), Design When youre paying hundreds of dollars, you should expect the computer body to look great (to you), with a comfortable fit and modern interface design. Slightly cluttered user interface compared to the Shearwater Teric. The similarly-priced Aqualung i470TC has a smaller form factor and does have air integration capability (with a transmitter, which is a separate purchase), but the Aqualung doesn't have a color screen or that big beautiful display. {{#pushedProductsPlacement4.length}} Price $ Bulky Watch-style Not Air-Integrated BW Bluetooth. The Garmin Descent Mk2i Dive Computer is a full-featured, rugged, multi-sport smartwatch with excellent battery life that is ALSO a full technical air integrated dive computer. You might have to charge daily while youre diving, especially if you also use your dive computer as a smartwatch for everyday tasks like receiving email or texts, listening to music, etc. It shouldnt require a full manual dive to get started. You're better to spend a little more at the start and get a much nicer computer that you won't need to upgrade. Air-integrated dive computers automagically display your air pressure on the dive computer itself rather than on a separate pressure gauge using data received from a small transmitter that attaches to the first-stage regulator mounted on your tank. Themenu systemandinterfaceshould be intuitive and easy to understand. Dive Modes Shearwater Teric Dive Computer, Best Smartwatch Dive Computer These watches look great if youre into that style, and theyre an excellent choice for surfing, swimming, and watersports. Altitude Adjustment This site contains affiliate links. Her big goal at the moment is to travel around Australia solo. Its deceptively chunky - definitely not a slim watch-style. You can keep renting the other gear, some people never buy gear, but most people will even travel with a mask and dive computer. Buy on Amazon Air, Nitrox, Free and Gauge Air, Nitrox, Free and Gauge After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Wrist dive computers have similar functionality, but with a larger screen. Monitor air in up to three tanks (with optional transmitters) great for diving with kids or beginners. Its a smartwatch first, with dive computer capability. The Teric combines my must-have features, such asair integration, with asleek designand abrightand easy-to-read screen. Once youre knowledgeable about diving, better computers will allow you to start customizing their algorithms based on the type of dive youre doing. Most people will keep the same dive computer for many years, so its a worthwhile purchase even early on. Personally, I use a Shearwater Perdix AI, which is a wrist dive computer, as it lives on my underwater camera rather than taking up real estate on my arm. I dont, as the battery compartment becomes a point of vulnerability for water entry. Simple to change from air to nitrox and to set oxygen percentages. Once youre qualified, though, Id suggest that your first two purchases should be your own dive mask, then a dive computer. Manual The second level in the Recreational dive computer range includes the Suunto Zoop, the Cressi Giotto,Aqualung i300C, the Oceanic Geo 2.0, andDeepblu Cosmiq+. One of the great things about both ends of the dive computer spectrum is that both the entry level DC's and the high end dive computers are always in demand. Wesurveyed our extensive network of professional divers(scuba instructors, professional underwater photographers, marine biologists etc) to get their opinions and feedback. However, its genuinely worth spending a bit more for my top Beginners Choice, the Shearwater Peregrine, which is chunkier than the i200C but has a gorgeous color screen and much-improved navigation. Theres no free lunch here boring old traditional dive computers have a great battery life, but the more smart features you want, the bigger the power draw. The i470TC doesnt compete with the big, beautiful color display of the Peregrin, but if air integration is a must-have feature for you, or you want a computer that doubles as a wristwatch, this is the better option at a similar price point around $500. The traditional 'beginner' computers, like the Cressi Leonardo or the Mares Puck Pro, might be a bit cheaper, but they're really frustrating to use. Why we like the Aqua Lung i470TC Dive Computer: Air integration (with optional transmitter, sold separately). 4 - Button Bhlmann ZH-L Bhlmann Decompression Algorithm, DSAT The Diving Science And Technology Model, Oceanic(C) (L) Dual Algorithm Pelagic Z+ (ZHL-16C) and Pelagic DSAT, Shearwater(C with Personalisation)- Bhlmann ZHL-16C with optional VPM-B and VPM-B/GFS. Hopefully, youll find some really useful information on this site so that your Scuba, snorkeling and beach holidays stay fun, safe and enjoyable. You can set up alerts for 100 bar, 50 bar, or any other pressure level to save you constantly checking throughout your dive. Real Diver feedback: Overwhelming positive diver experience, feedback, and reviews. 3 - Button A cheaper option (new in 2020) is the Aqua Lung i470TC, which misses out on a color screen but is a nice watch-style dive computer with full air integration for under $500 (excluding the transmitter). Shes been sampling the worlds equipment for over a decade. All of our top dive computer choices, aside from the beginnersMares Puck Pro, feature excellent integrated digital compasses. JUMP TOWINNER Shearwater Teric SMARTWATCH Garmin Descent Mk2i ~$500 Shearwater Peregrine ADVANCED Suunto D5 AIR INTEGRATION Aqua Lung i470TC CHEAP Aqua Lung i300C BUYERS GUIDE. Gas Switching Super useful. Please log in again. As they gain more experience, most divers want more features and customization options. No, not straight away most people rent gear from a shop for their first few dives. That said, dive computers arent a product youre likely to upgrade often. A dive computer allows you to independently track your own dive so you know whats going on. Do users love it? Big, beautiful color screen. The Aqua Lung i470TC, a 2020 update to the much-loved 450 model, looks like a well-made dive watch but is, in fact, a sophisticated dive computer offering air integration (with up to three transmitters, sold separately) with an excellent user interface and display. Some algorithms are more conservative than others, and some dive computers allow you to select your choice of algorithm, or even design your own. For instance, on the Garmin Descent, theofficial specs areup to 40 hours of battery life in dive mode, up to 19 days in watch mode, up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode. Is Suunto Zoop Novo still the best Beginner Dive Computer in 2022? Why we like the Garmin Descent Mk2iDive Computer: New version features SubWave sonar technology aka AIR INTEGRATION - finally, and, WOO! Both models also have advanced technical diving features, such as the ability to use multiple gas mixes on record-setting deep dives using rebreathers in a cave, if thats your jam. Our favorite is the Shearwater Teric. Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Free Once youve had an air-integrated computer, diving with gauges feels like stepping back in time. If youre on the fence about air integration, keep in mind you cannot upgrade anon-air-integrateddive computer to anair- integrateddive computer. Core tasks are: can you change the date and time easily? Manual Bluetooth connectivity If you want to download your dive logs to app or computer, or do easy firmware updates, reliable bluetooth connectivity is a great feature. See my full reviews above. Yes. The main criteria for making our choice quickly became obvious. Functionality must-haves: Air-integration, bluetooth, long dive mode battery life, tilt compass, customizations. TheGarmin Descentis better in that respect. The sleek edge-to-edge screen allows for big, clear text. Advanced nitrox functionality switch between up to three mixes. The insiders guide to the worlds best wildlife experiences. This dive computer does not have wireless air capability,but is more than just a dive computer. Suunto has released new colors for the D4i Novo. Well be watching carefully to see how this smart integration works in practice. One of my entry-level choices, the Aqua Lung i470TC, also makes for a good-looking watch if you dont mind the grayscale screen. 3 - Button For instance, when you purchase the titanium strap model youll receive dive-friendly silicone in the box with both long and short straps. I want to be looking at awesome ocean animals, not trying to interpret screen hieroglyphics. Comparison Guide to the Best Entry-Level Dive Computers for Beginners, A Quick Guide to the Best Wireless Air Integrated Dive Computers in 2022, Compare the features and prices of the best selling Dive Computers, Best Beginner & Recreational Dive Computers. The Teric is packed with features that are appreciated by both recreational and technical divers. Bluetooth Transfer Speaking of battery life, many of the latest dive computers are more like smartwatches. Dive shops often use this configuration, as students are less likely to lose the computer! Usability The computer should be intuitive and easy to use. Real-world reviews are the best reviews. The advantage these two have other other Recreational dive computers in this price range, is that they both have Bluetooth connectivity. I like the look of the D6i Novo with a Zulu strap. Preview Bluetooth Transfer The Peregrine, introduced in 2020, changes all that it's an advanced dive computer in a novice-friendly package. TheShearwater Perdix AIis by far the best dive computer for Technical divers and Recreational divers alike. There's usually a bit of a compromise when it comes to watch-sized dive computers. There are some other nice-to-have features that, if youre diving a lot, really do make a difference. Buy on Amazon Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Free Im a whale shark biologist & marine wildlife photographer from New Zealand. The best dive computers for advanced divers are the Shearwater Teric and the Garmin Descent Mk2i. Straps can suffer wear quite quickly, too, so easy replacement is great. {{#i!=(product.specData.length-1)}} Air, Nitrox, Gauge $329.00 Battery life is only 6-12 hrs in dive mode (compared to the Terics 30 hrs). You simply can't go wrong with these. Full-color crystal LED-backlit screen with rich blacks. Read the reviews! Most of the new models are incremental upgrades over previous computers, so reviews of older generations are often useful too especially if the new version addresses the pain points. The Shearwater Peregrine is a fantastic choice as your first dive computer. Bluetooth Transfer Ultimately the best dive computer for beginners is one that enhances every dive while never forcing you to upgrade. When paired with a compatible smartphone, the Descent Mk1 can receive text messages, emails and smart notifications on the watch face. Mads watched dozens ofYouTubereviews and product explainers, gathering multiple opinions like the two below: We loved this comparison video by Black Manta Photography. As a whale shark biologist and underwater photographer, I rely on my scuba diving equipment to be highly functional and reliable. It does everything a recreational diver would ever want, with the addition of GPS and other data to your digital dive logs. Listed here are wrist mounted dive computers only - no consoles are included. $$$ Watch-style Air-Integrated Color LED Bluetooth. New divers, and less fit divers, should lean towards conservative algorithms. Often the last generation will have a price drop too, sometimes offering great value. Preview Having a simple screen display is an advantage here its good to be able to customize the face so it only shows what you need to know. Traditional 'beginner' dive computers like the Cressi Leonardo and Suunto Zoop are cheaper, but they're so frustrating to use that most divers quickly start shopping for an upgrade. All major brand recreational dive computer companies draw from the same selection of algorithms that model depth and time to keep you safely within the no-decompression limits. Doesnt compete with the best entry-level computers (noted above). Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. Sad to say, most older (and sometimes cheaper) dive computers are terrible at this. Permanent pairingallows you to enter the transmitters serial number into the computer once, and youll never have to think about it again. There is significant variation in brightness between dive computer models. A nice feature is the customizable vibration alerts that alert you to whatever requires attention, even through a thick wetsuit or drysuit, while avoiding the annoying beeps that many other computers use. Price not available These displays are a game-changer; previously, high brightness was associated with lower battery life, but with energy-efficient LEDs you get a long-lasting battery with your bright screen. The Descent is far more than a dive computer, however. Wireless bluetooth connectivity with free smartphone app. In terms of features, the two most important (in my mind) are easy nitrox programming and air integration, as these are day-to-day things that make diving nicer. Shearwater Perdix AI with Bluetooth & Air, Best Watch Sized Dive Computer with Air Integration. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. THE ULTIMATE WATCH-SIZED DIVE COMPUTER
If you're about to buy your first dive computer or you're on the hunt to upgrade to one with more features, then hopefully my list will take some of the hard work out of comparing these for you. Kinda niche, but very handy. In her spare time, you'll find her snorkeling, paddle boarding, and expanding on her Scuba diving skills. Thoughtful packaging. Sharon has always enjoyed family holidays at the beach and spent in the water. $299.95 Being 'watch sized' though, also means they're more expensive than other wrist mounted dive computers. You do. My choice for the best dive computer overall, the Shearwater Teric, has full tech-diving capabilities, although it can only link to two tanks at once (which is fine for most tech-divers). With great power, comes great battery drain. Click the link or the image below if you want to read more on any of these Suunto Dive Computers. Aqua Lung i470TC Dive Computer, The Best Cheap Dive Computer for Beginners You'll want to throw it off the boat after a few dives, or the strap will break and solve the problem for you. The Bluetooth integration to DiverLog+ provides wireless connectivity to your dive log. Modern dive computers use the screen to display a digital compass. If you like to wear your computer as a watch, the Teric is a good-looking option. Menu Buttons {{#each product.specData:i}} Altitude Adjustment These are always in demand if you decide to upgrade later on. Dive Modes I chose the Shearwater Teric as the Best Dive Computer in 2022. Product The NiTek Q Advance Diving Computer is a wrist-mounted, seven-gas Trimix dive computer designed with numerous features and functions that are easy to use making it a dive hours of dive time per charge and a charging adapter that gives the user the option of USB or AC sources. If you like the idea of air integration being able to check your remaining air from your computer then the Aqua Lung i470TC is also under $500 and is a good choice, lacking the beautiful display but coming in a wristwatch-size form-factor. If you want the smartest dive computer on the planet, the Garmin Descent Mk2i is it. For the majority of new divers, entry level dive computers are the best place to start. Simon is a shark conservation biologist and world-renowned underwater photographer who dives, snorkels and freedives for a living. A good dive computer means you can independently track important dive information to ensure your safety, and so that you can plan your dive to maximize your time underwater. The world's first watch-sized rebreather-compatible dive computer. Advanced dive computers add tank air pressure monitoring and a digital compass so you dont need to be looking at multiple (cumbersome) gauges. A great dive computer will make your diving more enjoyable. You need to keep an eye on the price for the i200 as it jumps around a bit. It offers air-integration, with a bright LED-backlit screen and Bluetooth integration. This has wireless air transmission, wireless mobile connection and the battery is easily rechargeable.