Dive Computer

Gone are the old days when you had to do dive table calculations before scuba diving, as now you have wearable computers that do them for you. Thus, you get to enjoy the wonders of the ocean without having to think about anything else as the device will calculate nitrogen levels for you, making the whole experience safer, more simplistic, and a lot more fun. In the following, we will rank the top dive computers at the moment, choices we evaluated to offer you an accurate depiction of the best scuba diving gear which will help make your favorite pass-time hobby an overall pleasant, hassle-free experience.

Top 5 Dive Computers Comparison

	1. Suunto Zoop Novo	2. Cressi Giotto KS740052	3. Cressi Leonardo FBA_KS770050	4. Mares Puck Pro	5. Mares Puck 414117
	BEST MODEL		OUR CHOICE		BEST PRICE
General Info
Manufacturer	Suunto	Cressi	Cressi	Mares	Mares
Dimensions	2.6″ x 2.6″ x 1.03″	2.56″ x 2.56″ x 1.06″	2.64″ x 2.64″ x 1.06″	2.87″ x 2.4″ x 0.79″	N/A
Weight	4.23 Oz.	4.76 Oz.	4.76 Oz.	N/A	N/A
Bezel Material	Composite	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel	N/A	N/A
Case Material	Composite	Composite	Composite	Composite	Composite
Glass Material	Acrylic	Acrylic	Acrylic	Mineral	Mineral
Mounting Type	Wrist	Wrist	Wrist	Wrist	Wrist
Technical Specifications
Performance Details
Algorithm	Continuous Decompression	RBGM	RBGM	RBGM	RBGM
Water Resistance	80m	120m	120m	150m	150m
Operating Modes	5	3	3	3	3
Metric and Imperial Units
Fresh/Seawater Settings
Operating Temperature	23°F to 104°F, 0°C to 40°C	32°F to 104°F, -5°C to 40°C	23°F to 104°F, 0°C to 40°C	14°F to 122°F, -10°C to 50°C	23°F to 104°F, 0°C to 40°C
Data Transfer	USB Cable	Special Adapter	Special Adapter	USB Cable	USB Cable
Log Book Memory	~ 140 Hr	~ 70 Hr	~ 75 Hr	~ 36 Hr	~ 38 Hr
Diving Functions
Altitude Adjustment	0 – 300m, 300 – 1500m, 1500 – 3000m	Up to 3700m	Up to 3700m	Up to 3700m	Up to 3700m
Dive Time	0 – 999 Min	0 – 255 Min	0 – 255 Min	0 – 999 Min	N/A
Ascent Time Indicator	0 – 199 Min
Battery
Type	CR 2450	CR 2430	CR 2430	CR 2450	CR 2450
Life when Diving	1.5 Years	2 Years	2 Years	300 – 500 Dives	1.5 Years
User Replaceable
Features
Dive Planner
Backlight
Audible Alarm	1 Daily Alarm
Stopwatch Timer
Low Battery Indicator
Temperature Display
Calendar Display
Clock Display
Safety Stop
Deep Stop
Warranty&Support
Product Warranty	2 Years	2 Years	2 Years	2 Years	2 Years
User Manual
Customer Support

Diving Computers Reviews

1. Suunto Zoop Novo

With this elite device on your wrist, you will easily tell how much time you have left to scuba dive, what is the temperature of the water, how deep you went underwater, and so on. In terms of use, this device is best suited for beginner and amateur divers as it features a big display screen which allows you to easily glimpse at the data it shows, and it provides all the information that might interest you.

It works in five different modes that you can switch between with the simple push of a button – Air, Nitrox, Gauge, Freedive, and Off. For your convenience and safety, it displays the battery level clearly on the screen. Thus, if it does start running out of power in the middle of your diving session, you will be aware of the occurrence and get out of the water on time.

The ergonomically placed buttons on the wearable computer allow you to easily navigate through it even if you are wearing really thick gloves. It is easy to use and it can operate in depths of up to 80 meters, thus allowing you to go as deep as you like. It allows algorithm conservatism adjustment for enhanced safety while diving. Additionally, it can hold up diving data for up to 140 hours, more than enough for approximately 100 dives.

PROS	CONS
Allows you to adjust algorithm settings to make it more conservative and enhance safety levels	Large size does not allow you to wear it as a watch
Great value for the asking price
Generously-sized log book allows you to store numerous dive information
Perfect for entry-level scuba divers and hobbyists due to its design and easy-to-read display
VERDICT
Great for beginners and hobbyists alike, this wearable computer is a must-have for scuba divers who want to make sure they are always aware of their surroundings and the time they have left underwater. If you want to spend your money smart, we urge you to put this device at the top of your scuba gear shopping list.

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2. Cressi Giotto KS740052

The clean display of this wearable computer makes it easy to use as it is not stuffed and you are not bombarded with abbreviations you would not have understood if you were a beginner. Furthermore, the advanced information it displays makes it equally good for professionals, so there are no limitations when it comes to who it can be used by.

It features three buttons which are easy to access and allow you to press them even when you are wearing thick gloves. The battery of the device can be easily changed, so there is no need to take it to a professional shop or service center. The audible and visual warnings it provides announce you when perilous situations arise so that you are always safe.

It can handle oxygen levels ranging from 21 to 99 percent when it is set in the Nitrox mode, and its pO2 limits are adjustable from 1.2 to 1.6 bars. Operational until you reach a depth of up to 120 meters, you can dive freely without worrying too much about how deep you go. Reasonably priced considering the specs it boasts and delivering a near perfect performance, it is an option we recommend you do not overlook.

PROS	CONS
Three-button design allows an easy navigation and use	Lacks air integration
Boasts features which make it a perfect choice for entry-level as well as experienced divers	Oversized design does not allow you to wear it as a watch when you are out of water
Visual and audible warnings for ascent rate violation and CNS toxicity
Available in a wide range of color combinations to suit your scuba diving attire
VERDICT
The functionality of this scuba diving device is enhanced by the multiple features which accompany it, features that make it appropriate for use by experienced and entry-level divers alike. Although it lacks air integration, this is not a big downfall seeing how its overall performance is notably superior to most devices in its niche, making it worth every cent you spend on it.

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3. Cressi Leonardo FBA_KS770050

Featuring the RGBM algorithm, this device permits safe decompression calculations for numerous dives, making for a great choice when you go traveling and cannot afford to lose time on changing settings or generally tending to it. To enhance your safety while diving, it features an onscreen indicator that displays a stack of arrows, guiding you to ascend in the best conditions possible.

Designed to be as straightforward as possible to that inexperienced scuba divers won’t have a hard time figuring out its operation, it allows user replacement of the battery. This does not only spare you from time lost going to a professional service shop but money as well. The wide display allows you to easily read the data on it, its segmented dot matrix taking guesswork out of using the device.

One of its main selling points is the one-button user interface which provides the most simplistic operation possible. In case it gets a bit too dark when you are underwater, you can opt to turn on the backlight and read the info displayed on the screen with ease. Additionally, it puts three operating modes at your disposal so that you may have a smooth experience when diving.

PROS	CONS
Single-button interface makes it one of the easiest to use devices in its niche	Does not feature an integrated compass
You can reset it after each dive – great for dive centers and rentals due to this feature
Conservatism can be adjusted to your liking to enhance safety levels as you see fit
Onscreen indicator displays arrows to help you ascend safely
VERDICT
This is one of the best devices to opt for if you are looking for a simplistic operation. The performance it delivers matches the asking price, so you will not feel like your money has been spent recklessly on it. Furthermore, its conservative nature makes it one of the safest options to go for as it puts your well-being on top of anything else.

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4. Mares Puck Pro

Despite the fact that there are numerous notable features which accompany this product and make it perfect for use by entry-level divers, it actually comes at a more than reasonable price. Thus, it is not a significant investment, and one that you will surely not regret making as after your first diving session with it on your wrist you will fall in love with it.

The personal dive profiles it features allow you to adjust the algorithm however you want, thus enabling you to make it more conservative and enhance diving safety by doing so. Capable of storing numerous information, you will be able to go back and review info about previous diving sessions at any point.

It boasts a single-button navigation that takes all the hassle out of using it, and the strong backlight it features can be set to last from 1 to 10 seconds in order to preserve battery while still making it easy for you to see the displayed data when there are low lighting conditions. Another notable highlight is the fact that it can handle oxygen mixtures from 21 to 99 percent when set on the Nitrox diving mode.

PROS	CONS
One of the most affordable options in its niche	Oversized design does not allow you to wear it as a watch
Single-button interface endorses a smooth and easy operation
It comes with all the features an entry-level diver could ask for
Allows you to adjust the algorithm to your liking, enabling you to make it as conservative as you wish
VERDICT
Undoubtedly one of the best options on the market, this Mares computer boasts an enhanced performance and it comes with a wide array of features, being perfect for entry-level divers. The one-button operation and oversized display are as user-friendly as it gets, and it comes at a highly affordable price as well, so you won’t have to empty your pocket to purchase it.

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5. Mares Puck 414117

Our last pick comes from Mares yet again. It is the Puck computer which took the scuba diving world by storm when it first came out as it came with the most innovative features at that time, and its precision and dependability was basically unsurpassable. As time passed, other devices have appeared which are better than it is, yet the Puck still maintains its place among the best computers for scuba diving even now.

Undoubtedly, this is the best budget option to go for as it comes at a cheap price when compared to its direct competitors. The simplistic yet reliable interface makes it great for hobbyists and inexperienced divers alike. It puts three functions modes at your disposal, and it can support Nitrox between 21 and 50 percent.

To add to its convenience in use and appeal, it comes with watch, date, and temperature functions, so you can use it while you are underwater just as easily as you can use it while you are on land as long as temperatures do not exceed the range it can tolerate. When it comes to its internal dive log, this device shines once again as it can store up to 38 hours of material.

PROS	CONS
Great asking price to quality ratio	Operation makes it too basic for professional divers
Single-button design makes it a fairly easy device to operate
RGBM algorithm ensures safety when you are diving
Built to last – durable and reliable in the long run
VERDICT
When this Mares device appeared, it truly took the diving world by storm due to its design, features, and overall performance. These days, it still maintains its position at the top of the niche, even though there have appeared some products which clearly surpassed it. Boasting a cheap asking price and a complete operation, it makes for the best budget purchase for beginner divers.

Underwater Safety Considerations – Making a Dangerous Environment More Friendly

While exploring the underwater domain can prove to be one of the fascinating experiences to ever behold, it is just as dangerous. The unmapped territory and the thrill of the unknown are what drive scuba divers to spend as much time as possible as often as they can underwater, but they must take a lot of safety precautions when doing so as the water can truly be a cruel mistress to those who are unprepared.

No matter how experienced you are, if you are an entry-level diver or a professional, one gear you should have on you at all times is the diving computer. It prevents decompression sickness and it helps guide you when it comes to the right amount of time you should spend underwater so that all decisions you make when diving are informed and based on precise calculations. It might be a small device, but it really packs a punch, that’s for sure.

We have already explained how the wearable works, so you are aware of why it is trustworthy and just how much more it makes your life easier as it takes complicated calculations off of your hands. Instead of having you slave for hours figuring out how long the diving session should be and how far or deep you should go, it displays in a matter of seconds the information to keep you updated with your situation. Taking into consideration the fact that it automatically picks up time and pressure, safety is further enhanced as these are parameters you are unlikely to guess with a high level of precision on your own before starting the expedition.

Specs and Features which Make a Quality Water Descend Computer

Are you wondering why we picked these specific products and not others? Do you want to know why we ranked these dive computers like we did? Find out the answers to your questions and learn more about what makes a quality computer for diving by reading the following lines. Here, all of our rating criteria are explained so that you might better understand our motivations.

• Water Resistance

The water resistance rating of a diving computer shows what is the maximum depth you can reach while wearing it. Obviously, for an experienced diver it is better for the maximum depth to be bigger, while a beginner could just as easily go for a device which does not allow him/her to go further underneath. From the point of view of the water resistance of these products, we rated those with a bigger maximum depth rating better – the Mares Puck Pro and the Mares Puck 414117, as both boast water resistance up to 150 meters underwater.

• Operating Temperature

Another important rating element which influenced our depiction of the best products in this niche is operating temperature as this stat shows under what conditions the device can be used. Obviously, it is best for the temperature range to be more generous in order for the device to be dependable in all situations. When it came down to operating temperature, the model that we gave the most points to was the Puck Pro manufactured by Mares.

• Log Book Memory

The memory of the log book shows how many dive hours can be stored on the device. When the limit is reached, you must transfer the data in order to not lose it, or delete it completely in case you are not interested in saving it for further evaluation. Our number 1 pick, the Suunto Zoop Novo received most points when it came down to this rating criteria.

• Features

The more features the better, as the computer boasts a better and more convenient performance due to their presence. All of the products which appear in our top come with a wide range of features, so they all received equal praise from this point of view. While as aforementioned there was no way to delimit them according to the features which accompany them, we will take our time and explain the role of a few accompanying features that we consider being of a bigger importance so that you may get better accustomed with the devices.

• Backlight: The backlight allows you to see what info is displayed on the screen with ease even when there are very poor lighting conditions. Seeing how the underwater environment is quite different than the above ground one, poor lighting being an often occurrence, this is a vital feature for a diving computer.
• Audible alarms: Audible alarms are triggered in situations where your attention is needed as it is time to ascend or something else has happened. As you are diving, you won’t always pay attention to the wearable device, so it is important for it to signal you when an unwanted situation arises for you to be kept safe throughout.
• Low battery indicator: When the battery runs out of power, the device obviously turns off. As this happens, you are not aware of the parameters of the diving session anymore and you must get out of the water to not risk running out of air at an inopportune moment. This is where the low battery indicator comes in, announcing you beforehand that the battery does not have much juice left for you to use the wearable and ascend in perfect conditions with its help.

Frequently Asked Questions

As now you are well aware of the importance of wearing the dive computer when you go on your underwater expeditions, it should be more than clear that you cannot afford to dive without it. Seeing how we put your safety and convenience on top of everything else, we took our time and tested each product to deliver a truthful depiction of the best computers in this niche. The Suunto Zoop Novo undoubtedly shines brightest as it allows you to store up to 140 hours of diving sessions in its log book and it can operate in harsh temperature conditions without a problem. Furthermore, it is designed to be easy to use and its display is clean, allowing you to effortlessly view the info it provides. Our second pick is just as reliable in its operation, the Cressi Giotto KS740052 providing you with important diving info up to 120 meters underwater. When it comes to budget-friendly options, know that while the Mares Puck Pro and the Mares Puck 414117 are indeed cheap, they provide accuracy and an array of information which come as a surprise considering the low asking price.