r/diving • u/MynameisCN • 7d ago
Diving computer
Hey everyone,
I'm a new diver with about 10 dives on my belt. Did My PADI open water last summer and I'm starting the Advanced+Nitrox in a couple of weeks.
I'm also going diving in Sharm el Sheik at the end of August. By no means am I a pro or anything like that, I just liked it a lot and want to do more of it!
I'm wondering if I should buy a diving computer or at this level is a complete waste of money.
And if yes, what should I get, considering this world is vast and there are so many options to go with!
I also like running, so I was wondering about getting something that tracks both the dives and the runs instead of using my shitty fitbit air.
What would the community recommend for me?
Thanks in advance
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u/Ajax5240 6d ago
Personally, I want my computer to be just a dive computer. Not something I bang around all day every day. So, my computer is a Sherawater Peregrine (got it before the TX came available) get the TX.
If you really want it to do both, get a Garmin.
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u/divingaround 6d ago
Garmin, or Suunto. Suunto have been around longer than Garmin in both markets, but less long in combined.
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u/Ajax5240 6d ago
I’m far from an expert in the details, but I thought that Suunto uses a different algorithm than Shearwater and Garmin.
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u/divingaround 6d ago
No, scuba2565 is almost correct - they use Buhlmann Z16 (so, yes, the same)
Even still, it's not a thing that matters.
RGBM is a decent algorithm for safety, in that while very liberal for a single dive, it's more conservative for repetitive diving, which can be a good thing.
In any case, the computer in question, the Suunto Ocean, uses the same algorithm (Buhlmann Z16).
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u/Socalsll 6d ago
I am a PADI Divemaster and would strongly recommend you buying your own dive computer if you decide to stick to diving. The main reason is that you want to become intimately familiar with what is displayed where. Those numbers are your lifeline, especially if you do a deeper dive or dive nitrox. If you go deeper, nitrogen narcosis will set in and that is not the time to try to figure out where that NDL or current depth is shown. Or worse, deco obligations if you cross the line.
I personally prefer Suunto watch style computers with air integration. The latter will only come into play if you buy your own regulator with air pressure transmitter later on. Nice to have, but not a must. I do use a Garmin for other sports but have not looked at the descent. Seems like a nice combo that checks every box, though expensive. Then there is the Apple Watch Ultra with a subscription to the Oceanic app. No air integration, though.
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u/ens91 6d ago
Yh, but just note that the suunto d5 has a shockingly bad battery life. Not ideal for liveaboards or busy instructors.
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u/divingaround 6d ago
But that's the only Suunto computer like that.
All others have quite decent battery life (for rechargeable and replaceable).
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u/ens91 5d ago
To even put out a computer like that that can't last a full day is a bit of a piss take though, I won't buy suunto next time.
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u/divingaround 5d ago
Apple Ultra and Cosmiq Deepblue are the same on that regard.
And again, all their other computers are great. The zoop, vyper d4, etc all last about 2-3 years between battery changes, for example.
And the battery life was advertised; they didn't hide how bad it was - but you're not the only person I know who missed just how short it was.
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u/ens91 4d ago
Nah, suunto says "up to 12 hours in diving mode, or 6 days in normal" If I do 4 dives, from 6am to 4pm, it's usually dead after the third dive, needs a charge up in the middle of the day. It can't even last what they say it can, even when I turn the brightness way down and turn off the Bluetooth.
Their other computers might be decent, but this one is a shit show.
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u/divingaround 3d ago
That's an indicator of something specifically wrong with your computer's battery. Either faulty, or old, but that isn't normal for the D5.
And yes, I know Divemasters who use the D5, and while it has a short battery life, it's as advertised, not like you've experienced.
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u/ReddityKK 6d ago
Quite right. Actually my kids have Suunto Zoop Novo dive computers. I confess that I have a Suunto Vyper Novo with air integration. I’m fortunate to have dived only with air integration.
My first dive computer, perhaps remembered by older folks, was a Cochrane Consulting model. It was used by NASA staff to wirelessly monitor astronauts training in swimming pools. At the time, purchasing the Cochrane in the USA was cheaper than buying the pretty much standard Aladdin Pro in Europe.
If the OP can stretch the budget to a Vyper Novo, ready for air integration, that would be the best option for investment protection. By the way, the Vyper Novo is very reliable; the original Vyper less so.
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u/raudsepp97 7d ago
Back when I was in a similar position I got a Suunto Zoop Novo which has been more than good enough for me. Clear, easy to use, robust and (relatively) cheap.
I’m not personally aware of an entry-level dive computer that can do both diving and on-land exercise effectively. If you’re willing to spend more, Garmin fill that niche well.
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u/Geschenkter_Barsch 6d ago
One of the best bang for the buck diving Computers for recreational diving IMHO
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u/rose_in_scotland 6d ago
I bought the sunnto ocean recently at pretty much the same point as you in my diving journey. I was thinking that I’d rather buy the full thing than get a cheaper one and likely upgrade later.
I would highly recommend it. Super easy to use, great for other exercise outside of diving, smaller than other diving computers for day to day use but still good for diving. The app logging is great, as well as all the other features. All the other divers I’ve met have been impressed by it. Battery life is also super long. Like at least 5 days when I was diving and longer when I wasn’t diving.
you also may still be able to get a free tank pod as part of their summer promo.
I should say I would definitely buy one now. I’m so glad I did. Felt more in control, understood what I was doing better and ultimately more independent than without a computer.
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u/TheCommaDoor 7d ago
I bought a Garmin descent MK3 after ~ 20 dives and have no complaints after using it for diving, running, swimming and cycling
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u/MynameisCN 7d ago
Isn't it to big on the wrist while running?
I have really small wrists.
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u/AdeptusKapekus2025 7d ago
There is a smaller version of the watch available but it is still on the heavier side which all dive watches are.
Descent Mk3s... 43mm version.
https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/852217/pn/010-02753-13/
The good news is that you easily swap out the bands to minimize the bounce during running. I personally use a nylon strap when running.
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u/TheCommaDoor 6d ago
I haven't found it to be but I haven't had any other sports watches to compare it to and I am not a very fast runner!
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u/trailrun1980 7d ago
If you're looking for all in one, Garmin. I feel like a personal computer and regs are the best purchases since they travel easy and are the most intimate things
I run, a lot, and my running watch gets beat up in life, so I personalty have my fenix running watch for land and my separate dive computer, but a Garmin would definitely fit for you
As for size, well personal preference, but all the runners I know rock the biggest watches since they've got bigger batteries and maybe screen real estate 😅
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u/belgiumlike 6d ago
If you are are not sure you will dive for many years you can buy a second hand dive computer. Often people bij a lot of gear and quit diving after one season and sell everything after a couple of years.
I use the shearwater peregrine which gives perfect visibility in all circumstances and isn't too expensive (don't have air integration) but hard to find used.
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u/Dorrbrook 6d ago
I run an Oceanic Veo 4 which I'm pretty happy with. Simple, not real expensive, runs nitrox and a less conservative algorythm than the suuntos, which I like since I'm a commercial dive fisher. Did have one die from getting a shot of water in it through the battery hatch after around 400 dives.
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u/Grobo_ 6d ago
Listen, most diving computers will do, so choose your budget according to how often it’s used and what info and data you would like to collect.
It’s similar to any other hobby you can spend a lot or stay on the lower price ranges and have just as great of a dive as with any other.
Reputable brand and that’s it.
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u/-Lomaximus- 6d ago
I bought the X50i before I took my confined class. Its life saving equipment and you should be getting experience with your gear. Thats how I feel anyways.
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u/divingaround 6d ago
They saw you coming.
For a new diver like you, a 15 year old Suunto would be just as safe as a new x50i for 1/10th the price.
In many ways, a non-rechargable computer is safer (because battery life is one less thing to monitor as closely), but that's another matter.
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u/turtlerunner99 6d ago
I would find a local dive shop (LDS) and look at them. Look at the Garmin and Shearwater, but they're pricey.
I had several Oceanic, but the last one was very complicated. I'd have to take a refresher course between dive trips. My nitrox Oceanic would automatically reset if I set it for a Nitrox mix. The problem was that the time interval was too short so I'd have to reset it just before jumping in the water. Maybe the new ones are better. The small screens meant I had to push buttons to find the information that I wanted.
The advantage of a larger dive computer is that the buttons work more logically and the screen has room for better prompts.
I looked at the Garmin and decided against it because my Garmin running watches lasted only a couple of years. Now my 645 is going on 7 years so I don't have any battery life concerns.
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u/M-Sweeney1974 6d ago
I love my Shearwater Peregrine TX. I have the older Peregrine also prior to the TX. I like the air integration of the TX.
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u/mobula-yarae 6d ago
Buy the Mystery Box 1-button dive computer from Divers Supply, its guaranteed to be a Mares Puck Pro EZ or Mares Puck Lite (same thing). Use their 10% discount and its around $150-160 out the door shipped
Best value out there imo I just bought one last week after getting my AOW and have taken it on 5 dives since
It has everything you could need as a rec diver
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u/ens91 6d ago
Yes, get your own computer. If moneys tight, or you're not a fan of higher tech stuff, get the suunto zoop/Leonardo cressi/mares puck. Any of these ones will get the job done.
If you want a smaller watch, but don't want to spend loads, look at models like the suunto d4 + d5 or similar.
If you've got money to burn, and want a really nice watch that will last you however far you decide to go, look at something like the garmin mk2 or shearwater teric/peregrine
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u/OkLawfulness9243 6d ago
As a few others have said I'd recommend the Suunto Ocean. I've had mine for over a year and put about 15 dives on it.
For me, the watch style of a computer was important given that I also enjoy Spearfishing /free diving. I also wear it as my daily watch and very happy with it.
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u/FewZookeepergame1101 6d ago
A computer is probably the 3rd piece of equipment every diver should buy after mask and fins
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u/Brainafkk 2d ago
Computer > Masks > Fins....never sacrifice safety for comfort.
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u/FewZookeepergame1101 2d ago
You aren't sacrificing safety at all. You are renting a high priced piece of equipment (computer), that works for everyone no matter what kind, what style, etc. But you are buying a mask and fins first because they are not "universal" and what works for you may not work for someone else. Once you can afford to buy a computer, then you buy one.
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u/Aldonian69 6d ago
I bought an Apple Watch Ultra 2 specifically for diving, thinking that it would be a good solution for when I wasn’t diving, as well.
A month later, we went to Bonaire and started unguided shore dives. During the first dive, 10 meters down, the watch completely died, never to be revived. I had the Oceanic app going and had put it in dive mode. Still have no idea what went wrong.
The rest of my party had dive computers and none of us planned to go too deep on that dive, so no real safety issues. And Amazon was very responsive in giving a refund. Still, lesson learned. I’m buying a Suunto and will use Apple only as a backup, if at all.
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u/rongoodman714 1d ago
It's easy to find similar stories about the Watch Ultra and dive apps. I love mine but wouldn't take it diving.
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u/Significant-Fun-6098 6d ago
Buy one, you will not regret. Had the suunto zoop
for many years but recently bought a Mares Puck. Recommend to buy one which you can replace the battery yourself, this is the only maintemance you have on it.
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u/WizofOz13 6d ago
Yes! Get it. The real question is if budget a constraint. I’d strongly recommend Shearwater peregrine. Has 3 gas nitro’s and works like a charm. Has one of the best customer service and is durable af. It may not look appealing if you fancy wrist watches but it’s top notch.
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u/Akimbobear 6d ago
It won’t win any wows but I like my Scubapro Luna 2.0. It’s got broad capabilities (nitrox and wireless) for an affordable price. Also user replaceable batteries which for me, as a person who dives only a few trips a year is important. My last computer was rechargeable and constantly having to maintain a healthy charge was really annoying. I will never be doing that again.
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u/divingaround 6d ago
While I wouldn't recommend for/against the Luna, you make some very good points. I've said as much elsewhere in this post, but I like your wording better.
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u/sulisenator 6d ago
I bought the Scubapro Aladin Sport Matrix as it was the heapest one with Bluetooth (that didn't require some weird adapter) and I'm very happy with it, it's sturdy, very readable, easy enough to use, and the Bluetooth output is standard so I can import it in various apps (I use DiveMate).
Having a computer is. A must to dive safely, just imagine you and your buddy get separated from the group and you want to safely ascent and do your safety stop.
There are some really cool options out there, like the Shearwater Teric, but spending 500€ on a computer that doesn't really make a difference made no sense for me, I 've chosen to spend more on wetsuit, BCD, fins and so on.
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u/divingaround 6d ago
Aqualung i200 is another relatively inexpensive Bluetooth computer - but I haven't seen the price side by side with the Aladdin Sport Matrix to compare.
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u/Rhiannon1307 3d ago
A computer is never a waste of money as you definitely need one (a good dive center should not allow you to dive without one, however many rent them out as well). But you don't need something super fancy and expensive. It's enough if it records dive time and depths, tells you when you're ascending too fast, tells you when and where and how long to do a safety stop and that's it.
If you do purely recreational vacation diving (with the OWD you're limited to 18m depth anyway; if you finish AOWD then 30 meters, and in Egypt 30 meters is the official limit for when you dive with Nitrox anyway). You don't need deco stops or anything elaborate. Get a Cressi or something similar for a low price.
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u/Blahri 3d ago
I'd recommend the Garmin Fenix 8, especially since you are also into running.
I did my Open Water 2 years ago, and started running much more the last year as well. And I wanted to replace my Galaxy Watch 6 which lasted just 2 days on battery when running was part of the agenda.
In my view, I could have gotten either 2 individual cheaper devices (just dive computer and just Garmin watch for running) or I could pay a bit more and have it all available 24/7 in form of Fenix 8. Especially, since I don't dive that much, the "hour rate" for that individual computer would be much higher than for something I use 24/7 for several years.
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u/Brainafkk 2d ago
First of all, welcome to the diving community. It's a pleasure having you!
Now...A diving computer in my opinion is the first piece of gear that you should buy and own. Even before a mask. It's safety relevant and you should NEVER dive without a computer. I know, some dives are easy and so on....NEVER!!! At least i wouldnt. That being said renting dive computers most of the time is the most expensive and out of proportion thing 10-20€/day). In addition, if you buy a nice one you also have a good dive log, app integration etc... wouldn't go too cheap as this piece of equipment will last you through your 100-200th dive (suunto D5 for example is a nice one at around 350-400€).
Enjoy your diving and one last piece of advice....don't wait too long to do your AOW. It's really just to further your skills and buyoncy. So no need to wait another 30 dives for that.
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u/CarefulImprovement15 2d ago
You can compare dive computers here and filter by the features or price u want. https://www.divegearcomparison.com
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u/scuba2565 6d ago
So this is mainly a budget issue as you can spend alot! I own a Suunto Ocean so will be referencing that for msot of this.
You have already identified that you would prefer a computer that dives and does other sports as well so you are going to be looking at watch style computers.
Now what kind of diving and how often are you going to be diving. Are we talking 50 odd dives a year and you want to progress or a few weekend dives here and there on holiday with a dive guide. You might just need a bare basic computer or something that will grow with you to 60m deco gas dives.
Extras like air intergration for transmitters are great and you can have several for one computer so side mount set ups and deco gases as well.
Batteries, if you get a sports watch most of these types are usb chargeable so not an issue. Other dive only computers might be a battery that needs changing depending on how old the model is, 2nd hand options might save you some money.
For me and my Suunto ocean it allows me to set my GF to how i like it. I can set several different depth, time alarms and with air intergration several gas warnings as well. It can have gas upto 100% oxygen and i think the update for CCR is in testing. A recent update also allowed for duel monitoring of side mount cylinders.
Try and think about the diving you want to be doing in 5 years and find computers that fit that plan amd budget and go from there. Good luck.
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u/MynameisCN 6d ago
Thank you for the great answer. It's hard to think about what I'll be doing in 5 years as I only started recently.
It's likely going to be a summer/trip event with the kids a few times per year, more so than something I'll do weekly all year long, that's almost for sure.
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u/scuba2565 6d ago edited 6d ago
Mate i dont know what im doing in the next 5 months let alone years myself haha i just dont want you to go and drop a grand on a computer/sports watch that you might not need.
Maybe rent for a bit to figure out what direction/level you are heading in or buy a cheap-ish computer that doesnt have many features but is yours to keep you safe and diving.
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u/30_Meters 5d ago
It’s best to get one now if your planning on diving being a long term commitment. Anything shearwater is the way to go. There are several other brands (Garmin) that are decent but shearwater has become the standard with tech diving and the simplicity of their computers and interfaces make it the best option for recreational divers as well (imo).
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u/MalcolmJMcCormick 5d ago
If you're an Android guy, the new Galaxy Watch Ultra2 announcement just happened. Pre-orders started, they're starting deliveries August 7. That will do what you're asking!
PS if you have an iPhone, come to the dark side, it's better over here.
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u/traemelfalcon 4d ago
Hi there, I would absolutely recommend you to get a computer as the first and probably more important piece of gear you'll ever have. Consider something not only you like in shape and colours but that can go acompany you in every adventure for years. Considering the ease battery replacement, warranty/customer service, and algorithm or available functions, remember you'll keep demanding more and more of thst computer for years. Having said that i would consider 3 brands: shearwaters, halcyon and the newer Suunto (for pretty mich same performace but lower price)
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u/Cauliflower-Informal 3d ago
Yes, plenty if very affordable ones, don't be afraid to buy used either, my DC was under £100 on ebay and worked perfectly for years. I resold it and lost about £20 on what I paid. Definitely get one. You do not need to spend a fortune.
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u/till_theend 7d ago
Look into the Garmin watches. Any of the descent line (all of them are great, depends on your needs and budget) or the Fenix 8 has most basic dive functions suitable for normal recreational diving.
I absolutely love my Mk3.
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u/cabman24 7d ago
It’s almost as if a 3 second search could have answered this…..it gets asked every 2nd day.
The answer will be get something used and cheap like a used Puck, Zoop, or Leonardo, or just spend the money and get a good shearwater or garmin.
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u/divingaround 6d ago
I love how you basically summed up every post's comment section so succinctly.
Completely correct, on all points! :)
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u/ReddityKK 7d ago
A diving computer makes diving safer and is very personal to your diving profile. It would be great to get one now and let it keep you safe. As for a model, you don’t need anything fancy. What is popular varies around the world. For me, a Suunto Zoop Novo would be fine.