Don't Know How to Choose a Dive Computer for My BF's Birthday!

[BlackMermaid]

Hi all,

I'm completely new to diving (started 2 years ago and still have < 30 dives). I have no equipment of my own, and have ZERO knowledge on choosing any gear/equipment.

I plan to get my BF a dive computer but I don't know where to start. I've read through existing threads/discussions yet I've understood nothing! (Attached to this that, blablahblah..I just don't get those terms).

All I need to know is the brand and type that would suit my BF (and my budget - basically I'm looking for "the best value for money type of product - good price, and good quality). My BF doesn't dive that much either, maybe 30-40 dives a year and until now, he has always rented.

I know that he would like something that functions well, is comfortable to wear, looks stylish, and of course durable! Can anyone give me recommendation please? Possibly something < $500

Many thanks!

 

[stuartv]

I have two recommendations for you:

- Give your BF a gift certificate (hand written is fine), for the amount you want to spend and then let him pick it out. To me, buying a dive computer is a very personal decision. I would not want anyone else to pick one out for me.

- Have your BF read this thread before he settles on what to buy:

So you want to buy a new computer?

 

[NAM001]

I agree with stewart. I use shearwater petrels and the new one (predix) should be a great one also. They are easy to use with a logical menu system

 

[iamrushman]

what they said above and good luck...now go out and dive dive dive.

 

[C Dub]

Another vote for the Shearwater Perdix.

It is WELL worth the extra $ above your initial budget. It is widely considered the best dive computer in the market for both rec and tech diving.

 

[KDAD]

The plan to give a gift certificate may be a good one because if the computer he wants to get is a few more dollars perhaps he can kick in the extra. Now you can get a perfectly good dive computer for under $500 which will take care of your recreational dive needs but the Perdix is a very nice computer if any tec diving is in his future.

For rec diving only you can come close to getting his and hers computers for $500.

 

[iamrushman]

for a first time dive computer the oceanic veo 1 is affordable and give you nitrox capabilities. it's wrist mounted or can be clipped on.....now go out and dive dive dive.

VEO 1.0

 

[scubadada]

I'm with Stuart, the gift certificate is a good idea. This is a reasonably large and important purchase, this way he will end up with what he wants.

Everyone on SB would have their own choice for a good, first computer, see all the vigorous debate in other threads on this topic. Everyone would have their own criteria. iamrushman's suggestion for an inexpensive Oceanic computer is a good one but, personally, I would opt the the Veo2 for 2 button maneuverability instead of one, a backlight, and the ability to download dives. It all depends on what's important to the individual diver. The Veo2 with download cable would run you about $400, about $140 more than the Veo1 alone.

Best of luck, your boyfriend is lucky you are thinking of getting him such a nice present

 

[diversteve]

They all work well - the difference between most is the algorithm used to calculate all the dive functions. Generally speaking RGBM-based algorithms might give slightly longer bottom time - Suunto's otoh are built to be slightly more conservative. Based on your other criteria - most of the Suunto wrist models are out of your budget or very oversized.Other factors to consider are amount of hours/dives it will log and download capability. Most have download options - on the lower end it's often a cable/cradle that costs up to $100 extra since they make them proprietary. Most of those will include the software to track your dives and derive useful data like your sac rate etc.

define "looks stylish" - if you mean wearing it as a watch on dive vacations both the Veo and the Perdix fail at that IMO unless being used as a conversation starter on land because they're too oversized. A Veo in a boot is really thick. Plus $849 for the Perdix seems outside the budget. Shearwater is currently a favorite here on SB so people recommend them without paying attention to the posters wants/needs.

You might look at a Sherwood Amphos - it seems to fit all your criteria. Amphos Wrist Computer - CW6600 - $399

Or you could get his/hers Mares Puck Pro's for just under $500 - $480/2. Kind of bulky looking so you might want to see one b4 you buy.
http://www.leisurepro.com/p-mrspp/mares-puck-pro-wrist-computer

A Scubapro Chromis is just over $500 and comes in a lot of different color combinations. It's sort of oversized also. http://www.leisurepro.com/p-utccrw/scubapro-chromis-wrist-computer $540-560 depending on color.

I know someone that wears an Oceanic Geo 2 all week on dive trips. It's just over 2" in dia. and 5/8ths thick. $429 list but I've seen them for less.

Mares also has a new model I know nothing about - the Smart. http://www.leisurepro.com/p-mrsswc/mares-smart-wrist-computer?RRref=productPage $399

 

[CptTightPants21]

For tropical waters a Geo 2 would work well if you are looking are a

define "looks stylish" - if you mean wearing it as a watch on dive vacations both the Veo and the Perdix fail at that IMO unless being used as a conversation starter on land because they're too oversized. A Veo in a boot is really thick. Plus $849 for the Perdix seems outside the budget. Shearwater is currently a favorite here on SB so people recommend them without paying attention to the posters wants/needs.

You might look at a Sherwood Amphos - it seems to fit all your criteria. Amphos Wrist Computer - CW6600 - $399
View attachment 376599
Or you could get his/hers Mares Puck Pro's for just under $500 They look like an oversized watch so you might want to see one b4 you buy.
http://www.leisurepro.com/p-mrspp/mares-puck-pro-wrist-computer
View attachment 376600
A Scubapro Chromis is just over $500 and comes in a lot of different color combinations. It's sort of oversized also but people do wear them as watches. http://www.leisurepro.com/p-utccrw/scubapro-chromis-wrist-computer $540-560 depending on color.
View attachment 376601

I know someone that wears an Oceanic Geo all week on dive trips. It's just over 2" in dia. and 5/8ths thick. $429 list but I've seen them for less.
View attachment 376602

I agree with the above options..maybe add a Veo 2 into the mix. A petrel while nice, would be way more than you need. I agree that the hand written note with a "pick your dive computer up to $500" is the best option.