Which computer to buy with Trimix in mind?

[craracer]

I would not choose a vr3 unless you try one first. They are not very user friendly, alot of guys are switching to other units.

I am one of these divers. I could never get a handle on the button pushes of the VR3. Now, was it a short push of the left button, and a long push of the right followed by two short pushes of the left?

Nothing was more infuriating than to get stuck on a screen whilst in the middle of a dive. No matter how many times I practiced on dry land, I never failed to botch something up.

So, in comes the Predator. This is, by far and away the most intuitive computer I've used. I liked it so much that I bought a second one. Firmware updates have been free thus far, and each has done nothing but make the computer better. They QUICKLY respond to customers questions. No buying keys to unlock features (like the VR3).

If you dive with guys that have a computer you are interested in, see if they would be willing to let you play, or dive with it. Nothing beats hands-on experience over internet opinions.

 

[rongoodman]

At this point, I wouldn't even look at anything that didn't have an OLED display. My X1 is so bright that it essentially serves as a 3rd back-up light in rhe caves.

 

[Kern]

.....

 

[East West]

I also want to upgrade to a OLED display computer . The tap feature with the X1 is a little worrisome to me since being aggressive with my equipment . Any comments ? regards Charles

 

[trident00]

I agree Charles. That is one big turnoff for me with the x1. I am sure its a very robust system and all, but it just doesnt seem right to me. One of my buddies has one and I was able to look at it a little bit. I have yet to see a shearwater, but some of his buddies dive with the predators. Hopefully I will get a chance to play with the shearwater.


Cheers, Walt

 

[DiveNav]

...... I have yet to see a shearwater,......

Here you go

​

And you can even practice (play) with the Predator with the eDiving simulator

Alberto (aka eDiver)

 

[rayspat]

I use the Cochran which is nice that you program before the dive what the plan is than you dive. I also have used the HelO2 and am participating in the Galelio upgrade program to see how it works in relation to the Cochran and HelO2. Liquidvision's computer will be out within weeks and looking forward to taking a close look at it.

 

[ianr33]

I use the Cochran which is nice that you program before the dive what the plan is than you dive.

How does that work out if the plan changes for whatever reason?

 

[carlcz]

I have a Cochran EMC-20H , a VR3 and a NitekX.
The VR3 and Nitek have cables for CCR connection (for my Optima).
ALL have good and not so good features.
I use the Cochran for tri-mix and carribean diving, and use the others for CCR [back up for my handsets for PO2 monitoring]. Remembering how each works and what the screen is telling me at any given time can be challenging, keeps me on my toes and prevents me from getting "forgetful" at my age.
Regardless of which computer you use,remember YOU MUST feel comfortable in it's use and operability.
You might want to use someone else's just to see if you like how it feels on your wrist and how easy it may be to use in your type of diving.

 

[MarineResearch]

.....

I can't argue with this.

If you are going to get into cave and wreck diving, OLED displays are very convenient to read in dark places. I can also second the computer as functioning as a second dive light. During a cave lights-out exercise I got about two feet of visibility from my Uemis.