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#354
Good wrist computer?
KTees - 7/09/2008 8:59 PM
Category: Equipment
Replies: 23

Hi! I’ve been checking out some of the wrist dive computers and I’m not sure which is best for a beginner. Any suggestions? I saw an Aeris and the Suunto Gekko...are either decent?

 
#113
GADiver - 7/09/2008 9:07 PM


I’ve been using an Aeris Atmos II for a few years... Never had a problem with it, works great...


However, if I were to upgrade (and I’m thinking of it), I’d be moving directly to the Galileo Sol (Uwatec). Awesome wrist computer.


Your considerations are: 1- budget; 2- gas (air? air/nitrox? trimix?); 3- do you prefer a liberal or conservative algorithm? Suunto usually uses a very conservative algorithm, and Aeris more liberal, so you’ll be into a deco obligation with the Suunto long before Aeris. It’s a personal preference.
#2344
malibu - 7/09/2008 10:33 PM
Wrist computers are good, but it has to be what you want and need, dont think you have to have the best. The best is what you like and works for you, your budget and your diveing needs. Since you are just starting, stay with one that is more conservative. Remember, safety first.
#75
divegirlca - 7/10/2008 1:28 AM
I agree. Keep it simple. You can always change later on. When first learning, there is so much to remember as it is.
#2248
SKEETER - 7/10/2008 6:11 AM
AERIS this is made by the same co. that makes OCEANIC Both good.
#2322
iScuba - 7/10/2008 12:20 PM


AERIS this is made by the same co. that makes OCEANIC Both good.



I agree with Skeeter. I have used the Oceanic Veo and Aeris XR1 and XR2 which, the XR2 is what I currently own and use. I love it, and it was reasonably priced, too [ at : www.scubatoys.com! Just buy the puck and a wrist boot.
#14712
tardmaster - 7/10/2008 2:18 PM
hey there, I’m still using my first wrist pooter. it’s a suunto gekko. Absolutley love it. does everything i need ot to right now. i will be upgrading soon and will either go with the galileo or the suunto d9. you certainly dont need to break the bank for your first pooter, but safety somes first, then funcionality. good luck to ya !
#1065
VaDiver95 - 7/10/2008 6:16 PM
I use an UWATEC Tec 2G, bnut it’s in guage mode as I cut my tables. The main thing to look for in a computer (IMHO) is
1. Nitrox, and
2. one that can be switched to gauge mode for more technical dives (with training and experience).
3. the display is easy to read, and
4. it has a good sampling rate

There are a lot of computers out there with crazy bells and whistles but they aren’t needed—the del sol is US $1500….too expensive for things you don’t need. Your primary computer is your brain, the thing on your wrist is just a back-up.

This being said I’ve heard good things about SUUNTO and I’ve had good experiences with UWATEC—as for the others I really can’t say.

Ron at Sea Ventures in Fairfax if an UWATEC dealer, and he’s a good guy—you can pay him a visit and ask him all the questions you want.

Vinny


 
#783
romeo25411 - 7/10/2008 9:18 PM


Since you are a beginner, you may want to try a couple of computers first. Perhaps borrow one from a dive buddy. To me it is most important that you can utilize it under water - things are always easy in the dive shop or on the surface. This is especially true if you have to press buttons underwater while wearing gloves.


As it was stated earlier, your brain is most important. Though I have migrated up through the ranks of dive computers, I still dive with a set of tables and plan my dives from them. I have seen computers fail.


Think about the features computers offer and what you are looking/ready for. You may want to start with a simple bottom timer to track dive number, dive time, max/current depth, temp and ascent/decent rates.


If you do go with a computer, make sure you are comfortable with the algorithms used for dive planning and you are physiologically able to handle it. Computers may fail, but they never get bent...that I know of.


Dive Safe!


 
#350
PiperDiver - 7/11/2008 9:55 AM
I’ve been diving with analong gauges until about a month ago, when I finally swithed to a computer. I went with the Suunto Vyper 2. It does everything I want it to plus a little more. Cool thing is, I can adjust how conservative it is based on my needs and ability. At the end of the day though, don’t come to rely on the computer too much. It can fail, just like any other electronic device. Learn your tables, and learn to use the computer as another tool. Should it fail, you should be able to safely complete your dive no matter where you are.

Good luck.
#51828
Greg - 7/11/2008 7:42 PM
I use the Aeris Atmos air integrated hose computer. I’ve had it for 3 years and only had to replace the battery once. I go diving with it about 100 times a year. It takes a great beating (I use it while teaching students also) and it’s works great. I don’t own a wrist computer. I’m waiting for some new technology to read my pulse, blood oxygen level, cholestorol, age, weight and everything...talk about the perfect dive computer...anyone want to invent that for me?
#228
-heidi-o - 7/11/2008 8:13 PM


I personally dive the dive rite DUO. It is a dual gas computer so if you are nitrox certified it would be great! It’s an amazing computer for beginners! it’s got huge numbers too! I use mine not only for recreational diving but also for cave diving.


-heidi-
#471
senorfroggie - 7/11/2008 8:15 PM
Well I have found that the Aladdin Tec 2G from Uwatec is great for open water through deep diving but if you switch to technical diving then you need something better. I just laid down 1800 for a completely unlocked VR3. Love it. However it is more "puter" than most need.
#40
Diverdown - 7/11/2008 9:16 PM
well i started out with the uwatec smartcom, now i have upgraded to the GALILEO SOL, but im a uwatec/scubapro junkie, i own nothing that isnt scubapro/uwatec, but remember its your money and SAFETY FIRST, try a couple and go with what suits you, everybody is different and likes different things
#354
Subscribed
KTees - 7/12/2008 6:32 AM
Thank you so much for all the responses! You have all provided a ton of info. I really appreciate your feedback :)

Thanks again!
#763
Outback - 7/14/2008 1:53 PM
I currently use a wrist mount Dive Rite Nitek Duo - it does air/nitrox and can do in water gas switching for deco gas mix also - simple to use, big easy to see numbers, will work from beginner through to some technical diving. Big plus is it’s relatively cheap (you can pick them up new for around $300 (or less). It’s also exactly the same computer as the Tusa IQ700 and the Zeagle N2ition and at least one other rebranded ’puter - apparently they’re all made by Seiko and put in a different mount by the "manufacturer"
#144
vyvial - 7/16/2008 1:05 PM
I have an Aeris Epic AI that I really like, I replaced my Suunto Cobra2 with it.
#1004
RonSubmerged - 7/14/2009 9:26 PM
Hi, I recently purchased the Cressi Archimedes II. It allows switching mixes while diving, works with Nitrox up to 50%, and all the other basic features all the others do. It is not air integrated, and the main drawbackis the pc interface is crazy expensive. 

Other than that I cannot complain, good luck on your search for a computer,



Ron
#6072
scubaclay - 7/15/2009 2:00 PM


I use a few computers, depending on the type of dive I do. On every dive I use the Sherwood Wisdom, air intergrated and nitrox compatable. For wrist I use either a Sherwood Insight, a Cressi Archemedies II, or my new on which is a Tuse IQ 800. all are good and will do almost anything you ask of them.



Clay
#1286
Subscribed
SCUBAU - 7/15/2009 6:05 PM
I understand that you are looking to purchase a wrist computer but are you looking for a wrist computer that is a hoseless air integrated computer or not air integrated, or it doesn’t really matter. Aeris makes both types. Also, they do have very nice computers and I could recommend the Aeris XR1 if you are looking for something not air integrated wrist computer which we sell at SCUBA "U" for $279 which would include shipping to New York. Another good wrist computer from Aeris is the Aeris Elite T3 complete package which we can ship to New York for $709, this computer is a hoseless air integrated computer. Also, a nice wrist computer is the Mares Nemo wide wrist which is also not air integrated which we can ship to you for $349. All our computers carry a full manufacturers warranty and these specials are for divebuddy members. If anyone is interested in any of these computers please e-mail me.

Thanks
John
SCUBA "U"

P.S. If you have any other questions please e-mail me.

#526
wcarlile - 7/15/2009 7:11 PM


I love my tec 2 g. But do what fills good on your wrist and you can were it all day.


wes
#1462
charstew - 7/15/2009 9:14 PM
Depends, will you be diving only Air? Will you switch your mix during the dive? I like the Cochran Computers. You saw it up at Circleville.
#506
steelheadfish - 7/19/2009 10:58 PM
i like the vt3 by oceanic, it is very easy to use, took about 2 dives and everything fell into place and it takes a ton of abuse.