Suunto Gekko or Equivalent - beginner computer

[CFDAlden]

My Gekko goes around 25 minutes, so we're in the same ballpark. For me, that was fine, not actually expecting to get that much of a "charge", if you will.

I guess the "a nice long lasting backlight" was a tad subjective!

 

[dschonbrun]

For a gear geek like you and I, computers are fun and interesting. It can extend your time underwater as most boats will give you 5-10 more minutes before you have to come up compared to those without. That said, renting a BC and Reg can be 20-30$ per day. You need those to dive, you don't NEED a computer.

The Gekko, Mosquito, and Vyper all have Nitrox capability, which won't be useful to you in the beginning, but may be after you get certified in Enriched Air (it's just book work, no dives, easy for those good at math and physics).

Honestly, I'd wait until after you've done your OW before any significant purchases. I got my reg after my OW, my BCD after my AOW, and my computer after getting certified on Enriched air. At first, you may well be a bit of an air hog until you get more comfortable. So the extra 5-10 minutes may not be an issue. Also, While I hope you love Scuba... not everyone does. It would be a shame to spend $300 on something you end up not using or having to resell. Wonderful that you're so enthusiastic, just exercise a bit of caution and wait until you've got some experience before making any big purchases.

 

[richerso]

No offense taken. I just didn't think 20 minutes "was a nice long time" when my dive lasts 1 hour. I mean, if I have to flash my torch across the face at 35 minutes to read reamining air anyway, then what's the point of the glow? And to Bubbletrubble, yes, I think a backlight and glow would be awesome!

Back to the regularly scheduled thread. Who started this anyway?

The question was about what type of computer to purchase. I hope we have answered your question to your satisfaction. I hope. But as others have stated, I would probably (and did) purchase a BCD and/or regulator before purchasing the computer. Computer would be #3 on my list. Of course then again, some times as a diver, picture this, you are walking down the street past an LDS, and a deal that is too good to pass up strikes you. I purchased my Aqua Lung regulator becuase a dive shop was going out of business and I got the reg at what might have been below wholesale cost :11: Go figure!

 

[TEERLKAY]

...I have an opportunity for my employer to give me $300 for "health benefit" dollars which I can spend on any kind of health related - sporting activity. I would like to use it to purchase Scuba equipment and am thinking about going towards a computer...

---------------------------------------------------------
Buy used - you're already pushing the boundaries of health benefit dollars - surely a paypal receipt will suffice!

And for you- free shipping

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ge...sale-used-genesis-resource-dive-computer.html

And, just in case you pass on this fantastic deal, I'll throw my dos centavos in:

Research the algorithms and find the one you are most comfortable with – some computers are inherently more conservative than others. Personally I like the Pelagics (Genesis is one of them – others are Oceanic/Aeries/Sherwood) because they are the most liberal. I can always dive it more conservative, just “stay out of the yellow” (Green means good, yellow=caution, red means deco time). Also, if you have, or will have a regular buddy, it might be a good idea to get computers with matching algorithms – won’t do you much good if you have a liberal computer and are comfortable diving it “into the yellow”, if your buddy has a conservative one.

User replaceable batteries? I wouldn’t get a computer without this feature, for others it’s no big deal.

Downloadable – I rarely use it on my downloadable computer, others swear by it.

AI?

Wrist-console-retractor?

It’s a gear intensive sport with some vocal advocates for just about EVERY piece of gear out there (except maybe the Mares Hub) so you best get used to doing your own research or else you’ll end up with a BPJ (Back Plate and Jacket) and one split fin!

Welcome to the addiction!

 

[weaponeer]

My wife uses a Mosi and I use a Mares M2, and they both do the job, no issues. We're EAN 36 and AOW certified. We didn't start using computers until 1 year into diving when we got our AOW and EAN. Start with diving tables until you know them well. After you get experience and then start diving deeper (with AOW of course) get your computer. Deeper dives are where the computer makes a difference, whether air or EAN. As has been said, buy the essentials now, rent some gear to compare features, then make an informed purchase. Don't rush into expensive gear purchases.

 

[jasondcrawford]

Hi everyone,

I'm just getting into Scuba and not yet certified - still have to do OW checkouts.

I have an opportunity for my employer to give me $300 for "health benefit" dollars which I can spend on any kind of health related - sporting activity. I would like to use it to purchase Scuba equipment and am thinking about going towards a computer.

I'm interested in everything - but not even a beginner, but a wannabe. Total ScubaNewbie - but am trying to learn all I can.

As I can determine, the Suunto's seem to be well thought of and a Gekko is kind of entry level and would match my price point of < $400 (I'm willing to cough up a few extra $$ out of pocket, but can't go crazy). I live in NC - so I would like to do some local diving - and would like to get down to the Carib when I can or Fla.

So anyway, would the Gekko be a good beginner computer - or is there something equivalent you could recommend?

I see that the Gekko doesn't have a PC interface - I'd like one, I'm a computer geek professionally - so I'd like to be able to download and mess around with histories and such if possible within my price range.

Thanks!

I'd talk to a few people and try to figure out exactly what you're looking for first -- do you want a write computer or a console? I know people that love one and hate the other. I'm a new diver myself, and prefer the console, as I have to look at it anyways for my air gauge (unless you get an air integrated computer, which will probably be more than you want to spend). Also, I'd recommend getting a nitrox ready computer -- you may not dive nitox now, but it will almost definately be something you'll learn to do in the future and you won't want to buy a new computer for it.

Just my two cents.

 

[scubaskipper]

We use the Gekko for class and rental. 2 years and 2 scratch guards later they are all doing fine. That says alot about a computer. Easy to use, if you pick it up, play with the buttons for 10 minutes and can't figure out how it works, you need to try golf. It has a connection to calibrate it at the factory, not offically downloadable. It also does nitrox and has proven to be one of the most dependable computers on the market.

 

[fkostyun]

I have the Suunto Vyper myself - bought a used one, and absolutly love it. It was originally a console one, but, I ordered the wrist straps from my LDS to make it a wrist one. As stated above, the menu's are easy to use and I didn't have to go figure out manual to change to nitrox mode. My wife has a Oceanic VT3 - and gas changing is MUCH more of a pain.

 

[diver_alvir]

Check out the Diverite Nitek Duo. I sold my Suunto Vyper for the DR. It's in your price range and might work well for you. It is simple and easy to use. Has a guage mode, can do 2 gases on the fly and can be downloaded.
I was able to pick up a Deep Sea Supply bungee wrist mount that really made it nice. I like mine very much.

I second on the DR Nitek Duo. Check out Dive Rite Express. Right now it's going for $389.

 

[Black_3000psi]

I think for a beginning diver suunto is an excellent choice reason being its very conservative. its also a smart system meaning it monitors your diving habits and adjust your bottom time accordingly. still as part of your dive planning you should look at your dive tables first as well as your post dive briefing. as always the brain is the best computer. good luck on your choice.