Are Dive Computers Worth the Money?

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Tables used to be the only option. Today, the majority of recreational divers dive with a dive computer and it makes sense.

Your computer tracks your depth, time, speed of ascent, and no-deco limits in real-time. Tables can't do that. If you change depth partway through, it updates. Tables are set before you get in.

Wrist computers are what the majority of divers go for now. They're small enough, readable underwater, and you can wear them as a daily watch between dives. Hose-mounted computers are still around but not as many people pick them anymore.

Budget computers start around a few hundred dollars and do everything most divers would need. Features include depth, bottom time, NDL, a logbook, and often a simple freedive function. The $500-800 range includes air integration, additional information better displays, and extra gas modes.

What buyers overlook is algorithm differences. Some computers are more cautious than others. A tighter computer gives you reduced NDL. Looser settings allow longer time but at a thinner safety margin. Neither is wrong. It just your style and how experienced you are.

Talk to someone at a local dive store who dives with multiple brands first. Staff will offer real-world feedback on what works versus what's hype. The better Cairns dive stores have product guides and honest reviews online as well

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