Needing feedback on good dive computers

[lsturtev]

Hey,

I'm a student actively pursuing a career in marine biology and I am looking to purchase my own SCUBA equipment. All the gear I have been using has been rentals. Currently, I am looking for a good dive computer, one that isn't too expensive, durable, and easy to use. I have been researching a lot a different computers and the ones I have been looking at are the Cobra 3 and Aeris Ai. I could really use some feedback on these two because I have been reading a lot of mixed reviews for both. can anyone help??

 

[greylion]

My wife has an Aeris AI and loves it. Her's has a quick disconnect so she can take her computer back to the room at night. She needs large easy to read numbers with her 55 year old eyes and the Aeris AI provides that. I use a different Aeris computer but we like it that it has the same liberal algorithm so our nitrogen load is the same. Good computer and good customer service IMO. You can change the battery yourself with not much effort.

 

[fdog]

I would council you to purchase neither. If you're serious about a career in the water, the more open-ended solution is a wrist mount.

This will give you more flexibility in equipment configuration, allow you to actually adjust your buoyancy while referring to the computer to hold a constant depth, allow you to use it when your reg is being overhauled, have it be visible while your hands are busy, and more.


All the best, James

 

[DiveNav]

See THIS POST on ScubaBoard

Alberto (aka eDiver)

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

I agree with fdog! If you are going to be working underwater a "Wrist" computer is the way to go. Wrist computer allow hands to be free doing other things like writing on slates, taking photos, collecting fish etc... All you need to do while working is turn your wrist and you will see all your dive info.

Here are some options:

Oceanic Veo 1.0
VEO 1.0 Wrist Computers *Buy Oceanic at DIVESEEKERS.com 888-SCUBA-47

Oceanic Veo 2.0
VEO 2.0 Wrist Computers *Buy Oceanic at DIVESEEKERS.com 888-SCUBA-47

Oceanic Geo 2.0
Geo 2.0 Dive Computers by Oceanic OCEA-04.8929 *Buy Oceanic at DIVESEEKERS.COM 888-SCUBA-47

If you like the idea of Air-Integration, here is a good deal:
Oceanic VT3
VT-3 PDC, COMPLETE *Buy Oceanic at DIVESEEKERS.com 888-SCUBA-47

 

[reefman]

i have volunteered(since 1993) on numerous underwater projects with the FKNMS(florida keys national marine sanctuary) and have had terrific results with the aeris AI and the oceanic VEO180(wrist) as a backup. situational awareness underwater, in my view, should not be dictated as to wheter your computer is located on your wrist or cliped to your bc(done properly, as easily accessible as a wrist mount and not impeding underwater tasks). also, an air intergrated or hoseless computer allows a diver to have only one guage that provides all the info you will require(with a cheap wrist computer as a backup). 1st and foremost when research diving; SCAN your instruments diligently no matter where there are located!!


reefman
key largo

 

[Akimbo]

My opinion is don’t spend too much money. Remember that they are computers, relatively primitive, and generally not upgradeable. There are tons on the used market, especially that don’t support Nitrox. Unless you are diving demanding conditions, just consider them consumables until the market matures. Like electronics in general; the price will fall, features will improve, size will reduce, and reliability will improve.