Dive comp opinion

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For Me - Wrist mount (right wrist) and not one of those dinky little wristwatch sized units. I want at least a 'puck' sized unit these days for readability in less than optimum conditions. I just bought a Nitek Q as I found I never liked the size of my previous computer, a Suunto Mosquito.
I want to be able to watch my depth and check the countdown on stops on my right wrist whilst having my left hand free to vent gas to control my buoyancy.
I also have a simple 'Brass n Glass' SPG clipped off to my left hip.

If you are planning to hunt Lobster then some people prefer a console so as to avoid scratching up a wrist mounted computer. My take is that consoles seem to end up just as abused from my limited experience.
 
Ok, here us another can if worms: wrist or console and why? If console, what gauges and why or why not? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm new, I've searched and never got a clear answer.
Another can of worms :Air integrated.
I am afraid you won't find a clear answer for all these.
 
Another can of worms :Air integrated.I am afraid you won't find a clear answer for all these.
I didn't bother to bring up AI because I want to stay away from it for the time being. It's also on the pricey end for what I have come to understand as a good DC with AI. I know there are some that are not pricey, but if you are going to do it, do it right. I'd love to just get the Petrel 2 and call it a day, but I still need a few more pieces of gear to complete my rig and they are not going to be cheap. My one thought on having a console is that, being a new diver, I'm going to be constantly looking at the DC. Therefore, if it's on my wrist it may be easier. If I'm wrong, let me know.
 
Wrist mount IMO is certainly more ergonomic. When diving in trim I need move nothing to look at computer, just a glance, no unclipping etc...easier to download also if you're into that and easier change batteries if applicable.
 
Thanks for the reply Tbone. Since I'm new, my initial loadout is not on the cheap side (as you know) I have a good idea of what gear I want of the remaining gear that I need to pick up and I'm not getting entry level gear because I know this is not going to be a passing fancy with me. I'm not trying to skimp but just trying to keep the cost down a little bit so the wife unit doesn't go too nuts about it (she is supporting me completely, though) I'd love to get the Petrel 2, but $750 is a difference over $250. I also got a nice offer on a new Sub Gear XP10 2 Gauge Console Dive Computer (comp and SPG) Retails for $379 and I can get it for considerably less.

It seems like you really want the Petrel but it is a bit outside your budget right now. I am not trying to be a DB, but have you thought of just using tables until you save enough for the Petrel? As someone mentioned, your backup computers should be the same computer or at the very least use the same algorithm so you really can't use it as a backup. Also if you are diving in the northeast you really want a computer that is easy to read. The water clarity is not the best.

I am not a vintage diver or someone that rejects modern technology, however it seems the certifying agencies and the manufacturers keep pushing additional gear which raises the barrier of entry into diving. Now they want you to have a computer and a backup computer. Then they complain that diving is not as popular as it once was.
 
Check for used computers.

It also should be noted that, in general, the warranty on a computer only applies to the original purchaser. So, buying used means no warranty. For that reason, I personally would only buy a used computer if it was a REALLY good price compared to new. And I say that fully acknowledging that I have a used computer for sale in Classifieds and would caution anybody that asks me about buying it that the warranty does not transfer.

---------- Post added August 27th, 2015 at 10:41 AM ----------

It seems like you really want the Petrel but it is a bit outside your budget right now. I am not trying to be a DB, but have you thought of just using tables until you save enough for the Petrel? As someone mentioned, your backup computers should be the same computer or at the very least use the same algorithm so you really can't use it as a backup. Also if you are diving in the northeast you really want a computer that is easy to read. The water clarity is not the best.

I am not a vintage diver or someone that rejects modern technology, however it seems the certifying agencies and the manufacturers keep pushing additional gear which raises the barrier of entry into diving. Now they want you to have a computer and a backup computer. Then they complain that diving is not as popular as it once was.


Why does the backup computer need to be the same algorithm? Isn't it really the case that the backup computer just needs to be as liberal or more liberal? Alternatively, the backup computer just needs to have Gauge mode and it doesn't matter what algorithm it has?

Also, what agency or agencies are telling people they need (I'm inferring from "they want you to have") a backup computer (versus just telling people it's a good idea - which it is)?

A Petrel will give you the Buhlmann algorithm with Gradient Factors. A common GF setting seems to be 30/85. When I check Recreational dive plans using Multi-Deco, calculating using Buhlmann 16C w/GF30/85, the results are more conservative than what my Atom 3.0 computer produces, using the Oceanic implementation of the DSAT algorithm.

So, I don't see where there would be any problem using a Petrel and having my Atom as a backup. I.e. no requirement to have the backup use the same algorithm. It just needs to be more liberal. Otherwise, it needs to just operate in Gauge mode, which definitely is not as nice as, then, your "backup" still requires you to use tables. If I were using a Petrel for Recreational dives and it failed, I would have no problem continuing to dive using my Atom and still without having to fall back on tables.

As for readability, I'm old and my eyesight is starting to suck. I did ante up for masks with gauge reader lenses in them. I regularly dive in my local quarry where the visibility is often less than 5'. It's not unusual to be 2 - 3'. So far, I have never had any trouble reading my Atom. A big color display would be "neat", but I'm still waiting for that dive experience where I feel like I can't do what I want to do because my plain old black and white LCD display (with backlight) isn't readable enough. But, I have been diving less than a year and have less than 50 dives, so maybe the relatively few low-viz dives I've done so far just aren't very representative.
 
The few times I dived with a full 2 or 3 gauge console, I didn't like it at all. I couldn't find a good way to stow it neatly that also allowed easy access to see all the gauges. Sticking it in the cummerbund of the BC jacket kept it from flopping around everywhere but was a PITA when you needed to remove and re-stow it. I tried putting a bolt snap on it and attaching it to a D ring on a jacket BC as well as BP/W rig but even then it dangled too much and always seemed to get in the way.

Personal preferences aside, if you have any plans at all of moving into tech or switching to BP/W with a longhose setup, getting a wrist mount computer and compass and a simple SPG is the way to go. I'm not sure if this is applicable to you or not but I assumed it was since you were considering the Petrel. (Yes, I know you can use the Petrel for non-tech dives and if you have no tech aspirations whatsoever - to me, it just seems waaay overkill for pure rec OC diving especially if you're still building up your basic dive kit)
 
Ok, here us another can if worms: wrist or console and why? If console, what gauges and why or why not? Sorry for all the questions, but I'm new, I've searched and never got a clear answer.
Having the computer on your wrist makes it easier to read. However, you still need to check your Submersible Pressure Gauge ( SPG ).

Some divers find it easier to have everything in one place, they prefer the console option. The gauges that I would recommend in a console would be a SPG, dive computer & a compass.

I believe the easiest, most reliable & best way is a hoseless air integrated dive computer with all your info including a compass on your wrist.

It is really a matter of personal preference. Realize you can always change from a console to wrist or visa vera. Even if you go hoseless in the future you can still use your SPG for redundancy.

If you think you are leaning towards more advanced diving, then I would start with a brass SPG & an inexpensive wrist dive computer.
 
ok, here us another can if worms: Wrist or console
hud. :wink:

---------- Post added August 27th, 2015 at 12:07 PM ----------

have you thought of just using tables until you save enough for the Petrel?
If he has to buy a depth gauge and a bottom timer, they could easily cost the same $200 as a basic DC (or more).
 
In my household we have 6 dive computers, including Suunto D4i watch, Gekko puck, Oceanic Pro Plus console, Veo Nx, various. I finally kicked down for a Petrel, after debating that and the Subgravity (Seabear) H3/T1. My suggestion is buy once, cry once.

IMO, the Petrel has the best screen size and simple to use. It's a known winner with great support. Only lacks air integration, which from my D4i I realized I only used for logging my numbers, not during dive. SPG check is second nature.

H3 has a great form factor. If you're a warm water diver I would suggest this. Great screen size for a watch, very visable, simple menus. I wanted bungee mount and big buttons for cold water diving.

T1 also great form factor and the wheel control is IMO the best yet. If this was price competitive with the Petrel I would own it.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

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