Backup dive computer/guage??

Lee,

I do not owe you an explanation of why and how I spent my money. You much
rather should just focus on answering the question rather than flaming me
for how I spent my money. I'm quite happy with my decision and you should
be too, for all that talk in this group about supporting the local dive
shop. Whatever gear I purchased for also I did for my wife. Much of the
various accessories were because of the ADP program. But, I'll reply to the
various concerns this once.

> Because you paid about twice what you should have for new equipment and
> think you got a 30% discount plus some things for free. Because you

Price reflects retail in my area. Some of it I verified online for the
items I purchased (the retail value, not discounted values) the rest I
verified with the prices the LDS charges (where I purchased the items). I
purchased nothing online.

Item Price Qty. Total
Wetsuit (him) $299.00 1 $299.00
Wetsuit (her) $249.00 1 $249.00
Gloves $45.00 2 $90.00
Boots $53.00 2 $106.00
Mask $60.00 4 $240.00
Snorkel $35.00 4 $140.00
Hood $49.00 1 $49.00
Belt $25.00 1 $25.00
Weights $40.00 2 $80.00
BC (him) $685.00 1 $685.00
BC (her) $649.00 1 $649.00
Tank (HP St. 80) $368.00 4 $1,472.00
Tank (LP St. 80) $149.00 2 $298.00
Dive Computer $690.00 2 $1,380.00
Light (main) $79.00 2 $158.00
Light (secondary) $49.00 2 $98.00
Light (mini) $24.00 2 $48.00
Knife (main) $99.00 2 $198.00
Knife (smaller spare) $69.00 2 $138.00
Fins (Main split) $199.00 2 $398.00
Fins (Spare Twin Jet) $99.00 2 $198.00 (because I lost a main split
exiting the ocean but found it the next day)
Fin Strap (spring) $89.00 4 $356.00
Mask Strap (q-strap) $24.00 2 $48.00
PC Cable $120.00 1 $120.00
Regulator $549.00 2 $1,098.00
Octo $99.00 2 $198.00
F-Aid kit $18.00 1 $18.00
Safety tube $20.00 2 $40.00
Dive Flag & related $60.00 1 $60.00 (because ADP required it)
Signaling air horn $60.00 2 $120.00
water proof small container $16.00 3 $48.00
Gear bag (akona pack) $169.00 2 $338.00
Gear bag (mesh) $69.00 2 $138.00
Dive slate $20.00 2 $40.00
Dive slate (arm strapped) $20.00 1 $20.00
Whistle & Mirror $24.00 2 $48.00
Lanyard $24.00 3 $72.00
Retractor $35.00 2 $70.00
Fish of California $20.00 1 $20.00
Tank light $14.00 2 $28.00
Dive shorts $25.00 1 $25.00
Mask defog $8.00 2 $16.00
Wetsuit glide $10.00 2 $20.00
Scooter $799.00 1 $799.00 (because wanted one)


Total $10,738.00 + 7.75% tax: $11,570.20 (estimated standard retail for
the items I specifically purchased).

I paid $3,982 x 2 total. I'd say I saved about 30%. I did the scooter
because I dive with people that use them for some locations and wanted to
join them. I don't regret that I did.

In addition I paid $365 x 2 for lessons and $450 x 2 for ADP program.

> purchased one of the least desirable, but still quite expensive computers
> and will still consider it our primary "life support" tool when you get it

Just about everyone I dive with has a Cobra and like it. I don't know
whether its their primary or not. Most of my dive buddies actually have
more than one dive computer while some only use analog and watches.
Everyone had a Cobra, everyone liked it, some recommended it, I purchased
it. No one had complaints about it.

> back. Because you're a new diver, in a world where darned near everybody
> uses 80 cubic foot tanks, talking about saving money for a 120 and because

3 of my dive buddies actually use Steel 100's and only on two occasions used
120's when I only have 80's. I got sick of having to switch tanks while
they still have significant amounts remaining in their tanks. Granted,
their 120's were heavy, I'd still like to enjoy extra breathing time when
I'm with them. When diving with my wife or others using 80's I'll use 80's.
One dive buddy uses twin tanks but I can't imagine myself doing that.

> you're already planning on buying an expensive dive lighting system
> instead of a few dollar Pelican that will work just as well, and you balk
> at the

Again, some of the people I dived with have nite riders and I really like
them. My boss has that and dive rite HID which I haven't seen in person but
they seem approximately the same thing. Granted, these particular people
are cave/tech divers but doesn't matter, I like the nite rider better than
the lights I have so I'd like to get one. Sometimes I can have a grip
problem so I really don't like holding lights, rather hand mount or mask
mount (prefer hand mount). Granted, I may not need to spend $250-499 for
that purpose, but I like the HID's and will get some.

I never heard of the pelican and at this time am not looking at my increased
lighting capabilities. When I am ready to spend the money I'll do my
research. Also, since most dive shops I've been to don't carry everything,
if I don't see it (at the shop or with a buddy) I won't consider it because
I'll have no way of knowing whether its worthy my spending or not.

> idea of more then $250 for a dive watch, something most divers consider a
> primary diving tool. . . and then asking about inexpensive analog gauges.

It is an oversight of mine that I didn't purchase a backup earlier or a dive
watch and relying too much on my computer. It is a problem that I'm solving
and, the specific enquiry in my OP was asking for a good analog console to
use as a backup. When I'm ready to purchase a dive watch I will at that
time research my options. My question was not stating or implying that I'm
for or against dive watches, simply that I wasn't asking for one.
Researching will take time and I want to dive this week in a remote location
not anywhere near a dive shop I know about so I'd rather an analog for now.
I was asking about a good analog guage. Because I don't intend to use the
analog very often, I wanted it to be priced accordingly. What was your
problem with that? What about that makes me a troll?

> You sound like a troll.

I do not need to explain my every motive to you but you have no problem
twisting and reading between lines that aren't there to do what? Call me a
troll? Hmmpphh.

I realize that everyone reveres you in this group and that you have plenty
of experience that might be able to benefit us "newer" divers with only 50
or so dives under our belt but rather than inciting hard feeling why don't
you just answer the question. Now I've spent all this time reading about
how much of a troll I am because I don't match your idea of... whatever it
is that bother you about me and then digging up my receipts so I can track
the items of my gear to show you what I could have paid vs. what I did pay
at the dive shop my first 6 weeks diving. I'm sure you'll find something
wrong with my gear because you seem like the kind of person that must have
the last word but perhaps I just read you the wrong way.

So can you answer my original question already, please?

> If you're not, go on E-bay and buy a used analog console from whoever's
> selling one inexpensively. If you recognize the brand name, it's good.
> There are thousands of them sitting in the closets of divers who've
> upgraded to computers.

I'm still wary to purchase life support equipment on EBay though I don't
have a problem purchasing used. I prefer new, however.

In any case, I *could* buy any used analog console I want but I didn't.
Instead I opted to ask around in this group for a recommendation on a good,
durable product rather than taking my chances with something I shouldn't
have. Asking in this group might have been a mistake. I'll resume in
inquiring next time I meet at the dive club.


Thanks,
Shawn

Lee,

I do not owe you an explanation of why and how I spent my money. You much
rather should just focus on answering the question rather than flaming me
for how I spent my money. I'm quite happy with my decision and you should
be too, for all that talk in this group about supporting the local dive
shop. Whatever gear I purchased for also I did for my wife. Much of the
various accessories were because of the ADP program. But, I'll reply to the
various concerns this once.

> Because you paid about twice what you should have for new equipment and
> think you got a 30% discount plus some things for free. Because you

Price reflects retail in my area. Some of it I verified online for the
items I purchased (the retail value, not discounted values) the rest I
verified with the prices the LDS charges (where I purchased the items). I
purchased nothing online.

Item Price Qty. Total
Wetsuit (him) $299.00 1 $299.00
Wetsuit (her) $249.00 1 $249.00
Gloves $45.00 2 $90.00
Boots $53.00 2 $106.00
Mask $60.00 4 $240.00
Snorkel $35.00 4 $140.00
Hood $49.00 1 $49.00
Belt $25.00 1 $25.00
Weights $40.00 2 $80.00
BC (him) $685.00 1 $685.00
BC (her) $649.00 1 $649.00
Tank (HP St. 80) $368.00 4 $1,472.00
Tank (LP St. 80) $149.00 2 $298.00
Dive Computer $690.00 2 $1,380.00
Light (main) $79.00 2 $158.00
Light (secondary) $49.00 2 $98.00
Light (mini) $24.00 2 $48.00
Knife (main) $99.00 2 $198.00
Knife (smaller spare) $69.00 2 $138.00
Fins (Main split) $199.00 2 $398.00
Fins (Spare Twin Jet) $99.00 2 $198.00 (because I lost a main split
exiting the ocean but found it the next day)
Fin Strap (spring) $89.00 4 $356.00
Mask Strap (q-strap) $24.00 2 $48.00
PC Cable $120.00 1 $120.00
Regulator $549.00 2 $1,098.00
Octo $99.00 2 $198.00
F-Aid kit $18.00 1 $18.00
Safety tube $20.00 2 $40.00
Dive Flag & related $60.00 1 $60.00 (because ADP required it)
Signaling air horn $60.00 2 $120.00
water proof small container $16.00 3 $48.00
Gear bag (akona pack) $169.00 2 $338.00
Gear bag (mesh) $69.00 2 $138.00
Dive slate $20.00 2 $40.00
Dive slate (arm strapped) $20.00 1 $20.00
Whistle & Mirror $24.00 2 $48.00
Lanyard $24.00 3 $72.00
Retractor $35.00 2 $70.00
Fish of California $20.00 1 $20.00
Tank light $14.00 2 $28.00
Dive shorts $25.00 1 $25.00
Mask defog $8.00 2 $16.00
Wetsuit glide $10.00 2 $20.00
Scooter $799.00 1 $799.00 (because wanted one)


Total $10,738.00 + 7.75% tax: $11,570.20 (estimated standard retail for
the items I specifically purchased).

I paid $3,982 x 2 total. I'd say I saved about 30%. I did the scooter
because I dive with people that use them for some locations and wanted to
join them. I don't regret that I did.

In addition I paid $365 x 2 for lessons and $450 x 2 for ADP program.

> purchased one of the least desirable, but still quite expensive computers
> and will still consider it our primary "life support" tool when you get it

Just about everyone I dive with has a Cobra and like it. I don't know
whether its their primary or not. Most of my dive buddies actually have
more than one dive computer while some only use analog and watches.
Everyone had a Cobra, everyone liked it, some recommended it, I purchased
it. No one had complaints about it.

> back. Because you're a new diver, in a world where darned near everybody
> uses 80 cubic foot tanks, talking about saving money for a 120 and because

3 of my dive buddies actually use Steel 100's and only on two occasions used
120's when I only have 80's. I got sick of having to switch tanks while
they still have significant amounts remaining in their tanks. Granted,
their 120's were heavy, I'd still like to enjoy extra breathing time when
I'm with them. When diving with my wife or others using 80's I'll use 80's.
One dive buddy uses twin tanks but I can't imagine myself doing that.

> you're already planning on buying an expensive dive lighting system
> instead of a few dollar Pelican that will work just as well, and you balk
> at the

Again, some of the people I dived with have nite riders and I really like
them. My boss has that and dive rite HID which I haven't seen in person but
they seem approximately the same thing. Granted, these particular people
are cave/tech divers but doesn't matter, I like the nite rider better than
the lights I have so I'd like to get one. Sometimes I can have a grip
problem so I really don't like holding lights, rather hand mount or mask
mount (prefer hand mount). Granted, I may not need to spend $250-499 for
that purpose, but I like the HID's and will get some.

I never heard of the pelican and at this time am not looking at my increased
lighting capabilities. When I am ready to spend the money I'll do my
research. Also, since most dive shops I've been to don't carry everything,
if I don't see it (at the shop or with a buddy) I won't consider it because
I'll have no way of knowing whether its worthy my spending or not.

> idea of more then $250 for a dive watch, something most divers consider a
> primary diving tool. . . and then asking about inexpensive analog gauges.

It is an oversight of mine that I didn't purchase a backup earlier or a dive
watch and relying too much on my computer. It is a problem that I'm solving
and, the specific enquiry in my OP was asking for a good analog console to
use as a backup. When I'm ready to purchase a dive watch I will at that
time research my options. My question was not stating or implying that I'm
for or against dive watches, simply that I wasn't asking for one.
Researching will take time and I want to dive this week in a remote location
not anywhere near a dive shop I know about so I'd rather an analog for now.
I was asking about a good analog guage. Because I don't intend to use the
analog very often, I wanted it to be priced accordingly. What was your
problem with that? What about that makes me a troll?

> You sound like a troll.

I do not need to explain my every motive to you but you have no problem
twisting and reading between lines that aren't there to do what? Call me a
troll? Hmmpphh.

I realize that everyone reveres you in this group and that you have plenty
of experience that might be able to benefit us "newer" divers with only 50
or so dives under our belt but rather than inciting hard feeling why don't
you just answer the question. Now I've spent all this time reading about
how much of a troll I am because I don't match your idea of... whatever it
is that bother you about me and then digging up my receipts so I can track
the items of my gear to show you what I could have paid vs. what I did pay
at the dive shop my first 6 weeks diving. I'm sure you'll find something
wrong with my gear because you seem like the kind of person that must have
the last word but perhaps I just read you the wrong way.

So can you answer my original question already, please?

> If you're not, go on E-bay and buy a used analog console from whoever's
> selling one inexpensively. If you recognize the brand name, it's good.
> There are thousands of them sitting in the closets of divers who've
> upgraded to computers.

I'm still wary to purchase life support equipment on EBay though I don't
have a problem purchasing used. I prefer new, however.

In any case, I *could* buy any used analog console I want but I didn't.
Instead I opted to ask around in this group for a recommendation on a good,
durable product rather than taking my chances with something I shouldn't
have. Asking in this group might have been a mistake. I'll resume in
inquiring next time I meet at the dive club.


Thanks,
Shawn

Shawn B. wrote

> I do not owe you an explanation of why and how I spent my money.

Correct.

> You much rather should just focus on answering the question . . .

I do not owe you an answer to your question either.

You still paid way too much.

Shawn B. wrote

> I do not owe you an explanation of why and how I spent my money.

Correct.

> You much rather should just focus on answering the question . . .

I do not owe you an answer to your question either.

You still paid way too much.

Shawn B. wrote

> I do not owe you an explanation of why and how I spent my money.

Correct.

> You much rather should just focus on answering the question . . .

I do not owe you an answer to your question either.

You still paid way too much.

Go with the Sherwood gauges for a permanent back-up attached to your reg.
As for watches, get a Casio G-Shock. The origional can't be beat for a dive
watch and at around $50.00 at your local Wal-Mart or similer store sholdn't
break the bank.
"Shawn B." <leabre@html.com> wrote in message
news:A%Gmh.57219$wP1.9774@newssvr14.news.prodigy.n et...
> Greetings,
>
> I have a brand new Cobra (only about 15 dives or so on it since I bought
it
> 5 months ago) that has coughed up an attitude on me. During a dive it
> stopped working and for a few dives after it wouldnt work but sometimes at
> least showed me my air pressure if nothing else. So its been returned for
> repairs since the dive shop couldn't figure out what was wrong (thought it
> was the batteries at first). Now, I have to rent but my dive locations
> aren't always within an hour of any dive shop I know about). My wife has
a
> Cobra (her serial # is only 1 number higher than mine) but when we dive I
> can't use her computer. So I'm looking for a good "backup" device for
when
> we dive together. I've been thinking about going on the cheap with
strictly
> analog.
>
> I was thinking about the Genesis CG5330 Inline Console or the CG5730. I
> also consider the Mares Compact 3 guage console but I like to see the
> compass and the other gauages at the same time, I really don't like the
idea
> of flipping the console to see my compass. They seem affordable enough
that
> I won't go broke by purchasing it -- and I hate to skimp on life support
> equipment -- (we spent $4k each in gear a few months back after we got
> certified (and that was after saving about 30% of much of the gear
including
> the free stuff the dive shop threw in) so I'm not in the mood to spend
much
> more money right now). I won't have download capabilities but there's not
a
> problem with that. I mention these products because I saw them at Sport
> Chalet earlier and most dive shops I've been to only seem to carry Suunto
on
> the shelf.
>
> What do you think? What are some good "backup" devices to have? I was
also
> thinking about a dive watch but they seem too pricey for what I want to
> spend (less than $250). I need to have some moolah left over for the
steel
> 120 tank and possible Nite Rider Pro Diver dive lights (which aren't
cheap,
> either). Remember, for my purposes, they are only temporary, to be
included
> in my save-a-dive kit so-to-speak until I get my working Cobra back and
for
> any other potential similar problems in the future.
>
> Thanks,
> Shawn
>
>

Go with the Sherwood gauges for a permanent back-up attached to your reg.
As for watches, get a Casio G-Shock. The origional can't be beat for a dive
watch and at around $50.00 at your local Wal-Mart or similer store sholdn't
break the bank.
"Shawn B." <leabre@html.com> wrote in message
news:A%Gmh.57219$wP1.9774@newssvr14.news.prodigy.n et...
> Greetings,
>
> I have a brand new Cobra (only about 15 dives or so on it since I bought
it
> 5 months ago) that has coughed up an attitude on me. During a dive it
> stopped working and for a few dives after it wouldnt work but sometimes at
> least showed me my air pressure if nothing else. So its been returned for
> repairs since the dive shop couldn't figure out what was wrong (thought it
> was the batteries at first). Now, I have to rent but my dive locations
> aren't always within an hour of any dive shop I know about). My wife has
a
> Cobra (her serial # is only 1 number higher than mine) but when we dive I
> can't use her computer. So I'm looking for a good "backup" device for
when
> we dive together. I've been thinking about going on the cheap with
strictly
> analog.
>
> I was thinking about the Genesis CG5330 Inline Console or the CG5730. I
> also consider the Mares Compact 3 guage console but I like to see the
> compass and the other gauages at the same time, I really don't like the
idea
> of flipping the console to see my compass. They seem affordable enough
that
> I won't go broke by purchasing it -- and I hate to skimp on life support
> equipment -- (we spent $4k each in gear a few months back after we got
> certified (and that was after saving about 30% of much of the gear
including
> the free stuff the dive shop threw in) so I'm not in the mood to spend
much
> more money right now). I won't have download capabilities but there's not
a
> problem with that. I mention these products because I saw them at Sport
> Chalet earlier and most dive shops I've been to only seem to carry Suunto
on
> the shelf.
>
> What do you think? What are some good "backup" devices to have? I was
also
> thinking about a dive watch but they seem too pricey for what I want to
> spend (less than $250). I need to have some moolah left over for the
steel
> 120 tank and possible Nite Rider Pro Diver dive lights (which aren't
cheap,
> either). Remember, for my purposes, they are only temporary, to be
included
> in my save-a-dive kit so-to-speak until I get my working Cobra back and
for
> any other potential similar problems in the future.
>
> Thanks,
> Shawn
>
>

Go with the Sherwood gauges for a permanent back-up attached to your reg.
As for watches, get a Casio G-Shock. The origional can't be beat for a dive
watch and at around $50.00 at your local Wal-Mart or similer store sholdn't
break the bank.
"Shawn B." <leabre@html.com> wrote in message
news:A%Gmh.57219$wP1.9774@newssvr14.news.prodigy.n et...
> Greetings,
>
> I have a brand new Cobra (only about 15 dives or so on it since I bought
it
> 5 months ago) that has coughed up an attitude on me. During a dive it
> stopped working and for a few dives after it wouldnt work but sometimes at
> least showed me my air pressure if nothing else. So its been returned for
> repairs since the dive shop couldn't figure out what was wrong (thought it
> was the batteries at first). Now, I have to rent but my dive locations
> aren't always within an hour of any dive shop I know about). My wife has
a
> Cobra (her serial # is only 1 number higher than mine) but when we dive I
> can't use her computer. So I'm looking for a good "backup" device for
when
> we dive together. I've been thinking about going on the cheap with
strictly
> analog.
>
> I was thinking about the Genesis CG5330 Inline Console or the CG5730. I
> also consider the Mares Compact 3 guage console but I like to see the
> compass and the other gauages at the same time, I really don't like the
idea
> of flipping the console to see my compass. They seem affordable enough
that
> I won't go broke by purchasing it -- and I hate to skimp on life support
> equipment -- (we spent $4k each in gear a few months back after we got
> certified (and that was after saving about 30% of much of the gear
including
> the free stuff the dive shop threw in) so I'm not in the mood to spend
much
> more money right now). I won't have download capabilities but there's not
a
> problem with that. I mention these products because I saw them at Sport
> Chalet earlier and most dive shops I've been to only seem to carry Suunto
on
> the shelf.
>
> What do you think? What are some good "backup" devices to have? I was
also
> thinking about a dive watch but they seem too pricey for what I want to
> spend (less than $250). I need to have some moolah left over for the
steel
> 120 tank and possible Nite Rider Pro Diver dive lights (which aren't
cheap,
> either). Remember, for my purposes, they are only temporary, to be
included
> in my save-a-dive kit so-to-speak until I get my working Cobra back and
for
> any other potential similar problems in the future.
>
> Thanks,
> Shawn
>
>

If you're not going to answer then why bother? I think you're the troll,
not me. In any case, you are permanently ignored. You no longer will
bother me. Bye.


Thanks,
Shawn

If you're not going to answer then why bother? I think you're the troll,
not me. In any case, you are permanently ignored. You no longer will
bother me. Bye.


Thanks,
Shawn