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Scuba Diving Computers: Behind-The-Scenes Photos of ScubaLab's Gear Review

By Scuba Diving Editors | Published On October 15, 2016
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Scuba Diving Computers: Behind-The-Scenes Photos of ScubaLab's Gear Review

ScubaLab testing dive computers underwater at Blue Grotto

Behind-the-scenes of ScubaLab test

John Michael Bullock

Would You Look At The Time?
It's time to peek behind-the-scenes as ScubaLab test the latest dive computers for the 2016 review.

In May, ScubaLab was busy testing dive computers for Scuba Diving's September/ October Issue. For the 2016 dive computer review we put the latest computers through objective tests and in-water evaluations. Enjoy these behind-the-scenes photos of our ScubaLab test team!

In-Water Ergonomics Test

When we test the latest dive gear, an essential part of the process is diving with it. Our test divers took the newest dive computers underwater at Blue Grotto Dive Resort in Williston, Florida to provide insight of how they performed in the field. Testers were asked to evaluate computers on a number of subjective criteria such as how easy the displays were to read above and below the surface, how well the audible alarms performed and how intuitive and user-friendly the menus were.

ScubaLab dive computer gear test.

ScubaLab dive computer gear test.

John Michael Bullock

More Computers Than You Can Shake A Stick At
Unless you put them all on one stick. We attached all 8 wrist-mount dive computers to a pvc pipe in order to do a side-by-side comparison of their displays underwater.

ScubaLab dive computer test underwater photo Oceanic VTX

ScubaLab dive computer test underwater photo Oceanic VTX

John Michael Bullock

A Thing of Beauty
Test divers were also asked to write down any other observations they had outside of our test criteria — such as if a computer's design really caught their eye.

What Testers Liked

Testers evaluate computers in multiple categories designed to gauge performance with a focus on ease of use and intuitiveness of operation. They rated scores on a scale from 5 (excellent) to 1 (poor). Testers were also asked to provide any additional comments they had while using the computers. The following are a few features that came up in testers' notes again and again.

  • Practical compasses: The latest computer compasses — like that on the Oceanic VTX — are a snap to calibrate and use. And comparisons of their readings against a high-quality analog compass also found that they’re more accurate than in the past.

  • Graphic logs: Computers collect gobs of data on your dives; graphic logs — such as on the Suunto Vyper Novo — help you visualize your dive profiles at a glance.

  • User-replaceable batteries: The ability to swap your own battery — as on the Aqua Lung i300 — saves time and money. Be sure to follow instructions for servicing the O-ring and resealing the case; if in doubt, get your dive shop to do it.

ScubaLab dive computer test diver underwater.

ScubaLab dive computer test diver underwater.

John Michael Bullock

Safety Stop
Deputy Editor Mary Frances Emmons inspects the display as the dive computer counts down its safety stop.

ScubaLab dive computer test Scubapro Mantis

ScubaLab dive computer test Scubapro Mantis

John Michael Bullock

Running Computer Models
We tested various dive computers including; consoles, wrist-mounted and air-integrated models.

ScubaLab dive computer test diver and freshwater fish.

ScubaLab dive computer test diver and freshwater fish.

John Michael Bullock

Testing With The Fishes
Assistant Editor, Robby Myers, draws some spectators while evaluating dive computers. ScubaLab disclaimer: no animals were utilized in product testing.

ScubaLab dive computer test Blue Grotto underwater photo.

ScubaLab dive computer test Blue Grotto underwater photo.

John Michael Bullock

Time Flies When Your Testing
Test divers spent the day scuba diving with the test dive computers at Blue Grotto.

ScubaLab testing dive computers at Blue Grotto

ScubaLab testing dive computers at Blue Grotto

John Michael Bullock

How Does It Compute?
Each computer is evaluated on criteria such as ease of reading the display, performance of the safety stop, ease of use and the performance of audible warnings.

ScubaLab dive computer test

ScubaLab dive computer test

John Michael Bullock

Reading Rainbow
As part of our test we took into account the usefulness of the computers' quick-start guides and how easy they were to understand.

ScubaLab dive computer test

ScubaLab dive computer test

John Michael Bullock

It's All In The Wrist (Mounted Computers)
ScubaLab Director, Roger Roy, inspects the test computers he will be diving with before entering the water.

ScubaLab dive computer test Blue Grotto

ScubaLab dive computer test Blue Grotto

John Michael Bullock

Test Dive
ScubaLab Director, Roger Roy, prepares to dive at Blue Grotto for the 2016 dive computer test.

Testing dive computers at Blue Grotto with ScubaLab

Testing dive computers at Blue Grotto with ScubaLab

John Michael Bullock

Synchronize Watches
Assistant Editor, Robby Myers, also gears up in order to test dive computers underwater at Blue Grotto.

Objective Testing

To collective objective data on the latest dive computers we traveled brought them to USC's Catalina Island Hyperbaric Chamber on Catalina Island in California. We ran all 11 computers simultaneously through 4 simulated dive profiles. By comparing the no-decompression limits after repetitive dives we could gauge the computers algorithms as being more conservative or liberal.

USC Hyperbaric Chamber on Catalina Island

USC Hyperbaric Chamber on Catalina Island

Robby Myers

Pressure Test
Computers were subjected to simulated dive profiles in the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber.

So which algorithm is safest?

No-deco times matter, but the most important factor to avoid getting bent might be less about algorithms and more about common sense. You can increase your safety margin by employing your computer’s safety factors during demanding diving, staying well out of deco, lengthening safety stops, and honestly assessing personal risk factors like dehydration, illness and overall physical condition.

It's also a good idea to read your computer's manual so you don't misunderstand the information and instructions it will display in case of an emergency.

Testing dive computers in the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber.

Testing dive computers in the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber.

Robby Myers

Inside the Black Box
The latest dive computers sitting inside the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber.