Instruments - gauges, consoles

Standalone Gauges vs. Consoles

A standalone pressure gauge connects directly to the first stage high-pressure (HP) port via a short HP hose and is clipped or tucked into a BCD pocket. It displays only tank pressure. A console mounts two or three instruments together on a shared housing connected by a single HP hose — this consolidates instrument monitoring into one location, reduces the number of separate hose connections on the first stage, and keeps all critical readings in one visual field. The trade-off is a larger, heavier console unit compared to individual gauges. The Combo 2 series combines a pressure gauge with either a depth gauge or a compass (two separate configurations); the Combo 3 series combines all three. Technical and sidemount divers frequently prefer standalone instruments to reduce console bulk, while recreational divers typically find a Combo 2 or Combo 3 console the most practical all-in-one solution.

Gauge Form Factors: Standard, Mini, and Tek

Three gauge head sizes are used across the range. The Standard form factor uses a larger dial face (typically 52–63 mm) with maximum readability in low-visibility conditions and with gloves; the scale goes to 300 bar. The Mini form factor (400 bar scale) uses a compact dial optimised for modern high-pressure cylinders and for divers who want a smaller profile console or standalone gauge. The smaller face is less readable at a glance but the 400 bar scale provides more resolution in the upper half of the range where standard gauges can be harder to read precisely. The Tek form factor uses a braided HP hose, a swivel end fitting, and a side-entry hose connection to the gauge body — designed for technical divers where the console is stowed at the diver’s side rather than held in front, reducing drag and snag risk. Tek variants are available in the double console range (Combo 2 Tek 300bar/5000 PSI).

Thermometer Integration

Thermo variants of the Standard pressure gauge and several consoles add a bimetallic or fluid thermometer element integrated into the gauge body or console housing. This displays ambient water temperature without requiring a separate thermometer. Temperature data is useful for dive planning (knowing thermocline depth and thermal protection requirements), for verifying gear performance at temperature, and for log records. Thermo variants add a small cost premium over standard models; the temperature reading is passive and requires no battery or maintenance.

Metric vs. Imperial Variants

Every gauge and console in the range is available in both metric (bar for pressure, metres for depth) and imperial (PSI for pressure, feet for depth) scales. The metric variants are the 300 bar and 400 bar pressure scales and 70m/80m depth scales. The imperial variants are labelled 5000 PSI and 200ft/230ft. Both use identical internal mechanisms — only the dial printing differs. Selection is determined by the diver’s training background and the conventions used by the dive operation they work with. Divers trained in Europe predominantly use metric; divers trained in the US and many Caribbean and Asian operations use imperial. Mixed diving environments may carry both instrument types for clarity.

What to Look For

• Match instrument to cylinder working pressure. Standard 300bar and Combo 2/3 300bar instruments are correctly ranged for steel cylinders with a 200 or 232 bar working pressure. Mini 400bar instruments cover 300 bar cylinders and provide additional range for high-pressure steel cylinders up to 300 bar rated. Using a 300bar gauge on a 300bar cylinder is correct; the gauge reads full at the cylinder’s rated pressure. A 400bar gauge on the same cylinder reads about three-quarters of full scale at the same pressure — the gauge is not wrong, but it uses less of the dial range and may be slightly harder to read at low pressures.
• Console vs. standalone for instrument placement preference. Divers who prefer to monitor instruments at arm’s length will find a Combo 2 or Combo 3 console the most practical configuration. Divers who use a dive computer as their primary dive data source and carry analog instruments as backup may prefer the smaller profile of standalone gauges stored in a BCD pocket and accessed only when needed.
• Nitrox/oxygen-compatible gauges for enriched air diving. The Mini Oxygen/Nitrox 400bar gauge uses oxygen-compatible materials and is cleaned for oxygen service — required for use with nitrox mixes above 40% oxygen or pure oxygen. Standard gauges should not be used in oxygen-enriched service; the lubrication and sealing compounds inside may not be compatible with high partial pressures of oxygen.
• Standalone compass vs. console compass for navigation preference. A compass integrated into a double console is always available when the diver references their instrument panel. A standalone compass — particularly the compass with holster, which can be wrist-mounted — allows navigation without requiring the diver to bring the console to eye level. Technical and overhead environment divers frequently prefer a standalone wrist-mounted compass; recreational divers typically find a console compass entirely sufficient.

Maintenance and Care

FAQ