Question Help with choosing new computer

[MB NZ]

Reading with interest. I wouldn't dismiss Suunto either. Whatever the algorithm actually is, it has kept a lot of divers safe over many years. However, I would check which flavour of Suunto RGBM is on a particular computer. I think most people would agree that their basic "RGBM" is overly conservative, especially when doing multiple dives and/or dives that get close to NDL or run in to decompression.

I was all set to get a Shearwater Peregrine, but I'm not sold on the integrated battery. I would like something replaceable.

 

[paddydiver]

Hey everyone!

I'm looking for some advice on choosing my next dive computer and would love some input from more experienced divers (I've passed OWD and in september I'm doing AOWD).

I'm aiming for solid build quality, reliability and good display. Compass and air integration would be a nice addition too as well as other advanced functions.

Here are some (mostly used) options I’ve found:

Suunto Ocean + transmitter – $930
Ratio iDive + transmitter – $740
Scubapro Galileo G3 + transmitter – $505
Scubapro Galileo G2 + transmitter – $580

Tern TX (new) – $735
Shearwater Peregrine – $500
Ratio iDive (new) – $470

Price-to-value ratio is really important for me and I’d like to keep my budget as low as possible without getting something I’ll regret

If anyone has experience with any of these, I’d love to hear how they’ve held up and whether you’d recommend them
Also open to other suggestions that offer great bang for the buck

(btw I know that shearwater is pretty much the best choice out there, but it's also pricey here in EU so that's why I'm considering other brands)

Thanks in advance

You've just done you're open water and you're about to do advanced. Really, buy something simple and upgrade later as your diving advances. Right now you need an easy to use reliable computer with nitrox, freedive and maybe a compass. Transmitter is nice but again do you really need it at this stage? Plenty of decent computers out there new for a lot cheaper then the models listed. Upgrade when you have a few hundred dives under your belt and you decide if you want to go Tech, Rebreather etc. Spend the money saved on a good regulator!

 

[boqurant]

I was all set to get a Shearwater Peregrine, but I'm not sold on the integrated battery. I would like something replaceable.

IMO integrated battery (Teric, Tern, Peregrine) is a huge convenience and quality-of-life booster. On my TernTX each full charge lasts about 20 dives (approx 1 hour wet with AI and compass, plus entry / exit, surface intervals, overnight - basically a full week liveaboard. Very easy to recharge without mucking about with seals to replace a Saft 14500 etc.

The battery will age and lose power, but that's a simple service on the 2 year (ish) maintenance schedule anyway.

 

[MB NZ]

IMO integrated battery (Teric, Tern, Peregrine) is a huge convenience and quality-of-life booster. On my TernTX each full charge lasts about 20 dives (approx 1 hour wet with AI and compass, plus entry / exit, surface intervals, overnight - basically a full week liveaboard. Very easy to recharge without mucking about with seals to replace a Saft 14500 etc.

The battery will age and lose power, but that's a simple service on the 2 year (ish) maintenance schedule anyway.

Opinion noted. I live in New Zealand. Getting anything serviced is usually a pain in the arse and expensive if it's even possible.

 

[brsnow]

Opinion noted. I live in New Zealand. Getting anything serviced is usually a pain in the arse and expensive if it's even possible.

Find a used perdix or perdix ai, reliable and easy to change batteries

 

[DrakeTheDiver]

I have had 3 dive computers now, I started with a Suunto Zoop, Liked the computer, worked fine for recreational stuff and had everything a recreational diver needs in terms of Nitrox, no Deco though. I broke the screw when I was changing the battery, so I swapped to a Mares Quad Air. That introduced me to AI which was awesome, I now would not buy a computer without it. I bought that computer used with the AI transmitter on ebay, you may be able to find a similar deal, or I could sell you mine, but I am in the US so probably not that viable. Never had an issue with that computer either. I have since upgraded to the Shearwater Peregrine TX, I think it will take quite a bit to ever get away from this one. The screen is excellent, the AI notifications via vibration for low gas or NDL have been extremely helpful when working in zero viz. I will say you probably don't want or need a compass on your computer, I have found trying to do any navigation with them is annoying and difficult. My recommendation would be to get a puck to start, it will handle everything you need through advanced and nitrox, if you find you outgrow it then go for a peregrine or perdix, at that point you will know if your really interested in the sport. Worst things worst, you end up with a solid backup computer, when you have to service or if you break your other.

 

[tursiops]

My recommendation would be to get a puck to start, it will handle everything you need through advanced and nitrox, if you find you outgrow it then go for a peregrine or perdix, at that point you will know if your really interested in the sport. Worst things worst, you end up with a solid backup computer, when you have to service or if you break your other.

I would agree, except the market for used pucks is minimal, whereas the good computers (e.g., Peregrine) keep their value. So if you get a cheapo computer now, consider it a non-recoverable expenditure.

 

[DrakeTheDiver]

I would agree, except the market for used pucks is minimal, whereas the good computers (e.g., Peregrine) keep their value. So if you get a cheapo computer now, consider it a non-recoverable expenditure.

That is a good add to my post, I would just keep it around, you can always have it for a buddy who comes with you, or as a back up. Or if you travel and didn't want to take your expensive computer later on, as either theft or damage concerns.

 

[MB NZ]

Find a used perdix or perdix ai, reliable and easy to change batteries

I tend not to do second hand, but have considered the Perdix. Total overkill for my diving though. I'm regressing, not progressing

 

[brsnow]

I tend not to do second hand, but have considered the Perdix. Total overkill for my diving though. I'm regressing, not progressing

Good value, simple to use at recreational level, and ease of battery change. That or a garmin if you are concerned about battery life and customer service.