Newbie looking for suggestions on budget comp.

[bka317]

Hey guys. I am thinking of purchasing my first dive computer and would like your input. Trying to find a happy medium between cost and quality. I was thinking of purchasing either a DARWIN WRIST COMPUTER or a Tusa Platina Air/Nitrox Wrist Computer. What do you guys think? Any other suggestions of other models would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Keith

 

[hydroslyder]

Hey bka317 whats up?

What is your budget? That my help people get started. I have a Suunto Viper wrist mount, which I was strongly advised to buy by other members of Scubaboard. I haven't had the chance to get it wet yet, but can't wait.

Anyway goodluck with whatever you pick.

 

[Hobbs]

first what type of diving are you going to use it for ?
Do you need nitrox ? Data Interface ? Multiple Gas Mixes ? Bottomtimer ?
here is a link that might be of some use...

http://www.divernet.com/equipment/computers2003/intro.shtml

Personally I like the suunto range, Vytec and the Vyper
they fulfill my needs..
I have a Vytec, Mosquito and a D3

I personally have no problems with the smaller display of the Mosquito
and if you need a watch and a dive COMPUTER then the mosquito is nice..
but remember the mosquito is not for tech diving, it does NOT have gauge mode.

 

[Scubakevdm]

Not that being safer isn't better or anything, but I get to see a very wide range of computers in the field, and the Suunto's really seem to be extra conservative. I dive an uwatec, and it can be pretty conservative too, depending on how you dive it... but no matter what it's complicated and kind of a pain in the butt. I think that I would recommend an Aeris (I think this is a Pelagic computer and comes under different brands, maybe Genesis and a couple others). They are, to me the most user friendly and give you some time.

 

[bka317]

computer to be nitrox capable. As far as my diving, most of it will be in Florida in the springs with an occassional trip to the ocean. What options would ya'll suggest? I don't really need one with all the bells and whistles now. Deco stops and bottom timer are two options I'd like to have. At this phase in my diving 60' is about as far as I'd go, most of my dives will be shallower, around the 30' to 40'. I'd like to be able to use the same computer as I (hopefully) ptogress in my diving. Photography and spearfishing are next on my list as well as an advanced open water cert. Thanks again guys! Oh yeah, I'm located in central GA if anybody has any good suggestions as to where to purchase the computer.

 

[Scubakevdm]

Well, it seems as though Aeris discontinued their ATMOS Pro Nitrox computer, which sounds like what you're looking for. So you can probably get one pretty cheap at your nearest Aeris dealer. I believe that you can find one because we are an Aeris dealer and we have one leftover. WWW.diveaeris.com is their website if you want to check them out.

 

[RiverRat]

Another plug for Suunto Vyper, save another $30 - $40 and you got one. It's got Nitrox capability, downloadable (with extra interface), guage mode (bottom timer), easy to read and use. Good bang for the buck! I ripped my Sherwood console apart (ditched the depth guage, now a backup) and mounted my pressure guage in it's own holder now on my left, near my D ring and use the Vyper wrist mount. Not more big dangly!!!!!!! Heck I even bought the interface kit from Jameie here on the board and saved about $100.00!

 

[Bob3]

Have ya checked the classified section out yet? (hint hint)

 

[DandyDon]

$300.00 or so is all I have right now.

I just bought an Oceanic Versa Pro Air/Nitrox, large & easy to read face, audible alarms, etc. for less than that from Leisure Pro. Had to pay frieght, but not sales tax, so the bottom line was less than $300

Now, I really like Oceanic computers - user friendly, economical, etc. I now own three - two I wear at the same time, so if I have a failure, I can continue with the other, rather than sitting out a day of an expensive dive trip, and the third so I can hang in on my Boat-Pick Buddy's BC. I travel alone, board alone, and end up with assigned buddies no one else wants, I guess? I've had some doozies.

As far as how conservative these are, I just spoke with Oceanice at 1+800-435-3483, option 6. They are based on the same forumla as the Padi charts I trained on; conservative enough for me to believe in, but I do try to safety stop back to the green zone. Yellow is safe enough, but I feel less exhausted if I stay in the green.

don

 

[jviehe]

I like my Sherwood Logic, for about $200 for wirst model, does nitrox.