Oceanic EOS vs Scubapro S600 vs Sherwood SR1

[Andy_HFC]

Can you get a double console with a SPG on one side and a depth gauge on the other? Would feel more at ease with an analogue depth gauge as back up to computer.

 

[halocline]

To hell with the computer, get a simple wrist mounted depth gauge and a G-shock watch, or get a watch like a Citizens with a built in depth guage.

Actually, I think a computer is a good idea for a new diver, mostly because the ascent rate indicator and alarm can help train new divers in blue water for the first time. And, depending on where you dive, some profiles are much better suited to computer diving, or at the least, use of the wheel for multi level planning.

Many new divers go on charters with a group and a DM leading, often these charters strongly recommend that each diver has a computer. You may not like it, it might not agree with your ideas about dive training, but it's a fact.

It's gotten to the point where simple computers are cheap enough that it doesn't cost much more than an analog depth gauge and watch, or bottom timer.

But, the OP already has a computer, so it's just for argument's sake. Regarding the redundant depth gauge, to be honest in recreational OW diving I wouldn't worry about it. You have a buddy, right? He can be your redundant depth info, as long as you're not pushing NDLs you'll be fine. If your computer fails during a dive in which you do have some concern about N2 loading, you'll want to to ascend and do a nice long safety stop; it's impressive how much offgassing you get from a 10-15 minute stop at 10ft. If you are planning your dives intelligently and controlling the profile as planned, you really shouldn't have much to worry about.

I strongly suspect that most DCS injuries among recently certified divers are associated with runaway ascents or very poor profile management rather than overloading N2 due to depth/time. The reason for this is that most new divers, using single tanks (most often AL80s) will simply run out of air before getting in too much trouble with N2 loading as long as they stay within recreational depths. Of course there are exceptions, and this is just a suspicion of mine. Repetitive dives are a different story, but again, many new divers are on charters where the surface interval is determined by the dive leader.

So I'd still recommend the simple brass SPG, no boot, on a 24" hose.

 

[Thalassamania]

No, I like computers, I think they're great tools. I thought the question had an undertone of keeping costs down, that's all.

Ascent control is a critical items for new divers to learn ... I'm not sure about computer displays vs. 10 seconds on the watch, 5 feet on the depth gauge.