Nitromax
New
hey I would like to know which is a good dive computer that doesn't cost me an arm and a leg, and probably a 2nd mortgage.
does anybody know
does anybody know
dive computers
- Thread starter Nitromax
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That's kinda like asking which car to get that doesn't cost an arm and a leg etc etc.
It depends what you want your computer to do for you and what features you desire or can do without. There are plenty of top of the line model computers that can be bought cheap if you don't mind buying them used.
Let us know what type of diving you're interested in doing, plus your price range and we can probably narrow down your options to around 30 choices
Also think about a few options you'd like to pursue:
- Nitrox capable
- Wrist or console mount
- Air integrated (AI)
- Downloadable capability
- Backlight (for night diving)
It depends what you want your computer to do for you and what features you desire or can do without. There are plenty of top of the line model computers that can be bought cheap if you don't mind buying them used.
Let us know what type of diving you're interested in doing, plus your price range and we can probably narrow down your options to around 30 choices
Also think about a few options you'd like to pursue:
- Nitrox capable
- Wrist or console mount
- Air integrated (AI)
- Downloadable capability
- Backlight (for night diving)
hmarashi
Registered
I was in the same boat. I ended up getting an aeris xr-1. It is ( in my opinion) a good beginner computer. I have enjoyed and it, and it gives me some insight on what features I want on my next one. There are quite a few in the $250-$300 range. They go up from there.
Lemna
Contributor
I got a Suunto Zoop: inexpensive, wrist mounted, large display, nitrox capable, very simple operation. I can change the battery myself. Personal preferences are probably the most important though. Dive Computer Training has an interactive tool to help you in your decision.
My daughter uses a Zoop, and she finds it easy to use etc.
Previously she was using my old Suunto Solution alpha but it did not have Nitrox capability.
Previously she was using my old Suunto Solution alpha but it did not have Nitrox capability.
CamG
Contributor
Greetings Nitromax and welcome to Scuba Board!
It is pretty easy to find a group of wrist computers "puck style", non air integrated that will do Nitrox and fullfill most of your diving wishes.
You do not need air integrated but rather opt for a simple pressure gauge.
Get in the habit of checking air often and you will not need to spend the extra for a sensor that only creates another failure point off your first stage and doubles the cost.
As previously stated these computers are well in the $250-$350 range.
This is just my opinion but I would stick with the larger companies that have good customer service ratings.
I have used several brands that were all made by the manufacturer.
In my experience I used one of these flawlessly for about three years and then it developed some issues. Now bear in mind I USED IT in everything from ice dives to cave dives and it performed well.
What it did not like was deep and decompression that lead to its retirement.
I am certain that after three years I was more than pleased to purchase a new computer that would fit my needs.
My advice would be to pick one of these up and then plan on buying a fancier or more advanced computer when your dives require it.
Like vehicles all will get you there some are very case specific and built very tough!
For a top of line tech rated computer you will spend $1000-$3000 depending on the specific soft ware up grades.
I would not go there till your dive goals required it.
CamG Keep Diving....Keep Training....Keep Learning!
It is pretty easy to find a group of wrist computers "puck style", non air integrated that will do Nitrox and fullfill most of your diving wishes.
You do not need air integrated but rather opt for a simple pressure gauge.
Get in the habit of checking air often and you will not need to spend the extra for a sensor that only creates another failure point off your first stage and doubles the cost.
As previously stated these computers are well in the $250-$350 range.
This is just my opinion but I would stick with the larger companies that have good customer service ratings.
I have used several brands that were all made by the manufacturer.
In my experience I used one of these flawlessly for about three years and then it developed some issues. Now bear in mind I USED IT in everything from ice dives to cave dives and it performed well.
What it did not like was deep and decompression that lead to its retirement.
I am certain that after three years I was more than pleased to purchase a new computer that would fit my needs.
My advice would be to pick one of these up and then plan on buying a fancier or more advanced computer when your dives require it.
Like vehicles all will get you there some are very case specific and built very tough!
For a top of line tech rated computer you will spend $1000-$3000 depending on the specific soft ware up grades.
I would not go there till your dive goals required it.
CamG Keep Diving....Keep Training....Keep Learning!
cocoajoe
Contributor
Other things to consider:
Waranty...be mindful of internet 'bargains'.
User friendly...easy to navigate and read? Can you change battery or take it to authorized dealer?
When/what depth does computer 'turn on' ? There is at least 1 that I know of that doesn't turn on until 15'
Waranty...be mindful of internet 'bargains'.
User friendly...easy to navigate and read? Can you change battery or take it to authorized dealer?
When/what depth does computer 'turn on' ? There is at least 1 that I know of that doesn't turn on until 15'
You local dive shop will (should) have a variety of computers in all price ranges. You first computer should be, in my humble opinion, a console mount, not air integrated, along with an spg and compass in the console. It should be nitrox programmable because it will last years and you may want to get nitrox certified while owning it. It should have an easy to read face, and not have too many "bells and whistles" which you don't need. You don't need to spend a fortune, but it is an important piece of equipment best acquired from a local dealer that has a continued presence, and service capability, for thing like installing a battery, honoring a warranty, and such. Don't buy one on ebay just to save a few dollars. Buy a used wetsuit or fins on ebay; buy a computer from the manufacturer or your local dive shop.
DivemasterDennis scubasnobs.com
DivemasterDennis scubasnobs.com
0garibaldi0
Registered
I was in the same boat and got the Mares PUCK watch. It's not complicated, with only one button and easy to figure out. It has a light, is nitrox compatible, and easy to read. There was someone selling several on eBay for around $200 but I got mine at a LDS as I was in a hurry. It's pretty big but I'm happy with it as a basic watch.
A really cheap dive watch - Oceanic Veo 100. only $150. One of my instructors was using it but I don't think it's nitrox compatible.
A really cheap dive watch - Oceanic Veo 100. only $150. One of my instructors was using it but I don't think it's nitrox compatible.
I like the Oceanic products. I use a Oceanic Pro Plus 2.1 air integrated (console style.)
Here's a wrist computer at a very good price, and it's nitrox compatible.
Oceanic-Veo-180-Wrist-Computer
Here's a wrist computer at a very good price, and it's nitrox compatible.
Oceanic-Veo-180-Wrist-Computer
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