How To Choose A Dive Computer
Some Factors to Consider
Wrist Dive Computer
This style is very popular. They look similar to huge watches and are worn on the wrist.
Information can be clearly read from the display.
Console Dive Computer
A console dive computer is attached to the rest of the equipment via a hose. It usually comes together with a pressure gauge.
You can also mount this to your BC via the various attachments available.
Air or Nitrox Dive Computer
If you are currently diving using Nitrox, you will need a Nitrox compatible dive computer. This allows you to program the amount of oxygen in your air tank.
Standard compressed air consists of 21% oxygen
Nitrox compatible dive computer can be used with standard compressed air, but not vice versa. If you do not have any plans to use Nitrox, you can save some money by buying a standard air dive computer.
Memory
All computers have a dive log function so you can review the dives you’ve completed. Find out how many dives the computer retains in its memory. Older computers only showed the last dive. Today, 10 dives seems to be the average.
Battery Life
Check if the computers allows you to change the batteries on your own.
Some
can only be changed by the shop technician or be sent
back to the manufacturer.