Remember the days when divers used tables and depth gauges? If you’re from a younger generation, you probably don’t. Dive watches with computers aren’t just for the elite anymore – today, virtually anyone who takes diving even somewhat seriously wears one. It doesn’t matter if you’re a weekend holiday diver, a freediving enthusiast, or a technical diver with gas mixes.
Why a Dive Computer is a Necessity, Not a Luxury
When you dive, your body absorbs nitrogen. The deeper and longer you dive, the more nitrogen you absorb. If you ascend too quickly, the nitrogen begins to expand in your tissues, similar to opening a bottle of champagne. And believe me, bubbles are great in a glass, but in your bloodstream? Definitely not.
A dive computer constantly measures:
- Current depth
- Time spent underwater
- Ascent rate
- Water temperature
- Amount of nitrogen absorbed in tissues
This provides you with real-time information about:
- Remaining no-decompression time
- Potential decompression stops
- Safe ascent rate
- Surface interval before your next dive
Diving without a computer is like driving a car without a speedometer or fuel gauge – you can do it, but certainly not safely.
Types of Dive Computers and Who They’re For
Recreational Dive Computers
The perfect choice for most of us – divers who don’t want to stress about decompression stops and use regular air or nitrox for longer no-decompression times. They offer basic functions:
- Depth and time monitoring
- No-decompression limit calculation
- Basic dive planning
- Simple operation
- Often combined with dive watches
Technical Dive Computers
For more experienced divers who regularly exceed no-decompression limits, dive to greater depths, or use multiple breathing mixes:
- Support for multiple gases (including trimix)
- Advanced decompression calculations
- Adjustable algorithm conservatism
- Multiple diving modes
- Extended planning options
Freediving Computers
Specialized for freedivers with functions such as:
- Special mode for breath-hold diving
- Surface interval measurement
- Prominent alarms for depth adherence
- Stopwatch and timers
- Often lighter and more compact design
All-in-one Models
The Swiss Army knife among dive computers. They can handle everything mentioned above and are suitable for divers who want to relax during a regular dive one day, go freediving another, and occasionally venture into technical diving with various gas mixes.
What to Focus on When Choosing a Dive Computer
When selecting your future underwater brain, focus on these things:
1. Decompression Algorithm
The brain of every dive computer. The most commonly used are:
- Bühlmann (and its variants)
- RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubble Model)
- VPM (Varying Permeability Model)
Each has its advantages and limitations. Reputable brands often use their own modifications of these algorithms.
2. Display and Readability
Underwater, you need to see information immediately:
- Display size
- Contrast
- Backlight
- Data layout
3. Battery and Endurance
Nobody wants their computer to fail in the middle of a dive:
- Battery type (replaceable vs. rechargeable)
- Battery life per charge
- Ease of replacement or recharging
4. Data Transfer and Connectivity
Modern computers allow:
- Downloading dive logs
- Connecting to mobile apps
- Firmware updates
- Sharing and analyzing data
5. Durability and Reliability
A dive computer is exposed to extreme conditions:
- Depth rating
- Impact resistance
- Quality of construction and materials
- Service support and warranty
DIVEBRAIN DB-01: One Computer for All Your Diving Lives
Recently, a true all-rounder landed in our hands – the DIVEBRAIN model DB-01. This newcomer to the market has ambitions to become your only computer, regardless of how you dive. After several months of testing, we must say those ambitions aren’t exaggerated at all.
Versatility First
The DIVEBRAIN DB-01 is a true jack-of-all-trades that covers all types of diving:
- Recreational diving with support for air and nitrox (up to 100% O₂)
- Technical diving with the option to set up to 5 different gases including trimix
- Freediving with complete functions including surface intervals, last depth data, time, and stopwatch
Thanks to this versatility, you don’t need to buy and learn to use different computers for different types of diving. One model handles everything.
Top-notch Algorithm and Safety
The DB-01 uses the proven and respected Bühlmann ZH-L16C decompression algorithm with adjustable gradient factors. This means:
- Calculations using 16 tissue compartments
- Ability to adjust the conservatism of calculations according to your needs
- High accuracy and safety
Safety is further enhanced by adjustable alarms that alert you to:
- Reached depth
- Dive time
- Surface interval
And what’s great – you can choose between audible or vibration alerts (or both), which you’ll especially appreciate during technical dives or in noisier environments.
A Display That Won’t Let You Down
With a dive computer, it’s all about one thing – you need to instantly see what you need, wherever you are. DIVEBRAIN excels in this regard:
- Readable display with a 3.1 cm diagonal and 240 x 240 pixel resolution
- Excellent visibility both in bright sun on a boat and during night dives or cave exploration
- Smart backlighting that automatically adapts to ambient conditions
- Durable Gorilla Glass screen protection that withstands common scratches and impacts
Intuitive Controls and Equipment
Nothing is more annoying than wrestling with a complicated menu 15 meters below the surface. With the DB-01, you won’t have this problem:
- The menu is designed so you’ll understand it almost immediately
- Five buttons are large enough to use even with thick neoprene gloves
- The memory includes over 9,000 dive sites from around the world
- GPS and electronic compass help you navigate underwater and on the surface
Practical Aspects for Daily Use
The DIVEBRAIN DB-01 combines performance with practicality:
- At 75 grams, you barely feel it on your wrist – it’s comfortable both underwater and for everyday wear
- On a single charge, it can handle about 25 “normal” dives or remain on standby for about two weeks
- Charging is quick and easy thanks to a simple 4-pin connector
- You can store over 1,000 dives in memory before having to delete anything
- The official depth rating is 100 meters – covering the needs of the vast majority of divers
Connectivity and Sharing
For technology and statistics enthusiasts, the ability to:
- Connect to your smartphone via the exclusive DiveStory PRO app (for Android and iPhone)
- Download and analyze all dive data
- Add photos to dive locations
- Track your diving history and development
How to Properly Care for Your Dive Computer
Even the best computer needs proper care to serve you reliably for a long time:
- Rinse it after every dive with fresh water, especially after diving in the sea. This prevents corrosion of contacts and damage to pressure sensors.
- Pay attention to the strap – it’s a common failure point. Check for signs of wear and replace it in time.
- Don’t forget updates – modern computers have upgradable software. Occasionally check the manufacturer’s website for updates that fix bugs or add new features.
- Don’t underestimate servicing – even if everything seems to be working, have your computer checked at an authorized service center every 2-3 years (or after about 200 dives). Replacing seals or checking sensors will protect you from unpleasant surprises deep underwater.
In Conclusion: You Pay for Safety, But It’s Worth It
A dive computer is probably the last thing you should skimp on. There’s a difference between having a cheap camera break underwater and having a device that calculates your decompression stops stop working. So when choosing, don’t just look at the price – focus mainly on reliability, features, and suitability for your diving style.
Universal models like the DIVEBRAIN DB-01 offer an interesting advantage – instead of three different devices for different types of diving, you have one that can do it all. Today you might just be snorkeling, tomorrow you might try freediving, and in a year you might venture into technical diving – and the same computer will still be sufficient.
Think of a dive computer as a buddy who will never let you down. You choose a reliable buddy carefully, right? Pay the same attention to selecting this indispensable piece of equipment.