Do we really need this thread to go this direction ?
New recreational diver looking to buy their 1st computer. For recreational diving, what is wrong with AI or even AI hoseless ? Useless ? Is it dangerous ? Will it make the dive less enjoyable ? Does it create bad divers ?
I don't have a Petral and I am sure it is a good computer, but it reminds me of the cult like followings of Jet fins, BP/W, DIR diving.
If a recreational diver buys a Petral and never does trimix or decompression dives, do those features become useless ? Does owning a Petral make you a better, safer diver ?
I think AI is something newer divers get caught up in without seeing it from a less biased perspective. When I first saw AI I thought it was the greatest thing and it'd be idiotic to not have it. With more experience I've come to see it as a useless gimmick. I don't want the thread to go in that direction, either, but it's a very valid concern to mention to a new diver.
As for "Petrel if not tech" then I believe there's a clear answer there. Unless AI is a deep-seated yearning for a diver, the petrel is currently the best computer on the market without any hesitation. Besides the simple UI, easy Bluetooth-based synchronizing, user-replaceable AA batteries, and great screen.....the proven robustness of them is more than enough of a selling point in my book. Does OP need a Petrel? No, but if you're spending $700 on a computer you get a petrel. There's nothing wasted about it, simply not being pushed to its limits.....but few divers push their computers to the limits anyway. Otherwise I'd recommend a Zeagle N2ition for its simplicity and $179 cost. At that price point or higher, you get a Petrel unless you NEED tiny, in which case you spend up to the H3.
As for its cult status: I see that as nothing more than a glaring review. There's a reason for it. Jet fins and BPWs are the same way. Considering the price, flexibility, performance, simplicity, and durability....and that they're class leaders in each, I believe it to be the only logical choice. Why buy $250 gimmicky fins that break and suck our an $800 clutter trap when you could be in $125 of proven indestructible or $400 of modular? If I had a dime for every time some poor new diver got suckered into buying into gimmicks at double the price they need, I'd be a rich man. I worked at a shop that did it, my local shop doesn't ever stop doing it, and judging by interactions at Dive sites and online those two aren't unique. I was one of the many that got suckered into crap I didn't need.
Note: I don't own jet fins or a BPW...nor do I have any care what OP gets.
OP: There have been plenty of explanations on wrist vs console computers and petrel vs other and AI vs non. Regardless, nothing beats a small, simple, brass&glass spg and a computer on your wrist to complete clean and simple. While you're at it, use the next diving money you get for a BPW and some jet fins ;-)
