Regulator vs Computer

[Doc Harry]

A computer is optional/unnecessary.

A regulator is not.

 

[Gerbs]

Reg First if you are going to go travelling.

Suggestion: Apeks DS4 + XTX40 + console. Add DS4s and XTX40s to taste until you have the required number of 1st and 2nd stages (two of each for cold water diving!). Cash deals can get you a lot of regulator for very little price. ~$250 over here in .de.

This is assuming you have a timer/ watch.

If you do not have a watch, do consider the computer first, though. You need depth / time. An advantage of buying the computer at the same time or before the regs is that you can do away with the console if you consider it awkward and large.

Since in my club we have rental regs for free during training and club dives, I suggest to buy computers first to people diving with us. Your mileage may vary, but you should still be able to get a good deal on the Suunto Gekko now that the Zoop is arriving.

Gerbs

 

[driftwood]

I am in the process of purchasing some new equipment and would like to see a showing of hands as to what people think.

If you could purchase one piece of equipement and it was going to either a new regulator (1st and 2nd Stage) or a dive computer which would it be. Taking into account that you currently own niether and would have to rent the other for awhile. Also if you cold state why you made your choice I would love to read it.

Let me also add that the diving will be done both locally and at remote locations out of the country (traveling).

Thank you for your opinion.

Another option that I did not consider was option of the combined

Mean while back at the ranch,

For a new diver, buy the gear that allows you to dive locally. For me, that means getting the right wet/dry suit first. That is where I would put my money.

I voted for the computer since it takes some time to understand what your computer is telling you and how to access that information. You can get a used Gekko for $150 on Ebay virtually any day of the week.

Buying a regulator saddles you with around an annual $100 fixed cost to maintain it.

Think about what gear will allow you to dive at home as often as possible,

 

[vladimir]

A computer is optional/unnecessary.

A regulator is not.

This reasoning has appeared a few times. Yes, a regulator is necessary, but either way, he gets one. It's just a question of whether he rents one or uses his own. I can stick just about any regulator on a tank and dive it comfortably. You stick it in your mouth and inhale--those are the instructions for use. Instructions for using a dive computer, on the other hand, can be considerably more involved. I say buy a computer so you're familiar with it. A lot of dive operators insist you use one and they make repetitive diving more convenient.

 

[DCBC]

If you could purchase one piece of equipment and it was going to either a new regulator (1st and 2nd Stage) or a dive computer which would it be.

I'd go with the regulator. I dove for 20 years before computers were available and did just fine using the tables.

 

[scubafanatic]

This reasoning has appeared a few times. Yes, a regulator is necessary, but either way, he gets one. It's just a question of whether he rents one or uses his own. I can stick just about any regulator on a tank and dive it comfortably. You stick it in your mouth and inhale--those are the instructions for use. Instructions for using a dive computer, on the other hand, can be considerably more involved. I say buy a computer so you're familiar with it. A lot of dive operators insist you use one and they make repetitive diving more convenient.

it's a tough/close call here, reg vs. computer...problem is, we don't know the OP's 'budget', he can probably get more if he spends $ 400 on a mid-range reg than if he spends that same $ 400 on a computer, and it's more likely he'll want to upgrade a $ 400 computer than he will a $ 400 reg. Assuming the budget is $ 700 - $ 800 he can get a pretty decent AI computer that will last a while, and he can become VERY familiar with it, which has the advantages you've mentioned.

 

[bearbear]

Your going to dive locally as well as away, right? Well if locally is Virginia as is in your bio then buy a regulator that will support your harshest environment (I would think a middle of the road cold water reg), and a low priced wrist mount data cruncher like oceanic veo 250. You should be able to buy both for around $800.00.

 

[Wolfdiver]

I would like to personally thank each and everyone of you who voiced your opinions. I appreciate the fact that each and everyone is so passionate about diving. Unfortunately with such great arguements for both sides I have to say that I am still a bit torn. I have to admit after reading the posts and speaking to people at my LDS (who by the way are just as split) I will be going with a computer on this go around, with the plans of adding a reg system in the near future.

So once again thanks to everyone.

 

[vladimir]

I will be going with a computer on this go around

Yes!! I win!!:victory:

 

[DaleC]

That being said, if you're looking at the cost of reg sets, you can usually find some really nice bang-for-buck sets that include a console computer that could be, in the future, mounted to a wrist mount.

VI

Yep. If you are warm water diving you don't need the most expensive regs on the market and you also don't need an expensive air integrated computer. If one is looking to buy the most expensive of each I might see why it would be either/or. For simple rec diving look into a set of used regs. Ex rental regs from a dive shop usually come serviced and with the warrenty. Then, if they don't have a computer attached you can buy a good base model that has the functions you will need (most notably nitrox compatable).

Your air consumption will go down, experience will go up, you'll meet new people, and have way more fun.

... and the new people you meet will get pissed off at you and not want to buddy up because you will be limiting their dives because of your square profiles.

There's a time and place for everything.