Air Integrated Dive Computers buying guide

Whether you are an experienced diver or a newbie, there are many metrics that you need to look into while deep water diving. Keeping a record of everything and enjoying your dive seems impossible. But don't worry. Air integrated dive computers are here to the rescue.

They keep track of crucial things and present all the information on your wrist. You can check the tank pressure, amount of oxygen, and navigate your direction.

With several brands gloating over their models, you can quickly get confused while selecting the best product. Investing in a poor-quality product will only ruin your experience underwater.

So you have to select a quality product. For this, you have to look into certain elements. You have to look into size, weight, design, display, and other additional properties that define the product's usability and performance.

Gathering all the facts and details can become a tiresome task. You have to look into tons of pages online, and you may not even collect the correct ones. On the contrary, a comprehensive buying guide will give you access to all the essential information.

You can quickly skim through it and funnel down the best model for yourself. So without wasting any more time, let us start with a brief introduction and then move further into the guide.

What are Air Integrated Dive Computers? Why should you use them?

An air integrated dive computer is used in scuba diving to provide your tank information along with the bottom time and depth of water.

Both beginners and experienced divers enjoy deep-sea diving because it is fun and exciting as well. You can maximize your comfort to enhance your experience by ensuring your safety and security.

An air integrated dive computer is such advanced equipment that provides excellent support underwater.

Although it is up to your personal choice if you need an integrated drive computer or not, having one will eliminate SPG hose's need.

You can get all the essential information by looking at your wrist and effectively calculating the bottom time.

However, dive computers are considered a convenient tool for scuba diving that can make your navigation, bottom time calculation, and log information collection easier than ever.

You should not make a sudden decision about buying dive computers. It will be better to take some time to know their use and determine which features you want to have accordingly. This is how you can make the best use of this tool when diving.

Things to deem about while selecting an appropriate Air Integrated Dive Computer

Design and Display

You will want an air integrated dive computer that looks good and comes in handy when in use. So, you must look for the air integrated dive computers having a smart design and high-quality display.

Most of the dive computers come up with a watch design that you can wear on your wrist. Besides this standard design, you can also opt for larger displays for technical diving.

Moreover, the hose-mounted designs are available that add some extra weight to the divers.

When it comes to choosing the display, you must check the screen's readability in the first place.

Having a larger screen equipped with a bright backlight will help you to read the information effortlessly, especially if there is low visibility under the water.

A larger display will show the data bigger and clearer so you can read them more quickly compared to a small screen.

You will find some newer models designed with a backlit LCD that compatiblely works in any conditions underwater. You can also consider a torch or flashlight to read the information clearly on the display screen.

AR/Nitrox Integrated

Without using the pressure gauge and compass, you will not operate a basic drive computer. But if you want to avoid the hassle of having the gauge, you will need the air integrated dive computer for deep-sea diving.

The air integrated dive computers typically use an air hose that runs from the tank to the computer. They show you several essential information, including bottom time remaining, air time remaining, recent PSI reading of the tank, etc.

If you have a pressure gauge, you can consider the non-air integrated dive computers, which are not expensive. Moreover, if the air integrated dive computer starts having issues when in use, you will not have a proper idea of the remaining air.

However, when you decide to use an air integrated dive computer, you should figure out whether you want to use Nitrox mix or only air.

If you choose Nitrox, you must make sure that the computer can program the mix's oxygen percentage. A standard air dive computer cannot accommodate Nitrox, so you will need a computer compatible with Nitrox.

So, if you are not so sure about using Nitrox, you should choose an air-only dive computer for ease of use.

PC Compatible

It will be better to choose a drive computer that can download all the details about diving into your personal computer. This is how you can create a record of dives permanently.

Generally, most dive computers store the details of the latest ten dives, so a PC compatible device will offer you a better opportunity to record your data.

To download the data to your PC from the dive computer, you will need to buy a specific software having an interface. It will help change the dives into graphs representing different depths and time spent at a particular depth during your dive.

Size and Weight

You must take the size and weight of the air integrated dive computers into consideration before making your purchase.

For instance, if you select a larger display size, it will directly impact the model's weight along with its overall size.

However, weight is not much more crucial under the water than having the same weight on land because you will not be lifting the weight.

But, these devices usually come up with a lightweight design. On the other hand, the dive computers' physical size matters a lot because an over-sized device on your wrist can create problems while diving under the water.

By contrast, choosing a smaller device also has its disadvantages. You can not grab them properly, and it won't be easy to read the information.

So, it is suggested to select a compact and ergonomic design of the dive computers that you can handle comfortably during scuba diving.

Depth Gauge

It is easy to replace the depth gauge with a dive computer. Moreover, they can record several dive depths with more accuracy.

Therefore, when you are about to buy an air integrated dive computer, you must check this feature beforehand.

It is difficult to look at the depth gauge throughout your dive, so you may guess some depths at some points, but there will be a chance of negatively impacting the decompression stop calculations.

Drive computers allow you to determine the amount of time spent at a particular depth, and you will enjoy the underwater beauty without any headache.

Calculations

Air integrated dive computers are best known for their excellence at calculation, which is incredibly essential for deep-sea diving. They have the abilities to bring out maths from your drives that will help you to make some life-saving decisions.

Decompression calculation is a primary feature that you can find in all dive computers. They can calculate the number of decompression stops required to make at a particular depth, depending on the duration of your dives and depth.

There are some dive computers which are capable of making revised decompression stops calculations that are related to deck stop.

Many dive computers can measure no-fly times. It can be the right choice for the divers who look for air-traveling. With this no-fly calculation, the dive computers help you to know the amount of nitrogen in your body and tell you when you will be able to fly again.

Activation

When you have an air-integrated dive computer, you should know how to activate it properly. There are two common ways of activation - you can do it either manually or with water.

You can find some models in which you need to press a button for displaying the reading on the screen before you enter the water.

On the other hand, some dive computers are designed to automatically become activated after entering the water. The divers will not need to worry about using the on/of buttons, and they can enjoy their drive conveniently.

With this feature, you will never fail to collect detailed information about your drives, but you will need to invest a little more money on it.

Back Light

Usually, the newer air integrated dive computers have the display equipped with a backlight, and the basic models lack this feature. So, if having a backlit display is your priority, you must choose your dive computer accordingly.

This feature helps you to read the information conveniently when there is low visibility under the water.

Nowadays, LED and OLED variants are also available with backlit screens to make the display more vibrant. If you do not have the backlight display, you can use a flashlight for better readability, but it is not as convenient as the backlit display.

However, the backlight display consumes more battery. Having a strong backlight display means it will drain a huge amount of battery, so you should be a little more sparing to conserve the power during deep-sea diving.

With a backlight screen, you will be able to read the information both in sunlight and darkness. You need to be aware of the mirror issues when you are using an OLED display.

Mount Style

Commonly, there are two types of mount styles found in the dive computers - one is the wrist, and the other is the console. It entirely depends on your personal choice and comfort, which one you want to buy.

Also, you should make sure that the mounting style you are choosing is compatible with your device.

The wristwatch style can be further categorized into two types. One is quite similar to a honey puck, and the other one looks like a standard wristwatch that you can wear on the land.

The console mount or boot mount dive computer has different important features compactly packed in a design. It is also possible to find the same device with two different mount styles.

Nevertheless, the wrist mount is more convenient to access than the console mount, especially if you are caught in an emergency.

Diving Level

It is needless to mention that you should choose your air integrated dive computers according to your skill level and style of style diving.

If you are a beginner diver, you should consider the basic model having a clearer display screen. You should make sure that the dive computer you choose has the standard features depth, time, ascent rate, no-decompression limits, etc.

It is no brainer that technical divers will need a more advanced model than the recreational divers.

When you select a technical model, you should check whether it includes mixed gas, trimix, deeper limits or capabilities for the rebreathers, etc.

But one thing you should keep on your mind that a more complex model will always come with a higher price tag.

Price

It will be wise to bear in mind from the beginning that air-integrated dive computer models are more expensive, but if you fix a budget in advance, it will be very effective to narrow down your choices.

Dive motors come with a wide range of prices, so you can buy a model of your choice without exceeding the budget.

Within $500, you will get simpler models with standard features where the advanced models will cost up to $2000.

If you are using a dive computer, you should not go for a costly model. It will be imperative if only you are aiming at more technical diving.

Accessories

1. Spare Batteries

In order to operate the air integrated dive computers, you will need battery power, and without the batteries, the device will become absolutely useless.

Therefore, you should always carry spare batteries with you to maximize the safety of your dive. It will also help you to record post-dive reviews effectively.

2. Console Clip

As the name suggests, console clips are specifically needed for the console-mounted device.

If you have a boot-mounted dive computer, this console clip will help you to keep your console boot attached to the D-ring on the BCD, so you do not need to hunt around your device under the water.

3. Save-a-dive-kit

You will not be wanting your dive computer to stop working in the middle of your diving; otherwise, you will be on the beach or on the diving boat if the device does not work correctly.

It will be a little challenging to fix the gear then and there, so having an extra save-a-dive-kit will allow you to enjoy your diving hassle-free.

Dive Modes and Algorithm

1. Dive Modes

The modern dive computers come with different modes in which air and gauge mode are very common.

Nowadays, most of the models can handle at least one gas mix/Nitrox. So, if you want to do technical diving, it will be better to choose a dive computer with different dive modes for better performance.

On the contrary, if you are likely to have freediving, you should make sure that your device includes this mode along with other features.

2. Algorithms

An underlying algorithm is used in all dive computers, and it helps to track the level of nitrogen in your body under pressure. The primary purpose of this algorithm is to ensure the highest safety of your life during deep-sea diving.

These algorithms may differ depending on the manufacturers, so some models are conservative, and some others are liberal. Thus you will also get a little difference in the ultimate results.

Reliability and Durability

Your air integrated dive computer will provide you with some life-saving information, which means that it is essential to look for a reliable brand that ensures the durability and longevity of their products.

On this note, you should avoid choosing the lower-priced model as they have very basic features. You should know that your gear will take a lot of abuse during diving. It will be exposed to the harshest conditions, no matters where you are going to dive.

The air integrated dive computers have to withstand different critical situations like temperature fluctuation, saltwater, scratches, bumps, and so on. So, dive computers must be built tough enough to overcome these challenges efficiently.

This is why you need to focus on getting a durable and reliable dive computer that will be suitable for all these conditions. Moreover, flexible straps, shatterproof screen, scratch resistance features will be some good additions to your device.

User-Friendly

You will find it disappointing if you have to fiddle with the dive computer under the water. So, you should choose a model that can be hands-free as much as possible.

If you need to use your fingers, you should choose larger buttons because you will be wearing thicker gloves during diving. Also, you should ensure that the model you are choosing is able to navigate through several options.

You will find some basic models equipped with a single button, which is simpler to use. However, it will be useful if your device does not have many features.

Otherwise, you should go for multiple buttons to navigate the display conveniently.

Comfort

Another crucial buying factor is the comfort that you must consider while searching for air integrated dive computers. Some divers do not pay much attention to this factor, but you should get a dive computer that can be worn comfortably.

You will need this device every time you go for scuba diving, so it should provide maximum comfort when you are wearing it.

If you have a smaller model that you can use both in the water and on the land, you should opt for comfortable straps. You will be wearing the device for an extended period of time, so if the straps do not offer more comfort, you will not enjoy your dive effectively.

If you wear the device on your wetsuit, you can choose a little rougher material. But if you want to use it directly on the skin, you should make sure that it will not create any discomfort when you are underwater.

Connectivity

You should check the connectivity of the dive computers before you buy one. With better connectivity, you will be able to download data to the PC.

Not all the devices have the same log capacities, so some devices are able to collect data for multiple dives while some others have a limit to log data.

You can also find Bluetooth connectivity in the latest dive computer models that help you to connect the device to your smartphone.

Furthermore, there are some dive computer models available in the market that can be connected through a USB cable. Though it is easier to use, you will have to spend some extra on it.

FAQs

1. How are the devices connected to the tank?

It depends on the model you purchase. The wrist one is connected wirelessly with the help of a transmitter, and the hose mounted one is connected through a hose.

2. What is the benefit of a backlight in the product?

While underwater scuba diving, as you go deep, the light reduces. You cannot read the readings on the device. You have to use a flashlight or a small torch to get the readings.

On the other hand, if your product incorporates a backlight, there is no need for any flashlight. You can easily analyze the readings and act according to the situation.

3. What is the core difference between an air-integrated variant and the regular one?

The air-integrated variant is connected to your tank and presents the pressure readings. It can also keep a log of recordings that you can analyze later.

Final Verdict

With all the information under your possession, all you need is to make an informed purchase. Here in this guide, you will get all the essential details that will aid you in the selection process.

Analyze your requirements and select an elite air integrated dive computer to enjoy your underwater experience.