miketsp
Contributor
Mark Vlahos:..snip..
That being said, in my opinion, the computers do have one significant point I think you should at least be aware of. The Cochran computers are pretty darn liberal.
..snip..
Personally I have a redundant backup, and add conservatism to the algorythm.
Lots of other computers by other manufacturers have different options, I don't think in general that the Cochran Commander is necessarily any better or any worse, just different.
Let me second this comment.
I have a Beuchat Maestro PRO which in fact is just a Cochran in disguise (OEM).
It is very aggressive and if you push it to the limit you will surely end up in a chamber.
When group diving it is always the computer with least deco time (on non-conservative setting).
I know one diver who has already had 3 chamber rides while diving within the computer limits. Admittedly he dives a lot so statistically the odds are higher. But even so...
So I run mine on the first conservative setting which brings it closer to my Suunto Vyper.
PROs - nice big readout, easy to use. User changeable batteries.
CONs - my copy of Analyst is DOS only which makes it a pain to use with my PC. It will not run in a window only full-screen. I understand that there is a newer Windows compatible version of Analyst available but I don't feel like spending money to get it.