Comparative dive computers: which one to choose?

The big question often asked: how to choose your dive computer?

Choice methods according to each: "watch" or "computer" format, but the idea is of course to link its functions to its use.

What we can highlight for this choice, in addition to the personality of each, it is the functions of the computers themselves linked to our needs: here is a DIVE COMPUTER COMPARISON , but we also ask a few questions to expand our choice:

- What level of diving do I have, and do I want to progress to a higher level? This question is very important: from level 1 or OW where we strongly recommend having a computer since it is pleasant to know how deep we are, and thus manage the diving parameters, especially with the new prerogatives of level 1 autonomy. This also involves knowing how deep you can descend since the computers can be set and adjusted to optimize decompression: example: dive computers where you can program deep stops.

- Am I going to dive at night or at depth in darker conditions? In fact, it is then preferable to have a backlight rather than a phosphorescent screen for convenience.

- Do I have good eyesight? Am I over XNUMX ... so am I farsighted? Do not neglect the visibility offered by computers; having one is good, having one that you can read is better! : :))

- Who am I diving with? Here too, a logic in relation to the calculation algorithms of the different brands: we agree that we dive with a dive, and who says dive means the same diving parameters, but the fact of harmonizing the brands of computers will also help to be in phase in time of stages with his partner.

- Color or not color? Some of the latest computers released are in color; on the other hand, let's think about their autonomy since they still consume more.

- The notiiice !!! There are rules to follow when diving at the tables; well there are also rules when diving with a computer: these are found in the manual that we invite you to read once or twice a year to be fully up to date. If we start a dive on the computer, we do not go to the tables if we encounter a problem: we follow the rules of the computer written in the manual and we hold on to our partner.

- Then ”let's not forget our brain” (hihi!) Because we have a computer: it remains a tool: if we see that it announces something aberrant, let's keep reason and let's analyze the fact: it may be out of order: let's consult the computer of our partner for example. So it's not because we have a computer that we should forget to think.

- Many functions can be integrated into current dive computers, such as the management of 8 or 10 gases: if we are not concerned with the trimix for example, take a computer that does not manage it, this will limit the display data unnecessary and which could interfere with the vision of what we need. 

The choice remains linked to the practice of each one; on the other hand if one wishes from the outset to have the latest computer, latest born, latest cry, why not! Diving remains above all our hobby, and the manufacturers put their hearts into making us little marvels, both visual and technological. Do not deprive ourselves of it !!!

After all this, here is our DIVE COMPUTER COMPARISON with some of the most popular models, so a few tracks, and then put your bets on!  Aurélie Chanard ODYSSUB