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2014 Gear Guide: Best Dive Computers

By Roger Roy | Published On June 20, 2014
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2014 Gear Guide: Best Dive Computers

Mares Matrix
ICE (in case of emergency) function displays info like contacts, insurance policies and allergies for quick access.

Compass offers a bearing function and allows monitoring of critical data while navigating. The wristwatch-style Matrix is easy to read, easy to program and full of advanced dive-computing features, like a reverse color band highlighting no-deco data and an effective tissue-loading bar graph.

CONTACT: mares.com
MSRP: $720

Mares Icon HD AI
LCD screen, color-coding and smartphone-style menu equal an intuitive, easy-to-use computer system.

High-definition full-color display brings tank-pressure presentation to a new level. In a class of its own, this impressive wrist-mount dive computer is packed with features and functions, and is arguably the most intuitive DC on the market. Its hoseless air integration is just the icing on the cake.

CONTACT: mares.com
MSRP: $1,800

Shearwater Petrel
Multiple decompression algorithms enable divers to adjust gradient factors and conservatism levels to match each diving situation.

Display uses yellow and red coloration to highlight problems or data requiring particular attention.

The Petrel is a full-featured technical dive computer that can handle air, nitrox, and trimix programs for both open-circuit and close-circuit diving. It can program up to 10 gas mixes, and also includes a gauge mode. The key new features of the Petrel 2 include a next generation three-axis tilt-compensated digital compass and bluetooth upgrade to Bluetooth Smart.

CONTACT: shearwaterresearch.com
MSRP: Check with Shearwater for latest pricing

ScubaPro Chromis
Large, eye-pleasing display features characters inspired by Samurai katanas that are easy to read underwater.

Four-button interface includes word prompts.

The sleek-looking Chromis offers a modern intuitive display with big data digits. The choice of scuba, gauge, apnea, swim and watch modes — plus a built-in altimeter —prepares you for virtually any diving or topside adventure.

CONTACT: scubapro.com
MSRP: $499

Sherwood Scuba Amphos Air
Features four operating modes — dive, gauge, free dive and time — and two-gas-switching capability.

Four buttons work with screen prompts for effortless navigation.

Sherwood has taken the algorithm and screen design of its Wisdom 3, added timekeeping and advanced diving features, and downsized the package into a wristwatch.

CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $1,150 (including transmitter)

Sherwood Scuba Wisdom 3
Large, easy-to-read display presents data on four neat levels with handy screen prompts.

Full-time access to no-deco limits regardless of air time remaining, and a new approach to dive time remaining both enhance its ease of use.

This air-integrated console DC, a perennial favorite, has been upgraded with an expanded memory. Its optional quick-disconnect feature is a must-have, and it is now available with a cool-looking white casing.

CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: From $750

Subgear XP-3H
Memory holds more than a week of diving, and preserves details of the dives.

Watch function has alarm, 12-or 24-hour mode, and date and time-zone shift.

The XP-3H is a total dive computer for all levels, and is nitrox compatible to 100 percent. It monitors dive and decompression data on an easy-to-read display and is available in one-or two-gauge consoles.

CONTACT: subgear.com
MSRP: $559

Suunto Cobra 3
Easy-to-read matrix display works with four button controls to simplify navigating through the system.

Electronic 3-D compass includes a user-adjustable time-out function to match individual diving styles.

This air-integrated computer offers two-gas switching, and nitrox, air, and gauge modes.

You get graphic representations of your dive profiles, and a built-in dive simulator allows you to test potential dives before you get yourself wet.

CONTACT: suunto.com
MSRP: $749; with QDC and USB, $899

Suunto D61 With USB
Optional wireless air integration includes current cylinder pressure as well as remaining air time.

Four dive modes include air, nitrox, free dive and gauge.

The wristwatch-style D6i offers a tilt-compensated 3-D compass, the ability to switch between three gas mixes, a continuous decompression algorithm and a built-in dive planner, plus it also serves as an attractive topside timepiece.

CONTACT: suunto.com
MSRP: $1,225

Suunto DX, Elastomer With USB
New Suunto Fused RGBM is designed for CCR, technical and recreational diving.

Optional wireless air integration is available using the Suunto transmitter.

The first wristwatch-style dive computer compatible with rebreather diving, the DX supports trimix, and features eight-gas-switching capability as well as a 3-D tilt-compensated digital compass.

CONTACT: suunto.com
MSRP: $1,725

Today’s divers have a choice of console, wrist-mount or wristwatch computers, with big screens, small screens, air integration, multiple gas mixes and rechargeable batteries. It’s no longer a matter of which computer will do the job; rather, it’s all about finding the model that fits your individual diving style.

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