Dive Computer Recommendations

[ScubaSteve]

Hi Everyone!

I'm looking for dive computer recommendations.

I currently have a Mares Quad but am finding it's too conservative. I've been on multiple dives now where it's putting me in an extended deco stop. One was 16 minutes on a 55 foot dive. Other divers on the same dive with different computers do not have the same issue. I've also had multiple divemasters tell me the Quad is too conservative. I've adjusted the settings to the least conservative but I still have the issue. It uses the RGBM Algorithm.

I'm looking for recommendations for a dive computer in the $500 range (give or take). I know many divers happy with Suunto computers. The Suunto computers in the $500 range use the same RGBM Algorithm so I'm apprehensive there.

I'm only a Recreational\Fair Weather diver so I'm not looking for anything multi gas. I'm also not looking for air integration. I do need Nitrox capability.

I've seen some models in my price range from Shearwater and Aqua Lung that use different algorithms.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[Sushi Boy]

Curious what gas you typically use.

I love my Suunto when on Nitrox but it suuuuuucks for repetitive dives on air.

That said, I don’t have experience with other computers so can’t weigh in there.

 

[Lakediver]

I have the Shearwater Peregrine, and I love it. It doesn't have air integration, and it's right around 500 bucks. I don't know what algorithm it uses, but I've never had any issues with it being too conservative. On occasion, it will give me a 5 minute deco stop, but I think it's only been on 100+ ft dives. I don't recall it ever seeming unreasonable. The battery is easy to recharge with a wireless charger. It has Bluetooth, so you can connect it to your phone and download your dives through the app, which then get backed up in the cloud. And you can change your gas mid-dive, which comes in handy if you forget to switch between air and Nitrox.

Before that, I had the Aqualung i300. It's as basic as it gets, with absolutely no bells and whistles. The battery is not actually user changeable like they claim (good F-ing luck getting the old one out). I can't remember if I had any issues with long deco stops, but it does seem like I had more issues with running out of bottom time, compared to other people diving with me.

 

[ReefHound]

The 5 minute stop on Shearwaters are configurable and you can even turn it off. By default, it triggers a 5 minute stop if you get within 5 minutes of NDL or exceed 100 feet. Shearwaters never "lock" you out so if it says 5 minutes and you only want to do 3 minutes, just surface when it reaches 2 minutes. Nothing will happen. No alarms, flashing lights, or locking out.

 

[DiverGent]

Have you checked the settings? My Suunto was super conservative when I got it but there was a setting that put it in line with my other computer.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I normally dive air but dive nitrox on occasion. My current computer just has 3 settings, P0, P1, P2. I have it set to the least conservative (P0) and have issues on repetitive dives. If I set it to Nitrox I can minimize those issues but I prefer not to do that. I'm normally on group dives and I seem to be the only one on the dive with this issue. I've seen the Shearwater Peregrine online and it looks very nice. I also like the Shearwater won't lock you out like other computers. I'll definitely check it out further. It uses a Bühlmann algorithm, not RGBM so I feel better about this route. The rechargeable battery is a definite plus. I'm with you on the PITA battery replacements. I appreciate the recommendation and the info!

 

[ScubaSteve]

I appreciate everyone's input. I went ahead and picked up a Shearwater Peregrine from my lds. I'm looking forward to diving with it.