Is a Dive Computer Worth the Money?

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Tables used to be the standard. These days, nearly all divers use a dive computer and it makes sense.

A dive computer tracks depth, bottom time, speed of ascent, and no-deco limits in the moment. Tables can't do that. If you change depth partway through, it updates. A table can't.

Watch-style computers are what the majority of divers go for learn more at this point. These are small enough, readable underwater, and you'll wear them as a regular watch too. Console-mount computers are still around but fewer people pick them anymore.

Basic computers go for around a few hundred dollars and handle everything most divers requires. You get depth tracking, time, NDL, log function, and usually a basic freedive function. Stepping up to mid-range gets you wireless air monitoring, improved displays, and extra gas options.

The one thing new divers don't think about is conservatism settings. Certain models are more conservative than others. A tighter computer gives you shorter bottom time. More aggressive settings give more bottom time but at reduced safety margin. Both work. It just what you're comfortable with and how experienced you are.

Talk to the staff at a local dive store who uses multiple computers before you decide. Staff will have real-world feedback on what's good and what's marketing. Decent dive shops have buying guides and honest reviews online as well

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