You’ve done it! You’re a certified Open Water Diver. You’ve passed all of your exams and survived all of your check-out dives……so now what?? Besides planning your first instructor-free diving adventure, you may be contemplating the purchase of your dive equipment. You may be thinking "Man, it's expensive! Is it really worth it?". The answer is "Yes". There are many advantages to owning your gear, but the real question is "Where do I start?"
Why You Need a Dive Computer
Our suggestion is your dive computer. Dive computers are an invaluable piece of diving equipment whether you are going to dive once a year on your warm water vacation or every weekend with your buddies. Here is a short list of the reasons you should own your diving computer:
Suunto Cobra 3: Air Integrated Dive Computer
Accuracy:
A dive computer is much more accurate than using dive tables (and WAY more modern). Dive computers track your dive foot-by-foot, minute-by-minute to give you the most accurate no-decompression time. This function allows you to stay safely underwater as long as possible, whereas, dive tables are only based upon the deepest part of your dive, not crediting you for the shallower parts.
Ascent Rate Monitor:
All modern dive computers come with built in ascent rate monitors. You’ve probably heard of the adage, “Don’t ascend faster than your smallest bubble.” Well, when does that bubble get too big? When are you supposed to follow up a new “smallest bubble?” Dive computers eliminate the ascent guessing game by monitoring your ascent speed with visual and audible alarms.
Dive Log:
Dive computers are like having a built in, automatic dive log. Most modern dive computers have computer download capabilities so that you can keep an electronic dive log on your home computer.
Portability:
If there’s only room for one piece of dive gear in your luggage, a dive computer is probably the most important, and easiest, piece of gear to bring with you.
How to Buy a Dive Computer
Now that you’ve decided to invest in your dive computer, you may be wondering which one to buy? There are so many computer options on the market it can be an intimidating choice. Regardless of the dive computer brand, here are some key features to be aware of:
Suunto D6i: Wrist top, air-integrated dive computer
View:
Not all of us have great vision, so make sure you can read the screen. If a watch-style dive computer, such as the Suunto D6i, is difficult to read, opt for a larger console such as the Suunto Vyper Air.
Ascent Rate Monitor:
Make sure it has an easily readable ascent rate monitor.
Air-Integrated vs. Non-Air Integrated:
Air integrated dive computers, such as the Suunto Cobra, monitor your air pressure and can display your airtime remaining for your dive based upon your air consumption and depth. In our opinion, it is worth the extra investment!
Nitrox Capability:
Most dive computers are capable of being programmed to use up to 40% Nitrox. Many advanced computers work with 100% Nitrox and other gas blends. However, these features are for technical divers, so you need to decide how advanced you want to get.
Dive Log Features:
If you are going to dish out the money for a dive computer, you should make sure you like the dive log download software. Most provide the same functions. However, some are easier to use than other.
All-in-all, there is a dive computer out there to fit the wants and needs of every diver whether you are just starting your underwater adventure or you’ve been diving for years. For more questions, contact us at Underseas Scuba Center Today!
