Newbie Ques. Which Dive computer

[EuphoriaII]

1st post newbie here. I've been debating the "buy equipment vs. rent" issue and finally decided to buy. I'm just finishing up open water certification classes so my equipment experience is limited to what we've used in class. I've been readig severl threads here about regs and BC's and I may be nearing my decision on those (nearest local shop sells Scubapro and offeres a partial refund on lesson costs if purchase form them) but I'm still not sure what level of dive computer to purchase. A friend who is a recreational diver told me he regrets purchasing far more computer than he needs and that he soesn't use most of the available functions. I doubt that I will ever get too much more involved in the sport than he does. I am interested in Nitrox diving but thats somethng I probably wont get into for over a year or more, if ever. If I do get into Nitrox, I doubt that I will ever get into the more concentrated mixtures and I've noticed that there are a number of computers that only work for nitrox from 21% to 50%. Can someone give me some general pointers on computer purchases or point me to a particularly useful thread? I tried 'search' but didn't quite find anything that hits my questions. Thanks

 

[Diver0001]

You could go to the gauges forum and just start reading down the list and see where that leads.

http://www.scubaboard.com/f17-computers,-gauges,-watches-&-analyzers.html

If you ask 10 people which computer is best you'll get 8 different answers. There are a few good computers around that will give you the functionality you need for about $200-$250 depending on where you live. Suunto is a standard and the Gekko is a good computer, inexpensive without being cheap. Mares makes a few to-the-point dive computers too, including the M1, and so does Oceanic. That should give you a starting point for comparison.

At this point there aren't really any crappy dive computers out there that I know of.

R..

 

[Stryker]

Something to remember is that they all do the same thing. Yes there are different options (air integrated, hoseless, wrist mount, quick disconnect) but when it comes down to the basics they all do the same thing. There are different styles and different algorythms so as far as that goes, everyone will say the one they own is the best. Also keep in mind the amount of money you are willing to spend. You can get a basic computer and gague console for as little as 200, but you could also spend $1800 and get the new Suunto D9 (hoseless, first watch style to have a built in compass). Its all about what you need and what you can afford.

 

[Wijbrandus]

Find out first if you can reach the NDL.

If you can't use the bottom time the tables give you, a computer is a waste of money.

 

[DiveMaven]

Gear is too expensive IMO to plan to replace it in a year or two. Thus, when I bought my computer, I looked 3-5 years into my future plans and made my decision accordingly. I chose the Aeris AI QD with the added compass. I like the way this computer feels in my hand, I like that it tucks cleanly into my BC cumberbun, I like that it's nitrox compatible, and I like that it's not so conservative that I can do liveaboard diving with it. The bottom line for me is that this computer gives me everything I want now and also see myself doing in the near future.

 

[DeputyDan]

For Nitrox the 21% TO 50% range is fine for any recreational diver.

Most recreational divers - dive 29% to 36% depending on where they are at.

DD

 

[JKSteger]

One thing I would do first is to get all of the other equipment together first then by a computer. When I first started diving I was limited by the amount of air I hovered through and was not capable of hitting anywhere near the max NDL. A computer would have done me no good as my bottom time was limited to my air supply.

I first purchased a wet suit then BCD then my own regulators. Then I stated diving as much as possible wherever I could. Then I bought a dive computer from ebay...an old Computek II. It is air only (no Nitrox) but is air integrated and gives me all the information that I need. I've thought about getting a new computer as this one is over 10 years old but it has worked fine for me. The integrated pressure gauge is for 3000psi max but I notice that it has read out 3200psi before. It's a great computer, a little large but other than that it's okay. I think I spent about $100.00 on this.


If I had it to do over again I might buy a new one like the Atmos 1 or something along those lines. (I don't see Nitrox in my near future). So that I would have full warranty repair, etc. I don't think that I can get my Computek repaired so if it breaks I'll just have to buy a new one.

Anyway, I would stick to getting all my own gear then get me a computer. You can spend a lot or a little but before you buy you owe it to yourself to call Larry at scubatoys.com , he will give you the best rates and make sure you buy what is best for you.

Jeremy

 

[boney]

I would agree with JKSteger, get all the other gear first and then start looking at computers. Or you can even just get a bottom timer as you don't really need a computer but it helps.

 

[Stryker]

its very easy to say "buy the best gear you can afford" but this doesnt always mean the best gear for what you will be using it for....Then again you can always GROW into a computer, but if you buy one that doesnt offer some features you will need in the future you will be buying another computer very soon..

All dive computers (NON air integrated) perform the same functions. They remove the need for dive tables (although it never hurts to plan a dive as a backup incase the computer fails), and credit you for multi level dives so it increases your bottom time. Aside from that most of the differences are just cosmetic. Some displays are small (oceanic atom) and some displays are HUGE (Scubapro SmartCom).

I would have to say once you know what you want, just pick the one that looks the best.. haha but seriously pick one that you are comfortable with, has a good readout (big enough display), and has controls taht you will be comfortable with manipulating while in the water.