Are Dive Computers Worth the Money?
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Years ago, dive tables were the only option. These days, nearly all scuba divers use a personal dive computer and they should.
Your computer monitors depth, time, ascent rate, and NDL in real-time. Tables can't do that. If you move between depths partway through, the computer recalculates. Tables don't.
Wrist-mount computers are what the majority of divers buy now. These are small enough, easy to read, and you'll use them as a daily watch too. Console-mount models are an option but less people pick them anymore.
Basic computers run about $300-odd and do everything a recreational diver would need. You get depth tracking, dive time, NDL, log function, and usually an entry-level freedive function. Mid-range includes transmitter compatibility, nicer displays, and additional mix compatibility.
Something new divers overlook is how the computer handles. Certain computers are more conservative than others. A conservative setting means less bottom time. Looser settings allow longer time but at reduced buffer. It's not right or wrong. It just what you're comfortable with and how experienced you are.
Check with the staff at a dive shop who uses multiple models before you decide. They'll give you real-world feedback on cairns dive computer guide what works and what's hype. The better Cairns dive stores have product guides and rundowns on their sites too
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