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Oceanic Dive Computers: Are they worth it?

Whats the hype with Oceanic dive computers?!

On several of our last scuba diving trips we noticed quite a few of our fellow divers were sporting Oceanic dive computers. They tend to be eye catching but pricey and this sparked a bit of a debate among the team if the recent boom in popularity was warranted. Given the fact most of our crew sports whatever personal dive computer they own and we have no particular brand sponsorship, we figured you might be interested in sharing in the debate. Everyone we encountered swore by theirs and said they were very happy with the brand. Having had a chance to get hands on with some oceanic dive computers ourselves, we gathered the opinions on the most popular oceanic dive computers from some of our team members, who range from casual scuba divers to professional Dive-Masters. Let’s crack into it!

scuba diver silhouette

1. The Elite level: Oceanic OC1 Dive ComputerMSRP: $1700

Oceanic dive computers review OC1The Oceanic OC1 dive computer looks slick. There is no denying that. And for such a hefty price tag it damn well better look good as a daily watch! Luckily it comes with many more functions than just your average wristwatch. Packed with all the expected bells and whistles this is definitely a top of the line piece of scuba gear. Wireless air integration? Check up to 3 different transmitters, so you can monitor your buddies air with the press of a button. Digital compass? Of course, another handy feature , especially for anyone doing search and rescue or leading groups as a Dive-Master. This is the top tier of all the current Oceanic dive computers, and we asked our team if they would drop the cash on one vs their current setup or compared to the other oceanic dive computers on offer.

Jess: For me it’s hard to justify such and expensive dive computer, it would be the price of most of my other scuba gear combined. I would much rather spend half the money on a great mid range computer and also get a new mask, fins and probably even a new GoPro for that price. It looks very cool and I would happily wear it if I was get one as a gift…but for me it’s a no go. I am really happy with my current Oceanic Geo 2 though so I would consider myself a brand fan-girl.

Dan: This is the computer I use almost daily, so yes I would recommend it :). Working as a Dive-Master, I make my living from diving, so I decided to splurge a bit to celebrate when I finished my DM certification. Been using the OC1 for a couple years now and love it. Still have my old Cressi Leonardo, I rarely use it anymore except for a secondary/backup or to lend to other divers, my OC1 never leaves my wrist though. I haven’t used any other oceanic dive computers though, so I’m not too sure how it compares. As a side note, shop around online, you can find it way cheaper on places like Amazon, I got mine for around 900 bucks.

Tim: I actually got to borrow my instructors Oceanic OC1 back when I was doing my Advanced open water certification. Under the pain of death (well $1500) should I lose it of course. It was only the second time I had ever used a dive computer, and I didn’t swap over the transmitter to my tank, so I was only able to see the instructors PSI levels, but that alone was pretty cool. I can see it being nice just looking at your computer and seeing all your info, I hate fumbling for my pressure gauge mid dive whenever the DM asks for an update. Reminded me of something James Bond would use when I realized all the stuff it could do, not that it really matters at my level. If I had the cash, yea I would probably spring for it and treat it like my baby, but I am too broke right now. Might do like Dan and pick one up if I go for my Divemaster certification. Or maybe one of the other mid range Oceanic dive computers, or a Suunto(heard good things).

Keith: Heard good things about it, and it looks flash. If I was diving more often I might consider picking one up, the air integration would be nice. Can’t justify upgrading from my Mares matrix at the moment though. In general I like the look of oceanic dive computers, and they seem pretty solid.

Verdict:

A very cool, top end dive computer. One of those things that’s nice to have if you have the budget for top shelf gear. And yes, it does look/function amazing.


2. Best Value: Oceanic OCS Dive ComputerMSRP $700

oceanic dive computers OCS

When it comes to Oceanic dive computers, this is like the teenage brother to the OC1. It packs almost all the same features minus the wireless air features. You still get a great digital compass and Air/Nitrox modes, with 3 programmable gas mixes you can switch between underwater. A bit more of a sporty design, bu still small enough to look great as a wrist watch. The OCS falls directly in the mid range of the oceanic dive computers and unless you absolutely need wireless air integration this is the way to go. What’s our opinions on this model?

Jess: This is more my price range if I am looking to upgrade from my current computer. Like I said about the OC1, They look and perform awesome but this one is half the price! I’m not too picky about wireless air integration when I can just check my pressure gauge. I do go diving a few times a month so it’s easier to budget for a mid-high end computer like this than a $1500 computer. I would much rather have this and splurge on a new underwater camera/GoPro and still come in under $1000. I really like the look of Oceanic dive computers so for me this is something I would consider when I am going to upgrade.

Mike: I like the OCS, someone had one on one of my last trip to Curacao and they seemed to be super happy with it. I am super cheap when it comes to getting new gear though, so I would probably go for the Geo 2 or find a used Mares Matrix instead to save some cash. Oceanic dive computers always seem a little overpriced to me, but I have heard they last pretty much forever and can take a beating, so maybe it could be looked at as more of a long term investment. Then again I am still using an old Mares Puck as my dive computer.

Dan: I nearly went for the OCS when I was researching computers to buy after I became a Dive-Master. In the end I liked the idea of the air integration on the OC1, but I very nearly went for this one to save a bit of cash. The reviews from people on Amazon seemed good and all the research on the web I did about it had me convinced. I got my tax return at the same time and splurged on the OC1 instead. Seems like a great little computer though for the mid-high end class of dive computers.

Verdict:

A nice balance of price and functionality.For more serious divers looking for a mid-high end computer, and those who dive often. At half the price of the OC1 this was the majority of our teams preferred choice.


3. The Workhorse: Oceanic Geo 2 Dive Computer – MSRP $400

oceanic dive computers oceanic geo 2This seems to be the most common of all the Oceanic dive computers we have come across during our various scuba diving excursions around the globe. A very competent, full featured dive computer, much like the OCS but minus the compass. It is also one of the more affordable oceanic dive computers for the average scuba diver. Being able to have the option to dive with Air/Nitrox is great, as well as the Free Diving mode , watch and gauge mode. We would classify this as a high end beginner dive computer or great mid range diver computer for scuba enthusiasts. You can see what we thought of it in our full review HERE. This is one of  the best selling oceanic dive computers on the market. Is it worth it?

Keith: Compared to other computers in its class, this one looks a lot slicker. I am not a fan of the large hockey puck style designs and this one is compact but useable. I got a chance to try it out during our review and I dig it. Well worth the price for what it offers.

Jess: This is my current computer I use when I dive and I love it. It wasn’t too expensive when I bought it and all the user reviews I read said it was awesome. It is roughly the same price as other brands in its class and really easy to use. I don’t use a compass so I chose this one to save a bit of cash. I have had it about 1.5 years and probably won’t be looking to upgrade any time soon, so it has already paid for itself in terms of usage. I wear it as my daily watch as well and get compliments/other divers notice. Two thumbs up from me 🙂

Tim: I am looking to get new dive computer in the near future and am strongly considering this one. While it would be awesome to go full baller and get the OC1, this or the OCS is a bit more down to earth and within a feasible budget for new dive gear. Oceanic dive computers tend to look the most professional in comparison to other brands, which can look a bit more toy like so in terms of looks and function I am on board with the brand after hearing so much praise. Some Suunto’s look hot as well, but they usually tend to be the larger hockey puck style design. I want something streamlined. After trying Jess’s out I am pretty sure this is what I will be going for. Nice balance of functionality and design for the price and should fit my needs until I becoming a divemaster/instructor.

Mike: For me this falls in between the price range of an entry level computer like the one I have, and the higher end market. I feel I would get this and then want something more advanced a couple years down the road. Out of all the Oceanic dive computers on this list I would probably go for the OCS, its high end and not too much more in terms of price if you find it cheap online. A no go from me on this one but I can see the appeal for casual divers who want all the major feature set of a mid range computer.

Verdict:

Like we said in our hands on review, this is a fantastic compact little dive computer. Fully featured with rock solid performance. Extremely popular among dive enthusiasts at a price point that is pretty agreeable to most. Great for anyone looking for a mid range dive computer or beginners looking to invest in their gear long term. we also recently added a review of the new Oceanic Atom 3.1 dive computer.


scuba diver silhouette

Final Thoughts:

So, do Oceanic dive computers live up to the hype? In our general opinion, yes. They are some of the best looking and performing dive computers on the market, but with a bit of a premium price tag. This can be off putting to casual divers, but anyone investing in their gear knows it is better to buy once for the long term, than having to replace sub par gear. When you are relying on your dive computer to avoid any chances of DCS (decompression sickness) it’s important to dive with equipment you can rely on. Be sure to shop around online or your local dive shops, you can often find them discounted well below the MSRP and get a great deal. To see our thoughts on various other brands of dive computers check out our in depth dive computer reviews section

Click Here to see the latest discount prices on Oceanic Dive Computers 

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Gear Review: Best Scuba Mask of 2015

The Epitome of Luxury…The Best Scuba Mask of 2015…

I winced as I punched in my credit card number. I will be candid, $200 for a mask is pretty steep, especially seeing as it didn’t come with a snorkel. Having tried the Atomic Aquatics Venom at my local scuba shop, I knew it was awesome. A great field of view, which surprised me, having been a fan of panoramic masks since I bought my first mask when I started diving. My mind flashed back to how it felt in the dive shop and I smacked my finger across the enter button, sealing the deal. I certainly wasn’t going to pay the extra $50 the dive shop was charging when I could find it online much cheaper. A few days later the package arrived, just in time for my upcoming trip to Belize. Here is why we are naming the venom our best scuba mask of 2015…

best scuba mask atomic venom
fresh out the box…

Recently I had taken to the advice given to me by a close friend when it came to buying snowboarding equipment. “Don’t skimp man, otherwise you are going to have to re-buy gear in a year or two.” Lo and behold, the $100 snowboard boots I grabbed on discount broke within one season and were frustrating to deal with for the last few weeks of season. I can guarantee next time I buy some boots I am going for the brand and style I can splurge for vs the cheap end of season leftovers. With this in mind I wanted to find the best scuba mask I could possibly invest in.

Anyways, back to scuba diving! For the last couple years  I have been pretty satisfied with my Cressi Panoramic mask, but it still leaked on most dives(a common problem for us bearded folk) and I knew it was time to upgrade as I became more serious about diving. I am planning on going to Malaysia to do my dive-master course at the end of the year and I want to bring an awesome mask and fins along. Having heard amazing things about this mask, based on the user reviews on Amazon (especially the facial hair aspect) I headed to my local dive shop to try it on and make sure it fit. I asked them what their best scuba mask recommendation would be and it was the Venom and the ScubaPro Synergy Truefit Dive Mask. Upon trying them both I knew one of them was going to be our best scuba mask of 2015…

Cut to 2 weeks later. I rolled back into the azure waters of a local Belize reef and began my descent. The visibility was great and again I was stunned by the wide field of view this mask offered, not quite a panoramic, but also there was no annoying lens seam I had become accustomed to over the last couple years on my old mask. Also the large teardrop shaped glass lets you see clearly below you without having to move your head. The lens on this mask is HUGE and crystal clear. It’s not going to give you x-ray vision of course but it is one of the best lenses I had encountered so far. I realized I had the mask a bit too tight and quickly eased out the tension on the strap with the large chunky buttons on the clasps. I don’t understand why all scuba masks don’t have this feature, it’s a no brainer.

Throughout my dive along the reef I was waiting for the usual leak around my beard/mustache. By the time I ascended from my first dive I was thinking it was a fluke. I was amazed to find over the course of a week, my mask leaked maybe 3x during 12 dives.  The skirt on this mask is soft, but not too soft that if lets water slip in for anyone with facial hair. It also didn’t hurt the underside of my nose like so many masks I had tried before. I was instantly happy for my purchase based on that fact alone. The only thing I wish was it came with a neoprene mask strap, but I have a couple of those kicking around anyways.

best scuba mask 2015 in action

Over a week of diving later and I was SO happy with laying down the extra cash for my new mask. I even let the other members of the team try it out on a few dives (begrudgingly) and they agreed it was pretty much the Rolls Royce of all our masks, hence why we are naming it the best scuba mask of 2015. There are a few choice pieces of scuba gear I would recommend investing in: Your Fins, Dive Computer….and above all your mask. The whole point of exploring under water is to see amazing sights and I would happily spend another $200 to ensure that on all my dives. No one likes a foggy, leaky, frustrating mask. I’m sure this scuba mask will accompany me around the world on many dives for a many years to come. Especially seeing as it comes with a lifetime warranty.

If you are thinking about grabbing the Atomic Aquatics Venom…do it. Hold off going out to resturants for a week or so to offset the extra cost because it is well worth it. Earns it’s spot as our best scuba mask of 2015! Enjoy and safe diving 🙂

best scuba mask 5 star review

>> Click Here to find it discounted online + Free Shipping<<

Runner up:

ScubaPro Synergy Truefit Dive Mask– Another amazing dive mask but the Field of view wasn’t quite the same. The fit and Seal was phenomenal though.

Thanks for checking out our Best Scuba Mask of 2015 Review, if you are looking for more info on masks be sure to take a look at our Top 10 Scuba Masks list

 

 

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Mares Matrix Dive Computer Review at a Glance

mare matrix dive computer review picture

Mares Matrix Dive Computer Review: Compact powerhouse?

Read our in depth Mares Matrix Dive Computer Review here.

The Mares matrix has a boatload of features packed into it’s compact unit. Our first impressions were, this is a slick looking dive computer that also looks great as a daily watch (analogue or digital). 4 well labled buttons and an intuitive menu, make it extremely easy to program for anyone who picks it up. Lets talk about the screen. For providing so much info at once it amazingly remains readable. This is in part thanks to the reverse highlighted no deco area that helps break the critical info into separate areas and is instantly readable. We wish more dive computers took this approach as the contrast makes it easy to check your no deco with only a quick glance. The N2 Bar graph is also easy to read, unlike some of today’s dive computers where they are too small, with large chunky visuals for quick reference.

There are a ton of options to customize this dive computer before you set out, you can toggle the audio alarms on and off, set 2 timezones, and you can program up to 3 different gas mixes in a single dive. The Mares Matrix Dive Computer calculates the decompression schedule accordingly, so that you can take advantage of decompressing with high oxygen concentration mixes, which makes it great for extended deep dives or tec diving. Of course there are Air and Nitrox modes as well as a gauge mode available.

mares matrix dive computer review watch
proud scuba diver even on the surface

Falling on the mid to high range dive computer spectrum, it comes equipped with a built in compass which is always a great tool to have. The nice thing about this one is it looks and behaves like a physical compass which makes using it extremely easy, while at the same time there is still room to display critical info. This makes it great for divemasters leading groups or anyone doing underwater navigation on a regular basis, and hands down the best compass in its class. Another very cool feature is Mares unique In Case of Emergency function (ICE) which can be programmed to display your personal info, emergency contact numbers, insurance policy info and even allergies. A feature we all hope to never use but very cool to have should the worst happen. As far as we know this is one of the few dive computers on the market to have this feature.

A rechargeable Lithium Ion battery means you can quickly charge your Mares Matrix dive computer up at the start of a dive trip or in between dives so you can dive with confidence. Speaking of diving with confidence, the Matrix leans towards a more conservative algorithm with multiple altitude settings and 2 additional optional safety levels. Did we mention it looks slick as a wrist watch? The polished metal bezel and scratch resistant tempered mineral glass display are extremely durable and held up to quite a thrashing over the course of our testing. This high end dive computer was one of the teams favorites when we got to try it out in several dives in Costa Rica. So much so one of our team visibly grimaced when he had to switch back to his Cressi Leonardo.

One drawback we have heard divers experience is a shortened battery life after a while, much like a phone or any lithium ion based battery device. This can be cause by either constantly plugging in the computer, or recharging it after only using a small portion of the battery, just like your phone. It does have an off function you can use to save battery life while not diving but in our testing it for our mares matrix dive computer review we did not encounter these issues.

Don’t just take our word for it, see what other divers have to say in their own Mares Matrix dive computer user reviews .Click Here

Final Thoughts

Thanks for taking the time to read our Mares Matrix Dive Computer review, and hopefully you found it helpful. We highly recommend this to anyone looking for a feature packed, advanced diving computer. You can read our full in depth Mares Matrix Dive Computer Review HERE

Pros:

  • Packed with features
  • Easy to read display
  • Fantastic onboard compass
  • ICE (in case of emergency) function
  • 3 Programmable gas mixes
  • Durable bezel and glass
  • Looks slick

Cons:

  • Some users reported shortened battery life over time
  • Rubber wrist strap given the price (stainless one is available though)
  • too complex for beginners
  • No air integration

Rating

mares matrix dive computer review score

Click HERE to find the Mares Matrix Dive Computer on Amazon with Free Shipping

Similar mid level dive computers:

Suunto D4i Dive Computer

Oceanic OCS Dive Computer

Back to all Dive Computer Reviews

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