In 2023, across a small sample of 10 expert divers (at DEMA) the opinions:
- 60% Regularly Used Air Integration (6 of 10)
- Of those 33% also had a backup SPG (2 of 6)
- Only 1 flat out said never
Yes to Air Integration
If you can afford it (Computer + $300) the clear answer is yes. But why?| Pros | Cons |
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With this very simple chart above you can see that most of the known cons are disputed by the industry. When the AI transmitters first came out, it is true, they were not as reliable as they are today. You will still see people talking about how fragile they are on the Internet. But if you ask them when they actually witnessed the event, it was a decade or more ago or they are just parroting what they've heard.
Should I Run Both?
Great question. Let me answer that with a question. Do you run two computers? Two compass? Two slates? Two masks? Redundant bladders?For most recreational divers, no. They do not. Because if one of those things fails, and if they consider it crucial for the dive, they simply end the dive. But redundancy is good! Agreed! However, there is a point in the redundancy curve where it introduces more failure points than it helps.
Sometimes I have an SPG (usually only if the dive group prefers that I have it) and most times I do not. Like many things in diving this is a personal decision you will need to make. Unlike most things in diving, this isn't a holy war based on what side you are on.
I do generally pack one as a spare when local diving. Why call a dive because of a broken AI transmitter if the dive hasn't even started yet!