Diving with Dive Computer. Modern Standard for Scuba Diving.

In old days, dive computers were some options for divers if we used or not when diving. Many divers planned their dives with Diving Tables and dived with Depth Gauge and Dive Watch and executed their dive plans. By doing so, divers could enjoy diving with safety.

Thanks to the modern technology. Using Dive Computers is becoming modern standard for Scuba Diving. It may sound luxury equipment, but in fact, it is not really so. There are many types of Dive Computers available in the market at all different price ranges. 

Even the cheapest Dive Computer in the market does perfect job for divers, of course.

Whatever the brand you choose, they all do the job!! It is still better to get the cheapest one rather than diving without Dive Computer for your own safety.

When I did my Discover Scuba Diving, I already had Dive Computer. It was a local regulation and every diver had to have a Dive Computer. If not owning one, you had to rent one. It was quite strict, but it worked out well for us. 

We had to use Dive Computers through the courses. What happened was it helped our buoyancy control and all. I knew I had difficulty to equalise my ears around 3m deep as descending and had squeeze problems about 7m as ascending from the fist few dives. The Dive Computer gave me very clear idea of depth/pressure/buoyancy in my first 6-7 dives.

The first Diving Equipment I bought was, in fact, Dive Computer, Mares Nemo Titanium watch style computer. It survived over 1000 dives with me till I get the second computer. 

So, how do you choose your computer? 

Two big factors for Recreational Diving Computers are "Style" and "Price", I think.  Do you want "watch style" Dive Computer? Or one without watch function, just Dive Computer function? How much can you invest to your computer? Like I said, all Dive Computers do the job no matter what people say, especially for Recreational Diving. (When Tech diving, there are other factors that you need to consider. ) 

If you want to show other people that you are "Diver" by wearing watch style Dive Computer, that is one reason. Well if you think about it. Watch style computer, for example, i200 Aqualung computer is available at about £175-200 in the market. Many watches are even more expensive than that price. It has "Air, Nitrox, Gauge, and Free Diving" modes, that is becoming standard for Dive Computers. i450 computer is also watch style at market price around £430. Again, there are many watches about that price. It has more function than i200; 3 gas mix, compass, and transmitter compatible. This computer is great for introduction level of Tech Diving. If staying within Recreational, you probably will not use some of the functions. Anyway, it is a good looking watch style computer. If you have a budget for that, why not?

Colour screen computers are something more additional. For Aqualung computers, that will be i750. Market price is about £530. Bright screen, nice and clear. Quite expensive; however, many divers enjoy the brightness of the screen. Bluetooth data transfer, 3 axis compass, 3 Nitrox gas mix, transmitter compatible, etc. It is a luxury item. If your eye sight is not so well, you will definitely enjoy this screen.

Almost all manufactures have similar range of computers. Some of them are more known in the market than other manufactures. That does not necessarily mean the best in the market. You want to compare the function and the price before you purchase. Go and ask your local dive shop. They should be able to help you to make your decision.

If you are in around Manchester area, pop into Dive Manchester. You are always welcome to pop in for chat and coffee.

www.divemanchester.co.uk