Mares Genius Dive Computer Review
A big, bright dive computer with solid air integration, but held back by outdated software and poor user experience.
Overall Score: 6.9 / 10 (Acceptable)
Last updated: July 2025
I used the Mares Genius for about a year across both warm and cold water wetsuit dives. At the time, I wanted a full-featured computer with air integration and a large screen. On paper, the Genius checked a lot of boxes. In practice, though, it was limited by poor software design, lack of customization, and an ecosystem that felt abandoned by Mares. Despite some nice hardware features, it is not a computer I recommend today.
Support exists in name only. Firmware updates have stalled, and the desktop software feels completely abandoned. No new features or fixes have been released in a long time.
No. The Genius does not allow layout customization. You are locked into their default configuration, which wastes screen real estate and limits your ability to prioritize what matters most to you.
Yes. I used the Genius with a transmitter for 40 dives without any connectivity drops or issues. It performed flawlessly in that respect.
Yes. It is a proprietary cable that feels fragile and unreliable. I was constantly nervous about losing or damaging it on trips. Replacement costs are high, and availability can be limited.
Not really. It is too bulky for a backup, and the UI limitations make it annoying to use even in a secondary role. There are far better backup options available today.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bright, easy-to-read screen | Terrible desktop software, not maintained |
| Air integration worked reliably | Non-customizable menus and layout |
| Rechargeable battery | Proprietary charging cable is fragile |
| Solid underwater reliability | UI feels outdated and clunky |
| Readable in all conditions |
Why I Chose Mares Genius
I was looking for a full-size dive computer with a large screen, strong air integration, and a rechargeable battery. The Genius seemed like a great fit for those requirements, and I got a good deal on it through a local shop. It looked like a serious piece of gear and promised a lot of features. Unfortunately, the day-to-day experience fell short of expectations once I started diving with it regularly.
Verdict
The Mares Genius looked promising, but ultimately it did not hold up in real-world use. The screen is excellent and air integration worked flawlessly, but the rest of the experience felt unfinished. The software was clunky, the promised updates never came, and the fragile charging cable was a travel liability. It is not a computer I trust for serious progression.
Would I buy it again? No. Not with better options available.
Who Mares Genius Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Divers who value a bright, readable screen above all else
- Single-tank divers using air integration for recreational profiles
- Divers who do not mind a fixed menu layout
It may not be ideal for:
- Tech divers or anyone needing screen layout flexibility
- Divers who want current firmware and active support
Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
| Category | Score (0–10) | Weight | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Function & Performance | 7.5 | 30% | 2.25 |
| Ease of Use | 6.0 | 20% | 1.20 |
| Versatility | 7.0 | 15% | 1.05 |
| Durability & Build Quality | 7.5 | 15% | 1.125 |
| Value | 6.0 | 10% | 0.60 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | 6.0 | 10% | 0.60 |
| Total | 6.825 | ||
Rounded Display Score: 6.9 / 10
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 7.5: Air integration worked flawlessly and the screen was always readable. No dive-critical failures.
- Ease of Use – 6.0: The menu structure is frustrating and the lack of layout control makes it feel restrictive.
- Versatility – 7.0: Worked well in warm and cold water wetsuit diving. Did not test in drysuit or tech scenarios.
- Durability & Build Quality – 7.5: The unit itself is solid, but the fragile cable and port knock the score down.
- Value – 6.0: The features do not justify the price today, especially given the lack of updates and clunky software.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 6.0: Mares made promises they never followed through on. No recent updates or improvements.
Performance in the Water
- Screen Visibility: Excellent in all lighting and water conditions. No complaints about brightness or glare.
- Air Integration: Stable and reliable across 40 dives. Never dropped signal once underwater.
- Travel Convenience: The proprietary cable was a constant concern. Needed to baby it to avoid failure.
- Day-to-Day Usage: Once configured, it worked fine during dives. But the clunky UI and lack of updates were frustrating over time.