Where to get a low priced diving computer??

[hansthart]

Hi there,

I have started diving November last year and totally crazy about it since then. I have already bought a lot of new stuff and equipment, but what I still need is a good diving computer.

Of course all the other equipment had its price already and therefor I am looking for a really low priced (new or good used) diving computer. I favor the Uwatec Smart Com or the Suunto Cobra (with compass).
Anyone can help me out?

Thanks,

Hans

 

[RICHinNC]

hansthart.......I can understand money being a problem....but....dont skimp on one of the most important pieces of equipment you will have.

Considering costs....yet the need for dependability and reliability....I would suggest you go either Oceanic...or....Genesis. The wrist mount Genesis Resource is a great computer and if you dive nitrox....or plan to.....go with the React. Both you can change your own batteries, both have large easy to read displays...so on and so on...

Check it out...will be worth the time
rich

 

[Scuba65]

Welcome aboard! I myself have been diving for over 12 yrs. and i just purchased the Suunto Cobra and i wonder what i did all these yrs. without it..i will never dive without one again. the sunnto is a great computer in my opinion. good luck

 

[mcm007]

I purchased all new gear this year... I too am now looking for an inexpensive dive computer.. I even want a wrist computer with hoseless remote for air pressure.

I have searched high and low on ebay and teh web, also alot of "scuba shops" on-line..

My suggestion, depending on how friendly you are with your local dive shop, would be to check on last years models or closeouts..

If you find an incredible proce , please let me know...

 

[cornfed]

I purchased all new gear this year... I too am now looking for an inexpensive dive computer.. I even want a wrist computer with hoseless remote for air pressure.

The terms "inexpensive" and "hoseless air integration" don't belong in the same sentence.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

I purchased all new gear this year... I too am now looking for an inexpensive dive computer.. I even want a wrist computer with hoseless remote for air pressure.

I have searched high and low on ebay and teh web, also alot of "scuba shops" on-line..

My suggestion, depending on how friendly you are with your local dive shop, would be to check on last years models or closeouts..

If you find an incredible proce , please let me know...

Careful of those online shops, you aren't always going to get a warranty with your computer purchasing them there and Suunto does not honor grey market computers. Best to check with your LDS on this piece of equipment and see what their best deal is and it may be last years model.

 

[gj62]

Check out the Aeris Atmos 2 from ScubaToys. Larry is a member and frequent contributor on this board - I've bought from him with nothing but the highest satisfaction. Right now he has it on-sale for $270.

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/Scuba_Nitrox_Computers.asp (about 2/3 of the way down the page - the wristmount model)

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Don't just look at the price tag ... once you've got it underwater that's the last thing you're going to think about.

Before you buy, answer the following questions ...

- Can you read it underwater with your mask on? Some computers display really small numbers that can be read easily on shore, but not underwater (especially if you use or need bifocals for close-in vision).
- Can you easily understand what your computer is telling you? Some computers provide basic information on one screen. Others scroll through multiple screens automatically. Others require you to do the scrolling.
- Does the computer turn on automatically (water or pressure activated) or do you have to turn it on manually? Some ... especially older models ... require you to turn it on manually. And if you forget, you have to come back to the surface to activate your computer. Not sure if there are any still made like that, but it's a royal PITA of a design.
- Can you operate the controls (buttons) with the exposure gear you normally wear while diving? Some computers are made for warm-water diving, and are difficult to manipulate with "gumby gloves" typically worn by cold-water divers.
- What type of algorithm does the computer use? This is VERY important to know going into the purchase. Some computers are extremely conservative (like Suunto and Uwatec). Others (like Aeris and Oceanic) are very liberal in their NDL calculations. Some will give you credit for offgassing as you slowly ascend from deeper dives. Others won't give you any credit for offgassing till you reach a depth of 30 fsw or less. Many will allow you to choose more or less conservative settings ... but most of those are not the cheaper models.
- Does your computer know what Nitrox is? Some of the cheaper computers do not ... and that means that if you should ever want to use Nitrox, you'll need another computer.

Make an informed purchase, not one based on price alone. You may save yourself some $$ in the long run.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Boat]

I bought a Suunto Mosquito (new) at a LDS for $301. I personally think it's the biggest bang for the buck. Has tons of features and the only thing I really don't like is the "dive alarm" is not loud enough. That's no big deal though, as I'm constantly monitoring everything as I should. If I lost this one, I'd buy another tomorrow. Good luck!

 

[O2Addict]

If price is an issue, remember there is always Ebay. But have it checked out properly first.