Dive Computers... Which one ?

[Tykelad]

Hi all,
I'm fairly new to the sport and have bought some gear at the diveshow but didn't buy a dive computer as there is a such a vast range and matching price differences. I just want one to tell me the basics (I think !!) to put in my dive log, any body got any ideas as to which one is a good un, how much can i expect to spend and where is the best place/cheapest to buy from.

Thanks in advance.

Tyke

[Martin Owen]

We need to know what type of diving are you doing now and in the future?
Nitrox?
Accelerated deco? (so you will need it to be capable of gas switching)
etc

They start from around £150, upto £1,000+, it all depends on the above info really.
Cressi, Suunto, Apeks, Uwatec etc all make pretty solid computers.

[lloydwatkin]

Go for a second hand sunnto gekko or vyper, nice and easy. They'll be cheap now as there's newer models out. When you're ready upgrade in the future

[hilrosepaul]

I have only been diving for a short time and will be doing recreational diving with minimal deco (BSAC Sports Diver-type stuff) for the next few years. I also wanted a computer that is nitrox capable just in case I end up diving nitrox, and after a straight fight between the Quantum and the Suunto Gekko, I plumped for the Quantum, 'cause they were on special at the dive show. The main difference between the two (apart from about 50 quid) is that the Quantum can do gas switching mid-dive

Now the dive show's over and the Quantum is back to the £200 plus mark (unless you have a trade in for Go-Dive), I would go for the Gekko (or pick up a Suunto Vyper on e-bay) as an entry level computer.

HTH

Paul

[Rob Dobson]

Or just go for a basic bottom timer (around fifty quid).

[rustferret]

Last few years have been diving with a suunto Cobra which has been fine, does nitrox and even been doing deco with it. so would recomend it as a starter.
Im now looking at VR7 for mixed gasses so I guess it depends how quick you think you will move onto that.

Another point to think about as a new diver is that the Suunto computers are the most conservative, which can be reasuring when you start out.

But as with all major bits of kit, look around, read, take advice and try a dive with it if you can..........then go with what YOU feel is write or you.

Rustferret

[Twinsetmad]

Originally Posted by hilrosepaul

I have only been diving for a short time and will be doing recreational diving with minimal deco (BSAC Sports Diver-type stuff) for the next few years. I also wanted a computer that is nitrox capable just in case I end up diving nitrox, and after a straight fight between the Quantum and the Suunto Gekko, I plumped for the Quantum, 'cause they were on special at the dive show. The main difference between the two (apart from about 50 quid) is that the Quantum can do gas switching mid-dive

Now the dive show's over and the Quantum is back to the £200 plus mark (unless you have a trade in for Go-Dive), I would go for the Gekko (or pick up a Suunto Vyper on e-bay) as an entry level computer.

HTH

Paul

I agree with Paul...its sound advice. Cheap second hand Vyper or Gekko from ebay...failing that a Quantum.

[Sipadan]

gekko. they're so cheap and good, you can't go wrong

[Buoyant Babe]

I've been diving over 5 years with a Cressi Archimede and as an entry level, 1 mix nitrox computer I have really liked it. It is really easy to use and read. It gives the same dive as my Suunto D6, except that the stops take a little longer to clear on the D6.

The new Archimede II enables you to run on guage mode and gives gas switching for two mixes. At £189 from Denney (or £234 with a software package) I'm seriously considering buying a new one, as I find my original Archimede so easy to use.

HTH

Helen

[DIVE BUDDHA]

yep i go along with most and say ya wont go wrong with a vyper! or even a gheko!