Dive Computer and Console question

[scubalanders]

I am in the Market for a dive computer. I would love the AI ones, but they are so expensive. I will dive the springs in florida, with a trip to Bonaire and PC. No tech diving. I am taking my Nitrox class next week.

I found this setup, what are your feeling on it?

AERIS XR-2 Wrist Dive Computer, Computers: Nitrox, Aeris, AERIS XR-2 Wrist Dive Computer

or

Mares M2 Nitrox / Air Dive Computer, Computers: Nitrox, Mares, Mares M2 Nitrox / Air Dive Computer

And this console

Tusa SCA-330T Compact Analog Gauge with Compass, Dive Gauges, Tusa, Tusa SCA-330T Compact Analog Gauge with Compass

Will this be the best bang for my buck?

As always, I appreciate your feedback.
Andy

[DarinMartell]

I don't know about the best bang (I haven't even dove with my new Oceanic Veo yet), but if you are doing spring diving you may decide to go to the next level of training and explore cave diving. If this is the case I am pretty sure you want a wrist computer so you are more streamlined (less chance of entanglement). By having your computer on your wrist you just have your SPG on the hose to clip off on a D-ring.

[mitsuguy]

love my oceanic/aeris stuff...

the tusa I rented once was very unintuitive...

[bperrybap]

Kind of depends on whats important to you and your budget.
Some people love wrist mount, some prefer console, some don't care.

Another thing to consider is what equipment do you already have?

For example, with the first two computers you listed, you will still
need a SPG for your air. The computers can display depth but
because they are not air integrated, they don't know the air pressure.
If you don't have an SPG already, you have to consider that into your total cost.
The 3rd item you listed, has analog gauges for depth and air pressure
and a compass, but does not have a computer. If going that route
you will have to dive tables or purchase/rent a computer to go with it.
But there are cheaper options for a SPG. Aeris & Tusa have nice
compact models for about $100.(Tusa one even has a compass included).

One thing that isn't obvious is size/scale. Some of the models
are considerably smaller than others. That can also weigh in on the
decision process.

Another thing to consider is how do you like to use the compass.
For example with the 3rd item you listed, the Tusa console, you will
not be able to see your depth and your compass heading at the same time
because the compass is on the back of the depth gauge.
This may or may not be important to you.

If you are starting from scratch, sometimes when you add it all up, an air
integrated computer isn't that much more than the cost of a
computer, SPG, & compass, especially if you can find one on sale.

Scubatoys has a few great deals on some "demo" units that you might
want to consider. AI models too. They typically have a single dive day on
them and are offered at greatly reduced prices with full warranty.

In the end, much of it is personal preference, and of course budget.

--- bill

[scubalanders]

I'm a brand new diver buying all new equipment.

I just pulled the trigger on this.

Aeris Atmos AI Nitrox Computer Demo Used Unit , Demo/Used, Aeris, Aeris Atmos AI Nitrox Computer Demo Used Unit

[bperrybap]

Excellent! You are going to love this computer.
(I've got the same model)
I've got about 200 dives on mine. It is very compact about
the size of the palm of your hand. Even though it is compact, the
digits are thick and dark and easy to read even for "over 40" eyes.
One of the things I really like about it is that you can see everything you need
all at once.
It is really easy to use.
Some people don't like AI, but I really like having the additional
information. You just need to keep in mind how it works and take
that into consideration.
Batteries are super easy to replace and are ready available at places
like grocery stores and Walmart.
Downloading can be a bit finicky at times but other than that
my wife and I have really enjoyed ours.

Happy Diving.

--- bill

[rye_a]

I went through the same exercise a few months ago and wound up going with the Oceanic Geo. I couldn't be happier with my choice. It is a great size, big enough that it is easy to read and small enough that it is not a hockey puck on my wrist. It has all the functions that I wanted in a relatively small package (except bluetooth or IR transfer, but I guess that is asking a little too much), including NITROX capability. Aeris makes the same computer, but it is $50 more.

[ia2189]

Originally Posted by rye_a

I went through the same exercise a few months ago and wound up going with the Oceanic Geo. I couldn't be happier with my choice. It is a great size, big enough that it is easy to read and small enough that it is not a hockey puck on my wrist. It has all the functions that I wanted in a relatively small package (except bluetooth or IR transfer, but I guess that is asking a little too much), including NITROX capability. Aeris makes the same computer, but it is $50 more.

Glad to hear you like the Geo. I think that's the one I've decided to go with, too.