Buying my first Dive Computer need a little help

[dmaziuk]

Let me sum it all up for you:

• You don't need no stinking computor. Tables are good enough for everyone and every dive.
• Whatever you buy, you need two: two is one, one is none, one for the price of two is a bargain for life support equipment.
• There' s only One True Algorithm, and Oceanic is its vendor. Whatever you buy must be an Oceanic.
• Buy a Shearwater. There is no dive computer but a Shearwater computer.

Hope This Helps

 

[DevonDiver]

I've seen a lot of recreational divers become more aggressive as their (false?) confidence increases and air consumption lowers.

The same demographic that continually wail about "overly conservative" dive computers perchance?

ssssshhhhhhh..... I was tactfully alluding to that... but trying to avoid getting flamed by incensed 'advanced' divers.....



Did anyone hear about the new algorithm, DKAM? (Dunning-Kruger Adaptable Model).

It's basically the same as VPM-B, but replaces the Critical Bubble Radius with a new factor... the Critical Sphincter Radius. As the computer measures significantly small sphincter radii over progressive dives, it incrementally makes the algorithm more lenient....

I heard that Wienke was involved in the project and will be releasing his own proprietary version. It's to be named the 'RPFM' (Reduced Pucker Factor Model).

 

[KeithG]

The OP asked specifically

"Currently only doing rec diving but might get into tech in a few years so what a computer I can use in gauge mode as a backup if I do decide to go the tech route."
....

How do you know if 'never close to empty' would be enough in the case of an emergency? You sound like you never plan a dive at all, just go with "I did this before and I am still alive so it must be good".

Some great ideas going here...

My approach is to buy cheap now and then toss it later if you move to tech. My last computer (dead battery) cost $35 + $5 for a new battery. Since I never moved to tech, my cheap dive computers are just fine.

I think we all need to understand that there are different types of diving and a single rule can not be applied to EVERY dive. Each type of dive is different, and should be planned as such. High current 5 foot viz 52 degree water is VERY different from no current 100 foot viz 85 degree water.

We do the later type. And are lazy butts. I do not swim. Hence gas has never been an issue, even when my divebuddy had a hose split (the split was hidden under the second stage swage and even the repair tech did not see it|). I typically surface with between 1400 and 1800 PSI on an AL80 after a 70 minute Caribbean dive.

 

[scubadada]

Modern dive computers are all very similar in major function and options. One of the few things that differentiates computers is their decompression algorithm. In my experience, new divers do not even know there are different algorithms. I believe it is in a divers best interest to have some basic knowledge of decompression algorithms when purchasing a computer, their 1st or not.

 

[Diving Dubai]

Modern dive computers are all very similar in major function and options. One of the few things that differentiates computers is their decompression algorithm. In my experience, new divers do not even know there are different algorithms. I believe it is in a divers best interest to have some basic knowledge of decompression algorithms when purchasing a computer, their 1st or not.

I completely agree, but I've seen newer divers and even DM qualified with year of experience have no clue about NDL (the numbers winding down on the computer) or the correlation between NDL and depth. If you can't get this basics concept across then algorithms are a whole new level.

Also the vast majority of divers don't want to know. A computer is something that they wear, that tells them when to start and stop diving and protects them from a DCS. Or so they think

 

[scubadada]

I completely agree, but I've seen newer divers and even DM qualified with year of experience have no clue about NDL (the numbers winding down on the computer) or the correlation between NDL and depth. If you can't get this basics concept across then algorithms are a whole new level.

Also the vast majority of divers don't want to know. A computer is something that they wear, that tells them when to start and stop diving and protects them from a DCS. Or so they think

Sad, but true. Certifying agencies are part to blame, the rest is carried by the diver

 

[Neilwood]

I think dive computers are like a lot of tools available in life - some people are interested in using them properly so read instructions and pay attention, others understand how they should be used but ignore instructions and others just use them and hope.

 

[KeithG]

Modern dive computers are all very similar in major function and options. One of the few things that differentiates computers is their decompression algorithm. In my experience, new divers do not even know there are different algorithms. I believe it is in a divers best interest to have some basic knowledge of decompression algorithms when purchasing a computer, their 1st or not.

I would be interested in learning just how different they are. My impression was that as long as you did not do deco dives (and did at least 60 minute SI for Suuntos) that most (many?, all?) dive computers produce very similar NDLs.

Does anyone have stats?

 

[KeithG]

I have yet to come across any computer that will provide additional relevant info that I would need for recreational diving over my Aladin Pro Nitrox(1997). BTW, I have to shine my torch to read the screen during night dive.

You need to upgrade to an "ultra". If you squeeze the computer it turns the display back light on.

 

[dmaziuk]

Also the vast majority of divers don't want to know. A computer is something that they wear, that tells them when to start and stop diving and protects them from a DCS. Or so they think

That's a sweeping generalization. Some of us are geeks that like to understand how things work in mind-numbingly boring detail.