Ask Joe & Larry

So which nitrox dive computer would you suggest?

Joe: Ok, I'll start this one. I just switched to the Mares Nemo Wide. This guy has much larger numbers than most wrist computers - and with these ole' eyes.. Now mind you, in the store I sometimes put on reading glasses, not because I need them... but because I look real good wearing them. I think chicks dig that macho, yet intelligent look... But I can read the numbers on this guy even without any reading glasses. One of the biggest displays we've got! This little guy does everything I need - I can change the batteries myself, has backlighting, air or nitrox, deco stops, etc.

Larry: Joe has a good one there... Now if he'd just let go of a dollar and move up to an Air Integrated version... To get AI, you'd want to get the Aeris Atmos AI Computer. This thing does everything! It's got a real cool back light feature that lets you set how long it lights, it's got audible alarms, and a flashing LED when you're screwing up... It turns itself on (so even Joe wouldn't goof up), great big numbers that are easy to see... Now AI in the name stands for Air Integrated. It's going to watch your pressure for you, and tell you how much time you have left based on the amount of air in the tank, how deep you are and your present breathing rate... How cool is that!? You can play back the last dozen dives, or download hundreds with the computer interface, and you can pre-set your PO2 alarms for 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, or 1.6. This thing is way cool. It takes a bit of reading the manual to understand all the functionality (obviously the reason Joe didn't pick it as his top choice), but after you get the hang of it - the info and features of this computer put it in a league of its own.

Our Readers Comments

"I don't dive nitrox, but I've got the air version of the genesis and it works great."
Tony L., Muskego, WI

"Larry must be a bells & whistles kinda guy! I like a computer that's easy to read, and does what it's supposed to do.........keep you alive with the right information!! That's why I use the Oceanic DataSport. You'd have to be brain dead to not be able to use this one! :)"
Jack Thomas, Calgary, Alberta
Editors Note: The Oceanic DataSport is virtually identical to an air version of the Genesis React - So I guess this is a vote with Joe.