Buying my first Dive Computer need a little help

[Mikebmw325i]

I been certified for 10 years but just got back into diving and doing about 6 dives a month. Currently just use depth gauge and bottom timer with tables but I now think it is worth it to buy a computer.
My budget is around $500
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.

Currently looking at these modes
Mares puck pro: On sale for $150 new really good deal or is it a little to basic and out grow it too soon?

Hollis dg03: $250 everyone seems to like it but is it worth the extra $100 compared to the mares puck pro?

Mares smart air: $350 supposedly it's rechargeable which is very nice and well help knowing you computer is always charged and ready to go.
Mares Smart Air / Nitrox Dive Computer Watch

Tusa IQ-950 $475 comes with computer cable and wireless transmitter which seems pretty cool and great price for everything you get.

Mares black icon HD: $550 with transmitter (scuba.com is having a sale package deal) a lot of money but seems really cool.

 

[Centrals]

Two cheapies with gauge mode eg Mares Puck Pro.
Save the remaining dosh($200.00) for deco soft ware eg. deco planner, when you are ready for tec.

 

[Caveeagle]

For the cheap option, I have been using a couple Hollis DG02 (same as Oceanic Veo180). It has a gauge mode and seems relatively simple to operate. You can find these new for under $200

I have not used a DG03, but it looks nice and give you the 3-gas option that you will need for Adv Nitrox/Deco. It can also do Air integrated on all 3 gasses if your into that.

I found a super deal on Dive Rite Nitek 3 that works pretty well but is a little large by todays standards.

With your budget of $500, you are really close to what used Shearwater Computers are selling for. If you don't mind being in for that amount, you might get lucky and find a gently used Predator or Petrel that you will probably never outgrow.

 

[KG Diver]

I would also look at Oceanic computers. Either a Veo 3 or Geo 2.0. Both are similar to DG03 but also offer a DSAT algorithm. Leisure Pro had Geo 2.0 on sale for 280,not sure if they still do or not. VEO 3 can be had for under $300 as well.

Both pretty easy to navigate (you also get a code for free online class when you buy either comouter), dual algorithm (DSAT and PZ+), nitrox, support for 2 different mixtures, PO2 from 1.2 to 1.6.

 

[guruboy]

Puck Pro for $150 is a great price on a nitrox capable rec computer.

One question- Do you want air integration at all?

 

[C Dub]

/popcorn

 

[MV Dive]

Suunto all the way baby I have done 1000's of dive and only ever had to change the battery a couple of times. They are a little conservative but they are safe The Zoop is a good model that i would recommend to you.

 

[JohnnyC]

Geo 2.0 if it's on sale. Or wait for the Deep6 computer.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

I think I paid 399 for my oceanic data pro 2. I love it. Air integrated, huge display, back lit, nitrox capable, easy to use. Compute dive time remaining based on air consumption as well. My wife used it once and I had to get her one as well. They have a new model out that is more expensive, but I think the 2 is still available. Awesome computers.

http://www.leisurepro.com/p-ocndmpp2c/oceanic-pro-plus-21-air-integrated-computer-with-compass

Worth a look. We have a puck and a Veo as backups as well.

Jay

 

[Mikebmw325i]

Thanks for your suggestions! Has anyone tried the Tusa IQ-950
I'm considering it or the oceanic Geo 2.0
The tusa comes with wireless transmitter, data cable for only $475 (scuba.com with 10% discount)
Looks like it can do everything the Geo 2.0 can do except change algorithms which is not a super big deal for me.