$300 vs $2,000 Dive Computers - Scuba Tech Tips: S12E15
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- A dive computer is almost standard gear today but what features do you need? Alec compares basic vs advanced wrist dive computers to help decide which fits your diving.
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I learned to dive 20 years ago now while in the Navy. Been diving for work and pleasure ever since then. I didn’t buy my first computer (an Aqualung i450T) until 2017. 😂 I used a wrist-mounted depth gauge, a dive watch with bezel, and simply wrote down my NDL and max depth for the dive, and didn’t go past that. For technical dives it was the same, just had to write down the deco plan and follow it. Now I use a Shearwater Perdix computer and love it. Still wear a real dive watch to this day though. Always good to have a backup. 😉
Backups are very good to have. Kevin always dives with 2 computers, crazy i thought until on the first dive in Cozumel, his Cobalt "blew up" on the first dive during decent. Used his backup for 2 weeks then found out the Cobalt had a recall notice not fixed even after being returned for a service. Thanks for sharing sir.
I also take my dive watches as back ups . dive computers break and for a sport dive why not .
I have the following dive watches:
Seiko prospex King samurai (white face) Diver rated 200 meters
Luminox Scott Casell deep dive (1550) 300 meters (supposedly diver rated but not on the face)
G-shock Frogman GWFA-1000.Diver rated 200 meters.
I like all 3 The g-shock is problaly the most trust worthy, the Seiko is the better looking (if a bit shiny , may atract cudas lol) and my Luminox is definitely my most comfortable and lightest of the 3 .
Usually I take the Luminox for sport diving if I am using the DC since it is the lightest and prefer the rotating bezel to the digital bezel of the frog . and I take the G-shock if I needed it to be reliable.,I only take the Seiko if I forgot I had it on lol.
Minor correction on minute 6:45 for accuracy sake and as it may be a deal breaker for someone looking for a great computer/watch - That little beast, Suunto Zoop Novo, will actually tell you the time ;)
Thanks for your tips. Keep them coming. I have learned more with you than with most of my dive instructors.
You're right Pedro. I was probably thinking of early models or a similar one. The one I'm holding was in for service so didn't work. Thanks for correcting me.
Oh great, so the only bit of actual usable information I got from this video is incorrect.
Tech tips my ass.
Glad you're doing well and we get to see a new video.
Being isolated for over a year keeps me so busy with ranch projects. Kevin and I get together every 3-4 months for a video shoot and release bi-weekly instead of weekly for now. Thanks for watching Jason.
I went from a cheap Suunto Zoop (which was adequate) to a nice Shearwater Perdix AI with a huge screen and lots of very useful information. My older eyes are really appreciative for the large customisable screen and easy to read numbers on the Perdix. :)
Glad to hear another 'mature' diver needing a big display. Not everyone has 20 year old eyes. Thanks for watching Pat.
There are only two dive computers better than the Perdix AI, and those are the Perdix 2 and the Petrel 3, and all they have on the Perdix AI are a titanium bezel and haptic feedback.
I have the Perdix AI as well. It's an absolutely amazing dive computer.
Thanks for your time Alec
My pleasure!
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter did you see the report on the 70 year old diver in our area (Mission Bay,California) passed away at about 20 feet solo with no redundancy.
Sadly no but I've read so many in my time it gets depressing. Same issues, different years, same bad outcome. Take care RV.
I started out with a Cressi Giotto on a console. It did everything necessary but it was hard to read, clunky, and a bit of a hassle to run through the menus. I wanted something nicer so picked up a Shearwater Perdix AI. The Perdix is far more capable than I am but it is absolutely amazing and worth every penny.
Lol what a coincidence, I currently use a Giotto and am considering a Perdix!
If your happy and know how to fully use it, have fun and share your experiences.
@@mouisehay930 You won't be disappointed!
Hi Alec. Been wanting to put up a dive repairing center in my hometown.
I would appreciate if you will create video that showing your dive repair center.
With your arrangements?
Important and Basic tools (how they works)?
Do's and Dont's?
Where and How to Start?
Where to get kits?
and How to get certified from different brands without applying to a dive shop?
Etc.
Thank you so much Alec.
Stay Safe!
I was thinking about a new playlist like "Pro Tips" for LDS and service techs but not sure who would find it interesting vs my usual Tech Tips rants. Will add this to my ideas list Jamie and thanks for watching.
I bought a Perdix AI because I wanted to have all my information in one place in an easily readable format (the main advantage of the large-screen computers over watch-style). Plus it takes readily-available AA batteries.
I need big bright displays for my old eyes, something the size of an iPad will do!
I own the Garmin Mk2i and while fine shallow, when task loaded and deep the Perdix AI is a godsend. So I bought that too. :) I'm also a runner so the Garmin is my every day wear watch and makes an amazing backup to the Perdix.
@@chew70yBoth run the same algorithm, so they complement one another nicely.
I got me a Shearwater Peregrine and it was worth every penny.
They are great for those who know and need its many features. Glad you like and can use it wisely.
A
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter You are kidding, right? The Peregine is recreational dive computer that can handle air and nitrox. It doesn't have AI. It doesn't do CCR or Trimix. It doesn't do apnea. It doesn't have smart watch functionality. There are no "many features". It's a basic dive computer, just made by the best manufacturer of dive computers out there at the moment.
So the $2000 dive computer has more bells and whistles than the $300 dive computer but I don't need a $2000 dive computer. My dive computer cost $450 and I am very happy with it.
Exactly why so many more VW 'bugs' were sold than Lincoln Town Cars. Glad your happy with what you have Jess.
The Garmin doesn't actually come with bells and whistles. It does beep though.
You need both. You need one as a main computer and a cheap one as a backup. Eventually, one may break and you’ll be grateful you have a backup.
That's what most divers to as money and time become abundant.
A
Thanks Alec. It’s been a great Summer diving season!
It sure is! Next year even better.
I always buy the cheapest one that's as close to a watch as possible. Can wear it all the time! Also my computer seams to last no more than 3 years anyway for some reason.
Strange how long some things last. I had a stove for 25 years with not one service on it. New stove and two years in its broken. Many of my vintage gear could still be used safely but some newer regs needed expensive service just for routine maintenance. As long as your computer works and you monitor it, safe diving my friend.
Nice video; you always know how to entertain and provide advice! Of course the Vyper does tell the time, and the things on the front are all control buttons; the contacts for water activation are round the back. With the Garmin though, I guess I'm showing my age but I like my dive computer to be as simple as possible to operate, and that means I don't need it to look like a watch and I don't need it to be taking my heart rate. I want a nice big display and menus that are easy to get through, because everybody's brain works a lot less well under water. And if I'm running I'll want something a lot lighter and I'll be using a chest strap for the heart monitor because the wrist ones are not good. My buying advice would be: decide what sort of diving you're going to be doing, and try to look ahead to where you eventually want to be. Do you think you'll be using Nitrox? Do you want air integration? Do you mind having to take it in for a battery change, would you want to change batteries yourself or do you want to dodge all that and have it rechargable? A good computer will last you a good few years so don't go for the absolute minimum or you'll be paying out again before long.
Good points Tim. Kevin went all out on this computer or his wife did for Christmas. It's really a lot of options in one, integrated battery with fast recharge, lots of apps Kevin will never use like: running, golf, biking ha ha. Thanks for sharing and watching me rant on again Tim.
i like this guy so much
Back at you Verrux.
Thanks to this video
I got my Mk2i diving computer
And the got myself a G space full face mask from ocean reef
Man …. I dive now from 3-5 times a week and I really like the garmin computer thanks to you
And my full face mask ( with my optical glasses inside ) I see 4k 😜
Keep it up grandpa
Glad you like it. Kevin loves his Mk21 also. I had to give it back after shooting this, darn.
The Zoop Novo is all the dive computer anyone but a technical diver would ever need...bought mine in Phuket, Thailand, for about 6000 baht ($200).
Good points Jonnie. It amazes me how divers lump rec divers with tech divers. Their world are very different like commenting to work vs F1 driver, similar but not really. Thanks for watching and the feedback.
I’m saving my beer money for the new garmin or suunto dive watch that looks cool and is feature rich.
Don't forget the transmitter for air integration.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter … does that mean they are sold separately 😞
Yes, optional extra.
one could argue to keep spending "beer money" on beer, and spend money originally for "date night" and "shampoo" etc on scuba gear lol
Great info on dive computers Alec. If I were at 100ft say for 20 minutes would the $300.00 dive computer tell me where at what depth I needed to recompress and for how long. Thanks for your response Alec. Love watching your videos.
Welcome Ron and thanks for watching.
Don't do decompression dives without training. You can't just stay at a depth and rely on the computer to work for you. You might harm yourself.
For an actual answer here: the $300.00 dive computer should be able to tell you that information, but probably won't have gas switching or trimix functionality for technical diving.
I'll second RARE pepe that you shouldn't do decompression diving without training though.
Another awesome tip Alec.
God bless you. Take care...
Glad you enjoyed it
When my old Oceanic Pro Plus 2 stopped reading air pressure I temporarily went with a plain Mares Puck Pro before getting a refurbished Ocean OCi with a refurbished transmitter. Got it through Oceanic for a little bit more of a discount too since I traded in the broken Pro Plus 2. Anyway, I love the OCi since it is air integrated and a watch style, all while being lower cost. I would love the Garmin, but that price is far beyond what I can justify for only going on 1 dive trip per year. Granted I also don't even have a smartwatch for land use but instead an $20 Casio.
A smart man knows his budget and needs, which you do Peter. It works and you understand it so have fun diving. Thanks for sharing and watching.
i went with the perdix ai for my first dive computer... first reason bc i know i am progressing towards tech so needed something that can do planned deco, 2nd reason about half of dive fatalities are due to running out of air (so ai is important to me). my wife also dives, and doesn't go below 60 ft, so she got the peregrine....
Good for you DK. Not all divers know their path after Open Water. You do so all gear purchases are to get you there without an additional purchase in between. Have fun with the tech diving but don't forget the wife wants fun too.
Dont relay on you computer to tell you, you are running out of gas. Check the pressure regularly, watch for sign of malfunctions - if pressure doesnt drops continuiously during dive, it is probably broken (SPG or transmitter).
I just got my PADI OW and now I’m in SDI advanced adventurer. The scuba club I just joined in SoCal is cool. They played one of your videos on old technique vs new technique.
Thanks for putting out these videos for us newbies.
Thanks for sharing that Ryan. SoCal was the start of scuba diving. Hope there was not too much laughter at the stone age diver.
Ah, yeah! Me too Alec, $600 is just fine with me too. You must be paying Kevin too much money for videotaping!!🤪😊
I am soooo generous to Kevin. We have made an incredible $0.00 on this channel so time for a raise!
Very nice fun and informative video as always Alec and Kevin. Keep them coming. I was first interested in a console dive computer, but am leaning towards a teric now. I like the air integration and the ability to display just the information that is important to me. I know it has a lot of features that I’ll probably will never use, but I know The type of diving I want to do now may not be the same in the future , so I will be able to use more functions in the future. Would love to take a class or two with you two. It would be very enjoyable and informative as well i bet. When im able to go to Canada again I’ll try to take a class with Sharky’s in Ottawa.
The nice thing about the top end computers is the apps. They have new ones coming out, updates to existing ones, just like an Apple iPhone so it does not get obsolete to quick (until HUD becomes affordable). Take care Paul.
The Garmin Descent MK2 ...Hope I`ll be able to buy it one day ... But for Now my Zoop and Forerunner 235 (Running watch) will do ....;)
If you have a computer and know how to use it, that's better than nothing.
While the Garmin Mk2(i) is an amazing dive computer, you're paying for a lot of features you're probably not going to use.
It's a full smart watch that can track all kinds of sports activities, and all the normal smart watch apps.
If you're buying a dive computer, I always recommend going with a dedicated dive computer with a user changeable battery. You won't need to recharge it (often). You're never at risk of it being out of juice when you want to go diving, as long as you bring a spare battery.
You put your smart watch on the charger, and it slips off or disconnects while you were sleeping, and the next morning you find you can't dive because your computer won't make it through the dive.
your video is encellent
my point is that the best equipment never replace the common sense so with basic gauges and a good comprehension of the diving tables, you can have a very similar result.
Unless a person uses intensively the computer in a professionnal diving activity, first, many of the useful features are not understood and can lead to hazardous situations and worse, the persons rely to a gadget and go beyond the limits.
in the automotive world, the electronic driving assistants serve to two thing, the first one is to mask instability of the FWD vehicules and the second is to mask the incompetence of the conductors with the net result that there is much more serious accidents . The reason is very simple, the human nature makes that we test the limits and often, we go beyond the limits.
Personnally, I use a basic dive computer for more than 20 years, my first use is to replace a depth gauge. For sure, my dives are not optimized but to me it stays a recreationnal activity and I consider that I should stay safe in my practice.
"...many of the useful features are not understood and can lead to hazardous situations..." Give an actual example.
Having stated before dive tables were released, into gauges, computers (1st generation, 2nd generation, etc.), what is available in a top end computer is amazing. The use of apps is a big bonus for spending big bucks but no matter what is used, common sense, read and understand the manual, display and operation is critical. Not just with dive computers but cars, phones and even toasters! Thanks Jacques for your input.
Your post would be far more credible if you capitalized the first word of the sentence, and learnt how to spell.
If you're exceeding your limits on a dive computer, you're exceeding your limits on dive tables as well. The only difference is that a dive computer will scream at you when you exceed your limits, and it tracks your irresponsible behavior.
Dive computers allow you more time underwater because it tracks multi level diving accurately, and will credit you for doing parts of your dive at shallower depths than your maximum depth.
Well it looks like your about to review my watch. Hope you don't tear into it too hard lol 😀
Awesome vids all around! BTW
What? You and Kevin will have the same dive computer! Oh, did I give it back to him afterwards??
That lime green Zoop Novo is my first dive computer, and the one I'm using at the moment. In hindsight, I wish I'd purchased one that would allow for eventual air integration, but as someone who'll always dive with an analog SPG installed it's not a big issue. I might eventually look at a mid-range dive watch with AI. Which dive computer comes with solitaire? I love it already. 😂
Divers don't realize how important Solitaire is on a safety stop! Thanks for sharing and watching.
Uncle Alec, can I have $2000 for a new dive computer, pleeeeese? Thanks for the video, btw the suunto does tell time and the water contacts I believe are on the side.
Have you been a good diver this year? Santa Alec will bring you one for sure.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter, you're the best.
Another great video from Alex
Yepper I know I spelled it incorrectly. Lol
Glad you enjoyed it Richard.
I have that exact zoom same color AND just got a G2 I dive my zoom as a backup to my G2
Allways good to have a backup handy. Glad this was useful.
Nice video, can you do a video on HUD Dive Computers (like the Scubapro Galileo)?
If I can get my hands on one, sure.
very nice looking watch
Looks better on me than Kevin (i did give it back, I think).
I will ask for the Alec Pierce 25% discount!!!!!
For you George, 50% off.
How much of an issue or is it any concern at all, around the algorithms used between the two for recreational divers? I was told Suunto use their own and Shearwater use Buhlmann.
As an AOW diver, am I just listening to the hype or is there something to it?
Recreational divers should be using sufficiently conservative NDLs and deco schedules to make the differences between algorithms irrelevant. The minutiae of different algorithms is very much a matter for technical divers who have the training, experience and backup needed to employ marginal deco schedules with reasonable safety.
Suunto's RGBM algorithm used to be criticised for being too safe, if that's a thing, or at least for applying more conservative limits than other computers. But they now use the Fused RGBM2 which is gives very similar results to those used by the other major brands. The Suunto EON models (haven't checked others) also give you the option of using the Buhlman 16GF model with the programmable GFs (set to 30/70 by default) which you can customise if you have the appropriate training. But unless you are going to be doing repeated deep dives there's not now a major difference. I usually dive with Suuntos and have never had a more restrictive NDL than my buddies with Shearwaters. Hope this helps.
For a recreational diver to go to 60' for 45 minutes and up, all common algorithms will work just fine. Going to 150' on trimix, then the minute variations/assumptions are very important. There are many named algorithms but most, not all, are based on the same fountains of Haldane, Bühlmann, Varying Permeability Model or RBGM. It's like going to an ATM, anyone can put a name on an ATM but they didn't make it, just labeled it. If you're really interested in algorithms, post a question on www.scubaboard.com and get experts to advise you properly. Thanks for watching Albert.
Thank you all for the responses. It is appreciated and educational for me. Thank you Alec for your UA-cam channel. Keep it going.
I've compared to the two side by side. On the first dive Suunto gave me more bottom time, 10-15 minutes more. On the second dive the Teric was showing 1-2 minutes remaining while the Suunto was in 10-15 minutes of deco. So IMO it is a wash, the Suunto is slightly more conservative overall particularly on repetitive dives, though IMO the types of dives where that is an issue I would rather be doing a single tech dive.
I would love to know how a dive computer senses depth - I bet it’s simpler than I might guess.
All dive computers use a very small depth sensor which is very accurate. The Garmin Mk2i, from the user manual, is accurate from 0 to 328 ft, with a resolution of 1ft. How's that for accurate Bill.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Fairly accurate!
Alec..when you coming to dive in Ireland?
Only 3 things holding me back: the cost, a pandemic and cold water. Other than that, I'm ready.
Alec..the water must be colder in Canada. Water temp is 14 degrees Celsius at the moment here. Will be waiting for you after the pandemic ✈🛶😅
What about dive computer consoles instead of dive computer watches
If you mean air integrated computers, there is a video on that.
A
How about a video on console air integrated vs wrist mounted advantages vs disadvantages and how to decide. Can the first stage transmitter break off as many say.
Kevin is the best ever, and Alec would be a whole lot better if only he knew what he was talking about! Hehe.... I absolutely love the show guys. It would be better though if ya'll were in Texas, but I guess not everybody's perfect..
Glad you like my rants and Kevin's editing. I get lots of comments that I should be in a certain state, province, country, island. Wish I had the time and money to visit everyone. Thanks for watching.
A
Florida
What are your recommendations on good gear but pretty cheap I'm 15 and have been wanting to get into scuba but only have around 400 to 500 dollars
Welcome to the diving world and you have so many years of great adventures and stories coming.
Best thing is for you to watch video S06E01 What To Buy First/Next/Last. Give you ideas on the priority of what to buy. Since you already know your budget and are a new diver, get as much personal gear as you can. Does not have to be new but look for package deals at your local dive shop. Everything you buy will be replaced several times over your diving years as your budget increases (unless there is a girl around), technology improves and you know more about the type of diving you want to do (rec, tech, u/w photo, etc.).
With all the time you look 👀 at that watch ⌚️ you missed the shark 🦈 and he swim away with it plus the arm to !
If you want to see something really scary, watch my next video. Thanks for the laugh sir.
Hi All , Can anyone tell me how to reset my suunto stinger after a battery change ??? I have tried a pin and paper clip in the reset hole but it doesn't do anything what am I doing wrong ???
Any advice would be great
Cheers
I always ask if the computer is displaying properly first? Meaning is the batter in properly. If it is, on the face of the computer there is a tiny reset button. Use a needle or paperclip to press and hold for 10 seconds. The display should blank while it reboots to factory mode. If still not working, have your local dive shop check it out.
A.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Hi Alec, Thanks for the quick reply it's all sorted now but thank you for the quick reply
Stu
Dont forget to mention mix gases computer capability
Oh, you mean like taco's and beans right?
Went to Hawaii and was asking guides about computers, they said stay away from the ai hose-less computers. Always dropping link etc no matter the brand. anyone else have this issue?
They can drop out for a few seconds depending on the location of the wrist computer, body and transmitter. It reconnects automatically and newer models, like Kevin's Garmin MK2i, have 3 power settings.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter nice, I like the technology I am going to buy one, just might be a few more years.
Haven't had that problem with my Shearwater Perdix AI. As long as the batteries in both devices are in good condition it should be fine. Plus you'd always keep a mechanical spg as a backup.
@@QuickQuips ^^ This. AI is nice to have. It'll help you keep track of your GTR and your SAC. It'll also alert you when it's time to switch cylinders in sidemount, or when you're low on gas. But it shouldn't be your only method of keeping track of your gas supply.
Always have an analog SPG. For one it doesn't need batteries. It's unlikely to fail. And an analog gauge is easier to read than a digital readout. When you see numbers representing your cylinder pressure, your brain needs to translate that into good or bad. On an analog gauge your mind instantly processes how you are on remaining gas and gas consumption.
Now main question is Shearwater Teric or Garmin MK2i?
Do u want to tech dive? Therefore I would definitely recommend the shearwater perdix AI. Best of all 👌.
Safe diving.
Tesla Model S or a Ford Pickup truck? Picking 2 products and asking a generic question does not give a fair reply. You have to answer several key questions before anyone competent could advise you: rec or tech diving, occasional or every week, small budget or no limit, etc. It's up to you to quantify and know your dive profile/interests then match to a dive computer. Anyone who gives an answer without qualifying why it's a fit is just personal a opinion, not a fit to your needs. Thanks for watching and good luck sir.
Still the same point: if u want to tech dive, shearwater perdix ai is your choice, can't do anything wrong with it 😉👌.
I would suggest Garmin MK2 for you, it is multi purpose watch that you can use out of water. If you will ever need shearwater for 1000Eur+, you will know it won't be teric imo :)
@@robozubak9859
To be honest, the shearwater perdix ai is around 900 euros, the garmin mk2 around 1200 but both are top 👌. It's just a matter of what u prefer, watch style or console style 🤷♂️.
Very basic "review" video.
Thanks. Few will watch an hour long video with minute details so hope this works for many.
A
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter It would help if you didn't go off into tangents over 50% of the video. Nobody learnt anything from this video other than a more expensive watch has more features, which should be self evident to everyone.
Lame@@bloodymarvelous4790
Apple Watch Ultra 👍
Only 1 day old and its the best? I read about it but lets get a few thousand divers to test it first. Maybe its great, but it has to be proved by divers, not marketing people.
A
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter njae…. Best I dont know. But its great Apple made one. So instead of 1 watch and 1 dive computer… you have both together. Including esim
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter …and I agree… lets see many test first
Sure. Let's pay a subscription for EVERYTHING
Don't go below its max of 130 feet.
As a general comment on your videos: nice and informative but could you please go straighter to the point ? Thanks
As soon as i get through my intro rants, will do.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter scuba diving is a great school for meditation skills ;)
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter dear Alec, I revise my previous point. Please stay as your are (actually quite funny) and I will take the time to listen to your great stories and experiences. Take care !