Computers

ScubaVox Favourite Diving Computers

Shearwater Research Perdix AI

One of the most dominant dive computers within the technical community is the Shearwater Perdix, but the Canadian manufacturer is keen to point out that the Perdix is equally at home as a three-gas nitrox open-circuit recreational computer, as it is in the world of deep tech and rebreathers. The vivid, 5.5cm, high-resolution screen ensures visibility at all depths, with the display customisable to show data preferred by the user. Five open-circuit and five CCR gases are programmable through the adaptive menu system, which displays settings relevant only to the current mode of operation, with a two-button system for ease of navigation. Desktop connection is via a Bluetooth interface. A user-changeable AA battery ensures easy availability of replacements.

Specs & Features

User Replaceable AA Battery
Air, Nitrox, Trimix capable
Quick OC bailout from CC
3 axis, tilt compensated, digital compass
Decompression
Dive Planning
Buhlmann GF algorithm
Optional VPM-B algorithm
Dive Logging
Upgradeable Firmware
Bluetooth® wireless technology

Optional Air Integration
1 or 2 Transmitters (optional)
Screen Resolution 320x240 QVGA
Display TypeFull colour LED LCD
Display Size5.59 cm / 2.2"
Battery TypeSingle AA (any type)
Battery Life AA Alkaline40 Hours
SAFT LS14500100 Hours
Number of Gases5 OC / 5 CC
Dive Log1,000 Hours
Depth Rating260m (850ft)

ScubaVox Rating

ScubaVox +

High-resolution, full-color easy-to-read 2.2-inch display, which can be user customized and boasts a two-button interface
Improved automation of data readings thanks to the AI technology
Air, nitrox, and trimix capable
1,000-hour dive log

ScubaVox -

Power intensive
Price

Garmin MK2i

A sleek and rugged piece of equipment, the Descent Mk2i combines style with an abundance of substance. Garmin introduces patented sonar technology called SubWave™ that allows multiple inputs to a single dive computer; it increases the range from 1m (with traditional VHF radio technology) to a staggering 8m underwater and supports up to five transmitters on one computer.

Garmin’s new SubWave™ system uses sonar-based communications and is proprietary to Garmin.

Garmin MK2i combines functionalities of fitness tracker and dive computer.

Specs & Features

Buhlmann ZHL-16c algorithm
Personalisable audio and vibration alerts
Single gas, multi-gas, gauge, apnea and apnea hunt modes
Customizable safety stops, deep stops and conservatism
Ascent and descent rate calculator
Auto start and end dive
Battery Life: Smartwatch: Up to 16 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode: Up to 50 days
GPS: Up to 48 hours
GPS + Music: Up to 15 hours
Max Battery GPS Mode: Up to 96 hours
Dive mode: Up to 80 hours
Dive mode with Descent T1: Up to 32 hours
Expedition GPS Activity: up to 35 days
Depth rating 100m
GPS
Glonass
Galileo
Garmin elevate™ wrist heart rate monitor
Barometric altimeter
Compass

Compass
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Thermometer
Depth sensor
Pulse ox blood oxygen saturation monitor
Single-gas mode
Multi-gas mode
Gauge mode
Apnea mode
Apnea hunt mode
Nitrox support
Trimix support
Closed circuit rebreather (CCR)
Gas time remaining
Gas consumption rate
Auto start/end dive
Audible and vibration alarms for ascent rate, PO2, CNS/OTU, NDL, deco, gas switching, tank pressure, gas consumption rate. Customizable (up to 40) audible and/or vibration per dive mode, based on depth or time

ScubaVox Rating

ScubaVox +

Incredible functionality

ScubaVox -

Price

Suunto D5

The D5 is a very capable and user-friendly dive-computer for beginner recreational diving through to entry-level tech and deco-diving on nitrox. Adding the POD increases the D5’s abilities considerably.

Specs & Features

Bezel material - Stainless steel
Glass material - Mineral crystal
Case material - Reinforced composite
Strap material - Silicone
Weight 90g / 3.17oz
Water resistance to 100 m (ISO 6425, EN 13319)
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Upgradable firmware
Time, date
Alarm clock - 1 daily alarm
Dual time
Stopwatch timer

Vibration alert
Backlight LED
Configurable backlight
Display resolution 320 x 300
Battery indicator icon + dive hours remaining
Metric and imperial units
Display type - Memory in pixel

ScubaVox Rating

ScubaVox +

Can adjust the algorithm to become more conservative or more aggressive
Gas-switch compatible
Ascent rate controls

ScubaVox -

Breaking a decompression ceiling for more than three minutes will result in the algorithm locking with no decompression information displayed
Compass recalibration after battery change

Ratio Computers iX3M

For strategic reasons, the Italian manufacturer Dive System decided to sell their dive computers as an independent brand under the name RATIO. RATIO tries to set itself apart from the competition with a series of unique computer functions.

The Ratio iX3M is much more than “just” a high-end dive computer. It is almost like a smartphone that can be used in a range of modes from a basic, two-gas recreational computer, to a ten-mixture technical and CCR device. Unlike other computers, however, the iX3M Pro Easy (the most basic version) can be bought for a lower price point and converted to the ‘Deep’ and ‘Tech+’ modes through separately purchased firmware upgrades as needed, or the higher-spec, higher-priced versions can be bought for immediate operation. The iX3M Tech + allows the calculation of dives with up to 10 gases (maximum depth 130 meters, limited by the calculation model), and it can also be used for rebreathers.

Specs & Features

Modes: air, nitrox, gauge, free, trimix, CCR
10 Mix (+ 3 Diluents) (O2: 05% - 99% / He: 0% - 95%)
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16 B / VPM-B
User settable Gradient Factors (GFL/GFH) for Buhlmann and User settable Bubble Radius for VPM
Gas switch and Gas break during the dive
PO2 0.4 - 1.6
CNS Calculation
Automatic altitude adjustment
Max Depth: 300m
Compatible with Ratio Color Coded Wireless Transmitter
Up to 10 wireless transmitters
Air integration
Rechargeable battery
4 mechanical buttons

Salt/Fresh water selection
Deep Stop (Standard method + Pyle method)
Safety Stop Adjustment
Last deco stop depth manual adjustment
Manual adjustment of all Deco Stops
Vibration + acoustic + visual alerts
No Deco Limit + Full Deco Planner
3D Compass, 1° resolution, +/- 1° accuracy
USB Rechargeable Li-ion (~30 hours of diving)
PC/Mac interface
Software upgrades free

ScubaVox Rating

ScubaVox +

Big bright screen
Very comprehensive spec
Customizable
Integrated nitro analyser
Good value for money

ScubaVox -

Menus can be sometimes cumbersome

Scubapro G2

Scubapro’s G2 is an updated version of the Galileo SOL, the first dive computer on the market with the ability to calculate tailor-made decompression profiles based not only on a diver’s depth, time and air
consumption but also on their personal physiology and work effort through the use of an optional heart-rate monitor and skin temperature sensor. Wireless air-integration (with optional transmitter) is built into the solid design with support for up to 11 different transmitters. A choice of user-customisable screens with 19 languages accompanies the three-button navigation system. The G2 can be used as a basic recreational computer, or with up to eight gas mixtures, including helium. CCR capability can be activated when needed. Data transfer is via Bluetooth or USB to Scubapro’s LogTRAK software. An air-integrated console version is also available.

Specs & Features

FREE hoseless air integration monitors tank pressure plus provides true remaining bottom time (RBT) and allows air consumption to be factored into the decompression calculation. Provides support for up to 11 transmitters when all features are activated.
Full-Color TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) 2.2in/5.6cm LCD display screen (320x240p) produces vibrant colors for maximum readability to quickly direct your attention to what you need to know.
Choice of screen display configurations lets you customize your data presentation with Light, Classic, Full or Graphical screen options to suit your individual diving style.
Predictive Multi-Gas ZHL-16 ADT MB algorithm programs up to 8 nitrox/trimix mixes to handle any recreational or technical diving scenario.
Improved, full tilt digital compass, the best available, includes half-compass rose and bearing memory.
Multiple dive modes includes Scuba, Freediving, Gauge, CCR and Sidemount for total in-water versatility. (Freediving, Trimix, CCR and Sidemount modes are disabled from the factory. Activation is easy – no downloading or upgrading is required.)
Maximum operating depth is 120m for reliable data computing regardless of diving situation.

485MB memory stores pictures, tables, tissue loading status, and 1,000 hours of dive profiles.
USB cable or Bluetooth Low Energy interface easily downloads dive data to your phone or handheld device. Download dive data to a PC/Mac using LogTRAK software.
Number of Gases 8
Gas capability 21-100% Nitrox, Trimix
Algorithm ZH-L16 ADT MB PMG
Operating modes - Scuba, Gauge, CCR, Freediving
Color display
Max operating depth 120m
Memory capacity 485MB
Depth Rating 120m
Battery Replacement Type - Dealer Replaceable
Estimated Battery Life - Up to 50 Hours Per Charge

ScubaVox Rating

ScubaVox +

Rechargeable battery which lasts for 50 hours
1,000-hour dive log
Different dive screen templates

ScubaVox -

Slightly bulky when compared to other offerings on the market
Fragile strap

Aqualung i770R

The i770R allows the management of 4 different gases, has a rechargeable lithium battery and a three-axis compass with full tilt. The dive computer comes with four different operating modes.

The DiverLog application (available for iOS and Android platforms) allows control of i770R from Smartphone or tablet thanks to Bluetooth.

Ability to manage multiple gases, allowing up to 4 Nitrox mixes (with 4 transmitters), each with independent PO2 settings.

Specs & Features

Rechargeable lithium battery.
High resolution TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display with a user-friendly interface.
Data transfer via Bluetooth to the DiverLog app
Gas management algorithm enables precise gas management thanks to its real-time calculations.
3-axis compass with full tilt.
Incorporation of acoustic and visual alarms to send warning signals and warnings, thus guaranteeing greater security
Automatic depth adjustment for a precise profile

The Pre-Dive planning feature allows you to preview your planned dives to maximize the safety of your next adventure.
Automatic safety stop countdown displayed in minutes and seconds for clarity.
Status indicator of the batteries of the computer and the transmitter.
4 operating modes: Air, Nitrox, Gauge and Free Dive, ready for any adventure.
User-upgradeable software provides access to the latest features and enhancements.
Depth stop with optional countdown.
Selection of fresh or salt water diving.