Scuba Diving Gear Buyers Guide 2016: Best Dive Computers
Dive computers are powerful data crunchers that monitor nearly every aspect of our dives — our guide will help you find one that matches how you dive.
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Zach StovallAQWARY SMART CONSOLE AND LINK
Connects up to 70 divers
App-based, personalized console
Aqwary’s ultrasound-based network — Smart Console computers connecting divers and a Link transponder — allows dozens of divers within a 100-meter range to share information including air supply and location.
$1,205 (Link sold separately); aqwary.com

Jon WhittleCRESSI DRAKE TITANIUM
Precise recovery time displayed
Stores 500 numbered dives
This wristwatch-style computer for freedivers provides dive time in minutes and seconds, current and maximum depth, the ratio between recovery time and freediving time and diver-programmable alarms.
$449.95; cressiusa.com

Jon WhittleHOLLIS TX2
Trimix-capable computer with OC, CCR and Gauge modes
Wireless connection for up to six transmitters
The advanced TX2 is designed to handle anything from open-circuit to closed-circuit rebreather applications. It has memory up to 12 gases and uses the Buhlmann ZHL 16C algorithm found in most CCR controllers. It has a 3-axis digital compass and an operating depth of 400 feet.
$1,499; hollis.com

Zach StovallLIQUIVISION OMNIX
Unique user interface has a “tap-based” navigation
Display screen is easy to read at depth as well as in direct sunlight
The Omnix sets new safety standards by offering two independent batteries, creating a reserve power system with additional capacity in case of an emergency. Air integration with ultrasonic technology allows long-range monitoring of your air and up to nine other divers.
$1,299; liquivision.com

Jon WhittleOCEANIC OCL
Dual Algorithm™ lets you choose your decompression algorithm
Off ers Air/Nitrox, Gauge, Free and Watch modes
The low-profile OCL is as at home in the office as it is 100 feet down. Loaded with features, its compact size looks great when worn as a watch. The easy-to-read screen is set in a smart-looking stainless steel case with an ultra-soft silicone wristband.
$600; oceanicworldwide.com

Jon WhittleOCEANIC VTX
Bluetooth links to your smart phone or tablet
Dual Algorithm™ feature lets you match your algorithm to your buddy’s
With its very readable, high-contrast OLED color display, intuitive menu and long list of features and functions — including hoseless air integration and electronic compass — the VTX sets the bar in dive computer design.
$950 w/o transmitter; oceanicworldwide.com

Jon WhittleSUUNTO D6I NOVO
Now in black, “stone” and the military-inspired “stealth”
Wireless air integration option displays air pressure while eliminating a hose
The new soft silicone strap is more comfortable than ever, and the sapphire crystal glass protecting the easy-to-read display features anti-fingerprint coating.
$1,174.95; suunto.com

Jon WhittleSUUNTO EON STEEL
Monitor data in a text or graphical mode
Features brushed stainless steel bezel and fiberglass-reinforced composite casing
Air-integrated Eon Steel, with its wide-angle color screen, lets you create your own dive modes and select from five data displays. It includes an onboard digital compass and trimix capability.
$1,439.95; suunto.com

Courtesy of ScubaproSCUBAPRO ALADIN SPORT COMPUTER
Simple, single-gas system is nitrox compatible to 50 percent
Scuba, Freedive and Gauge modes, plus watch functions
The Aladin Sport computer is an appealing choice for new divers as well as veterans on a budget. It’s also a great dive tracker for freedivers, and an excellent backup computer for all divers.
$338, wrist-mount; $380, 2-gauge console; $440, 3-gauge console; scubapro.com

Courtesy of ScubaproSCUBAPRO ALADIN TEC 3G
PDIS calculates intermediate stops based on N2 loading your dives and breathing mixes
Available as a wrist-mount or in a console
The brother of the Aladin Sport, the Tec 3G is targeted primarily to technical divers who want multi-gas and CCR functions, and also to rec divers looking to evolve in their sport.
$409, wrist-mount; $453, 2-gauge console; $509, 3-gauge console; scubapro.com

Courtesy of ScubaproSCUBAPRO M2/ MANTIS 2
Tilt compensating digital compass and wireless tank data transmission
Scuba, Gauge, Freediving, CCR, Swim and Sport modes
SCUBAPRO’s Human Factor Diving™ factors heart rate, skin temperature and work load into decompression calculations; its cutting-edge biometric tracking lets you live your life in dive mode.
$1,510, complete; $1,024, wrist unit only; scubapro.com

Jon WhittleSHERWOOD SCUBA VISION
Three clearly marked buttons access into an intuitive menu
New quick-disconnect hose provides added security when the hoses are not pressurized
Offering air integration, a digital compass, multi-gas capability and one of the easiest menus to navigate, the Sherwood Scuba Vision has everything a recreational diver wants and needs with a large, easy-to-read screen.
$920; sherwoodscuba.com

Jon WhittleCRESSI WATCH EXTENSION STRAP
Lengthens computer wrist strap
Compatible with Cressi’s Drake and Newton computers
Cressi’s strap extender lets you securely attach your wrist computer for cold-water diving without needing an overly long strap for use in tropical waters. The strap works with Cressi’s Newton and Drake watch-style computers.
$14.50; cressiusa.com