Pros
I bought this timer as a back
Pros
I bought this timer as a back-up for my main computer and for monitoring my run time against plans for mixed gas decompression dives. I've worn it below 50m though, as the name suggests, it is rated to 330m:
(1) The unit itself is sturdy enough and comes with a solid chunky black plastic wrist mount with a buckle which is easy enough to manipulate even with gloves on.
(2) The device also has no moving parts. Rather than buttons, the three metal 'studs' are used to control the device by simply licking your fingers and tapping them. The system works very well indeed and adds to the general feeling of robustness of the unit.
(3) The interface is tidy and nicely laid out. The dive time is clearly visible alongside a large and clear depth readout which makes it a perfect device for checking your depth and time against a plan.
(4) The device starts up quickly and automatically from 'cold' as soon as it gets wet. Of course, you should always check your primary timer before a dive to make sure that it's working. But, as a back up timer, you can simply jump in to the water and rely on it to start reliably.
Cons
The only complaints people seem to have about this device are - in my view - based on unrealistic expectations. But, for completeness:
(5) Many people are surprised by the size of the unit. Despite what you might think from the photo - this is not a 'wrist watch' sized timer - it is the size of an average dive computer! It can be worn quite comfortably either on the inside or the outside of either wrist. However, it is a little too big to be able to wear comfortably on the side of the wrist (which is where it would be handy to have it when - for example - driving a DPV).
(6) The unit is a timer and not a watch! It doesn't actually have a 'clock' function at all. The memory function can tell you how long your dive was, but, the only way to calculate your 'jump' time is to work out your surface interval and then deduct that time from the actual time taken from another device.
(7) There's no backlight (though without any underwater controls it wouldn't be much use anyway).
(8) Finally, some users have complained that, after the 59th minute, the timer resets to 00 with a small "1 hour" logo beneath the time (which is not immediately obvious if you only glance briefly at the face). However, if you don't know if you've been down for 15 minutes, an hour and 15 minutes, or 2 hours and 15 minutes, then you probably shouldn't be relying on dive technology to keep you safe anyway!
Conclusion
The unit is ideal for the way I use mine as a backup device and to monitor my run time. It's not a computer and it's not a clock, but for around £100 it's solid and reliable. As long as you know what you're buying then you won't be disappointed with this device.
Recommend to a friend? Yes
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