Mares Matrix dive computer

3. MARES Matrix

Performance: With so many features packed into such a compact unit, the matrix is a wonder. Offering well-marked buttons and an intuitive menu, it ranked the easiest DC to program in this category. The model provides excellent screen readability with its reverse color band highlighting no deco data, and it has a very usable tissue loading bar graph and a cool graphic dive-profile alternate screen. It also comes with the bar-none best compass in its category. Another unique feature is the Ice (in case of emergency) function, which shows personal info — from contact numbers to insurance policies to allergies. The Matrix is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, so you have to remember to plug it in once in a while. However, it does offer an “Off” mode to conserve battery power.

Liberal or Conservative: The Matrix leans conservative, plus provides three altitude settings and two additional safety levels to increase your cushion.

Bottom Line: The Matrix is a wristwatch dive computer on steroids. It’s easy to read and program, and full of advanced features. Test divers unanimously picked it as Testers’ Choice in this category.

SPECS:
OPERATIONAL MODES Air, Nitrox, Gauge | NITROX CAPABILITY 21 percent to 99 percent O2 GAS MIXES 3 | USER CONTROLS 4 buttons | AIR-INTEGRATED No | ONBOARD COMPASS Yes | COLOR HIGHLIGHTS Yes | PC KIT Included
MSRP $700 | INFO mares.com

Carrie Garcia

MARES dive computers took two of the top spots in our ScubaLab 2012 dive computer testing. Here we highlight two MARES models that took away the Testers' Choice prize in their categories.

ScubaLab Tester's Choice, Wristwatch-Style Computers: MARES Matrix

Performance: With so many features packed into such a compact unit, the matrix is a wonder. Offering well-marked buttons and an intuitive menu, it ranked the easiest DC to program in this category. The model provides excellent screen readability with its reverse color band highlighting no deco data, and it has a very usable tissue loading bar graph and a cool graphic dive-profile alternate screen. It also comes with the bar-none best compass in its category. Another unique feature is the Ice (in case of emergency) function, which shows personal info — from contact numbers to insurance policies to allergies. The Matrix is powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, so you have to remember to plug it in once in a while. However, it does offer an “Off” mode to conserve battery power.

Liberal or Conservative: The Matrix leans conservative, plus provides three altitude settings and two additional safety levels to increase your cushion.

Bottom Line: The Matrix is a wristwatch dive computer on steroids. It’s easy to read and program, and full of advanced features. Test divers unanimously picked it as Testers’ Choice in this category.

SPECS:
OPERATIONAL MODES Air, Nitrox, Gauge | NITROX CAPABILITY 21 percent to 99 percent O2
GAS MIXES 3 | USER CONTROLS 4 buttons | AIR-INTEGRATED No
ONBOARD COMPASS Yes | COLOR HIGHLIGHTS Yes | PC KIT Included
MSRP $700 | INFO mares.com

Mares Icon HD/AI

3. MARES Icon HD/AI

Performance: In a class all its own, this impressive data cruncher hit the scene a couple of years ago, bowling everybody over with its big, bright, full-color LCD and smartphone-style menu. Improvements to this latest model include an upgraded system that adds options to dive modes and expanding functions to its already excellent compass. But the big news is the addition of hoseless air integration. The color coding for bar-graphing tissue loading, deco time and ascent rate is unmatched. And the blinking red banner for too-fast ascents really gets your attention. Of course, all of this vibrant color requires lots of power. Thankfully the lithium-ion battery is rechargeable. Programmingwise, this DC is so intuitive that you can set all parameters simply by following the screen prompts.

Liberal or conservative: The Icon HD leans conservative. You can also program four altitude and three personal-safety levels.

Bottom Line: The Icon HD/AI, now with hoseless air integration, was the unanimous favorite wrist-mount DC with test divers, who didn’t hesitate a moment before picking it as the Testers’ Choice.

SPECS:
OPERATIONAL MODES Air, Nitrox, Gauge | NITROX CAPABILITY 21 percent to 99 percent O2 GAS MIXES 3 | USER CONTROLS 4 buttons
AIR INTEGRATED Yes | ONBOARD COMPASS Yes | COLOR HIGHLIGHTS Yes | PC KIT Included MSRP $1,800 INFO mares.com

Carrie Garcia

ScubaLab Testers' Choice, Wrist-Mount Computers: MARES Icon HD/AI

Performance: In a class all its own, this impressive data cruncher hit the scene a couple of years ago, bowling everybody over with its big, bright, full-color LCD and smartphone-style menu. Improvements to this latest model include an upgraded system that adds options to dive modes and expanding functions to its already excellent compass. But the big news is the addition of hoseless air integration. The color coding for bar-graphing tissue loading, deco time and ascent rate is unmatched. And the blinking red banner for too-fast ascents really gets your attention. Of course, all of this vibrant color requires lots of power. Thankfully the lithium-ion battery is rechargeable. Programmingwise, this DC is so intuitive that you can set all parameters simply by following the screen prompts.

Liberal or conservative: The Icon HD leans conservative. You can also program four altitude and three personal-safety levels.

Bottom Line: The Icon HD/AI, now with hoseless air integration, was the unanimous favorite wrist-mount DC with test divers, who didn’t hesitate a moment before picking it as the Testers’ Choice.

SPECS:
OPERATIONAL MODES Air, Nitrox, Gauge | NITROX CAPABILITY 21 percent to 99 percent O2
GAS MIXES 3 | USER CONTROLS 4 buttons | AIR INTEGRATED Yes
ONBOARD COMPASS Yes | COLOR HIGHLIGHTS Yes | PC KIT Included
MSRP $1,800 INFO mares.com