Have you ever heard this one? “A dive computer is a diver’s best friend.” That’s because we scuba junkies like to keep things simple. We’d much rather spend our time enjoying the wonders of the ocean and less making dive table calculations. Don’t you agree?
I think we’ve all been in a situation where we go out to shop for scuba gear and return hours later, empty handed and more confused that when we left. Dive computer shopping will do that to you.
It’s a complex piece of technology and reading though the specs can make your head spin. So, how do you know what is the best scuba diving computer?
That’s where we come in. One of our goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to make your life easier when it comes to choosing gear for scuba diving. In this article we’ll walk you through what to look for while shopping for a computer and how to find the one that is right for you.
For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out these popular articles:
BCDs | Regulators | Gauges | Masks | Fins | Dry Snorkels
Wetsuits | Boots | Gloves | Drysuits
Travel Bags | SMBs | Knives | Lights | Compasses
Rebreathers | DPVs | Tanks | Watches
Cameras | Housings | Lenses | Strobes
QUICK ANSWER – THE BEST DIVE COMPUTER
1. SHEARWATER RESEARCH
2. SUUNTO ZOOP
3. CRESSI GIOTTO
4. CRESSI LEONARDO
5. SUUNTO D6I NOVO
6. MARES PUCK PRO
7. OCEANIC GEO 2.0
8. OCEANIC OCI
9. MARES SMART
10. SHERWOOD AMPHOS
DIVE COMPUTER REVIEWS
SHEARWATER RESEARCH
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | LeisurePro
BEST FOR: Advanced Recreational & Technical Divers & Rebreathers
GASES: Air, Nitrox, Trimix
BATTERY TYPE: Single User Replaceable AA Battery
FEATURES: Multiple Dive Modes, Compass, 2 Button Interface, Bluetooth Integration
PROS: Sleek & Durable Design, Large Display, Easy To Navigate
CONS: No Wireless Air Integration
SUUNTO ZOOP
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | LeisurePro
BEST FOR: Your First Computer & As A BackUp
GASES: Air & Nitrox
BATTERY TYPE: User Replaceable CR 2450
FEATURES: Super Bright LCD Display
PROS: Great Value, Easy To Use, Affordable
CONS: Small Buttons (Not Good If You Wear Thick Gloves)
CRESSI LEONARDO
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | LeisurePro
BEST FOR: Beginner Divers
GASES: Air & Nitrox
BATTERY TYPE: User Replaceable CR2430
FEATURES: Single Button Navigation, Large Digits
PROS: Affordable, Easy to Read & Use, Lots of Color Choices
CONS: Bulky, Backlight Display Isn’t Bright Enough
CRESSI GIOTTO
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | LeisurePro
BEST FOR: Rec. Divers Looking For An Affordable Computer
GASES: Air, Nitrox
BATTERY TYPE: User Replaceable CR2430
FEATURES: Large Digits, 3 Button Interface
PROS: Affordable, Easy To Read, Lots of Color Options
CONS: No Air Integration & Too Big To Wear As A Watch
OCEANIC GEO 2.0
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | LeisurePro
BEST FOR: Recreational Divers Looking For Affordable Watch Style Computer
GASES: Air, Nitrox
BATTERY TYPE: User Replaceable CR2430
FEATURES: Dry Free Diving Mode, 2 Algorithms, Audible Alarm
PROS: Affordable Watch Style Computer, Easy To Read
CONS: Only Can Store 24 Dives, Not User Friendly
MARES PUCK PRO
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | LeisurePro
BEST FOR: Your First Computer & As A BackUp
GASES: Air & Nitrox
BATTERY TYPE: User Replaceable CR 2450
FEATURES: Super Bright LCD Display, One Button Navigation
PROS: Very Clear Display, Affordable, Easy To Use
CONS: Bulky
SUUNTO D4i NOVO
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | LeisurePro
BEST FOR: Recreational Divers & Free Divers
GASES: Air, Nitrox
BATTERY TYPE: CR 2450
FEATURES: Wireless Integration Capable, Free Diving Mode
PROS: Can Be Worn As A Watch, Lightweight
CONS: Expensive, No Digital Compass
HOLLIS TX1
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | LeisurePro
BEST FOR: Tech Divers
GASES: Air, Nitrox, Trimix
BATTERY TYPE: User Replaceable CR2450
FEATURES: Wireless Air Integration, Bühlmann ZHL-16C Algorithm
PROS: Easy To Configure, Great Value, Adjustable Gradient Factors
CONS: Not Compatible With Other Transmitters
OCEANIC OCI
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | LeisurePro
BEST FOR: Advanced Recreational Divers & Free Divers
GASES: Air & Nitrox
BATTERY TYPE: User Replaceable CR2450
FEATURES: Advanced Digital Compass, Duel Algorithm, Wireless Transmitter
PROS: Easy To Read Display, Free Diving Mode
CONS: Big Face (Not Good For Small Wrists), Not Trimix Capable
MARES SMART
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | LeisurePro
BEST FOR: Affordable Watch Style Computer
GASES: Air & Nitrox
BATTERY TYPE: User Replaceable CR 2450
FEATURES: Super Sharp And Clear Display, Two Button Navigation
PROS: Very Clear Display, Super Simple & Easy To Use
CONS: No Air Integration
SHERWOOD AMPHOS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon | LeisurePro
BEST FOR: Divers Looking For An Affordable Watch Style Computer
GASES: Air, Nitrox
BATTERY TYPE: User Replaceable CR2430
FEATURES: Free Dive Mode, Air Integration Available, Backlight
PROS: Easy To Read Display, Affordable (for watch style)
CONS: Not Intuitive To Use
COMPARISON TABLE – FIND THE BEST DIVE COMPUTER FOR YOUR NEEDS
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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SCUBA DIVING COMPUTER
WHAT’S YOUR DIVING LEVEL?
The very first thing you need to consider when it comes to choosing a dive computer is, what’s my diving experience level? Remember, it’s not about buying what your friends use or the one with the most bells and whistles, it’s about choosing the one that is right for your needs.
For scuba beginners, I recommend getting a computer that is simple, has a big display and is easy to use. When you’re just starting out, you’ll be too busy trying to simply get comfortable breathing and swimming underwater to be fiddling around with a high tech computer. In the review section of this post I have highlighted some great options for new divers. Don’t worry too much about outgrowing your computer, it will make a great backup in the future.
For advanced recreational and tech divers, your needs are much different. Having added features like trimix capabilities is important to you. I’ve highlighted which computers will make a great choice for your style of diving.
HOW EASY IS IT READ UNDERWATER?
The computer’s display should be easy to read. That means big numbers, high contrast colors and backlit displays. The Suunto EON Steel is popular among divers who prefer a large display because of its wide angle BrightSee color screen.
HOW EASY IS IT TO USE?
Some computers are more user-friendly than others. If you want to spend more time underwater and less reading your computer’s manual, this is something to take into account. When you read online reviews, be on the lookout for divers talking about difficulty configuring and navigating through the modes.
Another consideration about ease of use, think about if you will mostly be using your computer in warm water or cold water. In cold water, you’ll be wearing thick gloves so be sure to get a computer with big buttons otherwise it will be difficult to use it underwater.
YOUR BUDGET
Expect to pay between $300 to $500 for a basic computer and $800+ for one packed with features. If you’re just getting into diving and don’t have a big budget you’re in luck because there are plenty of good quality entry level computers that offer all the modern features.
If the price isn’t an issue, you can look at getting a computer with advanced features like air integration, a digital compass, and multi gas capability.
STYLE & SET UP
Dive computers come in one of two different set ups: wrist or console.
Wrist computers allow you to have all of your important data on your arm. The advantage of this style is it’s more stream lined and easier to read. There are two styles of wrist computers, the classic one that looks you’re wearing a hockey puck on your wrist. And, a watch style which looks a normal watch, so you can wear it on land without the strange looks. This style tends to be much more expensive than its classic counterparts.
Divers that prefer to have all their instruments together should look at getting a console computer. Many of the same models that are available as wrist computers also come in a console version.
AIR INTEGRATION
Wireless air integration is all the rage in the world of dive computers. This feature allows you to monitor your air consumption on your computer with the use of a transmitter. Some high-end models even allow you to monitor the remaining air of a whole group of divers. This is most useful for technical dive teams and can be a bit of overkill for recreational divers.
Just keep in mind that it’s not a wise decision to ditch your SPG. The technology still isn’t perfect. What happens if you loose the signal between the transmitter while you’re 100 feet below the surface and you have no way to see how much air you have left in your tank? It’s a cool feature and it is handy to be able to read all your info in one place but always keep safety your number one priority while diving.
PACKAGE DEALS
If you’re looking at buying other big ticket scuba gear like BCDs and regulators, consider getting a scuba package deal. Amazon is a great place to find these deals.
The advantages with this option are you can save a lot of cash and it is one stop shopping. The disadvantage is you can’t individually choose which gear is best for you.
Some people love these packages and others prefer to pick out each piece of equipment on their own. Either way, it’s worth looking into.
Here’s a few of the most popular packages: ScubaPro Equator Package, Cressi Travelight Package and Aqualung Axiom Package.
Want To Monitor You Air Comsumption Too?
The post Best Dive Computers of 2018 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.
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