How important is a depth gauge as part of a reg set?

[CycleCat]

Is it a good idea to have one as a backup in case my dive computer goes out?

I post this here rather than the gauges section because I'm beginning to shop around for my first reg set and I'm considering options from Deep6 and HOG because I like the idea of learning to service them myself some day.

I'm looking at the single tank package from Deep6 where the gauge options are +$75 for an SPG or +$200 for a two gauge console. Deep 6 Configurable Single Tank Package

DGX has a Deep6 "streamlined" setup for a bit less $$ and comes with only the SPG option. DGX Custom - DGX Gears D6 Streamlined OW Reg Package

Last, I'm considering getting a HOG set assembled from individual pieces at Divers-supply. If I go with an SPG I can get it for about the same $$ as the DGX setup if I only go with an SPG.

I know with any of these I can switch to a console later on but I'm wondering if I should just spend the extra cash now or just rely on my dive computer alone.

 

[apenland01]

I got the Deep6 Signature regulator set (1 first, 2 seconds, SPG and hoses) about a month ago. I opted to skip the console part primarily because I was going to be diving the Deep6 Excursion and it seems computer failures are rare in NDL recreational diving, like what I'm going to be doing. I also think that even if the computer fails, I would be well within NDL and at reasonable depth, so I could just end the dive. I pretty much only care about how much air I have, so SPG it was. I got the larger 2.5" SPG so my old eyes can see it better.

From what I've heard, either setup of what you're looking at are good choices. Take my opinion with a grain of salt, as I'm in the same boat as you. Newly returning to diving and things have changed in the last 30 years.

PS: Deep6, DGX and Divers Supply have all been excellent to work with. I've had excellent customer service from all three companies buying all my new gear over the past couple of months.

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

Is it a good idea to have one as a backup in case my dive computer goes out?

That’s really the only reason I continued to run my console (depth and pressure) as long as I did.

At some point in the near future...I’m planning on getting a new computer. When I do that, I’ll bring the old one along for a backup. I know that’s what some folks do. Personally...I’d prefer that setup (two small-ish computers).

 

[Bigbella]

I have always carried a set of analogue gauges -- and have never regretted that choice, after serial electronic failures over the years; but not a single issue with the mechanical equipment.

I recall what a friend fondly said of motorcyclists, "There are those that have been down, and those that are going down."

The same can be said of those overly-dependent upon electronics . . .

 

[Divin'Papaw]

EDIT - I misread the original post. I thought it was about keeping an SPG when using an AI computer. That is the question I answered below.

It’s a philosophical question really. When I got a hoseless AI computer I kept my SPG. I’ve still got it on my rig and have no plans to remove it. It’s trivial to dive with and I don’t ever want to cut a dive short because my transmitter or AI dive computer craps out. I dive with a back up non-AI computer as well as a backup SPG on every dive.

 

[JamesBon92007]

I very often hear about people having a backup computer, but I'd never heard of anyone having a backup depth gauge or SPG.

Due to the lack of space on a console I have had to replace the depth gauge with a computer, however I still have a SPG and I've made some capillary depth gauges for backup but I don't consider them to be particularly reliable or accurate. Better than nothing, maybe. I also have an old Aladin Pro air only computer clipped onto my backwing, just in case. Since I only dive with air it should be adequate backup. It doesn't have quite as much deco info as my other comptuer, but if I get myself into a deco situation it will probably be a life-or-death situation and could end up with a trip to the chamber anyway. In any case it acts as a backup depth gauge too.

As for the console, I have it clipped on a short bungee, attached to a D-ring so it's at chest level. I prefer the console because I'm old and forgetful and might not remember to strap the computer on my wrist.

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

I very often hear about people having a backup computer, but I'd never heard of anyone having a backup depth gauge or SPG.

Due to the lack of space on a console I have had to replace the depth gauge with a computer, however I still have a SPG and I've made some capillary depth gauges for backup but I don't consider them to be particularly reliable or accurate. Better than nothing, maybe. I also have an old Aladin Pro air only computer clipped onto my backwing, just in case. Since I only dive with air it should be adequate backup. It doesn't have quite as much deco info as my other comptuer, but if I get myself into a deco situation it will probably be a life-or-death situation and could end up with a trip to the chamber anyway. In any case it acts as a backup depth gauge too.

As for the console, I have it clipped on a short bungee, attached to a D-ring so it's at chest level. I prefer the console because I'm old and forgetful and might not remember to strap the computer on my wrist.

My assumption is that a lot of the folks running two computers (this is what I’ve seen most often) are running an SPG...as opposed to a console with a SPG and a depth gauge. Running two computers gives them depth gauge redundancy (whether or not that was the intent).

To each his/her own. That being said...I can’t say that I’ve seen too many people with a setup similar to mine (BP/W) that are running a console with a depth gauge.

The obvious shortcoming that @Bigbella pointed our though is that if you’re running only a SPG and relying on your computer for a depth readout and something happens to your computer...you’re SOL if you’re diving solo. That’s something that has crossed my mind periodically. I tend to like analog gauges, but I do not for depth...for whatever reason.

 

[stepfen]

My 2c here: Depth gauges are just consuming space and weight nowadays.
Even if your dive computer dies during a dive (something quite rare nowadays) you can rely on your buddy as a reference - you should be heading for your SS anyway at that point (as you also loose your NDL measurements) and in any way you don't need 100% accuracy with depth (contrary to NDL where you need more accuracy especially if you dive on the limits and hence your buddy can't be regarded as a reliable backup due to possible differences in dive profiles).
Even if you dive solo (am I allowed to say this word here????) you should have 2 dive computers (mainly for NDL measurement redundancy but also depth).
Not to mention there are tricks with which you can get a rough estimate of your depth even without a DC or a buddy. One idea is to have knots along the line of your DSMB say every 15 feet or so. 1 knot at 15feet/SS depth, 2 knots at 30 feet, 3 knots at 45 feet and so on. This can get inaccurate in strong current situations but you can get a rough estimate.
As a result I really don't see what's the use of depth gauges any more other than paper weight.
YMMV

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

My 2c here: Depth gauges are just consuming space and weight nowadays.
Even if your dive computer dies during a dive (something quite rare nowadays) you can rely on your buddy as a reference - you should be heading for your SS anyway at that point (as you also loose your NDL measurements) and in any way you don't need 100% accuracy with depth (contrary to NDL where you need more accuracy especially if you dive on the limits and hence your buddy can't be regarded as a reliable backup due to possible differences in dive profiles).
Even if you dive solo (am I allowed to say this word here????) you should have 2 dive computers (mainly for NDL measurement redundancy but also depth).
Not to mention there are tricks with which you can get a rough estimate of your depth even without a DC or a buddy. One idea is to have knots along the line of your DSMB say every 15 feet or so. 1 knot at 15feet/SS depth, 2 knots at 30 feet, 3 knots at 45 feet and so on. This can get inaccurate in strong current situations but you can get a rough estimate.
As a result I really don't see what's the use of depth gauges any more other than paper weight.
YMMV

That’s the only reason I haven’t run out and bought a second computer already. For the foreseeable future, all of my diving will be done at the same site and with the same buddy (has two computers, as he’s generally diving CC). If my computer dies and I can’t read my depth it’s merely an inconvenience.

 

[stepfen]

Just noticed that the OP has less than 25 dives. So please forget what I said about Solo. The main point is still valid though. I think that you don't need a depth gauge - worst case if your computer dies you can rely on your buddy for your depth and/or the trick I said above (knots on the dsmb line). In any way if/when you start doing more demanding dives (eg liveaboards or multi day dive vacations etc) you should consider buying a second dive computer - not so much for depth but for NDL redundancy.