First computer advice sought

[Puffer Fish]

The Gekko or Nitek duo dive computer are both great, low cost, easy to use computers.

The Gekko is a bit more conservative (and requiires it's users to follow the rules very carefully or it will reduce you dive time)...but both work well.

 

[DiveGear4Less]

Hasn't the Duo been discontinued?

 

[messenone]

Hasn't the Duo been discontinued?

Like you dont know or dont keep up with what other companies' models!

 

[paddler3d]

Hasn't the Duo been discontinued?

I believe DR is phasing it out of their line in favor of the Trio. I still think it is in the Tusa lineup though. Also I think IST has it as well.

 

[drdaddy]

I'm 59 and I really wanted a computer that had large numbers. I love my Oceanic Veo 250, and I'd ask your Local Dive Shop what they would sell you one for. It's a bit more than $400, though. I would encourage you not to buy a computer that is out of warranty.

Looking at what others are saying and what I've found, I would also strongly suggest that NiTek
Duo from Dive Gear Express.

Make sure that ANY computer you buy has batteries that you can change out!!!!!!!

 

[johnsonju]

Thanks very much for the recommendations -- all seem to be good choices for us and we've enjoyed reading about them and debating which one to buy! We are leaning toward the less expensive Gekko although also tempted by the Oceanic 180.

JAJ

 

[fencingfish]

I bought my computer around the same time I bought my reg, so I was also looking for a computer that was on the less expensive side. The Gekko had all of the features that I was looking for (digital temperature reading was a must! as well as nitrox compatibility for if/when I go that route) and it is very easy to navigate. Though I will second that it would be nice if it had a "gauge mode" that I could set it to during pool sessions.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Thanks very much for the recommendations -- all seem to be good choices for us and we've enjoyed reading about them and debating which one to buy! We are leaning toward the less expensive Gekko although also tempted by the Oceanic 180.

JAJ

I have a couple of the 180s. They are a nice reliable computer and I am pleased with mine. Price is excellent. They do everything that I need (Nitrox, Altitude, FW/SW sensing, etc..), but not much on extra features.

The ascent is alarmed at 60/30 ft per minute with a simple 3 minute safety stop. These are fixed. There is no programing to remind you to do a deep stop or optional ascent rates. You can still do deep stops and alternate safety stop routines of course, but the computer will not remind you or force you to.

It is a one button computer making is slow to change settings if needed. Also, the PC link is not known for its excellence if downloading profiles is important.

 

[Gujustud]

I'm semi in the same books, as a fairly new diver (12 dives over 5 years) but I'm heading to Thailand in March of this year, and will probably log around 15-20 dives, so in this case, I think i'd like to have a dive computer. I'll most likely buy used, unless a good deal can be had on a new one. Thanks for all the info this in this thread, I'll start looking at some of the ones here.