Should You Buy Your Own Dive Computer?

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Years ago, dive tables were how everyone dived. Now, the majority of divers dive with a dive computer and they should.

Your computer calculates depth, bottom time, ascent rate, and NDL in the moment. Tables can't do that. If you go shallower during a dive, it updates. A table can't.

Wrist-mount computers are the most common use at this point. They're compact, readable underwater, and you can use them as a watch between dives. Console models are an option but fewer divers go that way now.

Basic computers start around $300-odd and handle everything the average diver requires. You get depth, bottom time, NDL, dive logging, and usually a basic apnea mode. Stepping up to mid-range adds air integration, nicer screens, and more gas options.

The one thing buyers don't think about is conservatism settings. Certain algorithms are tighter than others. A conservative setting gives you reduced no-deco time. Looser settings give more bottom time but the full details at reduced margin. Both work. It comes down to personal preference and your diving background.

Ask people at a Cairns dive shop who uses various brands before buying. Good dive stores will have honest opinions on what's good versus what's hype. The better Cairns dive stores put out product guides and comparisons on their sites too

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