What's the PADI wheel, do I need it?

[Torontonian]

I was NAUI certified. Will be going for the PADI AOW. Got the PADI AOW (Adventure) book to start reading. In the book it refers to the PADI wheel, as a circular table that can be used to plan dives, but doesn't say much more.

What is this PADI wheel, and do I need to buy it?

 

[xSandman3]

Nope, don't need it until Divemaster.

 

[Rick Inman]

What is this PADI wheel, ...?

The PADI Wheel allows you to run table NDLs on multilevel dives.

 

[Kim]

It replaces the PADI rec planner. Basically it allows you to plan multi-level dives which you can't do with just the tables.

edit: Gee...Rick was quick!!

 

[Xman]

To add to the above, it may be useful to you if you carry out predetermined multilevel dives and do not currently use a dive computer. Otherwise I would not bother, personally.

 

[toodive4]

ROFL...

The PADI Wheel - Who in their right mind uses the PADI Wheel?

 

[Kim]

ROFL...

The PADI Wheel - Who in their right mind uses the PADI Wheel?

I have been known to! Actually I quite like it and used it a lot before I had a computer. Even now I'll still run the numbers with it for planning.

 

[xSandman3]

ROFL...

The PADI Wheel - Who in their right mind uses the PADI Wheel?

It's required for DMs and higher...only way they can sell the silly things.

 

[Kim]

It's required for DMs and higher...only way they can sell the silly things.

Why is it silly?

It's expensive and these days not so useful as it was - but how else can you work out NDL's that give accurate credit for multi-level dives without a computer?

 

[scubatoys]

Why is it silly?

It's expensive and these days not so useful as it was - but how else can you work out NDL's that give accurate credit for multi-level dives without a computer?

You can just do it on the table. Take your wheel, then calculate 100 ft for 10 minutes, then come up to 50 for 20 minutes, and give me the pressure group. Now go to a flat table and work it as 2 dives with no surface interval and give me that pressure group.... Hmmm... Maybe nobody really needed to spend the $50 on that stupid piece of plastic after all!