...and you will also need to decide if you want Air Integration (hint...you do)
Console
Price: $300 - $1,000
What you will typically find on rental gear and probably what you trained with. They are fairly cheap compared to other options but lack some of the nicer features. There is no good reason to buy a console for yourself since a wrist mounted computer of the same price will do the same thing, or more, and will be more convenient / easier to use. I can't / won't recommend a console to anyone. Just no.
What you will typically find on rental gear and probably what you trained with. They are fairly cheap compared to other options but lack some of the nicer features. There is no good reason to buy a console for yourself since a wrist mounted computer of the same price will do the same thing, or more, and will be more convenient / easier to use. I can't / won't recommend a console to anyone. Just no.
Wrist "Watch"
Price: $300 - $1,500
You can find everything from the most basic gauge only to technical capable air integrated. You really just need to pick a brand you trust. If you don't know....go with Shearwater Tern TX. This is where the Apple Watch Ultra 2 resides.
You can find everything from the most basic gauge only to technical capable air integrated. You really just need to pick a brand you trust. If you don't know....go with Shearwater Tern TX. This is where the Apple Watch Ultra 2 resides.
- Pro:
- Much smaller than the Wrist "Square" option
- Folks are generally comfortable with the watch format
- The screen is small so hard to get distracted by lots of info
- It's in front of your face when diving properly and easier to glance at than the console
- Con:
- Can be hard on the eyes for us older people
- The screen is smaller so less immediately available details can be shown
- You're probably better off with a "Square" if you plan to dive technical in the future
Wrist "Square"
Price: $500 - $1,500
You generally will not find cheap options in this form factor. However, you really just need to pick a brand you trust. If you don't know....go with Shearwater Peregrine TX unless you are pretty sure you plan to dive technical in the future, then go with the Perdix 2.
You generally will not find cheap options in this form factor. However, you really just need to pick a brand you trust. If you don't know....go with Shearwater Peregrine TX unless you are pretty sure you plan to dive technical in the future, then go with the Perdix 2.
- Pro:
- Everything you might ever want to know right there
- It's in front of your face when diving properly and easier to glance at than the console
- Possibly the last computer you'll ever need to own ("buy once / cry once")
- Con:
- Can snag easier when donning/doffing your gear
- Most expensive option