New to diving

[kheitman]

Hi,
I'm fairly new to diving and am looking for a dive computer with good value. I don't need an expensive model, just one that is reliable and good for beginners. Does anyone have any recommendations. Thanks in advance.

 

[sjmueller61990]

hello and welcome, what exactly are you looking for in a computer, analog guages, fully electronic, and how much are you looking to spend, acouple companies make a relativly cheap dive comp like aeris and genesis.

 

[kheitman]

Since I'm a novice diver, I'd like to get a novice dive computer. I'm looking for one with conservative algorhythms and I don't need all the bells and whistles. Analog is fine but I'm looking for a wrist type of computer. Thanks

 

[DeputyDan]

Purchase the best computer you can reasonable afford. You will not always be a novice and then you will need to upgrade when you may not have needed to - if you had planned ahead.

The computer should at least be nitrox compatible. If you continue diving, a time will come (probably) when you will use that feature.

 

[kheitman]

Thanks for the advice. I've had several recommendations. I'm thinking about an Oceanic veo 180 which has nitrox capability. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[stagebottle]

well what type of diving are you looking at doing? scuba pro have a few different comp to offer

 

[Scuba Guru Thailand]

Hi,
I'm fairly new to diving and am looking for a dive computer with good value. I don't need an expensive model, just one that is reliable and good for beginners. Does anyone have any recommendations. Thanks in advance.

Hi New to Diving!

When we teach students how to use dive computers and in general rent them out, we use the Suunto Gekko. It's quite sturdy and because of the large screen, very easy yo use for the novice. It's also one of the cheapest dive computers on the market.

Description: The Suunto Gekko is one of- if not the best- entry level computer on the market for it's price. Absolutely fool proof for the beginner but has the capabilty of Nitrox when you have a few more dives under your belt. Can be used with both air and nitrox- and it is designed to give the specifics of any diving situation- including decompression- at a glance. Uses the Suunto Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM) decompression model and has a user-replaceable battery and adjustable metric/imperial units. Is equipped with a super bright phosphorescent display that can be charged with a dive torch. This ensures that you can easily view the display in dark conditions for extensive periods of time. You can wear Suunto Gekko as a wrist unit- or mount it on Suunto's Combo consoles. The Suunto Gekko is an ideal choice for sports divers who do not require PC interface interoperability or simulation features. The Gekko can be used with both air and nitrox- and it is designed to give the specifics of any diving situation- including decompression- at a glance. Suunto Gekko uses the Suunto Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM) decompression model and has a user-replaceable battery and adjustable metric/imperial units. The Gekko is equipped with a super bright phosphorescent display that can be charged with a dive torch. This ensures that you can easily view the display in dark conditions for extensive periods of time. Whether diving in familiar waters or exploring unknown oceans- safety is essential. Suunto Gekko is packed with solutions enabling safe and responsible decisions underwater. The depth- time and decompression measurement assure that you know precisely how long you have spend in the depths- how deep you are- when you have to surface and how fast you can do it. This way you can maximize the diving performance without jeopardizing your safety. The extensive memory functions enable you to keep track of your past dives and through them you can monitor your progress and plan your training accordingly. Easy-to-use push buttons and a straightforward menu structure make Suunto Gekko simple to operate. The extensive logbook memory stores up to 50 hours of dive profiles and logbook data- including the dive start time and date- dive time- the maximum depth attained and the temperature at maximum depth. Additionally- the dive history keeps track of up to 999 dives and 999 dive hours- as well as the maximum depth ever reached. Both ascent rate and available no-decompression time are displayed graphically with clear color-coded indicators. Visual and audible alarms are given when necessary. You can also enable maximum depth and dive time alarms. Features: Air and Nitrox modes Extensive memory functions Suunto RGBM model Audible alarm Phosphorescent display Easy and reliable push-buttons User-replaceable battery

Good luck with your choice

 

[Dave1981]

I'd say Gekko also, simple reliable and easy to use.

Personally I had some trouble with the Oceanic Veo100 with leaking battery compartments. Maybe the 180 has a different sealing arrangement, I don't know.

I bought a gekko a few years ago, now it must have 200 dives on it and still on the original battery. Never given me a problem, so last time the Oceanics started leaking I swapped them out for gekkos.

 

[kheitman]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I know this is a common question and as I have researched the forums, I see that many novices such as myself have asked this question in the past. I feel I'm on the right path now.