opinions on entry level dive computers

[Centrals]

Entry level computer?
What is that?
I am using the same Uwatec Pro Nitrox since 1997.

Leisure Pro has AquaLung i100 for 199.00 and i200 for 219.00.
The i200 offers a bit more for only extra $20.00.

 

[divinh]

For the amount of dives you're doing 6-10/year, you might want to consider this:

- Dive computer rentals are about $5-10/day, so you're looking at between $15-30 to $25-$50 per year and the longer you delay your purchase, the better dive computer you can get for the same money.
- You don't need to download your dives, unless you're a data nerd. You can easy log your dives with just date/time, max depth, temperature, and bottom time - the usual data for most dive logs.

That said, I really appreciate having my own dive computer, so that I know what all the notifications are, in case I do some advanced dives.

 

[Diver below 83]

I personally went with the Mares quad. Since this was my first computer I wanted something easy to read with a large screen, I also wanted multiple buttons as I heard the 1 or 2 button system can be a pain. The quad has 4 total large buttons. That makes operating the computer both above and below water extremely easy.

Unfortunately it is not Bluetooth capable so you do need to purchase a cable for down loading. They do make an “air” version which is air integrated. I chose the standard version. I ended up paying $270 shipped new.

Overall I’ve been nothing but happy with it. It does everything I can ask as a newer diver. I can program up to 3 gases if I need. I figure if I need more than this computer can offer then I’m looking at much higher end models at that point.

 

[Diver below 83]

I personally went with the Mares quad. Since this was my first computer I wanted something easy to read with a large screen, I also wanted multiple buttons as I heard the 1 or 2 button system can be a pain. The quad has 4 total large buttons. That makes operating the computer both above and below water extremely easy.

Unfortunately it is not Bluetooth capable so you do need to purchase a cable for down loading. They do make an “air” version which is air integrated. I chose the standard version. I ended up paying $270 shipped new.

Overall I’ve been nothing but happy with it. It does everything I can ask as a newer diver. I can program up to 3 gases if I need. I figure if I need more than this computer can offer then I’m looking at much higher end models at that point.

I did forget to mention mares does make a Bluetooth “link” for the quad. It’s a little clip you attach to the bottom and it will enable your mares dive computer to send data with blue tooth. So while it isn’t built into the computer itself it can be Bluetooth enabled with the mares attachment. Or you can use a physical cable to attach to a computers. The dive link Bluetooth system will connect to an app

 

[Charles Graves]

All I will say, is make sure that you get a dive computer that is a WATCH type! Dont get the type that attaches to your regulator first stage via hose.

 

[Shawn C]

I have the Cressi Leonardo and can't stand it. It has the most annoyingly overaggressive assent alarm I've seen. I can't even clear my mask without the damn thing beeping that I'm "ascending" too fast. I've searched for a way to alter this setting or alarm to no avail.

Now looking at an Oceanic Pro Plus 3 or 4 to replace the Leo.

 

[The_Goat]

The i300C uses Bluetooth and doesn't need cables.

I just used mine for the first time and must say it was a great computer. The i300c was very easy to use and download the dives via bluetooth. I got mine for less than 300 Canadian.

 

[jimmyt]

Thanks to everyone for their advice! I was able to play with an aqualung 100 over the weekend in the pool and liked it. I am assuming the 100 and 300 are similar in display? If thats the case, then I have narrowed the search down to the puck pro and the i300c. Price wise they are almost identical - 299 either way - puck pro + with cable versus i300c with bluetooth. Not too interested in the bluetooth for the puck pro since you have to buy the cable for anything other than dive logs. I am assuming firmware updates (if ever) are bluetooth on the i300c?

I like stats, so I am going to want to keep as much as possible for all dives. I saw in the diverlog software from aqualung where it will show the duration, depth, temp, etc.. as well as other details of the dive and graphically log it. Does Mares have something similar? Are there other programs that work as well or better that are compatible with the either the puck pro / cable or i300c and bluetooth?

 

[scubadada]

Hi @jimmyt

You may appreciate the moderate PZ+ decompression algorithm on the i300C over the conservative Mares RGBM

 

[loosenit2]

Thanks to everyone for their advice! I was able to play with an aqualung 100 over the weekend in the pool and liked it. I am assuming the 100 and 300 are similar in display? If thats the case, then I have narrowed the search down to the puck pro and the i300c. Price wise they are almost identical - 299 either way - puck pro + with cable versus i300c with bluetooth. Not too interested in the bluetooth for the puck pro since you have to buy the cable for anything other than dive logs. I am assuming firmware updates (if ever) are bluetooth on the i300c?

I like stats, so I am going to want to keep as much as possible for all dives. I saw in the diverlog software from aqualung where it will show the duration, depth, temp, etc.. as well as other details of the dive and graphically log it. Does Mares have something similar? Are there other programs that work as well or better that are compatible with the either the puck pro / cable or i300c and bluetooth?

There are 3rd party options for software as well. Subsurface works with both and is free. I’m sure others will chim in with their favorites.