Backup computer & SPG for rec diving

[setesh]

Ok, I've searched the forum for this information, and the most I could find were little rants on threads that were about a different topic, so here goes.

Do you think a backup computer and SPG is necessary for recreational diving?

My situation is this. I'm getting ready to go to Hawaii for 2 weeks, and I don't want to miss out on dives because my computer crapped out. I use a VT3 on my right wrist (cause Compudude says that's the best way), an SK7 on the left, and that's it for guages. If my computer dies, I'm gonna be done for the day because it's All in One.

BUT

If I had something like this: http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Categ...1CS.html?Hit=1
I could keep on diving for the day, and conceivably the rest of the trip without a problem.

So what do you think? Worth it or not? Good idea or bad?

[SkuaSeptember]

First of all, redundancy is always good.
Second, if you figured out the total cost per day of diving for 2 weeks in Hawaii you'd probably find that $200 is not bad insurance.
Third, ask yourself if this item will be a suitable backup for you down the road. If not, consider buying better. Buy it right rather than buy it twice!
Lastly, you could alwats ebay it after the trip and get some of your money back.

[DarinMartell]

You could get just a SPG ($$ ?) and the popular "walmart watch" Timex Helix off of E-bay for $20. This has depth, temp, timer, water activation, times surface interval, just about everything.

[mm_dm]

I had my computer die on me once in the middle of a dive. Actually, make that the end of the dive, because it was over after that and I had no back up at that time. Like Skua said, it's cheap insurance. After all the preparation and $$$ for a Hawaii trip do you really want to risk missing out on a dive? When I take a special trip someplace you're hard pressed to get me out of the water while I'm there. My gear has to be able to support that.

[setesh]

Thanks everyone! I was thinking the same thing about really messing up my trip, I just needed some moral support!

I did think about the SPG and Helix combo, which would work fine, but for an extra $100 I could get a backup nitrox computer.......still trying to balance that out in my mind. With the Helix I could continue diving using the tables, with the Veo it would be seamless. Not sure on that one yet.


SkuaSeptember, do you have an opinion on that console? Do you think the SPG is on the lower end of quality? I don't like that the computer doesn't have a backlit screen

[awap]

I keep a complete backup rig (regs w/gauges) on the boat or shore. It really seems excessive for OW diving to take backup gauges on every dive. I also avoid AI so a changeover to a backup wrist computer is not too difficult. When my primary computer gives a low bat indication, I simply add my backup wrist computer and continue diving. The failing computer will last the day and the backup is N/O loaded for the next day's diving.

[PlatypusMan]

I dive with two computers normally: Atmos AI and a Citizen Nx. The backup if the Atmos dies is a simple analog SPG that I can switch out in minutes--the Citizen and Atmos give me the same info in side-by-side comparisons I've made, so I can still continue to dive my computer profile as before.

PPM

[SkuaSeptember]

I have no first hand knowledge of the Oceanic and couldn't find anything I would recommend for less than double the money. But, I have had my Suunto for 8 or 9 years and have had no problems.
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Categ...CCN.html?Hit=1
All due respect to ST, but they don't carry the computers I have used- Suunto and Uwatec.
Good luck!

[Gombessa]

Mainly due to lack of funds, I've never had a computer on over a dozen Hawaii dives. Not saying that's smart in any sense of the word, but HI dives tend to be highly guided - everyone goes down together, follows the DM around, goes up the line together. All kept well under NDL. You shouldn't have to miss a dive if a computer fails.

[Gombessa]

And yes, the rationale for having the computer/bottom timer on the right hand is so you can keep your eyes on it while your left hand is busy adjusting your buoyancy via BC or drysuit. It seems counterintuitive, but it works.