fullbore:
Hi,
is there any descernable difference in quality between spg's? or are things like compact size, illumination etc the only differences?
I'm looking at getting a wrist mount computer (probably Archimedes) and a seperate spg, or should I buy a console and remove the computer to wear on my wrist (works out cheaper than buying seperate units)
Any suggestions appreciated
There are a couple of principal differences, some subtle preferences, and after that its all marketing. Remember - SPG needs a hose...so wrist mounting one from a console is out. You could get an AI computer (I love my Vytec) but that's a different conversation.
Principal differences: Brass or Plastic?
Brass & Glass (B & G) - more expensive, rugged, heavy and sort of bullet proof. They're not shock proof (drop it...crack. Set your tank on it...crack) but they are very shock proof (bounce off a rock, ok.) They are heavy and easier to manage UW. For a guy like me (koolaid drinker, shore diver) who has and SPG on a hose, clipped onto a hip Dring, I appreciate the heavier B & G.
Plastic (aka: Springy) - light weight, cheaper, prone to scratching and add a
lovely "boiiiingggg" to your rig. Some people like them. Not me.
Subtle Preferances - what's important to you?
BAR or PSI... or Both? - you can get SPGs with any or all. I use PSI. I have buddies that dive with Euros so they have both.
Size Matters - 2" or 2.5" are the most popular. I dived 2" until my beloved SPG died. Now I dive 2.5 because I had one laying around. Its kinda cool having a bigger gauge to look at.
Scale - some show PSI every 250 pounds, some every 100 pounds, some even less. Some have a red zone - green zone thing going on, etc. I prefer the precision of 100# increments.
Hose Length - where you gonna clip it? Me on hip Dring, some on chest Dring. How long the hose length depends on where you're gonna put it.
Brand - who cares... honestly. A good B & G are made by lots of people - OMS, Halcyon, Soggy (!) and others. Be sure to check out
Tech Diving Limited they usually have among the best prices on B & G SPG's (even better than LP).
SO - think about where you're gonna put it. Are you going to be rough on it (shore diving, rocky entries, etc.), do you need a bigger gauge face (or do you have young eyes) and will it be PSI or BAR?
Then go shopping!
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Ken