Worth extra $ for air intergrated computer?

[Brandnew2Scuba]

It seems to me like the only advantage to air integrated over regular SPG and computer is the remaining dive time. Am I missing something? I was looking at the Aeris Atmos 2, but the Aeris XR 2 is only a few bucks more and it is air intergrated. I was also thinking about the Mares Airlab. But again I just don't know if air intergrated is the way to go. I could care less about downloading the information I just want the computer that is going to be the most helpful at depth. Any advice offered would be much appreciated. I could not find any post discussing pros and cons of air intergation, if one exists and I looked past it I apologize, hopefully someone could send me a link if such a thread does indeed exist.

 

[Soggy]

Nope, not worth it.

 

[shellbackdiver1]

I dont think the XR2 is air integrated. Its a console with an integrated pressure gauge. The XR2 and Atmos 2 along with most all other computers will give you remaining bottom time. If you want a true "air-integrated" then you should look at computers like or similar to the following, Atmos Elite, D9 ect.

 

[redacted]

If you think about it a bit more, you may realize that even remaining dive time is just another piece of decorative chrome. Save your money for something useful.

 

[Brandnew2Scuba]

Oh ya, you're right XR 2 isn't intergrated, I was looking at the Aeris AI, which is approximatly 200 dollars more than the Aeris Atmos 2, so not a whole lot of money if air intergration is something I'm going to end up wanting in the future. So what are the benefits of air intergrated?

 

[HilaryRN71]

Oh ya, you're right XR 2 isn't intergrated, I was looking at the Aeris AI, which is approximatly 200 dollars more than the Aeris Atmos 2, so not a whole lot of money if air intergration is something I'm going to end up wanting in the future. So what are the benefits of air intergrated?

All of my computers have been air integrated and honestly...in really thinking about it, not sure it really matters. I had the Oceanic Datamax Pro Plus 2 and it was nice because it was a console all by itself...but it was just a console, nontheless. Just a bit sleeker with it's digital display vs. needles. But they all function the same. I now have the VT pro which is air integrated AND hoseless...and I'm constantly worried about losing the wrist component, but it's nice to only have 2 hoses, one to my reg and one to my LPI/integrated Octo (Atomic SS1) I also find I like it on ascents because it seems a natural position for me to watch my wrist to have a nice slow ascent. But if you're on a budget....I really can't think of a single reason why air integrated is better. Would love to hear the opinion of others....

 

[JahJahwarrior]

One benefit is having to end a dive if your computer quit on you....if you crack the screen on a rock, you are screwed. If you crack your SPG, you should be able to keep diving, just replace it before the next dive...


without AI, your computer will tell you how long you can stay before theoretically getting the bends. With AI, your computer tells you not only how long before you get the bends, but also how long before you run out of air. It's rather easy to just look at an SPG, and cheaper too. If you are into the whole wrist mount thing (which alot of people are) then you will have to look at a guage clipped to your chest too, which while annoying, might not be $200 annoying. You can always dive tables when a computer quits, but it's hard to just suddenly dive a J valve

 

[SpiderSense]

without actually diving with my AI computer yet, i can say i bought AI for 1. low air alarm 2. turn around alarm 3. dynamic air time remaining (if controlling the dive) 4. buddy air checks (wireless vt3). others may like the different gas features, but i'm too newbie for that.

of course you don't need it. even an analog gauge is fine. but just having the alarm beep once due to low air pressure is enough for me. or not even alarming but knowing i have an alarm just in case i'm not monitoring well for some reason. to me, its more like ABS for a car, others may feel its more like power windows. even if it adds 0.5% safety factor, i'll buy it. for others, probably not. up to you. i'm the same with with motorcycles. i do it, but minimize as much risk as possible.

edit:
also, you can set your dive to end with x amount of psi. your time remaining takes into safety stops or deco stops and ascent rate. and you can look at your dive profile afterwards and see your air stats. just bells and whistles.. maybe like a navigation system in a car.

 

[BKP]

One benefit is having to end a dive if your computer quit on you....if you crack the screen on a rock, you are screwed. If you crack your SPG, you should be able to keep diving, just replace it before the next dive...

Just curious... I'm assuming you equate "crack your SPG" with an out-of-commission guage...

Would you really continue a dive, without knowing how much air you've got left?

 

[TheRedHead]

The best feature of an AI computer is that the software will calculate your SAC. Then you can track your SAC with types of dives done (looking for exertion level, cold water, etc.) and that might help you with gas planning in the future. The assumptions an AI computer make about how much time you have left in terms of gas are faulty. It is usually holding back a reserve as well.