Dive computer for first timer

das75

das75

New member
Haven't even gotten wet (starting course this weekend for Open Water Diver) and it's been suggested I get a dive computer.

Wondering a few things as I will only be doing limited diving (maybe a couple of times a year if on holidays someplace warm) if it worthwhile getting one, are they something you see for rental at dive shops or resorts oversea (first trip Philippines)? One model mentioned is Suunto Zoop, thoughts on it.
 
Computers are generally available as rentals at most dive shops. Best thing to do is look at the displays of some, see which ones you like and find easy to read. Then research opinions on those units.
 
I love my Suunto Vyper, one thing with Suunto is that it is well known for being conservative. I don't mind that it is conservative but I did have to hang out a little higher in the water column on my 2nd dives of the day in Coz, while the other computer users were not near deco and I would've been. (I have the older model and it doesn't give you any credit for deep stops.)

I like that it is NOT air integrated, (I have the wrist mount). Sometimes it would be nice to have air integrated then I would be sure to the decimal point on my SAC.

The numbers are big and easy to see, and everything is on one page so you don't have to scroll around to find bottom time, water temp, nitrogen loading, or depth.

Read around a bit on Scubaboard and Scuba Lab on Scubadiving.com... decide if you want a wrist mount or console mount or air integrated.

Have fun in the Phillipines, should be excellent diving.
 
I also have a Suunto Vyper and like it. Your best bet is to go to your local dive shop and see if they will let you test drive some equipment. Some equipment may do everything you want out of the water but you may not like using it in the water.
 
I love my Hollis DG02. It is cheap around 270.00 retail, and has both regular air mode and EANx up to 50%. It also has gauge mode which is cool for tech divers.
 
You really need a computer. Many dive charters around the world wont let anyone onboard nowadays without a computer for safety reasons. I'd suggest the UWATEC alladin for limited diving. My cousin just picked up last years model for 150.00.
 
I have both the Sherwood Wisdom 2 and the Sherwood Insight. Both are very easy to use and are Nitrox compatible.

_____________
Ben
 
Just to add a note, everywhere Ive ever been they will let you dive with or without a computer. Without a computer they stick you with the slow group on the crappy site going to a much shallower depth for alot less time, but you still get to go.

_____________
Ben
 
If only going a few times a year I would just rent one if required

I use Oceanic VEO100NX swivel combo
 
Agreed that I would rent one for now if you are just getting into diving - you might find that you hate diving! (hopefully not...)

Typically, you can rent one from the dive shop wherever you are diving or rent one from your local shop and take it with you - either way.

But, when the time comes and you decide to buy, I favor the Suuntos. I find them very easy to navigate. Personally, I use the Cobra 3 for my primary, air integrated computer, and the zoop as my backup, hose mount. But they are all nice - just depends on the bells and whistles you want. And, while many these days have the electronic compass, I still favor the good 'ol manual compass in the console mount.

One thing that does suck about Suunto - and I desperately want them to fix, is that their software is only PC, and I run a MAC. So, I can't download my dives to my computer - but, you may not care.

The Uwatechs are also nice, I just don't like the wet switches - but that's just a personal preference. They are, however, a top-notch company and make good computers.

If you care, some manufacturers will let you see the algorithm used to calculate your profile, while others will not. I believe both Uwatech and Suunto allow this.

Cheers
Mike
 
You really need a computer. Many dive charters around the world wont let anyone onboard nowadays without a computer for safety reasons. I'd suggest the UWATEC alladin for limited diving. My cousin just picked up last years model for 150.00.
Click to expand...

I have never experienced this...I am a PADI Dive Master, and have dove all over the world.

A dive computer is not something that you just hook up and jump in the water with. It is a piece of equipment that is used to log dives and to help you more precisely determine your residual nitrogen levels. You still MUST be able to calculate your bottom times/surface intervals/and your residual nitrogen levels. Also you must know how to manipulate the computer and what actions to take if it stops working. You must still track your bottom times and surface intervals to prevent decompression dives.

I use a dive computer (2 actually) but I know what my bottom times are and what my dive profile is via the good old dive chart.
 
Requiring a dive computer is becoming more and more common. Grand Cayman - for example - now requires all dive shops to outfit their divers with computers if they don't already have one (rent it, of course). Some liveaboard companies require them; I have been witness to this in The Bahamas.

I agree that you need to learn to calculate the tables before getting a computer; it's like learning math on paper before using a calculator - if you get a weird reading (2+2=5), you need to know something is wrong with your equipment (I've been at 90 ft. for 5 minutes, how can I possibly have another 20 minutes before no deco...?).

And, yes, redundancy is also good - my primary failed last year - saying I was at 70ft, while my backup (correctly) said I was at 90ft; that could have been bad.

Really, computers are starting to be required b/c people don't know, or forget (if they only dive once or twice a year), how to work the tables. It's an added insurance policy for the outfitter, since the computers are calculating those dive tables on the fly. And, if there is an accident, the computer is the equivalent of the airplane's black box.

But, there are variances in each of them - some more conservative, others not so much - which is why it is best to get familiar with one and learn it. And, if you care, some will allow you to see their algorithims - which is why my work only allows me to dive with Suunto or Uwatech.

Cheers
Mike
 
I highly recommend you get a computer. Basically, everyone that dives has one. You still run into someone that doesn't every once in awhile, but that becomes more rare every year. All the respectable brands on the market are very good at the basic functions of what a diver computer is supposed to do. They differ on features and warranty (and cost of course). I'd buy something your local dive retailer is familiar with and sells on a regular basis so you can get good advice on its use and good service help later with battery replacements, etc.

I'm going to disagree with someone up above about the importance of dive tables. When I got certified, tables were pretty much all there was and you had better know how to use them. But as in instructor in 2011, I have to admit they are not really all that important in modern diving. I know that's blasphemy to a lot of people, but they really are obsolete at this point because dive computers are so good and so prevalent. And they are now priced so every diver can afford one. Tables still have their use. They are great for teaching a beginning understanding of decompression theory and every diver needs to learn how to use them. But as a practical matter, in the real world they are not that useful.
 
reefinmo said:
I highly recommend you get a computer. Basically, everyone that dives has one. You still run into someone that doesn't every once in awhile, but that becomes more rare every year. All the respectable brands on the market are very good at the basic functions of what a diver computer is supposed to do. They differ on features and warranty (and cost of course). I'd buy something your local dive retailer is familiar with and sells on a regular basis so you can get good advice on its use and good service help later with battery replacements, etc.

I'm going to disagree with someone up above about the importance of dive tables. When I got certified, tables were pretty much all there was and you had better know how to use them. But as in instructor in 2011, I have to admit they are not really all that important in modern diving. I know that's blasphemy to a lot of people, but they really are obsolete at this point because dive computers are so good and so prevalent. And they are now priced so every diver can afford one. Tables still have their use. They are great for teaching a beginning understanding of decompression theory and every diver needs to learn how to use them. But as a practical matter, in the real world they are not that useful.
Click to expand...


I have to agree about the dive tables. As I started my advanced diving classes (a long time ago LOL), we were doing a refresher on the tables....I totally forgot them LOL Everyone uses a dive computer now and days. I have my VT3 on my wrist, and I also have a back-up with me on every dive.


OP,

If interested I might be selling my VT3. I would sell it at a good price, it has the transmitter with it.
 
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