Recommend me a beginner dive computer

[Bamabowtie]

I am looking for a dive computer to start off my dive career that won't break the bank but will last me until I start more advanced diving at which time I will be willing to invest more money into a PDC.

Beyond a very basic PDC my only special need is NX capabilities. Other than that, a no frills PDC is all that I need.

I have been eyeing the Oceanic 180 and the Suunto Gekko. My concern with the 180 is that it isn't being made anymore and my concern with the Gekko is it's very conservative nature.

Can someone please make a recommendation to me based on my needs. Thanks!

 

[Tortuga68]

I would have said Gekko. I use a Vyper (basically the same computer with some extra features unlocked) and don't find it overly conservative. Most of the recreational sites I dive you can multilevel so it's never been an issue

You may find these of interest:

http://www.divernet.com/Diving_Gear/group_tests/334683/a_sense_of_algorithm.html

http://www.scubadiving.com/files/_attachments/Dive_computer_profile.pdf

 

[jjwdiver]

Gekko is no longer being made by Suunto, they discontinued it. Now being replaced by the "Zoop". Same brains but some added features. Think of it as a vyper in disguise. Sure Suuntos are conservative, but if you plan your dive and think about what you're doing (like we were all taught in our classes), then any computer becomes a good assistant.

Doesnt matter what anyone else uses and how good it is for them...they are not you and not diving your dives. You know your body, what it can handle and how you should be treating it. Buy the computer with the feature you're looking for.

 

[theduckguru]

I'd consider the Zoop. Easy to use, descent features and price.

Black Friday sales are coming shortly, so I wouldn't be in a hurry to buy right now.

 

[Bamabowtie]

Great stuff in this thread guys. Much appreciated! I wasn't even aware of the Zoop but that looks like exactly what I want/need. Thanks!

 

[david armstrong]

you might have a look at the " mares puck " relatively inexpensive at around £150 , very reliable , does everything that you need a dive computer to do and all works from one nice big red button , so easy to operate , ive been using one for the last 5 years with no problems .

 

[DiveNav]

.......Beyond a very basic PDC my only special need is NX capabilities. .......

There are 86 - Nitrox capable - dive computers in the Dive Computers Research Tool ... use it to fine tune your research. Some of them have videos too.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I have a couple of the veo 180's. Yes, they are no longer manufactured. They are sold as new at a very good price ($200 or so) due to this and do seem to be a reliable computer. I am not aware of an new features available in other computers in the this low cost class.

+ low cost
+ nitrox to 50%
+ automatic altitude compensation
+ user replaceable battery, uses standard button cell
+ the graphs make it very clear when you start running close to NDL / ascent violations
+ the ascent alarm has a bright red LED in addition to the audible alarm you may not hear

- data download cable for a PC is very expensive and some complaints about how well it works
- back light for night dives only stays on for 10 sec, sometimes a PITA
- single button makes modifying settings a bit slow

 

[DeprecatedMustang]

I like the Gekko. You can still buy them through some places. The Zoop is exactly the same.. just a different colour and they "unlocked" downloads. It is possible to download stuff from the Gekko it just requires using different log software and/or tricking Suunto's software.

Does Air/Nitrox.. can get one for about $250. Easy to read. Big Display. User replaceable battery. Not much to screw up in the way of settings.

 

[Willar]

Also consider the Oceanic Geo 2.0 which recently received a Best Buy rating from a popular magazine. I have one as a backup to my Suunto Cobra and for my son to use. The Geo 2.0 is very easy to use, meets your requirements and offers several settings to adjust the conservatism. The size is really nice and the price reasonable.

As mentioned above, I dive a Suunto Cobra which is a sister to the Geko/Zoop. I find Suunto computers to be fine devices and easy enough to use. I wouldn't advise you against them, I just wanted to try out the Geo 2.0 and have found it to be a really nice computer in a smaller size with a few more features over the Zoop.