No idea on how to decide on a Dive Computer

[BoltSnap]

Sarcasm is hard to convey through text….and a great value is completely different than “cheap.”

I am being sarcastic and joking with you. But, also, a dive computer at 3X the budget is way too much.

 

[Robert H. Diver]

I am being sarcastic and joking with you. But, also, a dive computer at 3X the budget is way too much.

See, sarcasm is hard to sense sometimes. For sure wayyy too much.

 

[MidOH]

And 3x the budget was the best money I've spent in scuba. Ymmv.

 

[Robert H. Diver]

And 3x the budget was the best money I've spent in scuba. Ymmv.

Same, love my perdix ai. I use double transmitters for sidemount. So much better than having to grab an spg and look every few minutes.

 

[MidOH]

I did keep my spg. Too worried about someone moving my rig and damaging the transmitter. Some shmucko alway trys sliding my rig further under the bench. ( it's not my fault your dive boat sucks)

I didn't buy with the Tx at first. Only added it because the Terric records pressures in the logs, which is pretty cool.

 

[Cheizz]

I really like my Ratio iX3M2, but I am sure we can manage to come up with some good options and advice within the parameters set by the OP? If $ 450 is the top end of the budget, that's a given. Unless OP has saved up $ 250 more within a month, then it might be worth the wait and go for something fancier. If not, stay within the brief. I am sure the OP knows that there are some great dive computers out there if his budget was unlimited.

The Aqua Lung runs PZ+, around a GF high of 85, unacceptably low for me.

The video was primarily meant for the OP. I'm sure you're all set, @scubadada

 

[GiraffeMarineSalvage]

And so what? The OP should know their choices. Isn't this similar to the BP/W Squad who immediately clobber anyone who dares to ask about BCD's or somebody that dares to suggest anything other than a BP/W? What about the Shearwater freaks who always ram a >$1000 Perdix down people's throats who just got certified and looking for an entry level dive computer?

I fully admit being a shearwater fan because I'm very happy with my Petrel/Nerd, but buying better more expensive gear used for the same dollar amount may at times be far preferable to less good gear brand new... (For example, I have a petrel II and would rather have a petrel III, but carry technological generations a bit further and how much is used petrel I or other older shearwater iterations worth nowadays, and are they not arguably still far more capable computers than a brand new Zoop?)

 

[Sebs]

Although my current computer is a zoop Novo, and I have no real issues with it, I can't really recommend it. It does what it's supposed to do but if you like downloading your dive log to an app, then you need to buy a $75 cable (sold separately). I'd strongly suggest looking at something that comes with a cable or is Bluetooth.

If you don't care about downloading logs, and mainly dive by yourself/holidays with a guide then it's fine. Many places have those as their rental computer so you'll likely all stick to the same NDL.

Dont buy the cosmiq, it's a piece of **** (can't adjust nitrox or conservatism unless you use your phone). Don't buy a suunto more expensive than a zoop Novo. Why anyone buys something like a Suunto d5 is absolutely beyond me.

 

[El Diablo]

I’ll go for the Aqualung i200C as it saves you to have to manually log your dives (it uses Aqualung’s App and connects to your phone via Bluetooth).

I would also consider the i300C as it is the only one at this price bracket that has a color screen and it’s of a good size. My ex-wife has it and it’s a good DC.

I’ve personally used Scubapro and Suunto DCs for many years and they’re all quite good (switched to an Apple Watch Ultra recently but haven’t dive it yet).

Aqualung i200 is another good option at the $300 mark.

 

[Cheizz]

Within this budget, I would also go for the Aqualung i330R. Color screen, Bluetooth interface, and app. Just no compass or air integration. Then again, I don't think any of the other computers within the budget have those features.