Is a Dive Computer Necessary?

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Years ago, dive tables were how everyone dived. These days, the majority of recreational divers dive with a personal dive computer and for good reason.

A dive computer calculates your depth, bottom time, ascent rate, and NDL in real time. Tables can't do that. When you change depth during a dive, it updates. A table can't.

Wrist computers are the most common use at this point. They're small enough, readable underwater, and you can wear them as a regular watch too. Console-mount computers are an option but less buyers go that way anymore.

Entry-level computers go for around a few hundred dollars and cover everything most divers would need. You get depth, bottom time, NDL, dive logging, and sometimes an entry-level freediving mode. Mid-range gets you air integration, improved screens, and extra mix compatibility.

What people overlook is conservatism settings. Some models are tighter than others. A tighter setting results in shorter no-deco time. Liberal ones give more bottom time but at a thinner safety margin. useful resource Both work. It's what you're comfortable with and experience level.

Talk to someone at a local dive store who dives with a few different models first. Good dive stores will have real-world feedback on what's good versus what's marketing. Decent dive shops have buying guides and comparisons online as well

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