This year’s dive computers offer something for everybody. From basic and inexpensive to feature packed and pricey, divers have a choice of big screens, small screens, three-color bar graphs, dot-matrix displays, increased battery life, larger memories and up to three gas mixes. Hoseless air-integration continues to be a hot item, on-board digital compasses have really come on strong, and some kind of Deep Stop feature can now be found on virtually every model. To tackle the massive job of evaluation, ScubaLab uses a testing protocol divided into four phases: Lab Work, Ocean Work, PC Downloads and Chamber Runs. We start off in the ScubaLab shop and pour over spec sheets and websites to familiarize ourselves with all the features and get all the facts. Then we fire up each computer, and with an owner’s manual in hand we dive into the system, scrolling through modes, searching out menus and setting parameters to prepare the units for our ocean work.

Sherwood Wisdom 2

Features This updated DC boasts a new pair of chromed control buttons, increased battery life, double the memory capacity and a Deep Stop feature. It offers a large screen with big, bold digits that are compartmentalized for a clean look. Bar graphs track gas loading and fast ascents. An optional quick-disconnect fitting lets you separate the computer from the high-pressure hose. The Wisdom 2’s screen is outstanding. All critical data, with psi standing out, can be found on the main screen. The auto safety-stop feature that reminds you to make your stop in big, bold letters was a big hit among test divers. Liberal or Conservative Liberal. There are no conservatism settings. Bottom Line We like the big screen, easy-to-read digits and quick-disconnect. Recreational divers won’t find a more user-friendly data cruncher (the owner’s manual is the best).

Specifications