Dive computers are necessary for every diver, but unless you are doing technical diving, you only need a basic dive computer. Thirty years ago, dive computers were a luxury but today they are an essential piece of dive gear for all divers.
How much is scuba diving computer?
Dive computers have a wide range of prices averaging from around $150 to $1,500. That’s a huge jump and every kind of dive computer you can think of fills the space between. Keep in mind—less expensive doesn’t necessarily mean a poor product.
What is a computer in scuba diving?
A dive computer provides the real-time dive information you need to dive well. A dive computer takes depth and time information and applies it to a decompression model to track the dissolved nitrogen in your body during a dive. Your computer continuously tells you how much dive time you safely have remaining.
Which is the best dive computer?
The Best Dive Computers for 2023 are:
- WINNER: Shearwater Teric Dive Computer.
- SMARTWATCH: Garmin Descent Mk2i Dive Computer.
- ~$500: Shearwater Peregrine Dive Computer.
- BEST LOOKING: Suunto D5 Dive Computer.
- CHEAP AIR INTEGRATION: Aqua Lung i470TC Dive Computer.
- CHEAP: Aqua Lung i300C Dive Computer.
Do I really need a dive computer? – Related Questions
What dive computer do Navy SEALs use?
Exceptional technology for underwater missions
With Dräger, they don’t need to worry about their equipment. That’s why the US Navy SEALs have depended on our equipment for the last 40 years. Dräger diving apparatus allow special units to complete their missions with maximum success and minimum risk.
How much should I spend on a dive computer?
Dive computers can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500+ USD. Recreational divers probably don’t need to spend more than $500 USD, if that. You can get some really great models for less, and you’ll only need to pay more if you want a technical computer that features air integration.
What is the easiest dive computer to use?
Top Dive Computers For Beginner Divers
- Mares Smart Dive Computer. A great budget friendly option for beginner divers, the Mares Smart Dive Computer is highly user friendly and comes with a super sharp and clear watch display.
- Suunto Zoop Nova Dive Computer.
- Mares Quad Dive Computer.
Do you need 2 dive computers?
The backup plan has to equal, or be within, the primary plan run on a computer. For that reason, most modern technical divers opt for instrument redundancy through having two identical computers. If one fails, they can ascend exactly as planned using their backup.
How long should a dive computer last?
Many manufacturers will factory test dive computers for accuracy, so DAN® recommends that divers contact the manufacturer of any dive computer that is 10 years old or older or that has made 1,000 or more dives and ask if it should be tested for accuracy.
What makes a good dive computer?
The best dive computers have easy-to-read displays that show all the relevant information you need while underwater. This includes things like current depth, time remaining, water temperature, and more. It’s also important to look for a dive computer with a backlit color screen.
How long do dive computer batteries last?
Battery Type
| Battery Type |
Perdix |
Petrel 2 |
| Saft LS14500 3.6V Lithium |
130 hours |
100 hours |
| Energizer Ultimate Lithium 1.5V Lithium |
70 hours |
50 hours |
| 1.5V Alkaline (e.g. Duracell Coppertop) |
50 hours |
35 hours |
| Li-Ion 14500 Rechargeable 3.7V |
50 hours |
35 hours |
How much is a full scuba set up?
The prices for a full scuba gear set vary based on the brand, technical specifications, and variety of materials. A basic set including a mask, fins, snorkel, dive exposure suit, BCD, and regulator would cost around $700-$1500, not including a scuba computer.
What should I do if my computer fails during a dive?
If computer failure happens during your dive and you don’t have a backup, ascend immediately and make a long safety stop. You will need to sit out for 24 hours before diving again. Remember to check the transmitter battery, know how to change it, and carry a spare.
Can divers share a dive computer?
Many people, especially divers that does not dive regularly, does not own one. If you are thinking of sharing a dive computer with your dive buddy, don’t. Sharing a dive computer is not a sensible practice. It is almost impossible for us to be constantly at the same depth/level with our dive buddy.
How does a dive computer know depth?
Dive computers are battery-powered computers within a watertight and pressure resistant case. These computers track the dive profile by measuring time and pressure. All dive computers measure the ambient pressure to model the concentration of gases in the tissues of the diver.
Can you scuba dive and fly within 24 hours?
Both PADI and DAN recommend a minimum preflight surface interval of at least 12 hours for single dives and 18 hours for repetitive dives or multiple days of diving. The US Air Force recommends 24 hours after any dive, while the US Navy tables recommend only 2 hours before flying to altitude.
Can you free dive after scuba diving?
After a dive requiring a decompression stop, wait 24 hours. Wait longer if directed by the manufacturer of your dive computer. As a general rule it is recommended to wait 24 hours before freediving after doing any type of diving. This rule covers all types of dives and adds extra time as a safeguard for peace of mind.