New to scuba diving and getting gear together

[Y Guv]

Hi all first time long time to the scuba board. I'm looking for a diving computer. I found a used Oceanic ProPlug 3 and I wanted to know if there is anything better for the price?

Oceanic ProPlus 3 Scuba Diving Computer - TurboBuyer

Thanks in advance and I can't wait to get certified.

 

[Caveeagle]

I would pass for that kind of cash you could find a used Shearwater.

I would avoid air integrated and go for something with a wrist mount. Something like a Hollis DG02, can be found for $125 and will work great until you can buy what you will eventually want. ...a Shearwater.

 

[diversteve]

He's not taking a lot off for it being used, they sell new for $599. Plus the Proplus 4 is out so the price will likely drop soon.

Understand that it's a big console computer so you'll need some way to clip it off so it doesn't drag over the reef. Some people use bolt-snaps, others high-force retractors.

It is air integrated with a hose so typically that means you don't need a separate spg as long as the batteries are good.

To the other poster's point, Shearwater is now selling their new model - the Teric so used Perdix/Perdix AI computers are going for cheap(er) Georgeous display and fully modular. I don't think I've seen one >$500 though.

 

[Neilwood]

I wouldn't buy it. I am not a fan of console computers though. Far easier to get a wrist mounted computer (with air integration if desired).

 

[BikerBecca]

I would say don't buy it for a bunch of reasons. First, the price ain't that great for a used computer. Second, you aren't even certified yet so you have no experience with dive computers. Get a few dives in. Rent console and wrist mounted computers from your LDS. See what you like, then take the plunge and get your first computer. I have a bunch of computers both console and wrist, analog SPG and transmitters. Believe me, I understand your excitement. Diving is the best thing I've done in my life, but enjoy the learning experience you are embarking on, then with some experience go get your first dive computer. Remember, if it is air integrated you're gonna need a 1st Stage to attach a hose or transmitter or pod to, so maybe you want to get your own regulator first. Oh so many decisions. LOL.

 

[Y Guv]

Thanks for all of the help. I'm going to keep it simple until I know what I'm doing.

 

[noj3333]

Good call on passing, I'd either go brass & glass SPG with a super cheap used zoop, or if you're REALLY confident you'll keep diving, maybe a USED Shear Water Perdix AI (IMHO make sure it's used... don't go new, you can always sell it for close to what you paid for it, so you don't take the depreciation on a new model...).

 

[84CJ7]

I bought a Hollis DG03 with transmitter when they went on insane cheap sale right before being discontinued (and after that safety firmware upgrade). Its made by shearwater so the transmitter works with anything else shearwater.
It can be used as a super simple starter computer with or without air integration or it can be used for much more advanced purposes since it handles multiple gasses.

If you were to buy one used without the transmitter it would be fairly cheap, but allow adding a transmitter later for more functionality.

Whatever you pick you will eventually get very sick of grabbing a console to check things all the time (or tying up a hand to hold one). With everything on one computer on my wrist I have gotten so lazy I would never consider going back. I also put mine in a bungee wrist mount rather than the factory watch strap type it comes with.
And get a download cable, its fun to see your profiles and details as a chart and near impossible to really understand anything looking at the history on the unit itself.

Also (important) pick a brand of manufacturer (not the name on the box) now and stick with it because usually all the models from any given manufacturer use the same transmitters and the stupid things are as valuable as the units themselves on the used market because of that. (more units than transmitters out there).

BTW my compass is on my other wrist in another bungee mount. As someone who started with one I say consoles really suck.

If you buy used make sure things like compatible download cables and a bungee mount (if you desire) are still available as stuff tends to get discontinued when the units stop production unless they also worth with the next generation of stuff.

My wife bought a zoop in a console, then it went to a wrist mount, now she wants air integration and needs a new computer, don't make that mistake.

 

[Charles Graves]

For a dive computer, I REALLY recommend a wrist-watch. It frees up one of your hands. You will be looking at your dive computer CONSTANTLY to see your depth, so you don't want to have to keep grabbing for it. It makes sh*t really complicated.

The only real question is, do you want a compass wrist-watch on your second hand, or do you want your compass to go on your SPG (pressure gauge)? For me, I put my compass on my pressure gauge. The only reason I would do otherwise is if I was doing cave diving.

I can't tell you much about pricing, because I'm not too cheap when it comes to price, I pay for what I want. But the wrist dive computers are the best. I think the one I got was about $350 or so. You can get them for less or for more. They really don't need to be too fancy, just tell you your depth, deco, stop time, minutes underwater, when you need to start rising, if you are rising too fast, etc.

Also- you shouldn't get any equipment until you are officially certified. If there is ANY REASON AT ALL that you fail- fear, unable to equalize, panic, too out of shape for the swimming part of the test, etc- then you fail, and you unfortunately might be wasting your money on equipment that you wouldnt ever get to use. Then you'd have to try and re-sell it... for probably even less than you paid for it... its a hassle.

Much better to wait until you know you will pass the class.

You can buy your equipment on the last day if you want.

The only things I bought before I was certified, was the mask, snorkel, fins and boots, and that was because I didn't want to look retarded by being the only guy not buying them. And also, it was fun to buy them.

But the more expensive stuff, I waited until the final day, at the end of it, when I passed the class... Then I excitedly bought a ton of gear and used it for the past 3 years lol

 

[Charles Graves]

By rise I mean ascend... yeah yeah, before anyone corrects me, lol