DATA+ Computer wrist gauge - IST - Dive Computer - Scuba diving

Submited By: Rwolf (1000+ logged dives) on 01/02/2012
This is a fine dual gas nitrox computer. It has a large easy to read display and will support nitrox mixes from air to 50% on mix1 and air to 99% for mix 2.

Left in air mode, it clearly presents essential information in a way that an entry level diver can eaqsily understand. (but you should still read the manual :)

With it's support for underwater gas changes, it will grow with you until you are diving well beyond recreational limits. (I use this computer as my backup computer for planned decompression dives up to 200' deep,using normoxic tri-mix, with up to 30 minutes of deco obligation.)

One of the least appreciated features of this computer is it's very well designed battery compartment. Other manufacturers require special tools or a trip to your local dive ship to replace the battery. If you try to do it yourself, you can get away with it once or twice but eventually the battery compartment leaks and your computer is trashed. This computer requires only a large coin or fender washer to open and you can watch the O-ring deform to make 1-2mm wide positive contact with the lid as you tighten the cover. As a technical diver I worry about the failure modes of my gear and I really appreciate the thought that went into this design.

This computer is identical to the NiTek Duo, Zeagle N2ition, and several other brands. (I believe they are all made by seiko) I bought this one to replace a nitek duo that I'm retiring only because years of physical abuse have made it hard to read.

Just remember to store it so the contacts on top remain dry. If those are touching a damp/salty gear bag, it will think it's still diving and run down the battery. The first signs of a low battery is it becomes very sensitive to ascent rate and starts beeping at you every time you raise your arm. (I cary a spare battery and appropriate size washer in my save a dive kit)

Note: Unless you really need 3 gases, I would recommend this computer over it's more expensive sibling, the Nitek Trio/GP-4000. (I own & use both) The compass feature of the Trio is cute but not good enough to replace my wrist mount compass. The trio also has the very annoying 'feature' that it forgets my gas mixes 5 minutes after my dive ends! This has tripped me up more times than I can remember in cases where I make an extra trip to the surface or bottom to: take a navigational heading, reunite with a lost buddy, retrieve a piece of lost gear, or free a stuck anchor.

I know it's supposed to be a safety feature, but the Trio seems to become uncooperative just when I need it most. That's where having the Duo as a reliable backup computer is most appreciated.

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