Dive Computer Buyer's Guide: Worth the Investment

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Tables used to another article be the only option. Today, the majority of scuba divers wear a personal dive computer and it makes sense.

The computer monitors depth, bottom time, ascent rate, and no-deco limits in real time. Tables give you a static plan. When you go shallower partway through, the computer recalculates. Tables are set before you get in.

Wrist-mount computers are what most people use these days. These are small enough, readable underwater, and you'll wear them as a watch too. Console-mount models are available but not as many buyers choose them now.

Budget computers go for around $300-odd and handle everything a recreational diver needs. They give you depth tracking, time, no-deco limits, log function, and often a simple apnea mode. The $500-800 range adds transmitter compatibility, nicer screens, and additional mix modes.

Something new divers don't think about is conservatism settings. Certain models are more cautious than others. A conservative setting means less no-deco time. Looser settings extend bottom time but with less margin. It's not right or wrong. It comes down to what you're comfortable with and how experienced you are.

Worth talking to someone at a local dive store who's used a few different brands before buying. Good dive stores will offer honest opinions on what works and what isn't hype. Decent dive shops publish buying guides and rundowns on their websites as well

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