First dive computer for a newbie

[markmud]

Petrel if overkill.
This is a good computer for the price and does everything you require.
Oceanic Veo 180 Air/Nitrox Wrist Dive Computer

Hi Neilwood,

I own only Oceanic computers and regulators. They are good products and the company does support what it develops. Are Oceanic products the Mercedes Benz or Lexus of diving gear? Probably not. Toyota...Ford? Yeah, I think so. Definitely not Chevy or Volkswagen TDI.

Most new Oceanic computers give you an option between DSAT or Buhlman Z algorithms. You can use a liberal or conservative program.

However, having written the above, I don't like single button computers--they are a pain in the ass! Two button computers can be exasperating but much better than single button computers.

The Oceanic VEO 180 is a single button computer.

Here is a two button computer for a little more money: VEO 2.0 - Computers

You can use this computer in a console or as a wrist mounted model.

Spend enough money to buy something that you can use when you do become more advanced. I have an Aeris computer that is very similar to the VEO 2.0 (same parent company---Aeris/Oceanic). It is my back-up computer (and because of it being mounted on my wrist, it is sometimes my primary with my Pro Plus 3.0 only being touched for tank pressure and information displayed on its main screen that is not displayed on my wrist computer's main screen).

A two button computer should be your minimum criterion.

Any low-range computer you buy now will be worth almost nothing if you try to sell it in a few years. Choose wisely. Tell SWBO that this is life support equipment and that your life is worth a few more dollars/Euros/pounds.

markm

 

[dmaziuk]

Here is a two button computer for a little more money: VEO 2.0 - Computers

There's still a few aeris aA300s left on amazon.us -- that appears to be the exact same computer as veo 2.0 for the price of veo 180. If they ship to where OP is.

 

[tridacna]

Tell SWBO that this is life support equipment and that your life is worth a few more dollars/Euros/pounds.

If you leave out the 'M', he could just as well buy a bloody mainframe and strap that to his wrist. The 'M' is key in this context. Just ask the OP AKA Horace.

 

[Tbar]

Another one for Mares Puck, it fits your requirements, well undercuts your budget. You should also include user replaceable battery.

I have used this ebay supplier service was good, and its probably about 120 GBP. Mares Puck Tauchcomputer Diving Computer TC | eBay

Have look at the various computer manuals to see if you can use a single or multi button unit. For me I prefer the single button of the Puck. Different computers implement the user interface differently. Suunto's I have used have multi button but the buttons change context on different screens.

 

[DiveNav]

Whatever brand/model you end up purchasing make sure you learn how to properly use it --> DiveComputerTraining

 

[abscuba]

I +1 ocieanic. The petrels are amazing I have used one for a few years now and can't rave about it enough. However 90% of the features that make it great you don't need in basic recreational diving. Suntos are nice but they are conservative and that damn beeping gets old. Oceanic would be a good set up if you are looking for something not expensive and not to conservative and still maintain useful features. Training is a good idea for what ever model you go with you should know how to use it, what algorithms it uses and how that affects you, and what features it has.

 

[markmud]

If you leave out the 'M', he could just as well buy a bloody mainframe and strap that to his wrist. The 'M' is key in this context. Just ask the OP AKA Horace.

Hi Tridacna,

Did I offend you by accidently leaving the "M" out of the acronym? If so, sorry about that!

I should have typed "SWMBO". There, fixed it for ya.

markm

---------- Post added September 25th, 2015 at 05:04 PM ----------

There's still a few aeris aA300s left on amazon.us -- that appears to be the exact same computer as veo 2.0 for the price of veo 180. If they ship to where OP is.

Hey dmaziuk,

That is a great deal!! Nice PDC for 200 dollars. :shocked2:

Amazon.com: Aeris A300 Wrist Computer ~Includes now FREE the Digital online class to get the most out of your dive computer.

markm

 

[tridacna]

Hi Tridacna,

Did I offend you by accidently leaving the "M" out of the acronym? If so, sorry about that!

Apologies accepted. SWMBO is not treated lightly in these parts.

 

[Diving Dubai]

I started with the Cressi Leonardo and put 200 dives on it before I upgraded to a comp that could gas change under water. Yes the NDL can be conservative at depth if you're dives are at the 25m. I didn't like the one button for settings - if say you were changing from 32% to 30% you have to scroll all the way forward to 40% then start at air and keep going forward. Also I found the back light not to be great. However all that said It served me well as a starter computer. I believe the Giotto is an improvement and I see lots of people using Zoops

 

[Erik N]

Suunto is out due to conservative algorithm for reparative diving.


i bought the petrel as my first as still a recreational diver and ran it in rec mode, fantastic computer for rec diving and gives you room to grow. Leaving it in rec mode I don't think is too much computer for a newbie and very easy to read.

i understand the petrel is a bit more then you were looking to spend, so my second recommendation would be a Hollis dg03. It's within your price range, nitrox compatible, optional ai transmitted avalible if you decide to go that route down the road, gauge mode if you go into Tec diving it doesn't become useless. Only downside is the lockout, but no problem if you stay a rec diver.

conclusion: if you can splurge, get the petrel, if not, get the dg03