Still not sure what one to go with, with all these great options? There are a few factors to consider when choosing the perfect computer for you, so lets go through those, and then I will just give my recommendations and all time favorites, that you cant go wrong with.
YOUR BUDGET
Obviously you should think about your budget, check the prices in the links above, and that will be a big factor. But obviously since there are a lot of options around the same prices, there will be more factors to think about.
HOW OFTEN WILL YOU DIVE?
If you are diving frequently, are a Divemaster or instructor, you are going to want a good watch that will last, as well as one that will log a lot of dives. If you are diving a few times a year, you don’t need the most top of the line.
WHAT IS YOUR QUALIFICATION LEVELS?
Most of you reading this will be recreational divers, and do not need something very technical. Do you do mix gases? Do you use air integration? Will you need to be able to plan a dive table on your computer for tec diving? If not, don’t get something like the Shearwater Research. It is complete over kill, way too big and uncomfortable to wear, and too expensive for what you need. But if you are tec diving, it doesn’t get much better than that one.
EASY TO SETUP AND USE
This also goes with how much you dive and how much experience you have with computers, but if you are like me, and DO have a lot of dives and experience with computers, yet I still prefer something simple and user friendly. I have tried a lot of computers in my day, and I always seem to revert back to a Suunto. I rather not have to spend time figuring out a complicated computer, so I stay away from most Oceanic or Shearwater, unless for tec.
But that’s just my opinion, and a ton of divers lover Oceanic computers, with more options and settings. I’m just lazy. I also like a big, lit-up display that I can see fast and easy underwater, but now days most are pretty good with that.