| I think most divers go through different phases during their diving careers and want/need different things at different times.
As a brand new diver whilst under instruction, tables, a depth gauge and a watch are more than adequate.
Once qualified, then a computer, which can help with NDLs, can be a very useful training aid, especially when used in combination with PC software so you can download and review a dive profile and see what can be done to improve ascents, for example, or see your SAC improving.
Nudging into deco as is the norm in the UK with it's largely square profiles can normally be done safely on a computer because the dive computers are pretty conservative. My first computer was very hard to get into deco and even if I did, it cleared pretty quickly, whereas the computers of today tend to register deco pretty quickly and off gas all too slowly.
Once you are at the point of wanting to accelerate your deco, or your deco goes beyond 10-15mins, then really you are in a new realm and need more information to do this kind of diving safely. What you quickly realise is that the models in recreational dive computers don't really cut the mustard and so you go into the range of gas switching computers (which are all very expensive, it seems) or ironically enough precut dive plans from PCs monitored by bottom timers and depth gauges, or, just use a bottom timer/ depth gauge with a few simple mental calculations that can be done during the dive.
So depending on where you are in that journey will dictate the best choice for you ..... one thing I would advise against is thinking you can future proof your needs .... you can't .... the VR3 was hailed as the only computer you'll ever need because it was software upgradable, till it needed a hardware upgrade.
So buy something that's adequate for what you are currently doing .... the vyper or gekko is probably the best choice, then re-evaluate your needs when you get to the next stage would be my advice.
HTH
Mal |