Regulator vs Computer

[diver_doug]

A valid argument could be made for either choice, and like others have said, there probably isn't a truly "correct" answer. If it were me (and it at one point it was me), I'd get the regulator. The regulator is overall the most important piece of equipment, so not only do you want to have one that breathes well, but you'll want one that you feel confident about using. Who knows how well maintained any given rental reg is, or what sort of abuse it may have been subjected to (when I got my cert in Catalina I recall a couple of times where mine banged against the hand rail...I'm sure many other newbie divers had subjected it to that, or worse). Plus (this is kind of lame) but owning your own reg feels cool...once you get your own reg, you really feel like a diver.

 

[Luku]

Regulator - Best one I could buy.

 

[Purple Jos]

I hear lately that PADI is not teaching tables anymore (check me if I'm wrong)?

EzeeDiver,

I just took the OW in Sept 2009, and the Advanced in Oct 2009 and the dive tables were pushed hard on us. In the test at the end of the OW class, there were maybe 5 dive table questions were you needed to figuring out the end pressure group.

In my training class, we were told that you should only use a computer when you know why\how it works.

That being said, I got the computer first, then the reg. Same with my husband.
I know the employees at my LDS and their reg’s were fine to rent until I was able to buy my own.

 

[Splash-X]

I'd personally take the reg. Dive tables freely available, regs not! Someone within your dive team/group will have a DC. Stick with them, or the DM/dive leader.

Did you seriously advocate for "sharing" a dive computer amongst a group of divers?

EzeeDiver,

I just took the OW in Sept 2009, and the Advanced in Oct 2009 and the dive tables were pushed hard on us. In the test at the end of the OW class, there were maybe 5 dive table questions were you needed to figuring out the end pressure group.

In my training class, we were told that you should only use a computer when you know why\how it works.

That being said, I got the computer first, then the reg. Same with my husband.
I know the employees at my LDS and their reg’s were fine to rent until I was able to buy my own.

You have to learn to crawl before you can walk. Your dive computer itself uses tables and does advanced calculations on the fly so you don't have to do them in your head like adjusting bottom time as depth changes, etc. EVERY diver should have an excellent grasp on the tables.

 

[DennisS]

I'd get a regulator with a console. That way you know the condition of your gear. You can do your dives while you save for a computer. If a computer stops working it's no big deal, if the reg stops working, it's a big deal. Regulators are an essential part of scuba gear, computers aren't.

 

[AfterDark]

Reg. I dived 30 years without a computer. Once a borrowed reg failed and ended my dive. Can't dive without a reg.

 

[VOL_Diver]

This is yet another vote for the regulator option.

Your share the rental equipment with everyone else that rents equipment, and I know it's washed after every use, but....

Would you rather share something that goes in your mouth or on your wrist? The wrist is such an easy answer. Buy the reg and rent a comp.

My wife and I bought regs figuring that getting comfortable with what was in our mouth was the most important.

However, remember that if you get a reg you're still going to have to get the backup reg and at least an SPG. So it's not as cheap as just getting the 1st and 2nd stage.

- Rob

 

[BCD]

I hear lately that PADI is not teaching tables anymore (check me if I'm wrong)?

I passed my OWD with PADI few months back in Maldives and i needed to learn the tables, especially for my Nitrox which i also did:blinking:

 

[BCD]

If you can only afford one or the other, I'd suggest getting neither. If you are renting, you won't be saving much on the cost of a kit if you provide your own reg. I think you would be better served by using the money to dive more.

It's a tough question to answer, as there are many variables. Which models of reg and computer are you considering? What is your time frame for purchasing the rest of the gear?

Hey maybe people can only buy 1 thing per year....if you never choose you never buy!!

 

[BCD]

I see lots of people saying that you can just dive tables, but where i have dived your not allowed to dive unless you have a comp...So..???