Do I want redundant gauges with dive computer?

[Riger]

My wife and I both have the UWATEC Galileo Sol. We also both use the AI function and carry a redundant SPG/Depth Gauge Combo. I have had the AI on my computer not function once due to the quick release being incorrectly seated. Ironically, I used the SPG for pre-dive pressure testing. As has been pointed out here already, having the redundant SPG saved the dive totally, as the computer still gave all the other data.

Off-topic, the one thing my wife and I have done is adapt the pre-dive buddy check list to include computer settings as we recently did our Nitrox course and that adds another possible underwater Doh!!! :11dohpportunity. (Cannot change the Nitrox/Air setting once in Dive Mode).

Best Regards
Richard (Riger)

PS : Galileo has an awesome built-in compass!

 

[diver 85]

I guess I'm from the 'old' school of thought---I use the same gauges/timer system I did back in the 80's....My theory behind that is why fix it if it ain't broke.......btw, it's gotten me home every time after 1000+ dives......but saying that, did buy a computer(looks nice anyway & IT WORKS) after about 900 dives....

 

[Adobo]

I've now got everything I need except for gauges/dive computer. If I buy a hoseless AI dive computer, do I still want to get a console depth indicator/SPG/compass (possibly nice small size) to act as a backup?

I've read you should have backups, but what do people actually do in practice? I've been thinking that it would be great with an A/I wrist mount dive computer to have fewer hoses, but I guess if I'm using the console as a backup, I can clip it on the left side of my BCD and pretty much have it out of the way, unless the computer konks out.

In case it matters, assume purely recreational diving, and most likely not below 60'.

(My OW ocean dives just got held up until June, was supposed to be next week, so now I've got several weeks of "shopping time" on my hands...)

My vote would be to pass on the fancy computer and buy a wrist mounted depth gauge, a wrist mounted compass and an spg. It'll be a long while before any computer can tell you anything more that is useful than what those basic instruments tell you. And by then, you might decide that a better way to spend your money might be on something like boat dives or a drysuit. Contrary to what dive shops would like you to think, dive computers are not a necessity. And for some, they are actually pointless.