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#134
Buying first dive computer... Head spinning.. :)
AZmermaid - 4/15/2015 2:03 PM
Category: Equipment
Replies: 8

I’m very new to diving.. 15 dives. Been diving off tables, wanting to get my own computer in the next week or two.. Trying to keep cost down for now since buying other gear as well.. So looking at around $400.. Oceanic Geo 2.0, Suunto d4i, or Sherwood Insight.. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Maybe I’m overlooking another brand? I’ve heard the Suunto is more conservative. Does this mean considerable less bottom time? A good percentage of my diving will likely be on dive trips with at least 2 dives a day for 5-6 days.. Will the Suunto allow me to do that? Of course I do want to be safe. I’m a risk taker and will likely push the limits on any computer. Oh yes.. I’m wanting a wrist mount. Watch size or bigger is ok. Can’t decide how important air integration is for me..
#3720
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tstormdiver - 4/15/2015 2:30 PM
Unless you want to dive very conservatively (yes, less bottom time for comparable depths on other computers), I would stay away from the Suunto’s. Oceanic tends to be a bit more liberal. Decompression algorithms are not a perfect science. They are only a mathematical model of nitrogen build up in the body. Each individual is a little or even a lot different. I’m not super familiar with Sherwoods. You probably do not need anything more than a basic, Nitrox compatible (if you decide to eventually go that way- will give you additional bottom time,.. but must watch the depth you go to). You can get additional bells & whistles, if you want, but that raises the $ on them. I’ve had Genesis computers, Dive Rites (Tech), Suuntos (Rec & Tech), Oceanics & Shearwaters (Tech computer). So far the Shearwaters are my favorite but can be dangerous if you do not know how to use them, as they are completely adjustable from a "Bend- O- Matic" to even more conservative than the Suuntos. They also come with a tech price tag $$$$.
#10632
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m_grieco - 4/15/2015 2:52 PM
I use a Suunto computer, I am happy with mine. My advice would be look at the computers within you budget and think about what your end result diving wise is, and does your computer fit the bill? Things like nitrox (if at some point you plan on getting certified using that gas), other type of gas mixes (again, if that’s something you plan on working toward) or do you plan on keeping things strictly within recreational limits. Actually I’ve never had an issue with my Suunto with ending dives early or anything like that because of the "conservative" profile...if anything I’m usually one of the last out of the water. I know when diving in Hawaii, I was with a group of 12 divers (all but my wife and I diving Nitrox) and this guy was the last one out of the water (ending up staying extra with the DM leading the nitrox group). But regardless, I know I’d rather be more "conservative" and feel safe knowing I’m not diving a more liberal profile than be sorry. Just my two cents
#1110
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Btrax - 4/17/2015 2:01 PM
Might want to check out a mares puck. I used one for my first dozen or so dives and i have a friend i dive with that won’t use anything else. Its really easy to use, nitrox compatable and you can get wrist or console units. The wrist unit is around 200, so you can put the money you save to something else. Now i use a Uwatec Luna with a transmitter (yeah i’m one of those scuba pro guys lol). I don’t think i will use anything else. You can find some good deals if you shop around a bit. good luck
#214
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john_f - 4/17/2015 10:50 PM
Check out the DG03 for $259 at divegearexpress. You cannot go wrong with this computer at the price even if it was $400. You can add a transmitter later if you want air integration. Good support and out of warranty program ($125 they ship you a new computer after warranty expires).
The Hollis is the same as Oceanic or Aeris (all same rebranded, Aeris is no longer), same exact computer. I have been diving these computers (Oceanics, Aeris) since the 90’s for recreational stuff as have most of my buds and no issues with the algorithm. The suuntos are beepy and fussy imo, but definitely more conservative. You can always set the conservatism on the Oceanics etc to the safer side if you find your feeling beat up after your dives. I also use my Aeris T3 in gauge mode as backup time and depth next to my Predator for other types of dives.
The DG03 can be beepy if you don’t set it up to shut up, all in the settings, pretty simple.
#132
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SLF1967 - 4/29/2015 10:58 AM
There are many to choose from, so do your research and choose something that you can grow into. I have the Suunto DX9 with pressure transmitter, and I love it.

I made the mistake of starting out with an entry level wrist computer, then to an entry level console, and for what I spent on those two I could have purchased the Suunto DX9 the first time. Now I have invested twice the money I needed.

Shop around and you will find someone who is upgrading and selling a good computer for half the price, or a dealer trying to offload a floor model cheap.

I would recommend the Suunto DX9. Spend a few extra bucks and get the pressure transmitter to go with it.

The Suunto DX6 is another great model with the pressure transmitter, and you can easily find them in the $400 - $500 range.

Suunto also has the DM5 software to download and plan your dives with. Easy to use.
#368
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neogerald - 7/20/2015 5:25 PM
I use Suunto EON wrist computer. Easy to use. Excellent LCD specially during my night dives. I bought a cheaper computer Aeris Dive Watch-It won’t sync with my Mac laptop. Suunto EON is flawless and easy to use. Worth every penny.

Cost of Suunto EON - $1440. If you really love diving and planning to be a divemaster someday, you don’t need to upgrade to any other computer because THIS IS IT. It can handle anything. Mixed gases, CCR and more.