equipment and training question.

[Billg68bg]

Does anyone know if there is any kind of magnifier I can attach to my dive watch or gauges to read them better under water. I use reading glasses and discovered on my first dive with my computer that I had trouble reading the numbers. Obviously, as I expand my training and experiences, this will likely present a problem. Thoughts?
Also, have Open Water and am not sure if I should seek Advance Open Water or Deep Water next. Thoughts?

 

[tbone1004]

There are "cheaters" that you can put in the bottom half of your mask to essentially turn them into bifocals. Some stick on and some can be custom made with them in there.
Some options from @DiveGearExpress here but there are others out there that can go into your existing mask.

Masks - Vision Correcting

If you wear eyeglasses that correct nearsightedness, (i.e. you require distance vision correction), we offer vision correcting lenses in a range of values that you can order installed in several of our most popular dive masks. If you need magnification in order to read a book or view a...

www.divegearexpress.com

With regards to training progression, there is a myriad of options where you can go from here but it is hard to make a recommendation on where to go without knowing what your diving goals are so let some of those out!

What I will say though is that one of the best things you can do now is find a good instructor that will teach you something similar to GUE Fundamentals. This will not certify you to do anything "new" unless you don't have your nitrox certification yet, but it will open your eyes to a different world of diving and will qualify you to really explore the underwater world on your own. Note the use of certify vs. qualify.....

 

[VikingDives]

There are reading inserts that you can glue into masks for this purpose. You could also bring a magnifying glass or a pair of readers with you on the dive. Both will work outside of your mask.

I'd say take advanced before you take deep, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not going to make much of a difference which one you do first.

 

[Billg68bg]

Thanks Viking. Never thought of a magnifying glass. Started diving a little late in the game, 54, eyes aren't what they used to be.

 

[Boarderguy]

It's not the cheapest option but a bigger/better computer may help to solve part of the problem. The Perdix AI has a large screen with big fonts. You can change the location of most data and have it where the numbers are signification bigger and easier to read.

 

[Billg68bg]

Thanks TBone

 

[inquis]

Advanced first. You'll be exposed to the issues inherent to deep diving (mainly that consumption skyrockets, also that narcosis starts to become a consideration). A Nitrox cert will further reinforce the other danger of diving deeper (high ppO2 values).

With that knowledge, you may decide that paying for a Deep specialty card isn't worth it. If you are really drawn to going deep, the initial technical diving certification is a better choice, IMO.

 

[formernuke]

Prescription lenses for mask and bigger computer.

 

[boat sju]

DiveOptx Stick-On Magnification Lenses

The larger DiveOptx Stick-On Magnification Lenses turn any dive goggles or masks into powerful bifocal magnifying glasses with unmatched clarity. Check your air gauge, read your slate or see your watch

www.scuba.com

I put one in my primary mask and one in my backup.

 

[rick00001967]

i knew it was time for a bifocle mask when i was cavern training and could hardly read the spg. lol
my tusa mask with 2.0 reading lens factory attached has been one of the best pieces of equip i ever bought.