If you just starting out Scuba Diving or are a recreational diver looking for a value for money dive computer then look no further! We at Aquaviews have compiled a quick list of 5 dive computers available for under $250 all available at LeisurePro.
Mares Nemo Sport Dive Computer Watch Black – Price $248.95
The Mares Nemo Sport Dive Computer tops my list as the best dive computer available for under $250. Supporting both Air and Nitrox diving, the Mares Nemo computer is lightweight, durable and compact. The Nemo fully functions as a watch with alarm clock function and dual time zones. Most remarkable feature of the Nemo aside from its ease of use, is the provision for user-replaceable batteries, which means you don’t have to ship it off to the company store for new batteries. The Nemo uses the RGBM Mares-Wienke Algorithm, to reduce risks associated with the formation of micro-bubbles. The inclusion of Deep Stops (decompression stops at greater depths) and an ascent rate readout, both analog and digital, make dives as safe as possible. Extremely simple and intuitive. Features easy access to all functions, both as a watch and as a dive computer.
Pros
+ Measures water temperatures
+ Logs 50 dives in memory
+ Has a Backlight
+Air and Nitrox
+ Freediving Mode
Cons
- No Compass
- No User replaceable batteries
- Complicated features
Suunto “Gekko” – Price: $224.95
The Suunto Gekko is an ideal choice for sports divers who do not require a PC interface or simulation features. It can be used with both air and Nitrox and is designed to give the specifics of any diving situation, including decompression, at a glance. Both ascent rate and available no-decompression time are displayed graphically with clear, color-coded indicators. Visual and audible alarms are given when necessary. Maximum depth and dive time alarms can be enabled. The Gekko uses the Suunto RGBM decompression model and has a user-replaceable battery and user-adjustable metric/imperial units. The extensive logbook memory stores up to 50 hours of dive profiles and logbook data, including dive start time and date, dive time, maximum depth attained, and temperature at maximum depth. In addition, the dive history keeps track of up to 999 dives and 999 dive hours, as well as the maximum depth ever reached.
Pros
+ Easy To Operate
+ 50 hour dive memory and logbook.
+ User replaceable battery.
Cons
- No Compass
- No backlight
Oceanic “Veo 100″ Wrist Dive Computer –Price $ 194.95
The Veo 100 is an economical and easy to use wrist mounted computer with state of the art features. All of its functions are easily accessed by pressing just one button. Compact and lightweight, the Veo 100 is a breeze to pack and carry anywhere. The Veo offers large, easy to read alphanumeric displays and color coded graphs where green means “go”, yellow means “caution” and red means “stop”. The computer can be turned on before your dive, but if you forget to do this, it turns itself on underwater. The batteries have a lifetime of 300 hours and are user replaceable at any time without the loss of data. Depth rated for 330 feet, the Veo 100 adjusts automatically for altitude and salt or fresh water.
The Veo 100 lets you choose as many as three main dive mode displays and stores data from 12 dives. Since logged dives are time stamped, finding a particular dive is easy.
Pros
+ Easy to operate
+ Easy to Read
+ Temperature Display
+ Console mountable
Cons
- No Nitrox Support
- No audible alarms
- No Backlight
- No PC Support
Aeris XR-1 Wrist Computer – Price $149.95
The AERIS XR-1 is an ideal, user-friendly diving computer for those who prefer wrist-mounted computer gear. The XR-1′s enlarged digits, easy-to-read icons, and split screen take the guesswork out of reading your dive computer. Also, the XR-1 allows you to decide what information displays; now you can customize the display to include only the things you want to keep an eye on during your dives. The Aeris allows user replaceable battery changes, and approximately 300hrs of battery life per set. The only drawback is the absence of a backlight on the dial which would make it easier to read.
Pros
+ Temperature Display
+ User replaceable batteries
+ Performs automatically adjusts for altitude changes
Cons
- No Backlight
- No Nitrox
- Logs only 12 dives
Genesis “Resource Pro” Computer Module – Price $194.95
The Genesis Resource Pro is the only computer on the list that isn’t a wrist dive computer, but a console module mounted one. Providing a maximum depth of 250ft, the Resource Pro has an easy to read large display and features visual alarms as well. The computer can be manually activated or water activated and can log up to 50 dives. The only drawback is regarding the rather poor battery life compared to the above, which can be overlooked with the fact that the computer also allows for user replacement of the battery. For those who want a wrist mounted computer, a wrist mount can be purchased as an accessory for less than $20 making it especially popular with recreational divers. The Genesis Resource Pro is truly value for money.
Pros
+ lightweight
+ Log: 50 most recent dives.
+ Consumer replaceable batteries.
Cons
- No Nitrox
- Short Battery Life
Photos: Daniel, Daniel Kwok, Leisure Pro.com
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