Hand to heart, I’m a big fan of the Suunto Zoop dive computer. It is easily one of the best dive computers for beginners that is currently on the market. But I may be biased, as this is what I used when I first started scuba diving. As a dive instructor, it is also the dive computer that I use for my diving students. But why is it so good for beginners, and what other dive computers can compare when competing for the best dive computer for beginners?
Read More: The Differences between a Diving Watch and a Dive Computer
Best Dive Computer for Beginners
SUUNTO Zoop Novo Wrist Scuba Diving Computer
- Operating modes: Air, NITROX, gauge, and freediving modes
- Programmable for 21% to 50% oxygen mixtures
- Imperial or metric programmable, decompression stop data, audible alarms
- 4 buttons
- Back Lite display, easy to read in low light & night conditions
- Maximum depth display: 330′ (100 meters)
- Comes in three colors; black, lime, and bright blue
- User changeable battery
CRESSI Leonardo Single Button Diving Computer
- Operation Modes: Air, Nitrox, and Gauge modes
- A single button Dive Computer, ideal for beginners.
- Easy to use and easy to read all the information due to the high-definition screen that gives large numerical displays.
- Programmable for 21% to 50% oxygen mixtures.
- Three levels of user-adjustable conservatism.
- Imperial or metric programmable, deep stop function, audible alarms.
- User changeable battery. Battery model: CR2430.
MARES Puck Pro Wrist Dive Computer
- A single button Dive Computer, ideal for beginners.
- Large display and simple interface and design
- Upgradable firmware and multigas capability
- Rated to a depth of 150M (492 ft)
- Adjustable back-light
- Residual nitrogen gauge
AQUA LUNG i300C Dive Wrist Computer
- 4 operating modes. Air, Nitrox, Gauge, and Free Dive (tracks calculations to allow switching between DIVE and Free)
- User-changeable battery and data retention.
- 3 Gas computer. Able to switch up to three gases underwater
- Wirelessly interact with your i300C via the latest Bluetooth Smart technology using your mobile device, the free DiverLog+ app
- 2 button system
CRESSI Giotto Wrist Computer
- The interface is fairly intuitive and the three-button controls make it easy to navigate.
- Full processing of dive data, including decompression if applicable, for every dive performed with air or nitrox.
- Logbook (70 hr or 60 dives) complete with dive profile.
- Deep stop can be turned on or off. Visual and auditory alarms. Built-in calendar and clock. Backlit display.
- User changeable battery. Battery model: CR2430
What to Look for in a Dive Computer
Here is a list of features to look for when choosing the best dive computer for beginners.
DIVE COMPUTER OPERATING MODES
- The dive computer will be set to the standard AIR mode, which is 21% oxygen. All dive computers now have the NITROX mode too, which allows you to change the oxygen percentage. GUAGE mode is handy when using the device as a depth gauge only. FREE diving mode allows you to log and save your freedives.
USER CHANGEABLE BATTERIES
A good feature to look for when choosing the best dive computer for beginners is whether you can change the battery yourself. Some dive computers only require a simple tool to open the back and replace the battery. However, other dive computers will require you to send it off to their authorized service center to change the battery. This can be costly and time-consuming. When replacing your own battery, follow the instructions from the dive computer manual and check that the o-ring rubber is properly sealed.
SCREEN DISPLAY
Dive computers can be slightly overwhelming to a beginner diver. There are a lot of numbers on the screen, letters, and potential graphs. This can make reading a dive computer confusing. You should opt for a dive computer that is easy to read with a large interface. This is especially important if diving in low visibility or if your eye-sight struggles with reading.
NO-DECOMPRESSION LIMIT
Besides knowing your depth, one of the most important features on a dive computer is the No-Decompression Limit (NDL) or No-Stop time. You should read your dive computer manual to ensure you understand and know how to read the depth and the NDL.
Read More: What is a No-Decompression Limit and Why Is It Important?
So there you have it. Now you know the most important features when choosing the best dive computer for beginners, and what they mean. Beginner dive computers will usually be very easy to use for novice divers, and also slightly bulky. So why not check out some of the best smallest dive computers that are also easy to use!
