Dive Computers: Practical Buyer's Guide for Reef Divers

Back in the day, tables were the only option. At this point, the majority of divers dive with a personal dive computer and they should.

Your computer monitors your depth, bottom time, ascent rate, and no-deco limits in real-time. Tables can't do that. If you go shallower mid-dive, the computer recalculates. Tables are set resource before you get in.

Wrist computers are the most common use these days. These are compact, readable underwater, and you can wear them as a regular watch between dives. Console models are an option but not as many buyers pick them now.

Basic computers start around $300-odd and do everything a recreational diver needs. You get depth tracking, time, no-deco limits, log function, and sometimes a basic apnea mode. Stepping up to mid-range gets you transmitter compatibility, better readability, and more mix options.

The one thing new divers overlook is algorithm differences. Certain computers are more conservative than others. A cautious computer gives you shorter NDL. More aggressive algorithms extend time but at reduced safety margin. Both work. It comes down to your style and how experienced you are.

Talk to people at a dive shop who dives with a few different brands before buying. They'll offer honest opinions on which ones hold up versus what's hype. Decent dive shops have buying guides and honest reviews on their websites as well