First Computer - Need help choosing

[ReefZombie]

I recently finished the confined water portion of my OWC and will be finishing it in cozumel in a little over a month. I live in colorado, so I only plan to dive on vacations every year or two.

I am looking for a good entry level computer under $300 that won't become an expensive paperweight if/when I get my advanced cert and/or nitrox cert.

I've been leaning towards the sherwood amphos since it has everything I think I need and doubles as a wristwatch, but any input would be appreciated.

 

[scubadada]

The Sherwood Amphos looks fine, it's the Oceanic Geo2 without dual algorithm, runs DSAT, not also PZ+. Both are manufactured by Pelagic Pressure Systems. Don't know what kind of deal you can get but looks like it is bit over your stated budget. The download cable will cost you about another $90, assuming you want to download your dives.

I have a Geo2 as backup to my VT3, I would not wear it as a daily wristwatch, too big and gaudy for me. I do wear it as a watch during diving.

You will get all kinds of advice, see the many other threads on the same topic, many under computers in the equipment section

Good luck, Craig

 

[Scuba-Blue-13]

There are a ton of threads, posts, and opinions here regarding dive computers and I think I've read just about everyone of them.

I decided to purchase the Mares Puck Pro as my first computer and just used it to finish my OW certification and a handful more dives last week and honestly, couldn't be happier with it.

Definitely can't wear it as a watch when not diving, unless you were going to a party at Flavor Flav's house.

It does air, adjustable nitrox mixes, has a panning feature, automatic safety stop timer, rapid ascent alerts, constant No Deco time adjustments, and can be picked up on sale for about $170.

 

[gopbroek]

Here is a very versatile dual algorithm (Pz+ & DSAT) 3 button multi gas capable unit with a simple intuitive screen layout for under $200. This should work from beginner to non tri mix tech. I am not a big fan of RGBM based algorithm units, I started out with one but found it overly conservative for multi day warm water drift diving.

https://www.amazon.com/AERIS-Personal-Scuba-Diving-Computer/dp/B009JXQULM

 

[ReefZombie]

Here is a very versatile dual algorithm (Pz+ & DSAT) 3 button multi gas capable unit with a simple intuitive screen layout for under $200. This should work from beginner to non tri mix tech. I am not a big fan of RGBM based algorithm units, I started out with one but found it overly conservative for multi day warm water drift diving.

https://www.amazon.com/AERIS-Personal-Scuba-Diving-Computer/dp/B009JXQULM

I was under the impression oceanic bought out this design and was the veo 3.0. Are these even warrantied anymore?

 

[gopbroek]

I was under the impression oceanic bought out this design and was the veo 3.0. Are these even warrantied anymore?

To the best of my knowledge they still do, there were/are the same company. I use a VEO 3.0 but picked up one of these for a friend who is a DM in Cozumel last fall. I actually liked the screen functionality better on the Aeris. He now has about 500+ dives on it and loves it.

 

[DevonDiver]

The Suunto Zoop is probably the global best seller amongst entry-level computers. The new 'Novo' version is considerably upgraded with regards UI, backlight and gauge mode additions. LeisurePro price is $279.00

The Suunto RGBM algorithm is oft debated here on Scubaboard. It seems to send every dive computer thread off on an tangent.

The RGBM algorithm contains parameters that add conservatism when the diver conducts behaviors suspected to pre-dispose towards DCS. These are the same behaviors that you are warned about in your Open Water course... too fast ascents, zig-zag profiles, reverse profiles, short surface intervals and/or aggressive multi-day and repetitive diving.

The algorithm recognizes those suspected DCS risk factors and shortens NDLs to compensate and reduce DCS risk. Other algorithms don't necessarily adapt or recognize those risks - putting the responsibility on the individual diver to manually increase their conservatism settings under known diving parameters (few divers do....).

If you're the type of prudent diver who'll actively use a computer's conservatism options to keep your diving safe, then you'd probably not notice much restriction from Suunto RGBM. On the other hand, if you're partial to undertaking aggressive diving schedules and want to claw out every feasible extra second underwater, regardless of risk, then you might find that Suunto RGBM cramps your style.

Another big contender is the upcoming Deep6 computer... It's been said that when released the price point will be circa $135. No word from Deep6 yet as to when the computer will be released.

 

[scubadada]

Aeris used to be a separate member of the American Underwater Products family, along with Oceanic, Hollis... Aeris was folded into Oceanic some time ago. All their computers are made by Pelagic Pressure Systems, which AUP sold to Aqua Lung a while ago. PPS is still the OEM for many brands of computer, Oceanic, Hollis, Sherwood, Genesis, Aqua Lung... Only the Oceanic computers currently have dual algorithm. Sherwood and Genesis run DSAT, Hollis and Aqua Lung run PZ+

The A300 is the Aeris version of the Oceanic Veo3. I have no reason to think that Oceanic would not support the warranty and service but I would inquire before purchasing. I have a more than 6 year old AI VT3 and a more than 5 year old Geo2 that perform absolute flawlessly. Battery changes are a cinch

 

[lerpy]

The Suunto Zoop was my first computer and I loved it. For recreational it worked really well. I even tested it going into deco and it gave a solution to a degree rather than just freezing up which was nice. My only complaint was no guage mode, and the lighting was not great for night or dark dives, however DevonDiver indicates that has been rectified in the newer models.

 

[ReefZombie]

I ended up pulling the plug on the aeris a300 since it seemed like too good of a deal to pass up. Should serve me well in Coz