dive computers: wrist vs console mounted

[Zhenqing]

I'm considering to buy an Oceanic Veo 100 dive computer (non-nitrox, shallow dives at < 60). Any comments on the advantages/disadvantages of wrist vs console mount? I'll be using a SeaQuest Balance BC. A friend told me that it is best not to have too much stuff dangling (i still need to have a pressure gauge though, hence the hose...but at least it will be less bulky). Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Rick Inman]

I'm considering to buy an Oceanic Veo 100 dive computer (non-nitrox, shallow dives at < 60). Any comments on the advantages/disadvantages of wrist vs console mount? I'll be using a SeaQuest Balance BC. A friend told me that it is best not to have too much stuff dangling (i still need to have a pressure gauge though, hence the hose...but at least it will be less bulky). Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks!

Computer on right wrist lets you dump air, inflate dry suit,etc. while looking at your computer. Clip off your SPG and have no danglies at all.

 

[H2Andy]

yup ...

of course, i use my computer on my left wrist because i need
to shine my light on it to see it, and my light is on my right
hand.

 

[Gary D.]

Your going to get every possible position here. Pick what is most comfortable for you to use and don't worry about having to wear it like someone else.

The important thing is that you know where it is and how to use it.

I use a console mount. One less thing to put on. One less thing to fall off.

Gary D.

 

[The Wanderer]

I'm a newbie and bought a console mounted Vyper.

One reason I bought this particular computer - out of several reasons - is that I can move it to a wrist mount very easily if I want to in the future.

 

[Mike Newman]

Gary D said it all. It's a matter of personal choice and convenience. I find it works well to have my Smart Com console on a retractor running off the right hand D-Ring of my BC. I can glance down and see all the relevant information while maintaining a streamlined swimming position. If I'm using the compass, the retractor lets me extend the console forward into a working navigation position. I've used a (left) wrist mount and found it less easily and conveniently sited when I need to see information. There's also an issue of it catching on things as you move around. But going back to the original point - you must make up your own mind. If you're diving with friends, seek their opinions and see if they will let you try their configurations. Just don't use someone else's computer unless it's operating without prior dive information for that day (i.e. with only your dive profiles on it within the last 24 hours).

 

[Mo2vation]

I'm considering to buy an Oceanic Veo 100 dive computer (non-nitrox, shallow dives at < 60). Any comments on the advantages/disadvantages of wrist vs console mount? I'll be using a SeaQuest Balance BC. A friend told me that it is best not to have too much stuff dangling (i still need to have a pressure gauge though, hence the hose...but at least it will be less bulky). Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks!

I don't get the whole brick-on-a-string thing. Most of the console divers I know, dive with and have seen clip it off and never look at it again until it beeps.

I used to be one of them, too.

I moved to setting up a dashboard - Compass left wrist, Computer (BT) right wrist, light in the middle. Everything I need it right there. If the dive plan is to go to 55', then head out to the wreck, stay above 85 then return to 75, 65, 55, etc. I can do that very easily with the wrist mounted dashboard.

I see console people all the time drifting all over the water column, because the choice is reach back, un-clip, dive with your grill in the brick, re-clip, un-clip to verify depth again, etc, etc, etc...

For me, its been so much easier to have the dashboard. I glance at it much more often than I did when I was a brick diver. At anytime during the dive, I know my depth within a couple of feet and my gas supply within a couple of hundred pounds.

It will always be one of the biggest improvements I made to my diving - going to wrist mount gauges.

K

 

[Scuba_John]

Yes personal choice is the key, but I think also the ease of growing feet. While it has never happened it in the event that it does you are out for the trip. While hosed computers can grow leggs as well it is harder to hide a large set of hoses and regs.
Again it has never happened but what has is this. Guest diver gets out on to the boat for surface interval, puts wrist computer between fins. Manatte spotted, fins grabbed and over the side the diver goes fins an all. 45 mins later everyone is getting back into the water and the diver can not find his computer. Spot where manatte stopped is remembered and DM goes for a swim durring the dive while I lead the group thru the rest of the dive. Spare hosed computer provided. We return to the boat and up comes the DM with the computer. Had been sitting at 23feet for 99plus mins. Moral of story for me. Dont take it off wrist or get hosed computer. Personal choice aries 500ai.

 

[Warren_L]

Some great advice so far. I too am a wrist mount guy. Compass on the left, computer on the right, both bungeed. I asked this same question when I was looking last year:

http://www.scubaboard.com/t24679.html

 

[texdiveguy]

I like my new TUSA Hunter computer console unit.....same as the DIVE RITE Duo unit.