Mares AirLab

[wunat]

Anyone out there has experiences with Mares AirLab dive computer?

 

[Vie]

This computer is sold under two different names; the Mares Airlab and Dacor Darwin Air. I have seen a few but have never dived with one—it’s a pretty big computer and, IMHO, not so well designed. There are two separate screens which can display a lot of numbers—the labels are very small and probably quite hard to see and confusing in the water. This computer uses the new “Mares-Wienke” RGBM algorithm—I don’t know whether this is a “real” RGBM algorithm of a Suunto-style “RGBM” (i.e. modified Haldanean which does a crude emulation of RGBM). The one great thing about the Airlab is that it uses very easy to find AAA batteries.

If you want a good AI/console-type computer, I would suggest the Oceanic Pro Plus 2 or the Suunto Cobra. I have used the Cobra and the older Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus extensively. I personally prefer the more intuitive (and larger display) Oceanic, but the Cobra has never let me down—both are easy to use.

 

[bign90]

I started out with the Dacor Darwin Air and had problems with it shutting down and clearing out on the surface. I sent it in the Mares for repair and was sent another one which did the same exact thing. I sent it in again and the replaced it with what they tried to make me belive was an upgrade with the Mares Airlab. The air lab looks to me to be the same unit, just a new color.

The left button on this brand new unit took 2 thumbs to make work and the unit was 150 - 175 psi off. What a piece of crap. I sent it in again and when it comes back it will be for sale!!!!

Anyone have a good condition Wisdom for sale?