Gauges or Computer?

[DeliciousBrownTaste]

O.K., quick question. If I'm the kind of person who isn't a static diver, and when I do dive, I only do one dive for the day, is a computer that much of a necessity? I can see the use for logging dives and checking Decompression and gas mixes and such, but I'm not doing multiple dives, and my shortest surface interval is about a month. Do I really need a computer, or is it more for people going on multiple dives a day or people who are doing more complicated things and deeper dives? Because if I'm diving with someone who I can get the temperature and feet from, and I'm going 50ft, do I really need it? I don't know if I'm just being overly cheap, so tell me if I am, thanks! P.S. I realize that I can't rely on someone to give me the information, and I wouldn't do anything without checking dive tables first!

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I'm not sure what you mean by "static" diver. If you mean the kind of profile that someone would do if he descended to a certain depth, remained there for a certain amount of time, and then ascended...I don't know anyone who does this kind of dive recreationally.

I do not think you're being "overly cheap." I think it's good to review the benefits of a dive computer and determine whether it's worth it for you. Too many divers rashly blow their $$$ on a bunch of new equipment without analyzing their options. Considering how infrequently you dive, I don't blame you for penny-pinching. If you're only doing about 10 dives a year, renting your gear is a good value.

You'll find that, for multi-level diving and multiple diving, using a dive computer will definitely increase your bottom time.

I'm curious about how you do your dive planning with a dive buddy who is using a computer. If both divers in a buddy pair are using tables, then no problem. If your buddy is using a computer and you're not, then his bottom time will be limited by your table NDLs.

As many people will tell you, a dive computer is a great investment, but it is definitely not necessary. In fact, if you are planning to buy dive gear, there is other gear that I would recommend buying first.

Have fun and dive safe.

 

[DeliciousBrownTaste]

I'm not sure what you mean by "static" diver. If you mean the kind of profile that someone would do if he descended to a certain depth, remained there for a certain amount of time, and then ascended...I don't know anyone who does this kind of dive recreationally.

When I say I'm not a static diver, I mean that I don't have a dive club or group of friends that I dive with every other weekend. When I say that I'm meaning, I dive when I get the chance, which is not a... well static thing xD

 

[herman]

If your dives don't take you close to an NDL (from the tables) then there is really little need for a computer. If your diving close to NDL's it could help but IMO a nitrox class would be better use of your money, diving like you do. If I had a guess, I would bet you don't come close the NDL. I would not bother unless you just want something to log the dives with. If in the future you start doing a lot of multi level, multiday diving then a computer would be useful.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

O.K., quick question. If I'm the kind of person who isn't a static diver, and when I do dive, I only do one dive for the day, is a computer that much of a necessity? I can see the use for logging dives and checking Decompression and gas mixes and such, but I'm not doing multiple dives, and my shortest surface interval is about a month. Do I really need a computer, or is it more for people going on multiple dives a day or people who are doing more complicated things and deeper dives? Because if I'm diving with someone who I can get the temperature and feet from, and I'm going 50ft, do I really need it? I don't know if I'm just being overly cheap, so tell me if I am, thanks! P.S. I realize that I can't rely on someone to give me the information, and I wouldn't do anything without checking dive tables first!

It seems to me that most agencies teach dive tables as their primary means of avoiding DCS. No computer is needed to implement that method. The computer may make it easier, and provide some redundancy. Also the computer will give you more bottom time on a multilevel dive.

So if you are willing to do the work and live with somewhat reduced bottom time no computer is needed.

There is a school of thought that having a computer is a bad thing because it partially removes the need to pay attention to what is going on.

 

[maged_mmh]

provide some redundancy. Also the computer will give you more bottom time on a multilevel dive.

this is the true whole point of having a computer ... your call

 

[DeliciousBrownTaste]

Good thing I happen to be an Overlycautious person. Time to study up on my dive tables then T_T

 

[Oxy]

...snip...

There is a school of thought that having a computer is a bad thing because it partially removes the need to pay attention to what is going on.

I'm wanting to get a computer cause I suck at math (haven't seen a dive table Yet)
just read NWGreatfuldiver's "Gas Management" article and could barley follow it even with his simple samples. If the dive table is easy to use I'd rather use it than spend what I think is way too much for a (as you put it) distraction I may be dependent on.

 

[halocline]

You could get a PADI wheel; this would cost very little and allow you to plan multi level dives. Once you figure it out, it's very easy to use. I assume you have a dive watch or other timer, right?

The one thing you're missing out on is the ascent rate indicator and alarm, which can be a useful safety feature.

 

[runway1]

....and when I do dive, I only do one dive for the day, ....

Why? Never a boat dive? Never a trip to Avalon Water Park? Never a tropical destination with endless memorable dives? I dive almost every Saturday - that would be one dive only, but, If I'm in Catalina, on a boat or a tropical spot - heck, I'm diving!