Looking for a dive computer

[matt t.]

Cochran computers don't have the best (or even a good) reputation. Anyone that thinks they need a tech computer would be much better served by the VR3, the new Liquivision (non replaceable batteries though), The Uwatec Aladin TEC 2G, Suunto Vytec, or some of the Dive Rite computers. *NOTE* Not all of the above mentioned computers will work for tri-mix diving. Or, you can just buy 2 bottom timers and a p.c. program and have at it ;D.
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I was wondering where you got your info from?  Many of the people i dive with have switched from VR3's to the Cochran.  Easier to use.  No buttons to fail underwater. The Emc-20h has gotten me out of the water faster than any of the puters I have tried. I like being able to set the puter and not have to switch anything on my dive.  Other words I can plan a travel gas, back gas, and deco gasses and not have to switch anything while I my dive. One less thing to have to worry about
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My info comes from divers that have used them in the past and now use another brands. There is only 1 shop in town here that sells Cochran and I never see recreational divers (not to mention tech divers) using them. I haven't heard the same complaints (quality wise) about other brands that I have heard regarding the Cochrans. I will say that I am in no position to talk about them compared to other tech computers regarding "quickness" in finishing the deco. Any computer can be set more or less conservative depending on the dives you are doing (factors = depth, length, water temp, diver fitness levels, etc). I use Deco Planner or D-Plan set somewhere in the middle parameters to create tables and a bottom timer. IMO this (our method) may keep you in the water a little longer than a computer using similar settings and the same algorythm (sp?), but it also pads things on the safer side because you are deco'ing on deepest depth and time rather than "actual" profile. The newer bottom timers and the Aladin TEC 2G have resettable average depth that I "may" get the guts to use next summer. Either way, if you are going to use ANY deco/tech computer you need a timer and tables or another expensive computer for a back up. YMMV .