gauges or console (PARROTHEAD)

[seadog]

since they stole your thread to dirland -

If you are comfortable with a console stay with that. I don't know how many dives you have but if you do many boat charters you will notice that, by far, the majority of divers will have a console & computer. Dispite what certain parties would like you to believe THAT is what the "Mainstream" of the diving community uses.

 

[nickjb]

I agree up to a point. If you already have it then use it and see how it works for you. However, if you are about to spend a whole load of cash then it is worth considering your diving future and whether everyone who has posted has a valid point.

I would disagree that is the mainstream though. I see far more wrist mounted computers than console mounted ones.

 

[Big-t-2538]

A computer is not necessary, I have one, but I got a great deal on it (225 $ for an ORCA pilot), so I bought it. IT is a wrist mount, the only thing I wish I had was a wrist mounted compass. Having it on the consol is a pain, b/c it is attached to a finite length. MY suggestion would be to get a depth & SPG (120 to 150$) and put it on a shorter hp hose, then get a wrist mounted compass (50 to 75 $) and bottom timer (120$). You then have redundancy all for about the same price as a computer in the first place.

 

[Northeastwrecks]

seadog once bubbled...


I don't know how many dives you have but if you do many boat charters you will notice that, by far, the majority of divers will have a console & computer. Dispite what certain parties would like you to believe THAT is what the "Mainstream" of the diving community uses.

Two issues.

First, I disagree that the mainstream is using consoles.

Regardless, however, what the mainstream does is wholly irrelevant to what is best, unless you are trying to conform for reasons that are wholly unrelated to the functionality of the equipment. If we all dove like the mainstream, we'd still be doing those cute little vertical ascents in our poodle jackets.

Wrist mounted equipment is easier to monitor, easier to use and more streamlined. It offers superior performance for the money. Moreover, you will find that your configuration can stay the same as you progress as a diver. In other words, you won't need to replace the console when you come to the realization that its no longer suitable for your needs.

There is nothing DIR about this response. GUE advocates the use of wrist mounts; however, they were around long before GUE.

In summary, it comes down to this:

If you want to be a lemming who makes buying decisions based on the lowest common denominator, then buy a console.

If you want equipment that is easy to use, then go with wrist mounts.

Regardless, skip the computer. You can always get a wrist mount later if you decide that you want one.

 

[Big-t-2538]

Northeastwrecks once bubbled...

If we all dove like the mainstream, we'd still be doing those cute little vertical ascents in our poodle jackets.

What is wrong with a poodle jacket? I have no issues with mine, when purchased I was a lowly college student looking to get some of his own gear.....for 130 $ my little poodle jacket serves me well.

 

[metridium]

Big-t-2538 wrote...


What is wrong with a poodle jacket?

Don't get me started....

 

[Northeastwrecks]

Big-t-2538 once bubbled...


What is wrong with a poodle jacket? I have no issues with mine, when purchased I was a lowly college student looking to get some of his own gear.....for 130 $ my little poodle jacket serves me well.

Nothing that I wan't to debate here (I don't want to hijack). I was merely using poodle jackets as an example of mainstream gear that, while functional, is not necessarily optimal.

If a jacket works for you and the type of diving that you're doing, then I'm certainly not going to advocate replacing it.

 

[seadog]

a wrist mount computer; but still think more use consoles. Think my next one will be too. But hey, if it works and you like it that's all that matters.