I've been diving since 1991 and the first couple of dive computers were just in the market. During that time, I developed an intense interest in decompression modeling and the mathematics behind it, all the way from Buhlmann to owning several books on the subject by Bruce Wienke. I also love gadgets and love buying electronics. That being said, I can't understand why some computers are described as "beginner" dive computers. In my mind, it's a pure marketing ploy. Before I go any further: If you're diving exotic gas mixtures, trimix, or are doing technical diving: This article does not apply to you. I'm principally talking about the needs of your average recreational scuba diver.

I grabbed the spec sheet for the computer I own:

•    Mares Puck Pro Wrist Computer:
•    Super Intuitive, Easy-to-Use, and Full-Featured Computer
•    Improving On-Original-Concept
•    Larger-Display in Slimmer-Design
•    Upgradeable Firmware and Multi-Gas Capability
•    All-The-Bells-&-Whistles
•    Precision Stopwatch
•    Mares-Wienke RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubbles Model) Algorithm
•    Special Function Modes Air, Nitrox & Bottom Time
•    Precautionary Programs Setting
•    Plan Mode
•    Backlighting
•    Log Book
•    Fresh Water/Sea Water Setting
•    Residual Nitrogen Memory Reset
•    User-Replaceable CR 2450 Lithium-Ion Battery
•    Altitude Adjustable to 12,100' (3,700m)
•    Memory Capacity 36 Hours
•    Superior Display Readability, Mineral Glass Crystal
•    492' (150m) Depth Rating
•    Power Indicators
•    Audible Alarms
•    Watch, Date & Temperature Displays
•    12/24 Hour Formats
•    Two-Different Gas Mixtures During Single Dive
•    Metric or Imperial Units of Measure
•    Ascent Rate Indicator & Ascent Rate Digital Indicator
•    Quartz Clock Movement
•    Durable Rubber Wrist Strap
•    Optional USB Interface for Logging Dives on PC, (see SKU: MRSPCDL2)

It has pretty much every safety feature, and I would argue that the ability to use two different gas mixtures during a dive is EXTREMELY rare - yet even this "beginner" dive computer can handle it. What, pray tell, makes a non-beginner dive computer special?

Now one can certainly argue about FEATURES, but extra features aren't something that distinguishes beginner from non-beginner. Some manufacturers tout air integration as "advanced", but how are you going to handle multi-gas when your first stage transmitter is tethered to your primary tank rig; it's not like you're going to swap it over to another cylinder in the middle of a dive. Smaller dive computers more like a watch are neat, but they're also harder to read (especially as you get older) and that doesn't define "advanced" either. If you're an instructor, being able to monitor your students' air pressure might be neat, but most only handle 4 and virtually every class I ever DM'd for had more than 4 students - and no one died because the instructor didn't have the students' pressure info.

So anyway: I can understand if you want to spend more money to get some unique features, but don't tell me that such a computer is not for a "beginner". Looking at computers on Scuba.com that are in the $1,000+ range, the only difference I really see is integrated bluetooth (certainly neat to have) and maybe a compass function (nice, but not what I'd define as "advanced"). TFT screens are also cool, but need to be recharged much more frequently.

Thus endeth my rant and I now return you to your regularly scheduled program.

ETA: One of the most important factors in a dive computer, arguably, is the decompression algorithm. It's also one that most people ever think about. The Buhlmann algorithm has been around for along time, but I believe that the Wienke RGBM model is superior. On the other hand: the Buhlmann ZHL-16 algorithm has certainly proven itself over time also, and it's easier to implement.

Why would someone buy a Perdix unless they're into technical diving? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense. In regards to readability, I love this simple display:



Depth, dive time, no deco time in an easy-to-read format. Plus, you can toggle the bottom line for different info. What else are most recreational divers looking for? That's not to say that the Puck is the greatest, just that it's an example of an affordable, full featured computer with a feature set the same as most others costing much more, and I don't know what reduces it to "beginner" status.

Here's another pet peeve: Why is it so hard to find info about what the dive computer looks like during an actual dive? A bunch of reviewers are sitting at a desk and drone on endlessly about features but the one I care about most is ignored: What's the darn thing look like underwater in mediocre visibility? Is it easy to read? East to discern critical information at a glance? All the manufacturer's stock pics always show non-typical screens for the most part too.

That's what the crux of this post is about: Define "better".

No argument that the TFT displays allow for a lot of brightness/color/contrast. I still argue that this is not a matter of "beginner" vs. "non-beginner", but a feature difference for specific applications.

The worst diving I do is in Texas lakes that have 10-15 feet visibility and the display on mine is easy to see. It frightens me to think about how bad the stuff is you're diving in.

This was my first dive computer (web picture). I think I bought it around 1993?

That cheapo Mares Puck Pro. I traded the Aladin Sport for a Beuchat Aladin Pro after the battery ran out, then I ruined the Pro trying to mess with the battery.

I really like the Shearwater Peregrine. If mine ever dies, I would strongly consider it depending on my mood. I'm getting old and decrepit, and my wife has had two knee replacements already. We may not have that much more time before we are out of the game. Planning on hitting the Maldives or Palau before that happens though.

I just watched another computer review of a computer (Cressi of some kind). The reviewer said "it's great for beginners because it's easy to operate and easy to read."

Wait a minute. If I'm an advanced divers, I should look for a computer that's complicated to read and operate?

Hush, you.

That Cosmiq+ looks nice and the price is really attractive too. Very legible display.


You were able to replace the battery of an oil-filled Uwatech? See, I couldn't - hence the early death of my Aladin Pro.  

Speaking of which: The bluetooth feature is obviously really cool, but to make the most of it you really need to use a program of some kind for logging dives and downloading your profile. I've looked around quite a bit and have settled on the SSI app and bought the bluetooth adapter for my Puck. It was important for me that the app sync across multiple devices and the data remain in the cloud (although an export/backup option would be nice). Divemate looked promising, but I got scared off by people saying some features are broken and the developer isn't responding.

I have a Peregrine. My 54-year-old eyes find the bright color screen easy to read. I like the custom gradient factors, and the two-button interface.  I use Subsurface mobile to log my dives, and the Peregrine syncs with that very easily. I have no interest in getting into trimix or anything like that, so I think it'll probably be the only computer I ever need. Lack of AI doesn't really bother me at this point; I can re-evaluate in the future if it ever becomes an issue.

Do you dive multi-gas? 2 gas or more?

But that's more of a "nicer features" thing than "computer for beginning diver" thing. It takes me all of 10 seconds to switch between Air/Nitrox on my computer - which is not to say that the Shearwater isn't a great computer. I see it as more of a Chevy vs. Cadillac argument.

But that's not what my OP was about...

Doesn’t matter. Peregrine.

I read the manual - it's a superb computer with an excellent display. That being said: My cheapo Puck does the same thing with a (much) crappier display. If I were diving a lot, I wouldn't mind splurging on the Peregrine. With my diving limited, I probably won't upgrade unless mine dies.

I love the display on the Teric, but I wonder what would win out: The smaller size of the Teric with a terrific display, or a bulkier computer that has the traditional (but larger) LCD digits. I guess a lot depends on how good (or bad) your vision is.

I see a lot of computers now tracking free dives. What's there to track for those?