Wrist Computer ?

[chace_nicole]

I have searched the topic already...didn't see anything so sorry if this is a repeat.

I am looking at wrist computers, if I get one do I need an pressure gauge or a full separate SPG. Do you guys/gals like having a full SPG for back up depth reading? I like the idea of just pressure gauge because is seems like less bulk.
Opinions appreciated.
Thanks!

[jo8243]

Are you talking about an air integrated wrist computer? If you're not, yes, you'll need a SPG. If you're talking about a wireless Air integrated you still may want a SPG for backup.

[BobbyWombat]

My opinion:

I am assuming you are talking about getting an air integrated wrist computer. If so, then on an UNEVENTFUL dive, your computer is really all you need. HOWEVER....what happens if your computer dies mid-dive? (doesn't happen often, but it does happen).

For this reason, I would kit up with an SPG (pressure gauge) even if my computer was air integrated, so I could keep an eye on my tank pressure while ending the dive and starting my ascent, if my computer died.

Depth gauge.....also good for redundancy....but maybe not as important, as long as you can do a safe, slow ascent without using a computer or depth gauge to keep an eye on your rate. Rely on your buddy to keep an eye on you.

If your compass is your computer.....redundancy not needed.....rely on your buddy for this.

Summary: kit up with an SPG for redundancy. Other stuff not needed.

[jo8243]

BTW the fact that you need a backup SPG is why I don't have a air integrated computer. I dive a suunto gecko (wrist mount) and use a small SPG clipped to my BCD.

[No Misses]

Redundancy is nice. But, do you really need it? Let's say that you are @ 60 fsw and your computer dies. The safe thing to do would be to thumb the dive and do a nice slow accent with your buddy. Would you continue the dive if you had a SPG but no bottom timer? Do you want to go redundant with everything? This is recreational diving. When you start talking to the techies, they have redundant everything. This is because they can not just swim to the surface when there is a problem. They often have deco obligations and multiple stage gases to contend with. As arecreational diver you do not have the same risk factors. This is just my opinion. Dive with what works for you :-)

[Charles R]

I dive with a wrist computer Non AI and a SPG no console type depth/spg

[medicdiver]

I use a wrist computer with a gauge mode and a standard spg because I am trying to transition over to the tech side. For NDL recreational diving there should not be a time that you will need a redundant system. If you have a failure, use your buddy and ascend safely. Just my thoughts.

[ertechsg]

I use a VT PRO AI wrist compu no spg I also keep a close eye on air if the compu goes out then Thats why I have a buddy ... head for the top and follow them

[Zenagirl]

I chose a console AI computer because I wanted all of my information in one place. This was before they had AI wrist computers. If my computer died mid-dive, I'd thumb the dive, period.

[chace_nicole]

Thank you for all your responses! This is really a great forum!
I am looking at non AI computers. Charles R, when you say SPG no console type depth/spg do you mean like this

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detai...DUCT_ID=SCA110

I am still learning the wordage for everything!