Input please

[LCFrigon]

Looking into buying a dive computer and gauges along with a reg and octo set up.

At first I was going to go nuts and get the Atom 2 with a transmiter (I like gagets and new tech) but then the wife saw me reviewing it and that was the end of that dream (for now .

This wil also be my first set up owned so then thought about getting the Aries AI since it has great reviews, but the more I read i am not sure if AI is the best option for me so looked into the GEO and a set of gauges.

However, after choosing a set of gauges and a GEO, I am almost at the same price of the Areis AI.

Just wondering some opinions....

Oh and my watch just got smashed to crap so i need a new one of them too. Geo may fit that role

[fireflock]

If you decide to go with any wrist computer (like a GEO), that will handle the functions of a depth gauge in a console. All you really need is a SPG like this:
Dive Rite Spg, DIR and Technical, Dive Rite, Dive Rite Spg
or
ScubaToys-SF Search Engine Output Page

[reactive]

Wasn't there a brass and glass SPG on there a few weeks ago for around 40 bucks that didn't have the little red pie slice for low air?

[fireflock]

Yes, it was a one time deal. These come with hoses too, which also adds to the price (the $40 deal did not come with a hose).

[ChrisC]

I just went through this process and settled on the Sherwood Wisdom II. I decided to go AI and keep an old SPG as a backup just in case. I dove with it on Saturday for the first time and was very pleased. I personally need gauges with very readable displays. Even though I wear contacts when I dive, I wanted to be able to see the display if I lost one or both mid-dive. The Wisdom II display was great. Also, the vis was exceptionally low on Saturday (approx 6-8 ft) so I was relying heavily on the console for navigation, and it was comfortable to use the compass and check the display. Overall, I was very pleased with it. I read some posts where people mentioned a 10 - 13% deviation in PSI readouts compared to a mechanical SPG, but I am not experiencing any discrepancy (I compared the value to 2 separate SPG's to make sure). ST was great to deal with also (Thanks, Wade). I wound up getting the new Sherwood SR1 reg and Sherwood octo as well. The new reg should be arriving tomorrow, so I can't comment on it just yet. I hope to get the whole setup wet this weekend. Good luck in your search!

[reactive]

Sorry to hijack your thread LCFrigon, but on the topic of SPG's, what do you guys think about using this SPG as a primary gauge?
Tusa SCA-120 Mini-Pressure Gauge, Dive Gauges, Tusa, Tusa SCA-120 Mini-Pressure Gauge

As fireflock suggested, since I just purchased the Oceanic Geo, so I only need a pressure gauge.

I also thought this might be a good buy:
Tusa SCA 240 2 Gauge Console - Pressure & Compass, Dive Gauges, Tusa, Tusa SCA 240 2 Gauge Console - Pressure & Compass

[ChrisA]

I wouldn't dive without a mechanical SPG. Get the AI computer if you like toys and looking at your tank PSI vs. time plotted on a computer screen after you get home. It is kind of fun if you like that kind of thing. But while you are underwater just a simple computer is all you need and what matters most is the user interface. Can you remember how to work the thing? If you can't use the computer in the store without reading the book go for another computer. OK now that you have one you can actually use they likely offer a few different price points. I'd say the simplet compputer that does Nitrox is the best value.

Spend more but only if you have enough money that buying the more expensive computer does not mean you have to go cheap on the regulator and other stuff.

I need the "large print edition". Think about that too. can you read the numbers? This is kind of an age related thing.

New divers might like AI computers but after a few dives you will be able to look at the angle of the SPG needle and know how much more time you have and actully have a better estimate than the computer because the computer is stupid and thinks you will remain at tha current depth, but you know the dive plan. So with an AI computer you will still have to do the mental calculation saying to your self "Computer says 15 minutes left but I'm at 80 feet and I plan to move up to shallower water in a couple minutes so I really have 25 minutes of air left. You will have to make this kind of adjustment on most of your dives so why not just use an SPG?

For example my typical dive plan I use 80% of the time and in several dive sites. is this "we will go down to 60 to 70 feet and look around untill either we get to 1500 PSI or we run short of NDL time. then we will turn around and move up to 35 to 25 feet and continue untill we are low on air then we move up to 15 feet. When I'm at 70 feet the computer tells be I have 10 minutes of NDL and 12 minute of air. But I know darn well it will be 20+ minutes before I come up and I'll likely have 900 or 800 PSI in the tank when I check after we exit. Multi level dive plans seriously mess up the AI compter's predictions about air consuption

[fireflock]

The TUSA gauges might be a little small, but they look like a great deal if you're Ok with the size.

Something is jazzing up the ST website. I put in SPG and only returned a few options. From there, some of the links to product pages were broken. You might want to call the store before you decide. They might have an even better option that isn't easy to find on the website.

Rich

[reactive]

Originally Posted by fireflock

The TUSA gauges might be a little small, but they look like a great deal if you're Ok with the size.

Something is jazzing up the ST website. I put in SPG and only returned a few options. From there, some of the links to product pages were broken. You might want to call the store before you decide. They might have an even better option that isn't easy to find on the website.

Rich

You're right! I take for granted how much stuff they have in the store that isn't listed on the website! Thanks for the tip!

[cummings66]

As far as what the OP said about needing a watch, I don't care to use my dive computer in that role. Consider this, if you smashed a watch, you'll smash a dive computer as well.