Four Best Dive Computers For Beginners
What do divers look for in a dive computer? For some, it’s about packing the most features possible into an easy-to-use package. For other divers, it’s about choosing the most cost-effective solution that also meets their needs. However, there is one thing that most beginners can agree on. There are a few features that are available on advanced dive computers that aren’t necessary or particularly useful to beginners. For this reason, I’m going to ask for the advanced divers to sit this one out as I rank the four best dive computers for beginners…
The four best dive computers for beginners are as follows:
● Cressi Leonardo Underwater Diving Computer – Least Expensive Option
● Mares Puck Pro Wrist Dive Computer – Best Overall Option
● SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer – Top Seller
● Oceanic OCi Personal Wrist Dive Computer – Most Features
Cressi Leonardo Underwater Diving Computer
For the beginning divers who aren’t quite ready to invest relatively large sums of money on their gear, this dive computer is the perfect choice for you. There is not a better combination of quality and features available on the market for such a low starting price point. Because Cressi has been around since the 1940s, you are getting a reliable dive computer from a reputable manufacturer as well.
This dive computer packs in all of the basic features that you want without any excessive bloat, including a bloated price tag. The face is backlit, which means that you will be able to clearly see the dive depth, and the time below the surface, and mode (air, nitrox, gauge). The interface is also incredibly easy to use and only requires one button to navigate.
Another unexpected benefit of this dive computer is that it comes in a wide variety of colors, which offers you a chance to express yourself while logging in those hours under the water. However, there are two obvious downsides to this piece of equipment. The first is that this dive computer is not capable of logging dives without a personal computer. The second is that it is rather bulky.
To purchase this beginning dive computer from Amazon, click here.
Mares Puck Pro Wrist Dive Computer
If you are interested in a dive computer that will provide you with the most bang for your buck, this dive computer is the perfect choice for you. Like the previous entry on this list, the Puck Pro prides itself on simplicity, with a single-button user interface. It also has a large face with numbers that are quite easy to read, even if your vision is less than perfect.
The battery on this dive computer is also capable of logging over 35 hours of dive time, which is perfect for the diver who is eager to log in as many hours under the surface as possible. When you combine the durability and reliability of this product with its surprisingly low price, it’s easy to understand why this dive computer earns the title of Best Overall Option on this list.
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of purchasing this piece of equipment is that the settings are incapable of being adjusted once you are completely submerged underwater. This makes learning about this dive computer’s features before getting in the water pretty important. Luckily, Dive Computer Training offers a course that you can take that will provide you with the opportunity to learn all about it.
This dive computer is available for purchase from amazon.com.
SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer
While popularity doesn’t necessarily equate to quality all the time, there is definitely something that can be said for the top-selling beginning dive computer on the market earning a spot in our top four list. In this case, the SUUNTO Zoop Novo combines all the features needed for amateur divers in an easy-to-use form that has a high-contrast screen, which is perfect for getting all the information you need.
This dive computer’s durability is its defining characteristic, as it is fully capable of logging over 140 hours of dive time, which is also indicative of its massive storage capacity. While previous entries on this list take pride in their one-button simplicity, this dive computer features a four-button user interface that can be slightly confusing to initially navigate.
There is also a feature on this dive computer that allows you to turn it off between dives without losing any of your valuable information. This makes this computer the perfect choice for divers who like to log multiple dives per day. One of the biggest downsides to this dive computer is its bulky size, but it seems like a good tradeoff when you consider the incredibly large, bright screen that it has.
Click here to purchase this dive computer on Amazon.
Do you know how many types of ocean dives there are? Learn more here.
Oceanic. OCi Personal Wrist Dive Computer
If you are looking for the most feature-packed dive computer on this list, and if cost is not a deciding factor, look no further than the Oceanic OCI. This dive computer is quite versatile as well, which makes it a popular choice amongst amateur and professional divers alike. When it comes to combining an easy-to-use interface with a wide array of extra features, you can’t go wrong with this one.
While this dive computer requires a substantial initial investment, you won’t have to worry about purchasing another dive computer once you have made the transition from beginner to professional. There is also a free-diving mode that allows you to measure your lung capacity by timing how long you can hold your breath underwater. If more than one diver has an Oceanic OCI, there is a buddy finding feature available as well.
This dive computer also comes fully equipped with an integrated dive compass and an easy-to-understand air integrated dive computer. If you are looking for a fully integrated dive computer that allows YouTube to make the transition from an amateur to a professional diver without having to purchase an additional dive computer, this is the perfect choice for you.
This dive computer is available to purchase from Amazon.
Conclusion
Chances are that if you are new to diving, you probably won’t want to invest a large amount of money into a dive computer for a lot of features that aren’t going to be useful to you until you start logging some serious time under the water. If you are looking for the least expensive option available, the Cressi Leonardo Underwater Diving Computer is your best bet.
The Mares Puck Pro Wrist Dive Computer is our pick for the best overall option. The top-selling beginner dive computer on the market is the SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer. The Oceanic. OCi Personal Wrist Dive Computer is the best choice for divers who are looking for something a bit more long-term and versatile. Whatever dive computer you choose, you can’t really go wrong with any of the four options on this list. Now, grab your tank, your wetsuit, your mask, and your fins and get going. There’s a whole world under the surface that is waiting to be explored.
Related Questions
What are the best diving masks for divers? When it comes to scuba diving, your mask is an essential piece of your equipment. While there are many different scuba masks that can accommodate divers from all walks of life, here are the five best masks for scuba diving according to Best Review Guide:
● ScubaPro Spectra Dive Mask
● Tusa M1001 Freedom HD Scuba Mask
● ScubaPro Solo Scuba Diving Mask
● Phantom Aquatics Panoramic Diving Mask
● Cressi Big Eyes Scuba Mask
What are the best wetsuits for beginning divers? Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, your wetsuit can either make your dive successful and enjoyable, or the wrong wetsuit can make it a cold and miserable experience. Per Aquaviews, here are the best diving wetsuits available:
● Scubapro Everflex Steamer
● Henderson Greenprene Men’s Jumpsuit
● Henderson Thermoprene
● Mares Graph-Flex
● Bare Velocity Men Full Suit
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.