The Best of Everything Gear Guide 2003: Dive Computers
December 2002 By John Brumm
Dive Computers Reviewed in This Article
No other piece of dive equipment has moved from the category of "cool toy" to "gotta have it" as quickly and decisively as the dive computer. Never mind dive tables; only a dive computer is able to track your actual dive profile second by second so you know more accurately how much nitrogen you've loaded.
Dive computers continue to get better, cheaper and easier to use. Most offer diver-friendly graphics like bar graphs and green-yellow-red coding. Increasingly common is the ability to download data to a laptop or Palm Pilot so you can later analyze your dive habits. Visual and audible alarms are other trends, as is the dive computer's ability to handle various gas mixes.
Scuba Lab tests dive computers both in a pressure chamber and in the ocean for accuracy and ease of use. And only Scuba Lab rates all computers on a "Freedom vs Risk" scale so you can find the computer that matches your style of diving.
No dive computers were reviewed by Scuba Lab in 2002; however, here are the top performers of the last Scuba Lab tests that are still in distribution.
AERIS
100S| 100S
A price-competitive computer with a unique feature: it comes with a submersible pressure gauge and shares some of its functions with the SPG. $489.95
NOTE: Discontinued; limited quantities may be available in 2003.
300G| 300G
The nitrox-capable version of the 100S. With PC interface. $599.95
500AI| 500AI
Offers hose-mounted gas integration and the ability to display both gas time and no-decompression limits simultaneously. Nitrox-capable. With PC interface. $739.95
NOTE: Replaced by the ATMOS ai.
| | 750GT| 750GT
A hoseless high-tech dive computer with features not found on other computers, including a breathing rate indicator and extensive personal settings. Gas-integrated. Nitrox-capable. $1,099.95
ATMOS Pro| ATMOS Pro
A 300G without the submersible pressure gauge, making it even less expensive. Nitrox-capable. PC interface. $399.95
ATMOS Sport| ATMOS Sport
Offers all the features of the Atmos Pro with the exception of nitrox compatibility and PC downloading. $339.95
NOTE: Replaced by ATMOS 1.
Savant| Savant
Can be used with nitrox, has an excellent PC interface and an extended deep-diving algorithm. $499.95 GENESIS SCUBA
React| React
Features the best graphic display of nitrogen loading. Nitrox-capable. Optional PC interface. $400
Resource | Resource
Budget computer that uses effective and intuitive graphic displays. $300.
MARES
Surveyor| Surveyor
A user-friendly model that logs and profiles more dives than the less expensive Tutor. With PC interface. $479
Surveyor Nitrox| Surveyor Nitrox
Gives you the option of making a dozen different gas settings, customizing as much as possible to your diving. Nitrox-capable. With PC interface. $514
Tutor| Tutor
Very easy to use, thanks to two buttons and on-screen prompts. With PC interface. $379OCEANIC
Datamax Pro| Datamax Pro
Least expensive air-integrated dive computer available. $599.95NOTE: Replaced by the Pro Plus 2.
Datamax Pro Plus| Datamax Pro Plus
Just about the easiest-reading computer around; makes excellent use of color-highlighted graphs. Gas-integrated. Nitrox-capable. With PC interface. $735; with compass & quick disconnect. $835 NOTE: Replaced by the Pro Plus 2.
Data Plus| Data Plus
Reasonably priced, nitrox-capable and made for extended-range diving. With PC interface. $379.95 NOTE: Discontinued; limited quantities available through 2003
Data Plus 2| Data Plus 2
Has two buttons instead of the Data Plus's one, adding functions, including a simple walk-through method of use. Nitrox-capable. With PC interface. $419.95
NOTE: Replaced by the Versa Pro.
Datatrans Plus| Datatrans Plus
Nitrox-capable. Uses a color-enhanced graphic display for nitrogen loading, breathing rate, air remaining and ascent. Air-integrated. Hoseless. With PC interface. $799
NOTE: Replaced by the VT Pro.
Prodigy| Prodigy
Most economical model in Oceanic's family of computers. $305.95NOTE: Replaced by the Versa.
XTC-100| XTC-100
Large display numbers make this user-friendly wrist computer ideal for older eyes. Nitrox-capable. $499.95
NOTE : Discontinued; limited quantities available through 2003. New Versa Pro is available as a wrist unit.
SCUBAPRO
Air Z Nitrox| Air Z Nitrox
Variable ascent rate indicator for improved dive efficiency. Illumination comes standard. Oxygen function does not default. Excellent oxygen warnings. $1,260
Aladin Air Z O2| Aladin Air Z O2
Hoseless, gas-integrated and nitrox-capable. Optional PC interface. Can be used with a rebreather. $920
Aladin Pro Ultra| Aladin Pro Ultra
A Pro Nitrox (discontinued) with the addition of a screen cover and backlighting. Nitrox-capable. Optional PC interface. $500
Aladin Sport Plus| Aladin Sport Plus
A Sport (discontinued) with the addition of a screen cover and backlighting. Optional PC interface. $350
SHERWOOD SCUBA
Logic| Logic
Features clear nitrogen-loading graphs with three-color highlighting. Nitrox- capable module, $350; 3-gauge console, $490
SUUNTO
Cobra| Cobra
Packs more features and functions into a small space than any other dive computer we've tested. Gas-integrated. Nitrox-capable. Optional PC interface. $750
Favor| Favor
Features a date and time function that stays on as a watch even when the computer is at rest. Wrist unit, $240
NOTE: Replaced by the Favor S.
Stinger| Stinger
It's a dive computer, it's a watch. It's also highly adjustable with a wealth of settings and extensive memory. Excellent for decompression dives. Nitrox-capable. Optional PC interface. Also available with silver band and in titanium and silver. Basic model, $745
Vyper| Vyper
Features include the ability to make a "bookmark" at any point during a dive; this then shows up on the profile when reviewed so you can tell just when an event occurred. Nitrox-capable. Optional PC interface. $475
