Diving is an exciting and fascinating activity, where a relatively unresearched and unknown portion of the planet is explored. But when in the underwater world it is easy to become disoriented in terms of direction, depth, and execution of the dive plan. A dive computer can make things simpler and provides a useful aid in the prevention of decompression illness. It is much easier to use than dive tables and instantaneously and continuously does all the calculations without guesswork and keeps you safe without complications.
Selecting the best dive computer in 2021 for your diving style can require substantial research. To help cut that process down to size, some of the best models over the range on the market have been selected as an introduction. There is a buying guide to start, followed by reviews with photos and videos and a comparison table.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
The Best Dive Computers – Buying Guide
Shopping for a dive computer, though, can be tedious, confusing, and complicated. The development of dive computers has advanced rapidly recently to a very high level that adds greatly to diver enjoyment. Since its introduction in the 1960s, it has decreased substantially in size while simultaneously increasing in functionality. Few divers today are without one relying on them to provide accurate depth readings, dive time, and ascent rates.
Features to Consider
There are numerous dive computers available on the market today. It is important to consider which features are most important for the diving that you will do. Here are 6 key factors to keep in mind when shopping for your next computer.
1. Your Level Of Experience
What is your skill level? Technical and professional divers have different technological requirements than a beginner. Novices have no use for some higher-level features. If they won’t be used, there is no need to pay for them, so the top-of-the-line dive computers may not be for them. But, on the other hand, it is good to think ahead and plan for the level of diving you will advance to in the foreseeable future. More experienced divers will want to choose a model that meets their skill level and has the features that they require, such as air integration, for example.
2. Your Budget
You will need to think about how much can you afford to spend. This will help reduce the number of dive computers to be considered. A dive computer is such a great safety device, it is recommended to have some flexibility in your budgeting as this is not an item to skimp on. Also, it is important to select the model you want to be based on your skill level in order to maximize the efficiency of use. If your budget isn’t a concern, then you can consider the full range of devices available.
3. Nitrox Compatibility
You may not be diving with nitrox now, but being able to use it in conjunction with your computer, later on, would be good to plan for. I suggest choosing a nitrox-integrated dive computer. It would allow you the option to dive with or without nitrox, giving you the freedom to choose.
4. Data Transfer Option
Keeping a digital record of your dives is useful and popular. A data transfer option would give you the capability to safely upload the log of your dives to a personal computer where you can track them in terms of dive time, depth, air consumption rate, ascent rate, and percentage of oxygen.
5. Digital Compass
A digital compass is more ergonomic than having a dedicated analog setup and will allow you to see which direction you are going without having to carry an additional device.
6. Replaceable Batteries
A replaceable battery system is strongly recommended. If for some reason you run out of power, planning ahead you could bring a replacement to make sure you can complete the dives you planned.
7. Air Integration
This allows you to monitor air consumption on your dive computer. There are two styles, wrist and hose-mounted. A hose-mounted computer attaches to your high-pressure hose and directly measures gas levels in the tank. These generally will be a little heavier and bigger than wrist-mounted models. Wrist-mounted models access wirelessly using a screw-on transmitter to your first stage. Keep in mind that this style is not as flawless as your SPG, so it would be wise to continue the use of that.
Features: 4 modes including watch and freediving modes, audible alarm with flashing led light, two algorithms, Bluetooth connectivity to all smartphones through the DiverLog+
Pros: Great watch-style computer for scuba and free diving with easy navigation through menus, affordable
User Changeable Battery: Yes, standard replaceable AA battery, the transmitter uses a 3V CR2 lithium
Features: 5 open-circuit gas switch presets, full-color screen, 850 ft operating depth, Bluetooth connectivity with iOS devices, capable of displaying tank pressure in all modes, 2.2-inch display with a vivid, enhanced color range and saturation, simple to navigate, state-aware menu structure, hoseless air integration
Pros: Mountable on either wrist, features for use with a rebreather, full information provided for decompression diving
Features: Backlight, switch between scuba and free diving on the same day, gauge mode when using it for a timer, audible alarms, and additional high-visibility LED warning light for additional safety
I hope you have found this review of dive computers to be useful. If you have any questions, ideas, or personal experiences, please feel free to share them in the comments. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
Freediving has increased in popularity by leaps and bounds recently. As has happened in scuba diving, the limits are getting pushed further and further. For the serious freediver, a watch or computer can go a long way in not only maintaining safety but also as a tool for training. Real-time data about the environment and your performance during the dive lets you know where you stand and then afterward you have a record that you can analyze and plan from.
Below is a buyer’s guide followed by a number of freediving watch options that I have reviewed to help you more easily make the decision on which one would work best for you. There is a range from the simplest freediving watches all the way up to models suitable for freediving as well as more advanced and technical levels of scuba diving. Videos have been provided for all the models except one to help fill in the gaps in the written material. After that is a comparison table of the reviewed watches, to summarize some of the key features.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Best Freediving Watch Buyer’s Guide
Modes
Some extremely specialized freediving watches are suitable only for freediving. Many are more versatile and include gauge, air, nitrox, and/or trimix modes. If you are involved in freediving and scuba diving there is a selection of modes available for the sports you want to participate in without having to purchase two watches.
Depth
Like scuba divers, freedivers are continuously increasing the depth of their dives. Today’s dive watch should be operational at depths of at least 330 feet (100 meters).
Dive Logs/Memory
A major function of a dive watch is the logging of the data from your dives. Particularly if you dive a lot, a watch that can track more dives over a longer period of time will be more convenient.
User-Friendliness
It is important to be able to easily use your dive watch. The display needs to be clear and easily readable. Backlighting can be a good feature in poor visibility. Audible alarms need to emit a sound loud enough to hear over boat motors, waves, and other ambient sounds. Often these alarms are regarding surface intervals, depth limits, breath-hold training, or hydration which are significant to be aware of.
Freediving versus Scuba Computers
A scuba computer won’t necessarily be suitable for freediving. One reason is depth ratings. Top-class freedivers can go very deep, much deeper than recreational scuba diving limits. Some scuba computers can’t function properly beyond a certain depth. Also, alarms for ascent rates for scuba divers won’t be applicable to freediving where faster ascents are acceptable and don’t have barotrauma and decompression implications.
Quality and Durability
Brand-name watches are more likely to have the best materials, designs, and craftsmanship that will help to ensure durability and comfort.
Features: USB cable enables connection to your computer and downloading of logbook info, DSAT decompression model, selectable audible alarms for different actions and gases, deep stop and safety stop countdown
Rating: 4.6
Price: $$$$
Pros: air integrated for scuba diving eliminating gauge and hose, simple design with easy navigation
Features: free dive mode shows depth and elapsed dive time, user-defined surface recovery timer, repeating dive time and depth interval alarms, 3 maximum depth alarms
Rating: 4.7
Price: $$$
Pros: alarms and display great for free dive training
Cons: good for freediving, not so good for scuba diving
Features: 2 algorithms, 2 Nitrox mixes up to 100% oxygen, firmware auto-updates, audible alarms, gauge mode with run timer, last dive display for maximum depth and dive time, comes with DiverLog+ app to connect with your smartphone
Rating: 4.8
Price: $$
Pros: PC compatible, DiverLog+ app, durable, stylish, easy navigation through the menus
Cons: many complaints about the poor user manual, suggest checking out the Oceanic video below
Features: oxygen toxicity indicator, user-adjustable conservatism levels, easy to program single button navigation with large digits, imperial or metric
Rating: 4.5
Price: $$
Pros: high-definition screen, has a battery save mode, ability to reset, low price
Features: two gas switching, 4 button menu navigation, variable ascent rate indicator, time to fly and desaturation countdowns, comes in white or black
Features: 5 modes include the current time, dual time, chronograph, countdown timer, underwater diving, automatic activation, long battery life, alert for fast ascents
Features: has apnea, air, and nitrox timers, optional wireless gas integration, compact styling, 9 colors available, has scratch guards, includes a USB cable, audible, visual depth, and time alarms
Rating: 4.9
Price: $$$$
Pros: versatile, quality construction, and features
I hope you have found this review of freediving watches to be useful. If you have any questions, ideas, or personal experiences, please feel free to share them in the comments. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
A dive computer is almost an essential piece of gear that helps assure your safety and convenience. It eliminates the need for dive tables to calculate your dive profile throughout the dive to alert you to your depth, bottom time, ascent rate, and no-decompression limits.
As a beginner, it is perhaps a daunting task to consider which model is suitable for your needs. Here I will try to help make it easier by first providing a simple buying guide breaking down the key considerations. After that, there are reviews of the most suitable models for beginners. At the end is a table comparing important features.
If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Best Dive Computer for Beginners Buying Guide
Level of Experience
There are dive computers that are very sophisticated on the market that serve the most advanced, technical, and professional diving that can carry a very hefty price tag matching the level of sophistication. As a beginner, many of the features offered are not necessary and there is no need to purchase what you have no foreseeable need for. What’s important is to choose a model that has an easy-to-navigate menu and operating system. If you develop your skills and interest to the point of wanting an advanced model, this first beginner’s version will make a good backup.
Budget
How much you have available to spend is an important factor. Fortunately, the computers suitable for beginners are on the low end of the range of pricing. Dive computers are such an important safety device it is recommended that you have some flexibility and don’t skimp. You should evaluate how you want to use it, under what conditions, and how often, and make sure to get one that is durable enough. The warranty offered is worth examining closely.
Screen Size and Brightness
A display that is easy to see is paramount. Some are larger than others. Most have some sort of enhancement to make the screen easy to see in the dark, low light, or poor visibility. Many computers have an LCD display or are backlit to solve this. Otherwise, you will need a flashlight.
Style
Dive computers are designed to be carried on your wrist or in the console. The smallest models are watch-sized, often stylish, and suitable to be worn outside the water. Wrist-style models are larger and heavier and generally easier to see during your dive. A number of these can also be mounted in your console. There are also other models designed to be carried in the console which may have advanced features.
Batteries
Some dive computers require a technician to change the batteries, which can be very inconvenient when you are in a remote location. A replaceable battery system or rechargeable batteries that you can handle by yourself are strongly recommended to make sure you can complete the dives you planned.
Digital Compass
A digital compass is more ergonomic than having a dedicated analog setup and will allow you to see which direction you are going without having to carry an additional device. Some beginner-level compasses will have this.
Air Integration
This allows you to monitor air consumption on your dive computer. There are two styles, wrist and hose mounted. A hose-mounted computer attaches to your high-pressure hose and directly measures gas levels in the tank. These generally will be a little heavier and bigger than wrist-mounted models. Wrist-mounted models access wirelessly using a transmitter screwed onto your first stage. Keep in mind that this style is not as flawless as your SPG, so it is still wise to continue the use of that. For my review on air integrated computers, please click here:
Air mode is for when standard air with 21% oxygen is used on the dive. Nitrox mode will calculate different no-decompression limits based on the blend of the nitrox used, usually having between 32 and 36% oxygen. The gauge mode keeps track of depth, bottom time, ascent rate, and surface interval only. Freediving mode is designed for the needs of breath-hold diving.
Gas Switching
Gas switching can be done by technical divers when they use different mixes of gas for different depths and decompression stops. This is far advanced for what you are doing as a beginner diving within the recreational limits and generally won’t be possible on beginner-level computers.
Features: 2 algorithms, 2 nitrox mixes up to 100% oxygen, firmware auto-updates, audible alarms, gauge mode with run timer, last dive display for maximum depth and dive time, backlit
Rating: 4.4
Price: $$
Pros: PC compatible, durable, stylish, easy navigation through the menus
Cons: many complaints about the poor users manual, suggest checking out the Oceanic tutorial below
Features: oxygen toxicity indicator, user-adjustable conservatism levels, easy to program single button navigation with large digits, imperial or metric
Rating: 4.2
Price: $
Pros: high-definition screen, has a battery save mode, ability to reset, low price
Features: has apnea, air, and nitrox timers, optional wireless air integration, compact styling, 9 colors available, has scratch guards, includes a USB cable, audible, visual, depth, and time alarms
Rating: 4.9
Price: $$$$
Pros: versatile, quality construction and features
Features: backlit, switch between scuba and free diving on the same day, gauge mode when using it for a timer, audible alarms and additional high-visibility LED warning light for additional safety
I hope you found this post on the best dive computers for beginners interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
Air-integrated computers eliminate the need for an SPG at the end of your high-pressure hose. The amount of pressure in your tank can be easily monitored on your computer at the same time you keep track of your depth, dive time, and no-decompression limits.
These computers tend to be expensive and have lots of other features to consider for the type of diving you plan to do. A brief buying guide, reviews of top integrated air computers, and a comparison table are presented below to make the selection process easier.
If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Best Air Integrated Dive Computers Buying Guide
Diving Level
What sort of diving do you plan to do? What are your capabilities? There are dive computers set up for all levels of diving from simple recreational to more advanced with deeper limits, mixed gases, or the use of a rebreather. With increasing levels of sophistication, the more expensive and complicated the computer will be.
Set-Up
Air-integrated dive computers have two basic designs, one to carry on your wrist like a watch, or the other on the high-pressure hose. The wrist-mounted models use a wireless transmitter attached to the first stage. Hose-mounted models are usually a little bulkier and heavier.
Pricing
The air integration feature adds a cost to the price of the dive computer. The price range is from around $500 to over $2,000. More technical diving capabilities are the factor that takes it to the top end of the range. Hose-mounted models run cheaper than the wireless version. If you know you do not plan to do technical diving that can include several mixed gases, the use of a rebreather, or other advanced features, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a simpler model. To get an idea of models available that are a little more affordable, please take a look at these two reviews.
Large screens found on many hose-mounted models and computers designed for technical diving are easier to see than the smaller round screen often used on wrist-mount models. The preferred option is an LCD screen display that provides more room to show information useful for technical divers who monitor decompression and multiple gas mixes.
Lighting
Seeing the computer screen in low light or bad visibility conditions is important. Today’s modern computers take care of that with backlighting or by having an inherently bright LCD display. Without these features, you would need to rely on a flashlight.
Navigation
An essential piece of gear for effective navigation and safety is the compass. Most air-integrated computers will include an integrated compass. This saves having to carry another gauge but does add to the price.
User Changeable Battery: yes, standard replaceable AA battery, the transmitter uses a 3V CR2 lithium
Features: 5 open-circuit gas switch presets, full-color screen, 850 ft operating depth, Bluetooth connectivity with iOS devices, capable of displaying tank pressure in all modes, 2.2-inch display with an enhanced color range and saturation, simple to navigate menu structure, hoseless air integration, integrated compass
Pros: Mountable on either wrist, features for use with a rebreather, full information provided for decompression diving
Features: hoseless air integration, able to connect with 2 transmitters, integrated 3D compass, Bluetooth Smart technology, wireless charging, switchable audible and vibration alerts
Pros: mountable on either wrist, features for use with a rebreather, full information provided for decompression diving
Features: hose-mounted air integration, matrix display, an electronic 3D compass that tilts to 45 degrees and is still readable, 4-button operation, optional deep stops
User Changeable Battery: rechargeable up to 50 hours of dive time per charge
Features: 485 MB memory, USB cable or Bluetooth Low Energy interface, hoseless air integration, integrated digital compass, includes heart rate monitor
I hope you found this post on the best air-integrated dive computers interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<