Oceanic OC1 v. VT3- how to justify the OC1?

[ttrimble]

See, I'm not sure I understand the "dual algorithim" thing. In the spec sheet from oceanic, all their computers claim to use the "modified haldanean/ DSAT" database. Is this not a dual algorithim?

Come to think of it, I wouldn't even know which to chooses, I suppose you pick the more conservitive one first.

I agree the Atom 2.0 should be thrown in the mix too. I can't really see myself wearing a dive computer away from the boat as a watch, but the smaller size may be nice, if one doesn't mind the smaller display.

Thanks all for the replies.

 

[mechandi1]

I am a dive instructor and i use my VT3 a lot and works like charm, in the dss mount is amazing. BUT i still need a watch for when im working the classroom and around town so i have a timex right now. So im not 100% happy with the vt3 as its not a watch for outside diving.

I was just offered by a friend for a used oc1 for 750, think its worth it?

 

[MarineResearch]

For typical recreational diving the VT3 is a good computer. However, if you think you will do any technical diving, the OC1 has the advantage of the additional Buhlmann ZHL-16C (Peligic Z+) algorithm. The VT3 DSAT algorithm is fine for typical warm water recreational diving, but the Buhlmann ZHL-16C is better for deep cold water diving (Buhlmann was Swiss where the water isn't so toasty).

The OC1 also offers the ability to easily switch gas mixtures and allows up to three different gases. This feature is nice if you are going to do any decompression diving and want the computer to account for the higher O2 deco gases.

I also find the OC1 to be more intuitive and easier to navigate through the menus.

On the down side, the OC1 is not adequately configured for technical diving. First, the elapsed dive time is on an alternate screen, so if you are diving a plan you have to keep navigating to the alternate screen. This is a real pain on deco stops. Second, you have to push a button to light up the OC1. Again, a pain when deep or cave diving. For this type of diving, a computer with an OLED display is much more practical.

As someone else mentioned, the Liquivision X1 is far superior to the OC1, but is not air integrated. Plus it allows far more gas mixtures (10), is a trimix computer, and can be integrated with a rebreather. However, this computer is probably a poor choice for the average recreational diver and possibly hazardous due to all of the options that, if not understood, could lead to some poor choices in settings.

The Uemis Zurich is a fine computer that is air integrated and will be upgraded to trimix soon (or there will be a lynching). The display is so bright and readable, that your buddies can all read your computer and it is also good for a backup light when cave diving (about two foot visibility with all lights turned off).

So, for recreational diving, the VT3 is good; advanced recreational diving the OC1 is better, and for technical diving, go with a tech-designed computer like a liquivision, Uemis, Shearwater, VRx, NiTek, etc.).

FWIW, I dive OC1's on warm water recreational dives and Liquivision and Uemis for cave and decompression dives.