If you had $200.00 or less???

[bullheadmike]

Looking into getting my first dive computer. But coming up with $150.00 to $200.00 will be tuff. So, what do I buy. I have seen some old "Junk" on ebay with dead batteries etc., for $100.00+. I can't see going that way. I will most likely never dive anything but Air. I dive mostly in rivers and lakes. Most dives less then 50 feet. I want a dive computer mostly for decompression stop info and guidance. Then for logging my dives. I am a conservative diver. I have seen some new models from Aeris, Sherwood and Genesis all at under $200.00. Aeris Atoms 1 $150.00. Sherwood Profile $200.00. Genesis Resource Pro Air $195.00. When it comes to dive computers I know nothing. I am totally open to comments, suggestions and thoughts.

 

[leadweight]

Lets see, 50 foot dives, that is 80 minutes (or so) on the tables. Were you planning to stay down longer in what is probably cold water?

IMO, a computer will not provide you with useful decompession information beyond what you have using tables at relatively shallow depths. How about a nice Uwatec digital bottom timer for $140?

One of the more popular inexpensive air computers is the Aeris Atmos 1. Its under $150 mail order. However, after reading some of the tests on Divernet and translations of what has been printed in German magazines, along with the manual, I would not use this computer (or any one from its "family") for any diving other than no-stop diving.

 

[Rick Inman]

I will most likely never dive anything but Air. I dive mostly in rivers and lakes. Most dives less then 50 feet. I want a dive computer mostly for decompression stop info and guidance.

Yeah, I know, I hate asking a question about something and then being told it's the wrong question, instead of getting the answer.

However, I agree that a computer is a waste of money for you. Hey, if you had the cash to burn (which you say you don't) I'd say to buy the computer.

I suggest you just buy a watch with a bezel at Walmart for $20.00 and save the rest for air or something else.

I'm guessing that by, "decompression stop info" you mean safety stop counter, and the watch will do just fine.

The truth is that you will be a better diver if you use your watch and tables for such shallow diving. Then, if you move into more advanced diving and think you need a computer, you'll be better able to use it in conjunction with your knowledge instead of just blindly following it.

.02

 

[Ben_ca]

Yeah, I know, I hate asking a question about something and then being told it's the wrong question, instead of getting the answer.

However, I agree that a computer is a waste of money for you. Hey, if you had the cash to burn (which you say you don't) I'd say to buy the computer.

I suggest you just buy a watch with a bezel at Walmart for $20.00 and save the rest for air or something else.

I'm guessing that by, "decompression stop info" you mean safety stop counter, and the watch will do just fine.

The truth is that you will be a better diver if you use your watch and tables for such shallow diving. Then, if you move into more advanced diving and think you need a computer, you'll be better able to use it in conjunction with your knowledge instead of just blindly following it.

.02

I agree with the guys... Just get the Uwatec bottom timer and dive your tables... Better yet memorize them and actively use your Primary Computer (Your Brain) this will greatly help your situational awareness underwater. Plus if you end up getting into higher/technical diving this is all you need.

 

[bullheadmike]

I suck air so I never stay down 80 Min. Even in 40 feet of water. Water in summer is 75 to a low of 50. In winter 65 to a low of 45. I have two cheep watches from WalMart that I use when I dive. Start one when I go under and keep the other set to count down 4 Min., for my safety stop. I do my dive planning before going down, but like all of us, sometimes I go deeper then planned. Like the idea of having a "computer" to help me from messing up if I need to do a safety stop and how long. And yes, I make it a practice to always do a 3 min stop at 20 to 15 feet no matter what. I also like the idea of a computer monatering my rate of accent. Sometimes the only thing you have to go by are your own bubbles. I stay below them.

 

[Halthron]

I own an Atmos 2 and know it has the safety stop. It appears that safety stop information was left out of the manual for the Atmos 1 and added in a suppliment supplied with the computer. This thread http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=101143 has more info. I plan on getting the new version of the 1 in a month or so for someone who won't be diving Nitrox for a number of years yet.

And the 1 wrist model currently costs just under $150 at ScubaToys.

 

[Spoon]

i just recently bought my very first computer. got a dive rite nitek duo wanted something frills free and very straightforward and user friendly. a little over $200 but am extremely happy with it.

 

[hex92]

I wouldn't buy a sub-$200 computer. It will cost you more in the long run. Save up a bit more cash and buy an Aeris2. Then you will have a computer that you won't grow out of.
It will work for you now diving air.
If and when you move to nitrox you can still use it.
If you decide to move into technical diving you can set it into gauge mode and it will still be useful.

If you buy the Atmos1 and decide to move up to nitrox you will have to go buy another computer

The batteries last forever and it is easy to understand and use.

 

[scubadobadoo]

I always agree with the idea that spending a little more now will save you alot in the long run. Almost every experienced diver on this board is on a second or third set of gear. Check ebay and the gear for sale section of this board. You will buy what you WANT eventually so save up a little more and get it in the first place. 9 out of 10 agree. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Web Monkey]

Assuming you already have an SPG, I'd buy a waterproof watch with a built-in timer, and use dive tables.

Terry

Looking into getting my first dive computer. But coming up with $150.00 to $200.00 will be tuff. So, what do I buy. I have seen some old "Junk" on ebay with dead batteries etc., for $100.00+. I can't see going that way. I will most likely never dive anything but Air. I dive mostly in rivers and lakes. Most dives less then 50 feet. I want a dive computer mostly for decompression stop info and guidance. Then for logging my dives. I am a conservative diver. I have seen some new models from Aeris, Sherwood and Genesis all at under $200.00. Aeris Atoms 1 $150.00. Sherwood Profile $200.00. Genesis Resource Pro Air $195.00. When it comes to dive computers I know nothing. I am totally open to comments, suggestions and thoughts.