single SPG or console?

[Jherny]

hey guys,

what is everyone using for recreational diving? I'm thinking of buying a single SPG, is there any reason why i should maybe get a console?

i eventually plan on buying a basic wrist computer like the puck pro so didn't see any use in a bulky console.

 

[Tug]

I just use a single SPG for a few reasons:
-less clunky than a console
-cheaper than a console
-I like wrist computers
-I swap regulators around often so I'd have to swap the console if I had a computer in there frequently

 

[stuartv]

For rec diving? I use a wrist computer and a hoseless air integration transmitter on the 1st stage regulator. No SPG. Tank pressure is displayed on my wrist computer.

But, if you're going to get a wrist computer without AI, then, yeah, a simple, single SPG.

$86 for a Medium (so brass and glass versus brass and polycarbonate), with a black face and glow-in-the-dark numbers), with spool and hose, all assembled and ready to go.

DGX Custom - SPG and Flex Hose Assembly in PSI | Dive Gear Express®

 

[arcticat99]

im new but i too just use a single spg and a wrist aqualung computer on right arm and suunto wrist compass on left

 

[2airishuman]

Well, I like a separate SPG, so that's my bias. @lewisevans speaks my mind upthread.

The advantage, such as it is, of a traditional console (SPG + depth + compass) is that you don't need to don separate instruments when preparing for a dive.

With air-integrated dive computers there is some benefit to a hose-connected computer, which ends up being a de-facto console, even if you put the compass somewhere else. If you really want an air-integrated dive computer, for recreational dives, there's probably something to be said for a console setup from a cost and reliability standpoint.

 

[Jherny]

thank you guys for the input. I'm gonna try the single SPG setup. should i buy a boot for the SPG or is that just a gimmick/not necessary?

 

[rhwestfall]

Personal preference. That being said, the "big clunky" console of the past is out, period. Unless you need something to fend off creatures of the deep. Some of the mini-consoles are not a bad thing if that is what you want. The technical configuration has it's purpose, and some good points, but isn't absolutely the best for everyone.

FWIW - I dabble in various combinations depending on what I am doing...

 

[Marie13]

It's just personal preference as someone else said. I have an analog SPG and a wrist computer.

 

[stuartv]

thank you guys for the input. I'm gonna try the single SPG setup. should i buy a boot for the SPG or is that just a gimmick/not necessary?

I think it's not necessary. Tech divers definitely don't use them and I think they're likely to be harder on their gear than most recreational divers.

 

[Tug]

thank you guys for the input. I'm gonna try the single SPG setup. should i buy a boot for the SPG or is that just a gimmick/not necessary?

I think it's not necessary. Tech divers definitely don't use them and I think they're likely to be harder on their gear than most recreational divers.

I agree, I don't think that the boot is necessary. They can hide bubbling from the spool and don't offer much in the way of protection. My SPG's will often get banged around (especially my rebreather bailout bottles) and they do just fine with no boots.