I am a new diver and whish to buy a gauge.Should i go for the old one or the computer type?

Question

I whish to know the pros and cons of the 'meter' type gauge and the 'computer' type gauge.Hmmmm...hope u guys know what i am tyring to ask...lol.Thanks.d=o)

Answer 1

Not knowing if you have a reg setup or not I am guessing that you are referring to a wrist type depth gauge and not a console which attaches to the first stage HP port.
Basically an analog depth gauge gives the following information present depth , maximum depth and usually water temp., if you rent a set of regs you will find that there is usually one attached to them on a gauge console, and also has a pressure gauge for the air tank.
Analogs are dependable, with yearly service fairly accurate and long lasting. But accuracy in depth will change from fresh to salt water, they determine depth by water pressure.
Digitals (dive computers) can offer the following information depth, dive time, maximum depth , water temp, maximum bottom times based of elapsted time and depth, no deco time remaining, no fly time, ascent rate; can be adjusted for air/nitrox, altitude, fresh or salt water, various gas mixes etc.

The problem with computers is that the battery can die during a dive and some makes require you to send them in to change the battery.

My advice would be to get a dive computer. It will enhance your diving experiance by safely extending you bottom time, the algorithim adjusts for time at each depth in a dive i.e. you seldom dive to 60 fsw and stay exactly at that depth for your whole dive. The added features make planning multiple dives very easy and much safer, most have a memory and maintain a log of the previous dives, some 25 , 50 100 or more. They also give you warnings if your ascent is too fast , you accidently exceded no deco limits ( this should not be done intentionally with proper training), and adjust deco stops to allow for the excess nitrogen.

There should always be gauges on the reg sets you are using and are a great back up in case your computer should have any problems, it helps to have a dive watch and always note or mark the time you begin your dive.

Hope this is what you were asking.....
Good Luck

Answer 2

A lot of you fellas in the NHL.

Answer 3

Why fix it if it ain't broke