Let's compare some of the best Dive Computers for Beginners and Recreational Divers
We all know that dive computers are a technical piece of equipment.
Manufacturers are improving on their functions all the time. Features that were considered high-end not too long ago are now becoming more common on the entry level dive computers as prices also come down.
This gives new divers the opportunity to buy a reliable and safe piece of diving equipment at a very reasonable price.
Click on the link below to take you to the answer of your most pressing question or keep scrolling to read the entire article.
What counts as Recreational Diving?
The most recognized definition of Recreational diving is to be able to safely exploring underwater reefs, popular dive sites, and other locations of interest that fall within easy reach of the coast.
Many Scuba agencies class the limit of depth for Recreational diving at 130 feet (or 40 meters).
PADI Open Water (OW) training will provide certification to a depth of 18 meters. Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification will give training to a depth of 30 meters. Both of these fall into the definition of Recreational Diving.
Do you need to buy a Dive Computer for Entry Level Diving?
Buying a dive computer as soon as you're certified is not essential. Dive computers can be hired from dive shops until you're ready to buy one of your own.
That said, you'll probably want to buy one for yourself as soon as you realize you're hooked and want to spend a big part of your time diving.
Dive computers at the entry level are reasonably cheap given the technology and development that's gone into them.
Choose the best one for you
Open Water Scuba classes don’t help much when it comes to choosing a good diving computer. Advanced Scuba classes aren't much help either.
Let's face it, they are there to provide training, and not sell a big range of dive equipment.
If you're on the fence and not sure whether to buy one or not, one thing worth considering is that you will quickly become familiar and gain more confidence when using a dive computer of your own.
Don't get too worried about picking the wrong one.
Entry-level dive computers are always in demand and generally hold their resale value well. They will also serve you well as a backup dive computer later on, if you decide to extend your training.
All dive computers are suitable for beginners, and also for virtually all Recreational diving.
All you really need to do is work out your budget and what features you really want, and then just go for it.
Beginners Scuba Dive Computer Pricing
Consider Your Budget
The first consideration is usually your budget. The higher your budget, the more features the dive computer will have. The prices of popular entry level dive computers start around $200 and go through to the mid to high $300's.
The Cressi Leonardo, Mares Puck Pro and Aqua Lung i100 are all priced around $200.
Note: The AquaLung i200 can jump around in price online. At times it can be picked up for around $250, but sometimes it's priced in the same price bracket as the AquaLung i300C (which has Bluetooth functionality). This is something to keep an eye on if you're keen to purchase a dive computer in the AquaLung range.
Beginners Dive Computer Comparison Table
All of these dive computers have the basic features and functionality that will keep you safe while diving. Their differences are listed in the comparison table below.
Beginners Vs Recreational Dive Computers
The next step up from entry level dive computers are the Recreational dive computers. These have a little more functionality and this is reflected in their price.
Suunto discontinued the Zoop although these are still available to buy online. This leaves the Zoop Novo as Suunto's only entry level dive computer. The Zoop Novo has more functions and this is reflected in its higher price. It retails for between $300 - $400 online.
The Aqua Lung i300C has Bluetooth connectivity and is priced around $300 - $350.
Oceanic Geo 2.0 is a firm favorite with divers, but it's not user-intuitive. It takes a bit more effort to get to know how to set up it up, but divers love it once they get past this.
Recreational Dive Computer Comparison Table
I really wanted a Dive Computer that represented good value, and I made the decision to purchase the Aqua Lung i300C. I was in the fortunate position where I was able to try a number of dive computers at the local dive club. This really helped a lot.
The sexier models were very tempting, but basically it boiled down to getting a well known popular brand, and Bluetooth connection at no extra cost. Many others charge an additional fee for this connection. Pairs easily with my phone, and the app is out of this world. Does everything I want to track dives. Has very audible alarms.
And the i300C is so much easier to use compared to the Zoop.