Dive Computers: Do You Need One

Wiki Article

Tables used to be the standard. At this point, most recreational divers dive with a wrist-mount computer and for good reason.

The computer monitors depth, bottom time, speed of ascent, and no-decompression limits in real-time. Tables give you a static plan. If you go shallower mid-dive, a computer adjusts. Tables don't.

Watch-style computers are what most people use now. These are small enough, easy to read, and you'll wear them as a regular watch too. Console-mount models are available but less divers pick them now.

Budget computers start around $250-400 and cover everything most divers requires. Features include depth, time, no-deco limits, dive logging, and website often a simple freedive function. The $500-800 range includes transmitter compatibility, nicer screens, and more mix compatibility.

Something people forget is conservatism settings. Some models are more cautious than others. A tighter algorithm results in shorter no-deco time. More aggressive algorithms extend time but with less margin. Both work. It comes down to personal preference and experience level.

Check with people at a dive shop who uses a few different computers first. Staff will have a straight answer on what's good versus what's marketing. Decent dive shops put out buying guides and rundowns on their websites as well

Report this wiki page