Smart, Sleek and Sexy: 10 New Dive Computers
Divers using tables are as common these days as NASA engineers using slide rules — and that’s a good thing. Here are 10 new feature-packed computers that can help you dive more, dive longer and dive safer.
Today’s dive computers offer so many configurations and features, it can be a challenge to sort out exactly which one is best for you. Here are 7 tips that will help you choose the right computer.
Carrie GarciaTusa IQ-750 Element II
The Element II squeezes a lot into a compact wrist mount, including two-gas switching, audible alarms and a deep-stop option. The backlit display includes easy-to-read NO and buttons on the face and one on the side control the action, and the battery is user replaceable. Tusa has a PC kit that is available as an option.
CONTACT: tusa.com
MSRP: $430
Carrie GarciaSCUBAPRO Chromis
The distinctive characters in the Chromis display — inspired by the shape of a Samurai sword — make it easy to read underwater. The four-button control is intuitive and includes word prompts, and can be operated even with thick gloves. Designed with top- side and submerged capabilities, the Chromis includes a built-in altimeter and a programmable stroke counter in swim mode.
CONTACT: scubapro.com
MSRP: $499
Carrie GarciaCressi Giotto
The Giotto combines easy three-button operation and a large, user-friendly display with an impressive list of features, including two-gas switching, audio and visual alarms, and a deep-stop option. Divers will appreciate the backlit alphanumeric display, which has large figures for easy reading, and also displays the status of the user-replaceable battery.
CONTACT: cressi.com
MSRP: $399
Carrie GarciaAeris A300 CS OLED
A bright, high-contrast color display, wireless connection to upload settings or download data, and optional hoseless air integration are among the features of the latest wrist-mounted data cruncher from Aeris. The A300 CS handles up to four nitrox mixes, has a full-tilt electronic com- pass and an intuitive menu system with a “step back” feature for easy navigation.
CONTACT: diveaeris.com
MSRP: $949.95; with air-integration transmitter $1,295.95
Carrie GarciaSherwood Scuba Amphos Air - Editor's Pick
The original Amphos had the algorithms and display of the popular Wisdom 3 console in a stylish wristwatch with a black plastic and stainless-steel bezel. The new version offers those same features plus air integra- tion and an all-stainless-steel bezel. The Amphos Air has four control buttons and screen prompts for easy navigation, four operating modes, and two- gas switching capability.
CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $1,150 with transmitter and download cable
Carrie GarciaMares Icon HD AI
The Icon boasts a full-color LCD screen nearly the size of a smartphone — and packs it full of data that’s easy to read, including color-coded bar graphs for tissue loading and ascent rate. Intuitive controls use four buttons along the bottom, and features include three gases programmable to 99 percent O2. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery fuels the fun.
CONTACT: mares.com
MSRP: $1,800
Carrie GarciaSuunto D6I
It might look like a wristwatch, but the D6I packs in impressive capabilities, including three-gas switching, five dive modes, a compact display that’s easy to read, four-button navigation, and an excellent tilt-compensated 3-D compass. With its durable steel case and anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the D6I is especially stylish with the optional steel bracelet.
CONTACT: suunto.com
MSRP: $1,125 with elastomer strap, transmitter and USB cable
Carrie GarciaAtomic Aquatics Cobalt 2 - Editor's Pick
The latest version of Atomic’s console unit has new software and an upgraded microprocessor to process dive stats even quicker. It retains all the features that made it a favorite, including the high-contrast full-color display and adjustable screen illumination. The Cobalt 2 uses four buttons to navigate through one of the most intuitive dive-computer menus on the market.
CONTACT: atomicaquatics.com
MSRP: $1,299
Carrie GarciaSherwood Scuba Wisdom 3
The original Wisdom was a quick hit, and every version since has added new capabilities. The Wisdom’s two-button control with screen prompts makes it easy to program, and its dive simulator is top notch. The large screen and selectable audio and visual alarms make sure you have all the data you need, and the expanded memory retains 110 dives in the log.
CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: from $750
Carrie GarciaSubgear XP-3H
Barely 2 inches across, the XP-3H is about as compact as console computers get, but you still get lots of features, including a program- mable safety-stop timer and the option of selecting from five settings to increase the conservatism of the algorithm. A three-color bar graph tracks tissue loading, and the memory retains more than a week of dives. It’s available in a one- or two-gauge console.
CONTACT: subgear.com
MSRP: $475
