computers

[steelslinger]

I know a large portion of the tech crowd is against computers so don’t come down on me too hard for this question. I am taking advanced nitrox this winter and want a multi gas computer to add safety to my dives. I do plan all my dives and try to stick to it but occasionally an Amberjack will talk me into descending deeper than planed. I have been looking at the Delta VR3, NiTek He, and the Abyss Explorer. Which computer is beat and why?

[MechDiver]

None of them are "best", and all of them are overkill for nitrox diving. They have all been discussed here in the past. Do a search for each.

[steelslinger]

Weal it isn’t the kill I believe in it is the overkill. I am sick of updating gear every 2 years because I got the bare minimum for my needs. I am looking to buy stuff to grow into. I’ll get on that search right away.

preciate it,
steelslinger

[DeepScuba]

Well then, step up to the Nitek HE!

Can I get on your Christmas list?

[sheck33]

waste your money

[weekender]

i agree with DeepTechScuba. but i did read it fast, and have been called a dolt. anyway, i use a vr3 and a backup bottom timer like most of my wreck buddies. a few use tables only and are more conservative divers than me. im a firm believer in personal preference. i love my computer and would have two as a backup if not for the price tag. about 1grand. check out the vr3 website for technicals. i can give you some non technicals why i like it. it is easy to switch gas underwater and on land. it has only two easy to use buttons, not water activated thingies. if i skip a stop it makes a new calculations for me(remember ive been called a dolt). also, i can read it, the screen is large. they say its the last comp you'll ever own brecause they promise all upgrades will be made available for a nominal cost. if they keep to this its a great price for the only comp you'll ever own. but if not, its solid medal and will make a cool paperwieght. all kidding aside if you can afford it i say its worth every dime.

[steelslinger]

Didn’t mean to step on any toes with the comment about no computers that was just my impression from dealing with a few tek wannabes I know. These guys told me they would never waste money on a computer because; they could do the math themselves, they never exceed their plan, and they have a backup plan incase they do. I didn’t mean that no tek guys use computers; I just meant that the ones I know won’t touch one.

[Tekkie]

Check out the VR2.
http://www.vr3.co.uk/vr3.htm
Tekkie

[Atticus]

For non-trimix diving the Nitek Plus works very nicely. It's an inexpensive (relatively) two gas nitrox computer. For trimix diving it makes an excellent bottom timer.

I previously dove two Nitek Plus's and am switching to a Nitek He and a Nitek Plus as I would like to have a helium computer as an additional backup.

I don't suggest (and I know you said you won't) doing deco dives exclusively by computer. That being said, having one adds some additional safety (IMHO) if the **** hits the fan. I would not personally choose to go deeper / intentionally extend my dive on a computer profile that I didn't have a written out plan for.

A friend of mine dives both a VR3 and a Nitek He (left wrist, right wrist), loves them both, and says they are both fine products.

-Atticus

[BigJetDriver]

steelslinger once bubbled...
Didn’t mean to step on any toes with the comment about no computers that was just my impression from dealing with a few tek wannabes I know. These guys told me they would never waste money on a computer because; they could do the math themselves, they never exceed their plan, and they have a backup plan in case they do. I didn’t mean that no tek guys use computers; I just meant that the ones I know won’t touch one.

You obviously ran into the Luddites from the Amish Diving Society! "Break the machine! The machine is evil! Go back to the righteous days of hand calculations chiseled on stone!" they cry!:giggle:

Most tech divers use a deco program on a desk or laptop, a wrist- mounted deco computer (sometimes two), and have a depth gauge, bottom timer, and slates in the pocket as back-up!

When you fly or dive, there is NOTHING like having redundant safety systems available! :grad: