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

[Bigbella]

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).
YMMV

I worked on dive boats through college and dive computers were always the weakest link -- either through flooding; mechanical damage -- especially those with transmitters; that, or sundry battery issues. Since the lion's share of divers are weekend warriors, equipment is seldom maintained or even given much thought, eight or more months out of the year.

Provided that you have a watch and can recall your old NDL tables, there is no reason to abort a dive, when you have analog equipment on hand. I carry both and when a computer went into an anomalous error mode a couple of weeks ago, I simply shrugged it off; checked the bezel on my watch; and continued a second dive -- no big whoop.

Unless your buddy is a conjoined twin, depending upon another diver -- and his or her potential dive profile -- is a liability . . .

 

[CycleCat]

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.

I don't plan on going without a mechanical pressure gauge. But I can save $100+ by leaving out the rest of the gauges. My wrist compass can also clip to my SPG hose, so I would only be lacking the depth gauge then. I do say, I like the less-bulky, clean look of just an SPG.

 

[CycleCat]

Just noticed that the OP has less than 25 dives. So please forget what I said about Solo.

I doubt I will ever dive solo!

 

[Divin'Papaw]

I don't plan on going without a mechanical pressure gauge. But I can save $100+ by leaving out the rest of the gauges. My wrist compass can also clip to my SPG hose, so I would only be lacking the depth gauge then. I do say, I like the less-bulky, clean look of just an SPG.

You don’t need a depth gauge IMO. You may eventually want a backup computer however. Many of us dive with two computers.

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

I worked on dive boats through college and dive computers were always the weakest link -- either through flooding; mechanical damage, especially those with transmitters; or sundry battery issues. Since the lion's share of divers are weekend warriors, equipment is seldom maintained or even given much thought, eight or more months out of the year.

Provided that you have a watch and can recall your old NDL tables, there is no reason to abort a dive, when you have analog equipment on hand. I carry both and when a computer went into an anomalous error mode a couple of weeks ago, I shrugged it off and continued a second dive; no big whoop.

Unless your buddy is a conjoined twin, depending upon another diver -- and his or her profile -- is generally a mistake . . .

Definitely not looking at this from a NDL or “go ahead and complete another dive that day based off your buddy’s computer” perspective. I assume the person you’re quoting wasn’t either.

 

[Bigbella]

Definitely not looking at this from a NDL or “go ahead and complete another dive that day based off your buddy’s computer” perspective. I assume the person you’re quoting wasn’t either.

That wasn't my assumption; just being facetious . . .

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

That wasn't my assumption; just being facetious . . .

I figured as much, but that wording loosely echoed the concerns shared in the entry level courses about why you shouldn’t reference your buddy’s computer, even if you both completed the “same” dive. Basically... unless you were joined at the hip the whole time, you didn’t have the exact same dive. I know...preaching to the choir.

 

[Scubagolf]

No backup depth gauge. I dive with non-air integrated computer on my right wrist and an SPG clipped to a d-ring on the left side of my BC.

 

[garyh]

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.

Save your $, not necessary your buddy is your BU.

 

[boulderjohn]

I haven't yet reached the quarter century mark in diving experience, but I have not yet ever owned either a mechanical depth gauge. Now, I have been using two computers for a number of years, but if before that if a computer had gone out on a dive (which it never did), I would have ended the dive and made a slow ascent to the surface, with a safety stop at some indeterminate shallow depth. Why would I need a backup depth gauge during that process?