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How to Choose a Dive Computer

There are several factors to keep in mind when searching for your next dive computer, but don't stress, we're here to help. Dive into the article below to let us help you narrow down your choices.

Purchasing a new dive computer can be overwhelming, but if you keep the following factors in mind while shopping, you'll find yourself much more prepared.

 

Aqua Lung dive computers can be broken into two primary categories: Air Integrated and Non-Air Integrated.
 
An air integrated computer means it is connected to your air tank, either by a hose or a transmitter, and lets you know how much air is left in your tank. If you do not use an air integrated computer, you'll need an additional pressure gauge to keep track of your air.
 
Our air integrated computers are the i770R, i550C, and i450T. Our Non-air integrated computers are the i300C, i200, and i100.
Once you decide whether you want/need air integration, you will then need to decide on which style you want.
 

Different computer styles include a watch style wrist computer, which is a smaller display but is about the same size of a watch you'd wear above water. Our small wrist computers are the i450T and i200.

 

Another option is a large display wrist watch, which would include the i770R, i300C, and i100. The advantage of the larger screen is easier visibility due to the larger display.

 

Lastly, there is a console option. A console computer connects to your tank via a hose, and is hand held. The i550C is Aqua Lung's console computer, which is air integrated and has the option of adding a compass to the console as well.

 

What is your budget?

 

  • There’s no need to consider computers that are too far above your budget, so knowing what you can spend will help you to pick the best available computer you can afford.
  • How often do you plan on diving?

 

  • If you only plan on diving once a year while on vacation, then you might not want to purchase the top of the line model. A basic computer will still give you all the dive information needed during your limited diving.
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  • If you dive multiple times a year, then a more feature rich computer will be of more use. Air integration, color screen and easy downloading to a PC or Mac are some key features to consider.
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Do you plan to dive locally, travel or both?

 

  • Local diving allows you to ignore size and weight when choosing a computer, whereas a diver who travels a lot will want to maximize features and benefits in a smaller and lighter instrument.
  • Unless you travel with your personal regulator, a non-air integrated hoseless computer is best for the traveling diver. This allows you to download your dive data to a PC/Mac versus needing to write down on paper. It also allows you to dive in your preferred unit of measurement (metric or imperial). If you normally dive with an imperial gauge (feet) and take a trip to Australia, will you be comfortable diving with an analogue gauge displayed in meters?

 

How good is your eyesight?

 

  • Be realistic, a small watch style computer might look great out of the water but it needs to be practical during your dive. If you can’t easily read the information during a dive, you should look at computers with a larger display. This will provide for a better dive experience and keep you safer by allowing you to read critical information on the display.
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  • Consider a color screen; they are often times easier to read for those of us with diminishing eyesight.

Where do you see yourself (dive experience/level) in the next 12-24 months?

 

  • If you plan on continuing your dive education or diving a lot, then you should consider buying for your future needs now rather than upgrading down the road.
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  • Spending a little more now could save you hundreds a year from now when you realize you want/need more from your computer.

 

Do you own a regulator setup? Plan to purchase one in the near future?

 

  • If you do not own your own regulator, then purchasing a hosed computer doesn’t make sense.
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  • You can still purchase an air integrated computer now, just hold off on purchasing the transmitter until you acquire a regulator; you can always add the transmitter down the road.
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All dive computers do the same basic functions: provide depth and dive times (and air pressure on air integrated computers).

 

  • It's from this point where you start to consider the additional features and benefits that best suits your needs: Air time remaining dive time remaining, % of O2, number of gases, audible/visual alarms, download capabilities, size, color, material, compass, the list goes on and on...

 

Hopefully this article has been helpful! Regardless of which computer you choose, you'll be confident diving with an Aqua Lung instrument by your side.

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