Oceanic Atom 3.1 Review : The Latest Oceanic Dive Computer

Oceanic Atom 3.1 Review

Oceanic Atom 3.1 Review: An Elegant Dive Computer

scuba diver silhouette

>> Click HERE to Check the Price of the Oceanic Atom 3.1 <<

The Oceanic Atom 3.1 is one of the newest wrist diving computers from the popular brand, an evolution on the older Oceanic Atom 2. Let’s get the obvious out of the way. It looks sharp, like all Oceanic dive computers, it is easy to wear as a daily wrist watch and the rugged design will definitely snag you some compliments. But of course, looks don’t make an amazing dive computer. So how did it stand up to our hands on testing? Simply put, pretty amazingly. This is like an Oceanic Geo 2 on steroids. Where the Geo 2 is a rock solid entry – mid range dive computer, the Atom 3.1 is definitely one we would put in the high end spectrum, without the bank breaking price tag of the Oceanic OCi. Speaking of how does the Oceanic Atom 3.1 compare vs the OCi?

This is a fantastic example of an affordable Air Integrated dive computer. If you choose to utilize the wireless transmitter it sends a bunch of information from your scuba tank directly to the wrist computer. You are able to pair the Oceanic Atom 3.1 with up to 3 wireless transmitters, so you can either dive with up to 3 different adjustable nitrox mixes (up to 100%), great for tec diving, or have a transmitter on your dive buddy’s tank for a super easy buddy check option, allowing you to monitor their air as well. Air integration is a great luxury feature to have and be warned, it is hard to go back to a standard pressure gauge after using this dive computer. When using the wireless transmitter you have access to these 2 awesome features:

Air Time Remaining (ATR):
The ATR feature calculates current depth, tank pressure, breathing rate, ascent time, and decompression status to tell exactly how much time you can remain underwater. The ATOM 3.1 dive computer continually displays ATR via a numerical bar graph in addition to cylinder pressure. You may also display ATR in over sized digits at any time with the press of a button.

Dive Time Remaining (DTR):
Dive Time Remaining, like air time remaining provides a ‘real’ number in minutes. This calculation combine’s air time remaining, nitrogen and oxygen absorption, displaying whichever allows less time.

oceanic atom 3.1 dive computer review

The Oceanic ATOM 3.1 has 4 operating modes: WATCH (alternate time, chrono, daily alarm, countdown timer), NORM (air and nitrox), GAUGE (with run timer) and FREE (a cool freediving mode thattracks calculations to allow switching between NORM and Free). In terms of decompression models, Oceanic included a dual algorithm setup in the Atom 3.1, so you can choose whichever level of conservatism fits your personal prefference. This makes it great for anyone doing multiple dives in a day and wanting something more conservative for an added piece of mind when it comes to avoiding decompression sickness.

>> See what other divers are saying about the Oceanic Atom 3.1 <<

The display is crisp and easy to read, with all the essential info well laid out. The computer is compact enough to look great as a daily watch, but without sacrificing any readability. The backlight is strong and we tested this computer in both daytime and on several night dives and it performed admirably. All the alarms are adjustable and the flashing LED is a good visual que. The build quality is top notch like all Oceanic dive computers we have gotten our hands on, and super comfortable to wear. So far everything about the Oceanic Atom 3.1 seems amazing right?

Well, there were a couple things that we were not too fond of. The biggest drawback when purchasing the Atom 3.1 is the user manual. Now, if you are familiar with dive computers it is not hard to figure out all the functions and features. The included cheat sheet does make things a bit easier, but for a total beginner it might be a bit overwhelming. Then again, this dive computer is not really designed or marketed as an entry level dive computer in the first place, but that is still not an excuse. The 24 dives internal dive log also was a bit dissapointing, several of our team members like to keep a digital dive log and this is a bit limiting. Finally, it would have been really amazing if Oceanic had included a digital compass in the Atom 3.1 but given they offer top of the line models like the OCi it is understandable. Still, if you can find it online for a discount this is a steal of a deal.

Don’t just take our word for it, see what other divers have to say in their own Oceanic Atom 3.1 dive computer reviews. Click Here

scuba diver silhouette

Oceanic Atom 3.1 Rating

scuba mask review 4 stars


check scuba equipment price


Final Thoughts

Thanks for taking the time to read our Oceanic Atom 3.1 review, and hopefully you found it helpful. We highly recommend this to anyone looking for a feature packed, advanced level diving computer with affordable air integration. If it was the Oceanic Atom vs OCi we would lean more towards the Atom, unless of course we had a massive budget. This is a great wrist computer for intermediate – advanced level scuba divers.

Pros:

  • Great looking dive computer
  • Easy to read display
  • Air integration that wont break the bank
  • Dual decompression algorithms
  • Great free diving mode
  • Durable bezel and glass
  • buddy check/up to 3 transmitters

Cons:

  • The user manual is a bit confusing
  • Only 24 dive internal log
  • Not too beginner friendly
  • No Compass

Specifications

  • Algorithm: Dual: Pelagic DSAT (Spencer/Powell Data Basis) or Pelagic Z+ (Buhlmann Zhl-16C Data Basis)
  • Audible Alarms: Yes (toggle on/off)
  • Depth Display:  0 to 330 Feet (100 meters)
  • Altitude Adjustable: Yes, 3,001 to 14,000 feet (916 to 4,200 meters)
  • Operating Modes: Air, Nitrox Or Gauge, Freediving
  • Back Light: Yes
  • Onboard Compass: Yes, tilt compensated
  • Memory Capacity:  24 dives (99 Freedives)
  • Time, Date & Temperature: Yes
  • Imperial/Metric Display: Yes
  • Battery: Computer: User Replaceable 3-Volt CR2430 Lithium Battery, Transmitter: 3.6-Volt CR2 Battery

 Back To All Dive Computer Reviews

scuba diver silhouette