What is the most conservative computer out there

[Tamas]

Man I love this site. I can ask silly questions and get silly answers (like wow, using my brain, I never thought of that) but I also get the solid answers that I want and that is where it's at!!

I'll never know if I don't ask!

That remark was not meant as a silly answer. Since you claim to be a "scuba newbie" I simply implied that perhaps first your should get the diving concepts down, practice with the *questionably* greatest tool, your brain and the tables......and then once you got that down packed then move up into a computer to help you along......and not to jump into it without the basics.

You don't just drive a care before you get lessons and the theory - right? So in short, I resent that comment. You come here for help, we give you our opinions and then you respond like this????

Shame on you, go stand in the corner!

 

[sprange]

Man I love this site. I can ask silly questions and get silly answers (like wow, using my brain, I never thought of that) but I also get the solid answers that I want and that is where it's at!!

I'll never know if I don't ask!

Tamas' answer certainly wasn't 'silly'. If you're really concerned about conservative profiles a bottom timer and dive tables are all you need. That combo seems to work well for a majority of 'tech' divers. But if you'd prefer a dive computer the review mentioned in this thread is a good start.

Sean

 

[scuba newbie]

Tamas, I apologize for any ill will towards you, I didn't mean to be mean spirited in any way. I took your comments for granted at first because I know your brain is your number one tool. But you got me thinking after your second response and I now plan to hold off buying a computer and use my brain and the tables, because after all I am a scuba newbie...and a forum newbie as well. Thanks for thought.

 

[Tamas]

No problem, I hope you understand that this is a topic that has been discussed many of time by new divers like you and the best answer is always to learn the tables first, get them down packed and then later down the road get that fancy, shiny new computer you want to help you out....the main thing to remember is that it will never nor should it ever replace your brain and tables, it is only there to aid and not to think for you.

 

[leadweight]

The Mares M1 RGBM is the most conservative recreational computer that I know of. That said, the Suunto is a better unit, overall.

 

[Frogman48]

Here's a little tidbit on a personal observation that I did comparing 3 different computers and looking at their relative conservatism. I currently dive with an Oceanic VT Pro, but also own a Suunto Vytec. There is no doubt that the Suunto is more conservative than the Oceanic, but I recently had the opportunity to try out Tusa's new wrist computer - the IQ-700. This is the same computer that comes in Tusa's DC Hunter Console. I had been out of the water a little over a week prior to going to the Keys for a weekend so all computers were starting out "fresh."

Before diving, the planning mode indicated the following:
Oceanic VT Pro - 60' = 57 minutes
Suunto Vytec - 60' = 50 minutes
Tusa IQ-700 - 60' = 45 minutes

Throughout the weekend, whether diving shallow reefs 30-45 feet or doing a "double-deep" dive trip to the Spiegel Grove and Duane - with a max depth of 115 feet, the Tusa was always the most conservative - almost into Deco on the "double-deep" when both the Suunto and the Oceanic still gave me plenty of no-deco time.

That said, no matter which computer I am using - irregardless of the liberal/conservative spectrum - the No.1 most reliable and important computer is the one I have on my shoulders, and taking the time to carefully plan each dive. One thing I learned long ago that has always worked for me is the old adage, "Plan your dive - dive your plan!"

 

[kidspot]

I use the M1-RGBM and when I used to have it in computer mode it would start going into "Deco" mode when other computers around were still quite happy... I now use it in Bottom Timer mode and dive the tables (which are even more conservative )

Tim

 

[diverrick]

I don't know about conservitive issues when it comes to deco obligations, but I can tell you that my Ocenanic VEO 200 is HIGHLY conservitive when it comes to ascent rates. Heck, I can't even swim over a corral head with out it getting all upset. It is always blinking and beeping at me some times even in surge. I have gotten to a point where I fall back on the old adage about slower that your slowest bubbles.

 

[Daryl Morse]

Here's a little tidbit on a personal observation that I did comparing 3 different computers and looking at their relative conservatism. I currently dive with an Oceanic VT Pro, but also own a Suunto Vytec. There is no doubt that the Suunto is more conservative than the Oceanic, but I recently had the opportunity to try out Tusa's new wrist computer - the IQ-700. This is the same computer that comes in Tusa's DC Hunter Console. I had been out of the water a little over a week prior to going to the Keys for a weekend so all computers were starting out "fresh."

Before diving, the planning mode indicated the following:
Oceanic VT Pro - 60' = 57 minutes
Suunto Vytec - 60' = 50 minutes
Tusa IQ-700 - 60' = 45 minutes

Throughout the weekend, whether diving shallow reefs 30-45 feet or doing a "double-deep" dive trip to the Spiegel Grove and Duane - with a max depth of 115 feet, the Tusa was always the most conservative - almost into Deco on the "double-deep" when both the Suunto and the Oceanic still gave me plenty of no-deco time.

That said, no matter which computer I am using - irregardless of the liberal/conservative spectrum - the No.1 most reliable and important computer is the one I have on my shoulders, and taking the time to carefully plan each dive. One thing I learned long ago that has always worked for me is the old adage, "Plan your dive - dive your plan!"

I dive with an Apeks Quantum (which is the same computer as a Tusa IQ-700) and my buddy dives with a Suunto. I can verify that your observations of Tusa with respect to the Suunto are correct, but there is more to it.

If you go deeper in the planning mode, there will be a point where the Suunto is more conservative than the the Tusa. (Offhand, I can't remember the depth where the crossover takes place.) Also, I believe the Suunto is much more demanding on the second dive than the Tusa.

The computers behave differently under actual diving conditions. Once we were trying to take some photos at around 95 fsw. I didn't notice my computer call out for deco. The Suunto remained in the green. By the time we got to 35 fsw, the deco oblication cleared. On the second dive, we went deep again. My computer stayed in the green, but the Suunto called out for deco. We ended up having to hang for 5 minutes for it to clear.