Best Dive Computer For Beginners

Many student will ask during the open water diving course about what should they buy for their first diving equipment. I often recommended Scuba Diving Computer, as it is simply for safety purposes. There are tons of different brands and model of dive comp in the market and it also becomes a tough decision for a newbie to make decision for a device that could cost them over $200 bucks. 

My tips for the new diver is to ensure that the computer has a user-friendly interface, especially if you’re a beginner. It doesn’t have to be incredibly plain, as long as the elements on the display are arranged in a way that you can easily understand at first glance. Of course, you also have to make sure that it is easy to read even in darker environments, which is usually the case underwater, so choose one that has good backlighting. 

When you’re looking to purchase a scuba diving computer, you’ll need one that is reliable in providing crucial information that will ensure your safety during each dive. Therefore, it’s also important that you understand the aspects and features of a dive computer before you even buy one. After that, you can consider the following characteristics and functions as you make your decision. 

Mares Puck Pro

Overall Comments

This watch is perfect. Its the google of watches. Simplicity. It does every single thing you need a dive watch to do, is super easy to learn and use, durable, and inexpensive. It’s got a simple screen to look at without numbers all over it that you don’t know or care what they mean. It gives you all the info you need for your dive. You can also change your settings for Nitrox tanks if you want to, very easily.

It does have a form of Bluetooth which this company calls BLUEINK. It is a Bluetooth clip connector that lets you download dive data recorded by the computer directly to your smartphone, without the use of cables and connectors. However it is a separate purchase it does not come with the watch.

Specifications

BRAND: Mares
BATTERY: User-replaceable Lithium Metal
MEASUREMENTS: 17 x 12 x 12 cm
SCREEN SIZE: 2.5″
WEIGHT: 154 grams

  • One button functionality
  • Slim face design
  • Air and Nitrox settings
  • Upgradable firmware
  • Seven color choices
  • Strap material is not flexible
  • The backlight may stick and use battery life
  • Does not has depth audible alarm.

2. Suunto Zoop Novo

Overall Comments

The Suunto Zoop Novo an excellent start up dive computer for both features and price. It has all the basic functions to keep you safe when diving.  This dive computer is designed to be strong and long lasting. It’s a great choice for either entry level or Recreational divers.

The Zoop Novo is not a small dive computer. It’s big and bold which means it has great functionality and is durable as hell.It’s got a big screen made from long-lasting acrylic, so it can withstand being knocked around on the boat and in your dive gear bag! It’s about 2.4 inches (61mm) in diameter and is just over an inch (28mm) thick. Its display is around 1 ⅓ inches (40mm) across so it’s easy to read even for those with less than 20/20 vision.

It weighs in at 120 grams. It’s designed to be worn for scuba diving, and not as a wristwatch.The Zoop Novo was designed with some well-considered functionalities. It has a four-button menu with nice big buttons. The menus are easy to navigate and the display is large and clear. Even those who are new to the world of dive computers find it easy.

Specifications

BRAND: Suunto
BATTERY: Standard 3V CR2450
MEASUREMENTS: 61 x 40 x 28 mm
SCREEN SIZE: 2.4″
WEIGHT: 120 grams

  • Big, clear display
  • Simple and easy to use 
  • Change the length of time the backlight stays on
  • Changeable audible alarms
  • Battery lasts forever. 
  • The USB cable has to be purchased separately.
  • No in-built compass.
  • Lack of information provided in the user manual. 

3. Mares Smart

Overall Comments

The Mares Smart dive computer is very popular among dive instructors because of it’s safety features and sizes is easy to bring along when you are frequent divers. It is equipped with alarms to ensure that your safe oxygen saturation limit is not exceeded and so that you maintain your decompression stop. 

The design is so sleek that it could function as your normal sports watch. One remarkable safety feature it has is the ascent rate lockout that minimizes the risk of expansion and nitrogen injuries by locking the device for 24 hours if excessive ascent rate has been maintained for more than 66% of the depth of the dive. The device has a relatively slim profile, so slim that it could go as a sports watch. It comes in about 7 color waves plus it has an easy-to-read screen. 

The backlight is the major focus of battery life conservation. Putting a limit on the time that the backlight displays is a great way to monitor how long your battery lasts. Also, the battery is user changeable which makes it a win-win situation for the user. You use this dive computer for as long as you want to.

Specifications

BRAND: Mares
BATTERY: User-replaceable Lithium Metal
MEASUREMENTS: 15 x 15 x 15 cm
SCREEN SIZE: 1.9″
WEIGHT: 82 grams

  • Plenty of safety features
  • Audio and visual alarms 
  • Three distinct display windows
  • 150M maximum depth
  • Small onboard dive Log
  • No air integration
  • No compass
  • Small display

4. Suunto D4i Novo

Overall Comments

I love that the D4I Novo combines all the necessary features of a good, reliable dive computer into a compact and attractive wristwatch. It’s the perfect accessory for a scuba vacation, or for those lucky enough to live a full-time diving lifestyle. The menu system is very intuitive.  you can grasp the key operations of the computer with only a few minutes of use. The four-button user interface also makes navigating options and setting simple. We were also impressed with the display. Although it’s small compared to a full-sized diver computer, you can still clearly read the large digits on the dot-matrix display.  

Specifications

BRAND: Suunto
BATTERY: 3-Volt CR2450 battery
MEASUREMENTS: 48.6 x 43.8 x 16 mm
SCREEN SIZE: 1.91″
WEIGHT: 92 grams

  • Lightweight
  • Fashionable design, can wear as sport watch
  • Air, Nitrox, Time & Freediving modes
  • An optional wireless air-integration feature
  • Mid range high price
  • Small buttons 

5. Cressi Leonardo

Overall Comments

Cressi is a brand that you can rely on and depend on. Purchasing a Cressi product is a safe bet. The Leonardo is a brilliant dive computer that has the three most important modes that any entry-level to intermediate-level scuba diver will require. It has a clear, large display, that can be easily operated by the single button interface, and it also has a durable wrist strap that is so long that you never have to worry about it fitting around your dive suit. It is a conservative dive computer, so it will keep you safe, and the audible alarms will keep you alerted when you’re underwater, further assuring your safety. If you are a beginner scuba diver looking for your first dive computer or a recreational diver looking for a high-quality, reliable dive computer, then the Cressi Leonardo is a great choice.

Specifications

BRAND: Cressi
BATTERY: 3-Volt CR2450 battery
MEASUREMENTS: 67 x 27 x 27mm
SCREEN SIZE: 2.1″
WEIGHT: 134 grams

  • Display screen is huge and easy-to-read.
  • Loud audible alarms 
  • Long lasting battery >100 dives
  • Single button interface
  • Affordable for beginner 
  • Backlight isn’t strong 
  •  Air integration

6. Cressi Giotto

Overall Comments

The device has a large display and functionality that allows it to grow with the experience of the diver. The display shows all the necessary information on a high-resolution screen. A quick look is usually enough to get the information you need. The Cressi Giotto is designed for beginner to medium experienced recreational divers. It is a rather large wrist or console-mounted scuba computer. It is not usable as a wristwatch. The menu navigation is kept straightforward on the Giotto. Compared to the Leonardo, it comes with three buttons instead of one. You’re getting good value for the price. It is priced just above the basic entry-level diver computer.

Specifications

BRAND: Cressi
BATTERY: CR2430
MEASUREMENTS: 65 x 27mm
SCREEN SIZE: 45mm x 35mm
WEIGHT: 135 grams

  • The display is large and sharp
  • Easy navigation with three buttons
  • Features for entry-level and experienced divers.
  • Logbook that is large enough to store data for 60 dives
  • No air integration
  •  

7. Oceanic Geo 2.0

Overall Comments

The device uses CR2 battery and the battery can easily be substituted by users. There’s absolutely not any need to attend a tech to switch the battery and this saves customers valuable time and money. The Oceanic Geo 2.0 has become popular among divers due to the fine appearance. It is an all-purpose mid-range wrist computer which can also be worn like a standard watch similarly to D4i. 

It’s a great diving computer for novice divers or anyone searching for an upgrade over entry-level computers. It is a bit pricier than entry-level dive computers but totally worth the price considering the benefits it has over the basic dive computers. The case is constructed of stainless steel, making the apparatus durable and there are four buttons to the exterior that make the machine effortless to operate. 

Additionally, it has a powerful and flexible backlight that is useful when night diving. The device has a crystal clear screen which makes reading the display quite easy. Important information are displayed on the screen so users could get information without having to navigate much. The navigation is super simple and it’s very easy to get acquainted with the apparatus’s functionality. 

However, innovative functions such as air integration and compass found in high-end scuba diving computers aren’t on the Oceanic 2.0. But high-end computers are for professional divers and that’s reflected in their cost. Thinking about the skill level of the diver and cost of the computer, it is a great dive computer.

Specifications

BRAND: Oceanic
BATTERY: User-replaceable Lithium Metal
MEASUREMENTS: 17.78 x 10.16 x 10.16cm
SCREEN SIZE: 1.2″
WEIGHT: 158 grams

  • Easy to operate and navigate with four buttons
  • Dual algorithms
  • Four operation modes
  • Two gas mixes
  • Automatic altitude adjustments
  • Fulfills all the requirements of beginner to mid-range divers
  • Small screen size makes graph hard to read
  • Logbook bit small
  • No air integration and compass available

8. Crest CR4

Overall Comments

It appears to be a branded version of the Crest CR4 which has been out for a few months in SE Asia.  I have personally seen and used it for a while and no complain so far.

Crest CR-4 is made in Taiwan. At a glance, it looks just like another smart watch. But it’s a dive computer. For just under $260 dollars, with a Bluetooth function nonetheless it seems like a steal! Let’s look at some of the features that it comes with.It is ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike with plenty of features and a nice small wrist mounted dive computer and a very affordable price tag to boot.

The small amount of on-board dive log can be rectified with their app and uploading dives to their app for memory.
The affordable price point makes up for the lack of compass and air integration can be easily solved with the purchase of additional more specialized equipment separately.

Specifications

BRAND: Crest 
BATTERY: Rechargeable lithium ion battery
SCREEN SIZE: 1.14″
WEIGHT: 95 grams

  • Long battery life
  • Sleek and slim profile
  • Easy interface
  • 4-button interface allows for ease of access 
  • Very affordable price point 
  • Bluetooth compatible
  • App can be used to sync your dive logs 
  • Nice backlight, but screen is mono color
  • App is only available in mandarin and is in 繁体字(Traditional Chinese)
  • No air integration
  • Lack of Compass 
  • Small display

9. Atmos Mission One

Overall Comments

The Mission One comes in a watch form factor and is currently only available in black. Straps are made of silicone which come in black as standard. Colored straps are available for purchase $34 a set.

The bezel is made of stainless steel and sits on a fiber reinforced case. The watch/computer weighs 90 grams and feels good on the wrist. There are 4 large stainless steel buttons which are easy to press even with gloved hands. Three buttons on the right and one on the left.

The menu system is extremely simple and intuitive. Another standout feature of the Mission One is the built in GPS. It does not work underwater of course and needs to be free of interference.

Specifications

BRAND: Atmos
BATTERY: USB rechargeable with decent battery life
MEASUREMENTS: 50.5 x 50.5 x 18mm
SCREEN SIZE: 1.2″
WEIGHT: 95 grams

  • Built-in surface GPS (with the ability to mark entry and exit)
  • Bluetooth pairing with phone for dive logs
  • Notifications from phones (iOS Only)
  • Colour TFT daylight readable display
  • Always-on compass
  • Vibration alerts
  • Wrist activated backlight
  • Upgradable firmware
  • Limited to a very basic phone application 
  • Air integration is currently not available
  • Android app is not as good as IOS app

10. AQUA LUNG i300

Overall Comments

SourceThe Aqua Lung i300c is an excellent entry-level computer packed with some serious features. We like that it’s got the capabilities to support demanding recreational divers, too.

The i300C has an additional really cool feature – Bluetooth. With the DiverLog+ app on my iPhone, I was able to synch the dives into my phone and update my gas usage, weights, gear bag and other dive info. The app then calculated my SAC. Way cool. But there is more. I can actually set the computer from the phone.

I am impressed with the Aqua Lung line of affordable, reliable and safe dive computers. 

Specifications

BRAND: Aqua Lung
BATTERY: User Replaceable 3.0V CR2450 Lithium Battery
MEASUREMENTS: 
SCREEN SIZE: 
WEIGHT: 

  • Bluetooth access to data and settings
  • The battery is easy to change
  • Multiple diving modes
  • Gas switching is possible
  • Automatic altitude adjustments
  • The screen is on the small side
  • Buttons can be difficult to push with gloves on underwaterSource

How To Choose The Best Dive Computer – Buying Guide

Dive computers have become more sophisticated in recent years with supreme technology that each diver will appreciate. Originally being created in the 60s, diving computers have shrunk in size and increased in function. Used by novice divers and professionals alike, it is hard to find a diver that doesn’t use one. A dive watch being something of the past, scuba divers turn to dive wrist or computers machines that provide much more information. Supplying accurate thickness readings, monitoring total dive time and ascent rates this is essential have safety apparatus.

Why Use A Dive Computer

These tables may be used to calculate Nitrogen degrees, surface interval time and advocated underwater times. While still a terrific way to monitor your dives, technology advances have created a much easier and more accurate manner.

There are limits with the purposes dive tables have, the largest being they were not made for recreational sailors. Originally being a source for the Navy, dive tables are made to move from the outside , down to the desired depth and then straight back into the surface. They aren’t designed for the typical recreational diver who prefers to descend then bounce between different depths as they hunt for corals, fish and through wrecks. These tables are great for avoiding decompression sickness but do not have the flexibility to provide accurate protection. Computers provide supreme security and an current log of your dip.

Technical Details of a Diving Computer

During your open water certificate, you’re taught a lot about the different things that happen to your body as you descend beneath the surface of the water. Especially, the way the body absorbs Nitrogen as it moves in the depths of the water. There are a lot of things which influence the rate of absorption your body experiences, specifically weight and body type. The amount of Nitrogen your system absorbs will determine the duration of time you must wait between dives.

Dive Computers are ideal for divers since they measure all of your gas prices for you keeping you at a healthy level. Algorithms are put in place to calculate your absorption and discharge of Nitrogen in half-life intervals. When 50 percent of your own bodies Nitrogen amounts are published, this becomes the half-life. Your dive computer will calculate the strain at the onset of your dive and measure the Nitrogen saturation of every body structure. Assessing the time and strain of your dive, the dive computer then uses the maximum ascent rate to calculates the percentage of safe Nitrogen absorption. The dive computer then goes on to assess the amount of off-gassing, the amount of Nitrogen the body discharges, to figure out the quantity of time that’s needed to diving data stays at the surface between dives. It’s obvious to see why this is much too complex for a very simple dive table to calculate.

Diving computers are one of these pieces of equipment which are far safer to have yourself than to lease. When used properly, they’re an amazing safety feature that may make your dive much more comfy. This is particularly important for novice divers as dip tables can be overly confusing to use. For people who dip regularly, owning your own wireless dive computer is extremely important as it will accurately list all spares from previous trips helping to ensure your body Nitrogen levels remain within safe limits. Some places, such as live aboard dive trips, need that you have your own dive computer to make sure your dip is as secure as you can. Dive Computers are something which you are able to continue to use as you gain more experience with the sport. Almost every experienced diver will possess their very own computer.

Kinds of Scuba Diving Computers

As the demand for wrist computers has become, there are more and more options of computers to choose from. In general, there are three chief types of dive computers all with unique features and options to help you to get a computer that’s ideal for your needs. Wrist mounted machines are highly popular amongst beginner divers as they’re easy to monitor and use. Console mounted dip computers have larger screens and are rather a popular option amongst divers. Additionally, scuba mask computers are available and will be the most uncommon choice of the 3.

The Wrist Watch Style Dive Computer

This really is the most commonly used dive computer design since it’s easy to use and much easier to wear. The convenience of having your information displayed on your wrist makes this an appealing solution for divers of all skill levels. Looking just like your daily watch this fashion is packed with technology which makes it a divers dream. Using wireless technology this wrist dive computer is easy to see when exploring the depths of the ocean. Dive watches tend to be mistaken for wrist machines but feature far less technology. The dive computer correctly measures their air intake and remaining amounts of atmosphere in the tank.

Dive computers designed for beginner’s feature all of the need to have technology dimensions needed for fundamental diving. Accurately measuring and demonstrating the total dive time, the thickness of your dive, ascent rates, no stop limits, no stop time remaining, and emergency decompression. It also has a memory which records all the data from previous dives. To make certain you don’t run into an emergency below the surface, these watches have low battery warnings which help to remind you of any battery shortages. Generally, the screen on those models is simple to read and simple to program.

Features of an Advanced Dive Computer

More experienced sailors frequently prefer high quality gear with added features. Having all the same functions as a newcomer dive computer, these ones tend to incorporate a few more attributes. All advanced dive computers have air integration so they work together with your own air tank to give you real time information regarding the rest of the air. These are also excellent for those diving over sea level since they can be manually or automatically adjusted to compensate for pressures. Thermostats, clocks and a digital compass help to offer you even more info while you’re diving below the water.

This style of dive computer is compatible to connect with your home computer letting you download your information to better keep track of all your dives. Rechargeable batteries help regular divers reduce costs and eliminate waste. Some advanced dive computers even have special screens that enable divers to play games through decompression and safety stops.

With a industry so heavily saturated, it’s crucial to know some essential characteristics that are important for you at a dive watch. Broadly , there are 9 key factors to consider when searching for your next computer.

1. You’ll have to ask yourself exactly what your degree of skill for a diver is. Professional divers obviously demand a whole lot more advanced technology than a person new to the game. Beginners are likely to overpay for features they won’t ever use should they choose for the best of the best. Make sure you not just consider the now and rather plan for how you anticipate your diving to progress in the not too distant future. Advanced divers may wish to elect for a diving computer that is more in their ability level by ensuring it has the key features they need, such as air integration.

2. Plan According For Your Budget

Before beginning your search for a dive opinion, it’s important to take into consideration how much you are willing to spend. This can help to narrow down the watches which are available within your budget. We advocate trying to be flexible with your dive watch as possible as this is not something you are going to want to cheap out on. Being a great security feature in the sport, it is crucial to buy depending on your skill level so that you receive the most amount of efficacy and use from your watch. If your budget is not an issue, then you can enjoy a complete assortment of the dive computer universe.

3. A dive computer is only useful if you’re able to read and get the information it is giving you. Paying attention to the display of the computer when choosing the ideal one for you is very important. While it might be simple for you to see with your bare eye above water, it can be far more difficult when wearing a mask and in underwater conditions. Make sure to check that your computer has a backlight which makes it more easily readable as well as a wide-angled color screen. Make sure you check that the digit size is large enough for you to easily read also.

4. Whether you are utilizing nitrox for your dives currently or contemplating a change in the not too distant future, we recommend selecting a wristwatch that is nitrox integrated.

5. A Data Transferring Choice Is An Added Bonus

Many anglers like the option of uploading the log of their dives into a home computer or laptop. This allows you to safely move all your data and charts to your computer to supply you with a simple monitoring tool to realize your dip progress. This allows you to upload your time, depth, ascent rate, air intake rates and percentage of nitrogen.

6. Digital Compass

A digital compass will allow you to observe the direction you are headed without a dedicated analog setup. Having it built into your computer lets you save space. Analog versions need extra space on your arm. The only downfall to getting this built in is that it can be thrown off by any type of magnet.

7. Batteries Have to Be Replaceable

We strongly suggest that your dive computer have a replaceable battery system. This will ensure that you have sufficient energy for all of your dives during the day. You can even have another set that can replace a dead battery as well.

What’s a Scuba Diving Computer?

Being able to keep track of your dip is a vital facet of staying secure. A dive computer will have all your information offered in a tiny compact setup. Knowing things like how long you are underwater along with your diving thickness will allow you to organize your path and change your breathing accordingly. These little wrist computers can save your life.

This happens when you ascend to quickly which may cause air bubbles to form on your body that could be deadly. There are many features that these small pieces of technology provide that can make your dive more pleasurable.

What’s your level of diving?

Different levels of anglers will require different dive computers. Beginners to the game might not need fancy features that more advanced anglers want. The most crucial thing beginners should search for is a large easily readable display and has an simple to use interface. This will ensure you will not encounter trouble while under the water. More sophisticated divers should look for advanced features relating to decompression plus a more innovative interface.

Things To Look For In the Ideal Scuba Dive Computer
There are numerous things you need to have in your dive computer. This is only one of the main parts of gear that may help you through every step of your dip. Scuba Dive Computer reviews agree that the following are the most important things to take into account before making your purchase.

Ease of use

Even if the dive computer has the latest technologies along with a crystal clear LCD display if it is not easy to use it isn’t worth the money. Having the ability to navigate through the menus using gloves is an integral aspect you should think about while buying a dive computer. Large, space out buttons will make your trip submerged easier and exude confidence in your equipment.

We recommend spending some time learning your system before going into the water. This will help save you time, energy and confusion whilst on your dive. We propose reading the testimonials of the product on the watch for how simple the computer would be to learn.

There is no use in spending the cash on a dive computer if you’re unable to read the display with your mask on. It is highly suggested to discover a computer which has a multi colored or bright display that lets you easily see the readouts. A dark text colour on a light background additionally creates enough contrast to see the critical writing. Not having to shine a light in your display will save a measure and allow you to spend your time on anything else. It is also important to get one with a large enough screen to readily read.

Gauges

A few gauges you can live without but in thickness, just how much air you’ve time and left are ones that you can’t. Being kept updated in real time about your dip is essential for not only security but peace of mind. Knowing how much battery and air you have left is not something that may not be accurate since it may impact every aspect of your dive.

Some diving computers can help you with your decompression time. They are going to have specially designed algorithms that factor in the thickness and decent time which will output how long your ascent should be. If you are traveling too quickly they can even let you stop and maintain your thickness while your entire body becomes accustomed to the change in altitude.

Having the ability to easily see your personal computer is a key aspect to consider when seeking to purchase a dive computer. Many are worn on your wrist although some attach to your match. Having the ability to just turn your wrist and have all your information available to you is a sought after feature. While others enjoy their stats more out of their way enabling their arms to be liberated from the extra weight. This is personal preference but should be considered out to your next dip.

Warranty

1 way to tell the quality of your scuba gear is by the guarantee. All diving computers will include a one year warranty while well made ones will include around a two year. Longer guarantees indicate higher substances used to make the product. Look for diving watches which have a two year warranty whenever possible.

A dive watch can cost anywhere from $199 to upwards of 1700. If you’re just entering the sport of diving you might not need a fully equipped dive computer. Finding one that has the gauges and specs you need is essential. Sacrificing high tech features can save you some money but might be missed when you create more expertise. Color screens will also raise cost and aren’t necessarily essential.

Having the capability to connect your dive watch for your own computer will permit you to compare your dives over time. This will explain to you how you’re progressing and stats you never thought of throughout your dive. You’ll be able to see everything in the depths you travel to your time submerged. This shouldn’t break or make your choice but is a nice feature to have at the close of the day.

Most diving computers include memory card logs built into the device. This may be measured by time in use or number of dives but is still a wonderful feature to have if tracking your diving progress. It allows you to conserve your dives and compare them with each other.

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