I find myself in the market for a new computer, Any suggestions ? Pro's / Con's. I don't plan to venture too far from the godlike in the immediate future, but then again.. who knows ? Any & all input would be appreciated. Thanks.
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I find myself in the market for a new computer, Any suggestions ? Pro's / Con's. I don't plan to venture too far from the godlike in the immediate future, but then again.. who knows ? Any & all input would be appreciated. Thanks.
I like my Tec 2G, has a great depth gauge feature, if you want to roll that way.
I don't like that it doesn't do Trimix :/
Plus 1 - the Tec 2 G / Aladin 2G will take you all the way through Advanced Nitrox/ Deco Procedures and is very cave friendly. It also makes a great bottom timer for trimix dives when left in gauge mode.
I have encountered a few divers who use it on fairly short run time dives using normoxic trimix mixes, where it gives ball park accurate deco information, but they are again using it more as a back up to tables, not as a primary deco resource.
I really love my NiTek he, and they're selling used at some pretty low prices. I believe I saw someone asking $350 the other day.
Goldline.... Not Godlike... Darned predictive text feature SUCKS..Quote:
Originally Posted by Boru
I guess the predator is overkill?
I kinda liked it the first way.Quote:
Originally Posted by Boru
That should have little to due with what computer you get.
I have the nitek plus and nitek he. If you have no desire to dive he I would try to find a good deal on a nitek duo or trio. Not that I don't like my computers. But the he is pretty bulky and the plus is to small.
Sent from my Eris
Also still happy with Nitek He. Great computer for conservative diver not doing aggressive mix dives.
WJH
If your predictive text replaces PERFECTION with OVERKILL, then yes! The Predator is overkill :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Boru
If you can afford it, get it.
Cheers,
Jeff
Predators are AWESOME.Quote:
Originally Posted by Boru
I found a VR3 for 500 bucks and it had everything but color (trimix, CC).
So, I'd look for a used one.
I agree, I love mine. I can read it full tilt on a scooter, without having to move my hand closer, or shine a light on it. I don't dive He much, but I can if I want.Quote:
Originally Posted by icestac
predator if you want to spend the money and have a computer for many many years to come (it will grow with you right up to godlike). Nitek Duo or Trio for a nice two-gas (or three-gas) computer to take you through adv.nitrox and deco proc. then use the duo or trio in gauge mode as your bottom timer/depth for helium dives on tables or as backup for a he computer.
skp
I wouldn't consider one without an OLED display. It narrows the field, but they're beautiful, especially for older eyes. My X1 is practically a 3rd back-up light, and I like the large underwater font.
If you are going to buy a "career usable" computer, the best advise I can give is to do your research, then find a dealer (or friend) who will let you try them before you buy one. It may be a significant investment, so the more info you have, the better the deal is for you!
That said...here is my two cents;
The only thing I like better than my VR3 is my back-up VR3!!!
I have found them to be pretty much bulletproof.
I've had the first one over 5 years and over 200' many times, and just recently bought the second one used for $400. If I had to buy another dive computer it will be another VR3 (familiarity may be the primary reason, but I do like them).
My dive buddy uses a Predator and he likes it very much. He is a former VR3 user, & dealer of both, so he has tried to convince me to switch. I can tell you that the readability of his Predator is very good...I can read his while diving with him!
I was unaware of the Predator (may not have even been out yet) when I bought my first VR3.
Dive safe and enjoy it whatever decision you make...
I tried them all before I decided which product line to sell for our technical lineup. It wasn't even close, the Predator was in my opinion the best of everything. It's a computer that will work perfectly at the recreational level and take you all the way to CCR. The battery lasts roughly 80 dives, is user replaceable and can be picked up at Radio Shack, or cheaper online. The OLED display can be seen from 10 yards away. It has blue tooth connectivity to your laptop and here's the real kicker. IT IS THE SIMPLEST COMPUTER I'VE EVER USED.
One button cycles through the menu, the second button selects. Menus are clearly laid out and simple to navigate.
I love it. I made the right decision.
Shearwater no doubt. Love my Predator.
And the final tally says (Drum roll)................ the predator is kinda ok? and might be capable of handling my complex intro dives???
Thanks for all the input
Really like our X1's. Really glad we never replace batteries, oled is really bright, simple to use and they're the right size!
I have both X1 and Predators, and have previously owned VR3s. Buy a Predator. It will do everything you will ever need and you will not regret it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Boru
It's not a conspiracy buy a Predator.
---
- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
used vr3's are nice. the price is about right for one (350-500). i loved mine, but then came the predator.... all else is history.
skip
A computer has been purchased. Thanks to all for info.
Which one did you decide to buy?
skip
Predator. FW spent time while he was geared up in 110 degree heat to show me how it works and invited me to dive. That is the ultimate honor thank you. It was a pleasure to meet you.
That must have been the PC the guy had in Little River. My God I could read his perfectly at 12 ft away.
Is there really any other Technical computer out there that comes close to the design and engineering of the Predator? I think not...but that's a rhetorical question. Considering the environment that we dive in, I'll take "overkill" any day of the week thank you very much. Plus you can't beat the fact that I can see and read Jackie's 5-10 ft away (when her wrist is in the right position). An outstanding Technical Diving buddy check feature!Quote:
Originally Posted by Squirrel Girl
Jack
What is this "buddy" you speak of? :rollguyQuote:
Originally Posted by stickydeco
Being that NO ONE in their right mind is going to dive with me, it's really Hancock dressed up as Jackie. Now, try and get a mental picture of that!Quote:
Originally Posted by Slüdge
Nice meeting you too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Boru
So clearly shearwater wins this battle, however what are yalls thoughts on the nitek Q ? I've been eyeballing this since Lamar first stared talking about it. And the price can't be beat.
I will probably end up with the SW but with such an old ( relative ) platform do y'all see any improvements being made to the actual hardware anytime soon? I hate buying things then finding out a new model is coming out next month....
i bought the predator partly because it seems the most likely to offer updates to software and firmware updates. less likely to phase out current models incompatible with future models. only time will tell.
skip
It's funny, I have Predator envy myself. My buddy and I were doing a hang recently and I hand signaled my deco time then I asked his time remaining and he just turned his wrist and you could see the display a mile away.
RUNS AWAY FAST !!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by stickydeco
(UFFDA)
Beano
Did I mention??? I Looooove my predator :-D:mrgreen::ele:smt023::joy:supz::armybravo:smt041: fing36
Thank you all for your input... there is nothing to compare...
AIR INTEGRATION WOULD BE THE ICING ON THE CAKE..
I'll settle for cake without icing :clapper
I'm getting a little impatient for my predator to show up!!! Any of you VR3 fans in need of another . . .
You don't want air integration in a cave, just something else to worry about.Quote:
Originally Posted by Boru
I may be needing a backup computer or more of a bottom timer since my jurasic canister light failed on unbeknownst to me and melted the case of my trusty old Oceanic. I'm not sure I will be able to replace the battery when it dies as it's all kinda melty and such....Quote:
Originally Posted by jayc
I disagree. When I breathed off doubles only I used my open water hoseless, gas-integrated computer (which I still use in open water) and I really miss it now.Quote:
Originally Posted by FW
I'm thinking about that Uemis, but neither shop I work for sells them, and I'm allergic to paying retail.
did you not worry about bumping the sending unit into the cave ceiling...well, not the bumping maybe, but the leak that bumping might cause? I've seen them break off just trying to duck under a section of wreck in open water, and a divemaster pick the tank up by the sending unit and bend it to the point of uselessness (leak).
skip
No, I've been using these for over fifteen years with no problems. (And don't let idiots touch your gear.)
:) +1 I thought it was just meQuote:
Originally Posted by Slüdge