Mares Genius Dive Computer Review

Last updated: July 2025

• Screen visibility: Large, bright display stays readable in challenging conditions.
• Air integration: Transmitter connection remained rock solid across 40 dives.
• Rechargeable battery: Eliminates the need for disposable cells.
• Software experience: Clunky interface and stagnant updates drag it down.
• Charging cable: Fragile proprietary connector is a travel liability.

Overall Score: 6.9 / 10 (Acceptable)

See current pricing at: Dive Right In Scuba

I used the Mares Genius for about a year across warm and cold water wetsuit dives. I wanted a full-featured computer with air integration and a large screen, and the Genius looked like it fit those needs. In practice, poor software design, lack of customization, and a neglected ecosystem held it back. Despite solid hardware, it is not a computer I recommend today.

Pros & Cons

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.

Rounded Display Score: 6.8 / 10 — Acceptable

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.