Wow, thanks for all the info. I have a lot of research to do. I don't want an AI or digital compass. I currently have a pro plus 2, I like it but I really would like depth on my wrist. I'm thinking of moving over to a simple SPG and wrist unit. I only have 12 dives so I'm super new, I just keep going back and forth between smaller watch or larger computer. Thanks for the help
Need Help chosing a Wrist Computer.
- Thread starter timten
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I
idocsteve
Guest
Just out of curiosity why are you so quick to reject AI?
My VT pro AI wrist computer is my favorite piece of dive gear.
It puts everything I need right on my wrist and instantly calculates and recalculates the most limiting factor in my dive and has audible alarms in case I should get "momentarily complacent". It frees me up from the more mundane tasks so I can get the most out of every dive, and it eliminates a hose. Combined with my BCD 2nd regulator I have only two hoses coming off of my tank for a very streamlined rig (not including my pony and second reg for cold water diving).
Kevin Carlisle
Contributor
I will give you some reasons.
1. Computers FAIL!!
2. If it does, your dive day is over because now you cant tell how much gas you have.
3. Even if your wrist unt fails, if you have an spg, you can still do another dive on tables and finsh the dive you are on if you are comfy with knowing your profile.
keithdiver
Contributor
I
idocsteve
Guest
I keep a second non AI computer clipped inside a BCD pocket so in the event of a primary computer failure my Nitrogen absorption is backed up and of course it provides me with a backup depth gauge and bottom timer to use during the dive in which I might experience such a failure.
Yes I'd have to terminate the dive early since I'd have no way to check my gas but we're talking ending one dive early on the very off chance of a catastrophic failure of my dive computer as compared to 100s of dives that I feel were much more enjoyable AND I maxed out my bottom time due to the ability of the computer to determine remaining dive time. The advantages FAR outweigh the possible 1 shortened dive in the event of a failure.
I've never needed it in over 200 dives.
Edited to add
I'm one of those divers who might push the envelope a bit. Depending on depth, and whether I had my 19 cf pony or a buddy, and how far into the dive I was when the failure occurred, I might not necessarily end the dive immediately since I know other gas supplies would be available should I my reg start to become hard to breathe on (indicating I'm getting very low on gas but not OUT of gas).
I might double check my pony to be sure I've got a dependable breathing source or indicate to my buddy that I have no air gauge and to stick close. If I have a buddy it's usually my girlfriend and she always has a lot of extra gas in her tank unless we get her a 60cf. And I'd keep it on the shallower side, and of course cut the dive a "bit" shorter than normal just to give myself a cushion.
There are always alternatives...
fnfalman
Contributor
I don't know about you but my main computer is between my ears. The only way that computer were to fail is if I were dead.
Dive computers/SPGs/timing devices are all supplementary devices.
I know what my air consumption rate is. I have a backup dive watch that keeps my bottom time running. Even if my AI computer were to conk out (or even if my mechanical SPG were to conk out), I'd still know how much time I have left underwater. I know what depth I am currently at. I can keep on diving until air runs low then surface. Ain't no thang.
And if you were to ask how do I really know that my air is running low other than my own air consumption rate & bottom time calculations? You can listen to the echoing in your tank. The louder the echo, the more empty your tank is. That's how old timers did it back in the days in addition to their reserve J-valve. Not what I'd recommend as primary means of air pressure indicator, but it's another tool that a diver can use to augment mechanical devices.
Kevin Carlisle
Contributor
We arent talking about YOU tho. This is a NEw diver who needs time to build skills and confidence. And he also asked for under 400 bucks, having 2 computers is OUT ofthe question unless you are willing to sell both yours for that
I
idocsteve
Guest
We arent talking about YOU tho. This is a NEw diver who needs time to build skills and confidence. And he also asked for under 400 bucks, having 2 computers is OUT ofthe question unless you are willing to sell both yours for that
True.
So forget everything I posted about a second computer or extending a dive without a gas gauge and I STILL say the numerous advantages and conveniences of an AI hoseless wrist computer outweigh the inconvenience of a "possible" aborted and early terminated dive due to a computer failure.
fnfalman
Contributor
It's possible to find a used AI computer for $400.
Kevin Carlisle
Contributor
What conveniance? Minus one hose?? If your worried about a HP hose blowing get the new Phantom hose, thing has like a 45k psi rating. I have an AI computer and I dont mnd it for some diving, it will NEVER go on an advanced dive where gas tracking is critical. All I do is technical dving by nature, I am more than familiar with pros and cons of each. One simple SPG and a wrist computer will cover all his needs until he wants to do somethng like trimix and is withn hs budget.
Im guessing that was a NO to selling both yours for 400.00?? ( Joking )
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