Ideal Diving – The Diving Info That You Need

Dive computers are an essential part of every underwater divers arsenal. They provide safety to divers of all experience levels by monitoring nitrogen levels and alerting divers when they’ve reached the limit of their dive time. However, not all dive computers (sometimes known as personal decompression computers or decompression meters) are created equal. Below we’ll take an in-depth look at the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer, and then we’ll expand our analysis to a wider field and see how the Geo 2.0 measures up next to some of the other premier dive computers in the industry. What Is the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer? User friendly and affordable, the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer is perfect for those divers who prioritize both safety and convenience. Powered by a CR2430 Lithium battery, this wrist dive computer provides four easy-to-use operating modes—watch, norm, free dive, and gauge—giving recreational divers the option for individualized dives. The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer also has dual time displays, distinct sounding alarms, solid backlighting for dark and dim conditions, and has a log book option that can hold 24 dive/99 free dives. Great for both new and experience divers, the Oceanic Geo 2.0 is a solid and reliable option for those looking for a dive computer upgrade. Product Specs There are several qualities of the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer that make it stand out from the pack. Not only can it manage four types of gases; it can switch between gas mixes while underwater! The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer's display provides info on max depth (which is up to 330ft or 100m) and dive time, as well as temperature, with a back light for dark and/or low light conditions. And if that wasn’t enough, the diver replaceable battery, Deep Stop option, Dual Algorithm, and Firmware Auto-Update are especially nice features. Pricing The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer can be found at most online retailers, including Oceanic’s official website Oceanicworlwide.com, with prices averaging at $350. A list of retailers that sell the wrist dive computer include Leisurepro.com, Scuba.com, and Divers-supply.com. However, to get a deal, divers should check out Oceanic’s product page on Amazon, as we’ve seen prices as low as $280.00 for the Seal Blue Decal version. How It Compares We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare. We'll compare pricing, the devices' ease of use, performance, design quality, and warranty. We'll also list some of the pros and cons of each dive computer and highlight some of the more stand out features and specs. Finally, we'll circle back around to the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive computer and give some of our final thoughts in light of all the reviews you'll find below. Mares Smart Shearwater Petrel 2 Suunto D4i Novo Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer Price ($350) $ As we mentioned above, there are several online retailers where you can find the Oceanic 2.0 Dive Computer at a reasonable price. Ease of Use 4 Stars The combination of an easily navigable display and 4 perimeter menu buttons that can be used with and without gloves goes a long way to making this gadget user friendly. All the information displayed on-screen is easy to get to and readily available. There’s also the awesome fact that this dive computer doubles as a wrist watch that can be worn all day. Plus, the battery is diver replaceable, with an indicator that shows when the battery is low. Performance 4 Stars What really distinguishes the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer from other entry or mid-level diver computers is its Dual Algorithm. Divers are given the option to choose between the Pelagic DSAT (Spencer/Powell data basis) or the Pelagic Z+ (Buhlmann ZHL- 16C data basis). Additionally, the dive computer offers Deep Stop with Countdown Timer: this means that divers get a 2-minute countdown when hitting half of max depth and when diving more than 80ft/25m. Design Quality 3.5 Stars Displaying the most important information on screen saves users the time and effort of navigating different menu options. However, this can cause the data displayed to come across as smaller than comparable products. This can become a problem while underwater if the information is too crowded and unclear when looked at. But many users find it an acceptable trade off, since the smaller size of the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer allows it double as a wrist watch. Warranty 5 Stars Limited 2-year warranty Pros 4 operating modesGreat for beginnersDoubles as a wrist watch2 different algorithmsCan select metric or imperial modeDriver replaceable batteryEasy to navigate displayLower price point than comparable products Cons No air integrationScreen is somewhat smaller than other dive computersUser manual can be difficult to interpret despite model’s user-friendly natureAudible alarms can be difficult to hear underwater Mares Smart The Mares Smart is the most directly comparable dive computer to the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer mentioned in this review. It falls into the same price point ($350 at most retailers) and shares some of the same features that make the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer great for new divers—diver replaceable battery, easy-to-read display, audible alarms, and imperial and metric displays. However, there are a few distinct differences which we’ll review below. Price ($350) $ You can find the Mares Smart at most online scuba equipment retailers. Retailers such as Leisure Pro, Divers Direct, Divers Supply, Walmart, and Amazon have the list price at $350. However, online stores such as Scubastore or eBay have been known to carry the dive computer for significantly less. Ease of Use 4.5 Stars There are several important and effective safety features that make the Mares Smart scuba computer a great device for beginner divers. The ascent rate exceeded lockout is one of them. What happens is that if, while diving, you exceed the 10m/minute ascent rate, an alarm will alert you. This alert chimes in again, along with a visual element, if you reach 12m/minute. If this is exceeded, you are then locked out for 24 hours. Performance 4.5 Stars The Mares Smart scuba computer utilizes the Mares-Wienke Reduced Gradient Bubble Model (RGBM). It has gas switching, it is nitrox capable, it has a free dive mode with alarms, a battery life of 2-3 years, and upgradeable software. The scuba computer comes with a tempered mineral glass display for screen protection and underwater readability. Design Quality 3.5 Stars Like the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer, one of the main criticisms of this dive computer is its small display—it communicates a wealth of information and decreases the likelihood of a confusing menu navigation, but the screen can appear cluttered. Additionally, it only has two navigation buttons, compared to the Geo 2.0’s four. That said, the device is sleek, stylish, and lightweight and has three display windows which more than make up for a tinier over all face. Warranty 5 Stars Limited 2-year warranty Pros Ascent rate lockout36 Hour logbook memoryScratch-resistant LCD displayLong battery lifeAffordable priceDepth display of 492ft/150m Cons No air integrationAudible alarms can be difficult to hear underwaterNo compassDisplay can appear cluttered Shearwater Petrel 2 In a departure from the other dive computers in this review, the Shearwater Petrel 2 is for professional scuba divers who are in need of more sophisticated equipment. Unlike the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer and the Mares Smart, the Shearwater Petrel 2 has a digital compass and can log up to 1000 hours in its dive profile. Even cooler, it has Bluetooth integration and can communicate with PCs, Macs, and other Apple products. Price ($849.00) $$$ This is by far the priciest of the dive computers in this review, but considering the advanced features and technology embedded in this sleek but slim watch, it's well worth it. The Shearwater Petrel 2 can be found on sites like Amazon, Dive Right in Scuba, and Dive Gear Express for $850.00. Ease of Use 5 Stars What users of the Shearwater Petrel 2 like the most is that, despite its advanced tech and capabilities, it's still so easy to use. The display is clear and very readable despite its size, and the software is intuitive and easily understood. Furthermore, though it's marketed towards more serious diving missions, the Shearwater Petrel 2 works just as well as a recreational dive computer. Performance 5 Stars The Shearwater Petrel 2 has four diving modes: OC Recreational (3 gas nitrox computer), OC Technical (5 OC gases trimix decompression computer), CC/BO (Closed Circuit/Bailout with 5 OC/ 5 CC gases), and Gauge. It operates the Buhlmann GF algorithm with an optional VPM-B algorithm. Finally, it boasts a 3 axis, tilt compensated, digital compass. Design Quality 4.5 Stars Though it's significantly smaller and lighter than other dive computers in the Shearwater stable, the Shearwater Petrel hasn’t given up any of its effectiveness or physical appeal. It has a full color, hi-res display, Bluetooth integration, the ability to display nine languages (including English, French, Japanese, and Korean), and a user replaceable battery. Warranty 5 Stars Limite 2-year warranty Pros 3 axis, tilt compensated, digital compass2.4” high resolution, color displayMultiple programmable gas mixesDecompressionUpgradeable firmwareBluetooth integration Cons No wireless air integrationNot a dual dive computer/wrist watch Suunto D4i Novo The Suunto D4i Novo is a great option for bridging the gap between recreational and professional diving—at a price point that mirrors that flexibility. This device has both imperial and metric display options, 4 operating modules, a depth display of up to 328ft (100m) in dive mode and 492ft (150m) in Gauge mode, and can log up to 80 hours on its internal dive log. Price ($650) $$ The Suunto D4i Novo can be found online where most scuba equipment is sold—Leisure Pro, Divers Direct, Dive Right In Scuba, Amazon, etc. for $650. However, if you do a little digging, you can find it for half the price or a little more at online retailers like Scubastore.com. Ease of Use 5 Stars Most divers and users agree that the Suunto D4i Novo is one of the most user-friendly dive computers on the market today. The displays are easy to read, and the features are easily navigable. Even beginners have found this dive computer intuitive despite its high use by professionals. Performance 4.5 Stars One of the great stand out features of the Suunto D4i Novo is its free diving mode. What this mode can do is sample the current depth 3x a second to determine your true depth. It also displays the freedive number, day history, total history, and it has notifications for both depth and surface time. Finally, it has an apnea timer—as well as a timer in both air and nitrox modes. Design Quality 4.5 Stars This device has a silicone strap and an extension strap for comfort and durability. Additionally, it has a matrix display with an electro-luminescent back light for clarity and ease. It's lightweight and modern—perfect for those who want to use it as a wrist watch in their downtime. The Suunto D4i Novo’s stainless steel and mineral crystal materials show that to Suunto, durability is key. Warranty 5 Stars Limited 2-year warranty Pros Optional, wireless air integrationAudible alarmsSuunto Deep Stop RGBM algorithm enables continuous decompressionUpdateable firmwareDoubles as a wrist watch Cons No digital compassSmaller display Conclusion The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer has a lot to offer, even while stacked against more expensive and higher end devices. There’s no overstating that at its price point, it’s one of the best dive computers on the market. It’s durable, it’s easy to use, its long lasting, and its technologically advanced. And it doesn’t hurt that it's easy on the eyes. Whether you’re just dipping your toe into the world of diving or you simply want a step up from more basic equipment, this device has everything you need to for an easy, safe, and enjoyable dive. We give this product a solid 4 stars.

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