now If you are trying to just get in the water fast and cheap, you might want to seek out some local divers who you help you along and let your try out some gear.

In the FWIW category, Deep6 is working on a new computer that's supposed to be priced very well with good features for recreational diving. No detailed specs have been published (that I am awarded of) ..but I would be surprised if it did not at least offer a few nice options to bridge the gap between a entry level $200 "puck" and the $800 tech computers.

If you can wait, maybe D6 could be an option.

 

[Neilwood]

I think buying a computer now comes down to a few main items:
1) How viewable is the screen? LED/OLED makes a HUGE difference to visibility of the screen. That is the main reason I went for a Shearwater Perdix.
2) Ease of operation - how easy is it to operate particularly when task loaded. My bugbear with my (now standby) Cressi Giotto (which was an otherwise great computer) was needing to hold buttons down when needing the backlight. Not ideal when ascending/descending in poor vis/night dive.
3) Budget - how much are you willing to spend? LED/OLED will cost probably cost more but the trade off is visibility.

Other things that come in to play are:
4) Conservatism - as we get older we ideally want to pad our dives in relation to NDL and stay a bit further from it
5) Gas switching - for recreational dives it shouldn't really be an issue but it can be worth adding one that allows it for dives involving stages etc
6) How many buttons? There are computers out there with 1,2,3, or 4 buttons. One means that one button is doing a lot of different things depending on how and when you push it, 4 buttons means each button has less tasks assigned to it. Your preference regarding this is hard to gauge - I started with a 3 button and ended up with a 2 button.

 

[rongoodman]

Thanks for the replies guys. Do you guys have recommendations of where to shop online for used/new deals?

There are several Shearwaters currently posted in the classified section below.

 

[Banon]

I'll second Caveeagle's thoughtd on the simple and inexpensive 1-button pucks. I've seen too many people on dive trips with a complicated computer that they can't figure out (many knew at one point but it was 6 months since their last dive trip), or an air integrated computer that the battery dies underwater and they have to stop the dive early because they don't know how much air they have.

I like the simple, nitrox capable, computers with 1 button and a user changeable battery. I like a separate air gauge and compass. Since I don't do deco dives, I figure I can manually gauge depth and time for a 3 minute safety stop if I have to, but unless something really went wrong I will be with my buddy anyway.

 

[stuartv]

So you want to buy a new computer?

 

[Doby45]

I'll second Caveeagle's thoughtd on the simple and inexpensive 1-button pucks. I've seen too many people on dive trips with a complicated computer that they can't figure out (many knew at one point but it was 6 months since their last dive trip), or an air integrated computer that the battery dies underwater and they have to stop the dive early because they don't know how much air they have.

I like the simple, nitrox capable, computers with 1 button and a user changeable battery. I like a separate air gauge and compass. Since I don't do deco dives, I figure I can manually gauge depth and time for a 3 minute safety stop if I have to, but unless something really went wrong I will be with my buddy anyway.

The number of buttons has nothing to do with the intuitiveness of the computer. I have a two button Zoop that if you do not use weekly you will need to look at the cheat sheet to make an air % change. I also have a two button Perdix that I could not touch for 5 years and make any change I want in a matter of seconds. Do not conflate the issue.