Is the Mares RGBM too conservative?

[Dive&Ski]

I've been diving tables for 2 years and finally think it's time to buy my wife and I some computers. The Mares M2 seems to have all the features I want at a price I can afford, but from what I've read, it uses the most conservative algorithm out there. I'm all for reducing risk, but personally, I'd rather have a liberal computer and never push its limits than always being right at the edge of deco (according to the computer). For those of you that own it, what's your opinion about it? Too conservative? Just right? I'm going to Coz in a few weeks and will be doing 4 tanks a day on a few of the days. I've heard stories that the Mares RGBM is very limiting on repetitive dives.

Thanks.

 

[maged_mmh]

all RGBM (mares, suunto,...) are more conservative that other DC using other algorithms.

 

[mislav]

Isn't it the same model as used in Suunto computers? I believe Mares licensed it from Suunto but I may be wrong on that.

Anyway, if it's the same... then, no. It's not too conservative. You will definitely have more allowable bottom time diving your computer profiles than diving square or multilevel profiles on tables.

I suggest that you use both tables and computers for your dives in Cozumel and compare.

And even though some people prefer more liberal dive computers (me included) - unless you know the deco theory very well I believe it is better to dive using a more conservative model to avoid possible problems generated by pushing the limits or sawtooth diving. There's nothing wrong with having an increased safety margin.

 

[maged_mmh]

I use Suunto.
yes, Mislav, it is the same algorithm like suunto, duuno about the license though.
ANY DC will be more liberal when compared to tables, since tables assume square dive profile; but compared with other DC like Uwatec & Oceanic, RGBM-based DCs are regarded more conservative.

 

[Charlie99]

The RGBM computers are limiting only if you restrict yourself to staying within its NDL. Although I don't have much experience with the Mares M2, I've had no problem using an Oceanic hockey puck while my buddy used a Suunto computer.

For typical multilevel diving in Cozumel, his computer would clear the deco obligation about the same time my computer was moving from the yellow zone back to the green.

 

[RAWalker]

Conservative is just an increased safety margin. Yes the Mares is conservative can't say that's a bad thing just maybe not necessary. Some other computers that use more liberal models also allow you to set the computer to a conservative mode this gives you the ability to adjust it to the dive or divers needs. What the more liberal computers actually gain you in dive time may or may not be worth the difference in price.

 

[NudeDiver]

If you don't like what your dive computer is telling you, you're always free to ignore it.