Best Dive Computer Reviews 2018

Just as there are diverse dive computers with different features, so are there different prices attached to them. The different features either add to or remove from the price of any dive computer. So, when drawing a budget for your computer, you need to consider this factor.

The question is, “what is the right price for an ideal dive computer that can meet your need?” We know that this question is in the minds of many of our readers, so we researched on the important features of a dive computer and what kind of price range belongs to them. We discovered that on a budget of between $200 and $900 you could get some great dive computers; it just depends on the features you need. There are cheap dive computers that are below this price range, but that’s what they are: cheap, and not worth entrusting your life to. Our picks are computers that you can trust to give you the best information and are reliable too.

With the understanding you now have about the importance of dive computers and their different types, there are some questions you need to answer before choosing the dive computer that’d best suit your needs. Some of those questions include: what’s your experience level? What’s your body weight? Are you inclined more towards analog or digital? What information do you require from your computer? Do you want to keep a log of your dives? When you’ve answered these questions, and possibly written your answers down, it’d help guide you in selecting the features that matter most to you. Features differ from one computer to the other, and an important feature to you may not be of much importance to your neighbor.

We took our time to select the most prominent and important features that any excellent dive computer must possess. Here are a few of them:

• Backlit display
• Memory
• Air facility
• Compass
• Air integration
• Replaceable batteries
• Auto power switch
• Navigation
• Ability to log dives
• Decompression calculation
• PC interface
• Alarms

We believe you may be wondering what relevance these features are to dive computers and how they can influence your choice. If you read further, you’ll get a better understanding of these features, what they imply and how they influence your choice of a dive computer. Stay with us!

The display of a dive computer is the first thing that strikes one about it. That’s why the size of the display is of such importance. Some have a dot matrix display which use dots and lines for the letters and figures displayed while others have OLED display where the letters displayed are lighted in themselves. The third type of display is the LCD, which is full color and emits light that makes the letters and figures visible. If you’re buying a dot matrix, look out for backlight features because you may be using them in depths where visibility is really low. Ensure that navigation is quite easy if you have to move from screen to screen to get your information. The display size also comes into play if you’re diving in deeper waters with reduced visibility or in a situation where your eyesight is poor. If this is the case, it’s advisable to purchase a dive computer with a display size that’s suitable for you. Also, consider the readings on display: how many lines are there and are they what you need?

Where would you prefer to mount your dive computer, on your wrist or attached to the console? These days, people prefer the wrist-mount to the console-mount because it’s easier to check your wrist than bend over to check your gauges all the time. There are other computers that are mounted on your dive mask which makes it a lot easier; you just look up and get all the information you need.

Dive computer manufacturers now make user-changeable batteries alongside the computers. If you have to return your computer to the store every time you need to change your batteries, it’ll mean staying without your computer for days or weeks, and that means no diving for you. If you’re to purchase your dive computer, ensure you go for one with replaceable batteries that you can change, even if you are in a dive (ensure your computer can store information so that you don’t lose your dive details once the battery dies). Also, take note of the run time of your battery so that you’re always prepared for a battery change.

Check that other features like alarms are inbuilt in your dive computer. The alarms help to remind you when you’re staying too long underwater and have forgotten to check your computer. An alarm could be a life saver. Dive computers with a warranty have an added advantage and, if you find one that meets your expectations and has a warranty, don’t hesitate to go for it.

Almost every dive computer can log in details of your previous dives. The issue is in the number of recent dives it can log. While some can log up to 10 – 15 dives, others can log up to 50 dives. So, depending on your frequency of diving and how often you want to review them, choose a computer that suits your logging need. However, even if you purchase one with less memory, if it’s PC-compatible and allows for data transfer, you can store up your diving logs on your computer and review them whenever you deem fit.

What gas would you be diving with? Ensure that you purchase a dive computer that’s compatible with your diving gas. If you’re Nitrox certified or you’re likely to use Nitrox in the future, purchase a computer that’s Nitrox compatible as you’ll be saving some money when you eventually need to buy one. For a slightly greater expenditure, you can get a computer that’s compatible with Nitrox, air, and Trimix. This saves you a lot of hassle. Be aware that some computers allow you to switch between gases while in a dive.

Underwater, you’re almost “driving blind.” The visibility isn’t as it is on land, so you need a compass to point you in the right direction. Traditionally, divers attached an analog compass to their consoles or wore it on their wrists, but these days, digital compasses are being integrated into dive computers. Ensure that your computer has a compass that’s accurate. Some other computers are integrated with GPS that can keep a record of where you’ve been and where you are with the use of satellites.

Most divers complain about forgetting to turn on their computers until they’re deep in water. Because of this, most manufacturers now add a feature to the computer that turns it on once in the water, and it shuts off outside water. If you think you may forget to turn your computer on, it’s advisable to purchase one that has this feature. Also, ask questions concerning the accuracy of the decompression calculations of your computer. However, for your safety, we advise that you should give a 5-minute leeway for any time provided by your computer. The dive computer is not infallible, after all!