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Best Air Integrated Dive Computer Reviews

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Shearwater Research Teric
Shearwater Research Teric

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.  To make the selection process easier, a brief buying guide, reviews of top integrated air computers, and a comparison table are presented below.

Best Air Integrated Computer 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 capabilities for technical diving that are included is 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.

Readability– 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 LCD display which is inherently bright.  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.

Best Air Integrated Dive Computer Reviews

Suunto D6i Novo

  • Best for: recreational and advanced
  • Modes: air, nitrox, gauge, and free dive
  • User Changeable Battery: No
  • Features: steel casing, tilt-compensated 3D digital compass, anti-reflective coated glass face, hoseless air integration, USB cable
  • Pros: can be worn as a watch out of the water thus keeping your dive info with you, strong and durable steel case
  • Cons: the strap is plastic and prone to breaking, expensive, battery not user changeable or rechargeable
  • Overall Rating:   4.5/5

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Suunto Vyper Novo

  • Best for: recreational
  • Modes: air, nitrox, gauge, free dive
  • User Changeable Battery: yes
  • Features: integrated compass, wireless air integration, 3 button navigation, backlit display, improved USB cable
  • Pros: affordably priced
  • Cons: some have complained the strap is uncomfortable  
  •  Overall Rating:  4.2/5

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Suunto Eon Steel

  • Best for: technical
  • Modes: air, ccr, gauge, mixed gas
  • User Changeable Battery: rechargeable
  • Features: integrated compass, hoseless air integration, USB cable, multi-gas diving up to 10 gases
  • Pros: fully user customizable
  • Cons: a bit bulky mounted on the wrist, expensive
  • Overall Rating:   4.5/5

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Shearwater Perdix AI

  • Best for: technical
  • Modes: air, ccr, gauge, mixed gas
  • 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 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
  • Cons: moderately expensive
  • Overall Rating:  5/5

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Shearwater Research Teric

  • Best for: technical
  • Modes:open-circuit, fixed po2, gauge, free dive
  • User Changeable Battery: yes, 1 CR123A battery
  • Features: hoseless air integration, able to connect with 2 transmitters, integrated 3D compass, Bluetooth Smart technology, and wireless charging, switchable audible and vibration alerts
  • Pros: mountable on either wrist, features for use with a rebreather, full information provided for decompression diving
  • Cons: expensive
  • Overall Rating:  4.9/5

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Suunto Cobra 3 

  • Best for: recreational
  • Modes: air, nitrox
  • User Changeable Battery: Yes
  • Features: hose mounted air integration, matrix display, electronic 3D compass tilts to 45 degrees and is still readable, 4 button operation, optional deep stops
  • Pros: quick disconnect, reliable
  • Cons:  let me know
  • Overall Rating:  4.8/5

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Scubapro G2

  • Best for: recreational and technical
  • Modes: scuba, free dive, gauge, CCR, sidemount, trimix
  • 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
  • Pros: loads of memory and features
  • Cons: let me know 
  • Overall Rating:  4.8/5

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Scubapro Mantis 2.0

  • Best for: recreational and technical
  • Modes: deco, gauge, free dive,  CCR
  • User Changeable Battery: yes, good for 150-200 dives
  • Features: hoseless air integration, integrated digital compass, optional heart rate monitor
  • Pros: wristwatch sized, full top-side timekeeping functions
  • Cons: small buttons
  • Overall Rating:  4.5/5

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PictureComputerGas MixesCompassRatingPrice
PictureComputerGas MixesCompassRatingPrice
Suunto D6i Novo3Yes4.5$$$
Suunto Vyper Novo3Yes4.2$
Suunto Eon Steel10Yes4.5$$$
Shearwater Research Perdix AI5Yes5$$$
.Shearwater Research TericAny Combination of Oxygen, Nitrogen, and HeliumYes4.9$$$
Suunto Cobra 32Yes4.8$
Scubapro G28Yes4.8$$$
Scubapro Mantis 2.03Yes4.5$$

For other reviews regarding dive computers and compasses, please check these three:

Comments and Feedback

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<<

Best Freediving Watch of 2019

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Oceanic F10 Freediving Watch
Oceanic F10 Freediving Watch

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.

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.

Best Freediving Watches

Sherwood Amphos

  • Best Use: scuba divers who also free-dive
  • Modes: air, nitrox, gauge, free-dive, and watch
  • User Changeable Battery: Yes, CR2430
  • Memory: 24 dives
  • 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
  • Pros: air integrated for scuba diving eliminating gauge and hose, simple design with easy navigation
  • Cons: expensive

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Oceanic F10Oceanic F10 Dive Computer

  • Best use: free-dive training
  • Modes: free-dive, and watch
  • User Changeable Battery: Yes, CR2430
  • Memory: 99 dives
  • 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
  • Pros: alarms and display great for free dive training
  • Cons: good for freediving, not so good for scuba diving

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Oceanic Geo 2.0

  • Best use: nitrox and advanced divers
  • Modes: air, nitrox, gauge, free, and watch
  • User Changeable Battery: Yes, CR2430
  • Memory: 24 scuba dives or 99 free dives
  • 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
  • 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

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Cressi Leonardo

  • Best use: nitrox and advanced divers
  • Modes: air, nitrox, and gauge
  • User Changeable Battery: yes, CR2430
  • Features: oxygen toxicity indicator, user adjustable conservatism levels, easy to program single button navigation with large digits, imperial or metric
  • Pros: high-definition screen, has a battery save mode, ability to reset, low price
  • Cons: computer interface not included

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Mares Smart

  • Best use: freediving and watch
  • Modes: air, nitrox, and free-dive
  • User Changeable Battery: Yes, CR2430
  • Memory: 36 hours
  • Features: ergonomic design, attractive styling, 7 color combinations, calendar, dual time zones, alarms
  • Pros: easy to read display,
  • Cons: watch straps a little short to fit over some cold water wetsuits

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Omer Compact UP-X1 (with Heart Rate Monitor)

  • Best use: free-dive training
  • Modes: freediving and watch
  • User Changeable Battery: no, it’s rechargeable, has a power-save mode
  • Memory: 250 dives
  • Features: 4 buttons and 6 screen modes, carbon fiber face ring, heart rate monitor and USB, multiple alerts, automatic dive mode
  • Pros: can use heart monitor for other sports, as well,
  • Cons: a little expensive

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Suunto D9tx

  • Best use: technical divers and advanced freedivers
  • Modes: air, trimix, free-dive, gauge, and watch
  • User Changeable Battery: yes, Cr2450
  • Memory: 80 hours
  • Features: supports trimix and helium, electronic 3D compass, titanium housing, can switch between 8 mixes of gas, USB included
  • Pros: durable titanium housing, high quality
  • Cons:  quite expensive, more for the advanced scuba diver than freediver

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Tusa Talis 

  • Best use: freediving and watch
  • Modes: air, nitrox, gauge, free-diving, and watch
  • User Changeable Battery: yes, Cr2450
  • Memory: 24 dives
  • Features: two gas switching, 4 button menu navigation, variable ascent rate indicator, time to fly and desaturation countdowns, comes in white or black
  • Pros:  many features at a reasonable price
  • Cons:  24 dives memory is not a lot

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Pyle Multifunction Sport Watch

  • Best use: freediving and watch
  • Modes: freediving and watch
  • User Changeable Battery: yes, Cr2
  • Memory: 100 hours
  • Features: 5 modes include the current time, dual time, chronograph, countdown timer, underwater diving, automatic activation, long battery life, alert for fast ascents
  • Pros:  very low price, colorful styling
  • Cons:  watch band is a bit short

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Suunto D4i Novo

  • Best use: scuba and freediving
  • Modes: air, nitrox, free, and off
  • User Changeable Battery: yes, Cr2450
  • Memory: 140 hours
  • 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
  • Pros:  versatile, quality construction, and features
  • Cons:  if you find a problem, please let me know

Check the Price

PictureFreediving WatchUsers ModesMemoryDepthRatingPrice
Sherwood AmphosScuba & FreedivingAir, Nitrox, Gauge, Freedive, & Watch24 Dives330 Feet4.6$$$$
Oceanic F10Breath Hold TrainingFreediving & Watch99 Dives399 Feet4.7$$$
Oceanic Geo 2.0BudgetWatch, Air, Nitrox, Gauge, & Freedive99 Dives330 Feet4.8$$
Cressi LeonardoBudgetAir, Nitrox, & Gauge60 Dives or 70 Hours393 Feet4.5$$
Mares SmartBudgetFreediving & Watch36 Hours or 200 Dives492 Feet4.7$$$
Omer Compact UP-X1Breath Hold TrainingFreediving & Watch250 Dives328 Feet$$$$
Suunto D9txAllAir, Trimix, Free Dive, Gauge, & Watch80 Hours399 Feet5$$$$$
Tusa TalisBudgetAir, Nitrox, Gauge, Freediving, & Watch24 Dives120 Feet4.8$$
Pyle Multifunction Sport WatchBudgetFreediving & Watch100 Hours328 Feet4.4$
Suunto D4i NovoScuba & FreedivingAir, Nitrox, Free, & Off140 Hours328 Feet4.9$$$$

For my reviews on scuba diving computers and watches, please check out these reviews:

Feedback and Comments

I hope you have found this review of freediving watches to be useful.  If you have any questions, ideas or personal experience, please feel free to share them in the comments.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<

The 8 Best Dive Computers of 2019 – Reviewed and Compared

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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.

Dive Computer 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 introduction in the 1960s, they have decreased substantially in size while simultaneously increasing in functionality. Few divers today are without one relying on them to provide accurate depth reading, 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 based on your skill level in order to maximize efficiency of use of your dive computer. 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.

Best Dive Computers of 2019

Oceanic Geo 2.0 Air/Nitrox Dive Computer Wrist Watch

Considerations:

  • Best for: Recreational & Advanced
  • Gases: Air, Nitrox
  • User Changeable Battery: Yes, CR2430
  • Features: 4 modes including watch and free diving modes, audible alarm with flashing led light, two algorithms
  • Pros: Great watch style computer for scuba and free diving with easy navigation through menus, affordable
  • Cons: Light color display can be difficult to read in low vis, can only store 24 dives
  • Overall Rating:  4.2/5

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Suunto D6i Novo Dive Computer

Considerations:

  • Best for: Recreational and Advanced
  • Gases: Air, Nitrox to 99% Oxygen/3 Gases
  • User Changeable Battery: No
  • Features: Steel casing, tilt compensated 3D digital compass, free dive mode, anti-reflective coated glass face, hoseless air integration option
  • Pros: Can be worn as a watch out of the water thus keeping your dive info with you, strong and durable steel case, wireless air integration option
  • Cons: Dive algorithms are conservative, the strap is not metal like the computer housing, expensive
  • Overall Rating:   4.6/5

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Cressi Leonardo Dive Computer

Considerations:

  • Best for: Recreational
  • Gases: Air, Nitrox
  • User Changeable Battery: Yes, CR2430
  • Features: Oxygen toxicity indicator, user adjustable conservatism levels, easy to program single button navigation with large digits
  • Pros: High-definition screen, has a battery save mode, ability to reset, low price
  • Cons: Large with a super long wristband
  • Overall Rating:  4.2/5

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Shearwater Research Perdix AI Dive Computer with Transmitter

Considerations:

  • Best for: Advanced, Technical & Rebreather
  • Gases: Air, Nitrox, Trimix
  • 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 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
  • Cons:  Expensive
  • Overall Rating:  5/5

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Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer

Considerations:

  • Best for: Recreational and Back-up
  • Gases: Air, Nitrox
  • User Changeable Battery: No
  • Features: Easy four button navigation, gauge mode, altitude and personal conservatism adjustments, integrated apnea timer
  • Pros: Can be used on wrist or in modular console, large easy to read display, great performance considering the low price
  • Cons: PC integration is a separate purchase, the large size is uncomfortable outside of the water, small buttons harder to use with gloves
  • Overall Rating:  4.5/5

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Mares Puck Pro Wrist Dive Computer

Considerations:

  • Best for: Recreational and Back-up
  • Gases: Air, Nitrox
  • User Changeable Battery: Yes, user replaceable CR 2450
  • Features: Stopwatch, fresh and saltwater settings, altitude adjustment, calendar, bright LCD display,
  • Pros: Out of water “auto-off” saves battery life, large and easy to read face, affordable
  • Cons: Single button interface, no depth alarm
  • Overall Rating:  4.3/5

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Aqua Lung i300 Dive Computer

Considerations:

  • Best for: Recreational
  • Gases: Air, Nitrox
  • User Changeable Battery: Yes
  • 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
  • Pros: Simple, user-friendly, very affordable
  • Cons:  Very large
  • Overall Rating:  4.2/5

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Suunto Cobra 3 Scuba Diving Computer 

Considerations:

  • Best for: Recreational
  • Gases: Air, Nitrox
  • User Changeable Battery: Yes
  • Features: Hose mounted air integration, matrix display, electronic 3D compass tilts to 45 degrees and is still readable, 4 button operation
  • Pros: Quick disconnect, reliable
  • Cons:  Accessing different menus a bit difficult
  • Overall Rating:  4.8/5

check out the price

Dive Computer Air Integrated Nitrox Gas Switching User Changeable Battery Integrated Compass Price Rating
Oceanic Geo 2.0 No Yes 2 Mixes Yes No $$ 4.2
Suunto D6i Novo Hoseless Yes to 99% 3 Mixes No Yes $$$$ 4.6
Cressi Leonardo No Yes No Yes No $ 4.2
Shearwater Research Perdix AI Hoseless Yes 5 Mixes Yes No $$$$ 5
Suunto Zoop Novo No Yes No Yes No $$ 4.5
Mares Puck Pro No Yes to 99% 2 Mixes Yes No $ 4.3
Aqua Lung i300 No Yes 2 Mixes Yes Yes $ 4.2
Suunto Cobra 3 Hose Mounted Yes 2 Mixes Yes Yes $$$ 4.8

I hope you have found this review of dive computers to be useful.  If you have any questions, ideas or personal experience, please feel free to share them in the comments.  If there is no comments section directly below, click here:  >>comments<<