Petral 3 or Nerd 2?

[Dont_Hold_Your_Breath]

I'm new to CCR's and doing Choptima trianing this spring, but ordering a unit requires you to choose between a Petral 3 and a Nerd 2.

I've read through many posts on this topic but wanted to get fresh input. My primary use will be underwater photography which means I'll be holding a large camera and staring at the monitor output for the entire dive. I'll almost always be relatively shallow (<30ft) and spend most of my time in freshwater rivers, lakes, and ponds, often around heavy sediment. I'm thinking the NERD has the advantage with no wires and allowing me to glance down to check PP02 levels instead of moving my arms which might require me to take my hand off the camera often but would appreciate additional input.

I also don't know:
-How often are you glancing at your PP02 levels? Every couple breathes or every few minutes?
-I read that you need two ways of monitoring the PPO2, so ideally I'd use a Petral 3 and a NERD 2?

 

[broncobowsher]

Normally I would say both. But those Choptima people are known for doing things a bit different.

Ask @DiveTucson is my suggestion. He is a photographer and Choptima instructor. If I remember correctly, right now he is on his way to Hungry to dive some mines. So he it might take a little bit to get answers from him.

 

[LFMarm]

I have both. If I had to pick only one, it would be the NERD

 

[DiveTucson]

On the Choptima most of us that use the NERD as the controller also keep the HUD kind of tucked out of the way so it’s not in your immediate field of view but if the NERD failed you could easily deploy the HUD.

The difference between the two is mainly user preference I much prefer the NERD.

You could set it up to have either a NERD or Petrel controller and a NERD or Petrel monitor but the standard from the factory is:

NERD Controller + HUD
PETREL Controller + HUD

I know that doesn’t answer the question but it really comes down to diver preferences.

 

[Jonah Kowall]

I use a nerd with OC and love it for many reasons, I ordered a Choptima with a Nerd, getting it in a few weeks.

 

[Dsix36]

My Choptima is the first unit I have had any experience with a Nerd. I like it so much that I will want a Nerd on anything from here on out. No cables to mess with or worry about snagging on a bench, boat , wreck or rocks. I was skeptical at first but and now sold on my Nerd

 

[greeniguana]

I used a petrel controller for about a year. I need reader lenses in my mask to see up close. The loop hose is in the way of where the reader lenses are, so I got a nerd. I dont need a reader lens mask anymore, and with pressure transmitters, I can see everything all the time. I leave the HUD barely sticking out of the right side of the unit in case i need it.

 

[OTF]

Both

 

[Tracy]

I am the minority but I don't like the Nerd. I find it distracting with lots of information that I don't care about. I like the traditional HUD and I love the petrel 3. The screen is excellent and the vibration alert is awesome.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I like the NERD on my Choptima - I like not having the wire that comes with the handset controllers.