Got some cash burning a hole in my pocket

[Herk_Man]

And whatever you do, don't pay the $79 that some dive shops charge for the Nitrox tables. You can buy a whole set of EAN charts online for about $20.

And here's my 2psi on Nitrox vs. computer. I'm probably going to start a fight here but having done some unscientific tests, I've determined that there is a definite difference in the amount of fatigue I feel when I dive air vs. Nitrox. Nitrox significantly reduces the fatigeu factor for me and both of my sons. So personally, given this experience, I'd get the Nitrox training and either dive tables or rent a computer until you can afford a computer. Diving Nitrox increases your bottom time and, as I said, decreases fatigue in many people.

Disclaimer: There are many people who will swear that Nitrox doesn't change their level of fatigue. Acknowledged. As many others will take the other side of the coin. Let's not turn this into something it isn't.

 

[Rescue Diver68]

I would buy a good computer.

 

[adm3745]

I think $99 is a good price to pay for a nitrox course. I would do the course first. Try to talk your LDS down. A good shop owner would rather see your $100 than your 0 I would hope.

 

[FireInMyBones]

My opinion:
If you have made it this far without a computer, you can keep going. I was taught on a computer. It is now nothing more than a fancy backup to my depth gauge/bottom timer. I recommend nitrox, just watch your CNS clock. After that take advanced nitrox and use O2 to speed up off gassing at your safety stop. You can come off almost as clean of N2 afterward and that makes me feel better.

To Be Fair:
A computer can extend bottom times. If your buddies dive with computers, it is nice to be down longer with them. If you go this route, I like the Suunto Viper Air. It is nitrox compatible up to 99%.

 

[oly5050user]

Go the LDS and ask them if they can do a nitrox course for you at a reduced rate if you purchase the computer from them

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

A smart LDS will do the nitrox class for a lot less. They know in the long run they can make more selling expensive nitrox files. The problem is finding the smart LDS, many are not business savvy.

I would do a modest computer given the 2 options. It is a one time cost other than an occasional battery. If you pay top dollar for nitrox, you still have to pay extra for the gas and over the long run that can be a good amount. My minor nitrox habit cost me a couple of hundred per year and I live in the desert, yours could be a lot more.

 

[jkracht]

Another thing to consider is that the new PADI nitrox pack does not include the tables anymore. It is computer focused. Even with a nitrox cert, you might not have the tables to use it.

 

[krawlings]

I think your LDS is a little hi I am doing my NITROX next month and I am only paying $150.00 and that includes the book and all

 

[Nemrod]

Hey guys, need some help on how to spend some extra cash I have come across. Im stuck between taking the Nitrox course or buying a Computer. My biggest problem with taking the course is its 190.00 bucks which I think is crazy for re learning to use tables and some math problems. And my biggest problem with buying a comp is i have hundreds of dives without one, why by one now? I know I eventually should have both so which would yall do first?

Thanks
Panga Man

Don't do either, take the 190 dollars with you to a bar and drink it up or give it away in ones.

N

 

[Panga Man]

150 with books sounds reasonable. I'm thinking now I will get a comp and the next time im down in west palm I will do a nitrox course and two dives. That still comes up cheaper than my Lds!