KEdiver
Registered
Why would anyone use rocks and sticks when they have modern technology. Dive tables are going the way of the rotary dial phone. Know the history embrace the future.
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OP -- As with everything you buy, you should have an idea of what you want to do with the object and then search to see what objects fit your needs -- including financial ones.
So, why would you want a dive computer? What is it you wish it to do for you?
At its simplest, a dive computer does three things: gives you information as to your depth; gives you information as to your dive time; gives you information as to your "no stop status" (aka your decompression status). ALL dive computers will do this.
So what else might you want (in many cases, SHOULD you want in a dive computer):
a. One you can actually read while underwater. This is often age (i.e. how good is your eyesight) related. Look at the display -- can you easily read it? Will you be able to read it if it is dark?
b. One that is, at the very least, Nitrox compatible. There may be a few computers out there which are "single gas" computers -- don't get them unless they are VERY cheap (and if they have "gauge" mode).
c. Wrist mount vs. console -- unless "air integrated" get a wrist mount, even if it comes in a console, make sure you can convert it to wrist mount.
d. Air integrated -- IF money is a significant object, forget-about-it. This is a "nice-to-have" (maybe) but definitely not a "need-to-have."
e. Downloadable -- Pretty much all are and this is really a must have. You should download your dives on a very regular basis so that you can start to have an accurate log of your diving history.
f. What is displayed -- in addition to the mandatory three (depth/time/deco) a "nice-to-have" is your average depth. At the very least, the computer should be computing your average depth for reference in the log.
g. Gauge Mode -- a very nice to have (and it appears the Suunto Zoop does NOT have it which is stupid) -- as you progress in your diving career, you may decide to use alternative no-stop systems and being able to use your computer in gauge mode saves you having to buy more gear.
Those are a few of the things to consider when deciding to buy a dive computer.
Oh, and not all of us buy the notion that not learning tables is terrible. I learned tables many years ago, I even have dived tables but I don't now and you'll find the vast majority of people don't -- and for very good reasons. MOST recreational diving doesn't match the type of diving for which tables were designed. Dive computers, on the other hand, ARE designed for, and match, the type of recreational diving the vast majority of people do.
Tables -- BLAH!
It might be best to know what you want in a dive computer before you buy one. This might include a rudimentary understanding of dive algorithms and implications thereof. I'm quite sure the Zoop is a very good computer but is amongst the most conservative available. You'll probably be using your 1st computer for some time and will only use it for backup if it matches your primary computer
Understanding of various diving algorithms would not make it any easier to choose a dive computer. All of them are based on different mathematical models etc. I have yet to come across any algorithm that can guarantee absolute safety in scuba diving.It might be best to know what you want in a dive computer before you buy one. This might include a rudimentary understanding of dive algorithms and implications thereof. I'm quite sure the Zoop is a very good computer but is amongst the most conservative available. You'll probably be using your 1st computer for some time and will only use it for backup if it matches your primary computer
What is wrong with a conservative computer?