Aeris A300 dive computer

2. Aeris A300

Performance: While it might look old school, this DC is packed with modern computing features like three-gas capability to 100 percent O2 and Aeris’ Dual Algorithms. The primary screen offers current depth and no-deco time, with the rest of the data relegated to alternate screens. Some test divers considered this a clean presentation. Others wanted to see more data on the primary screen. Either way, you can’t mistake the big, bold data digits. The A300 provides a very good safety-stop countdown, plus it uses three-color bar graphs with extended pixel loading that makes tracking tissue loading and ascent rate extremely easy. The A300’s button system is intuitive, and its owner’s manual is one of the best.

Liberal or Conservative: Dual algorithms enable you to dive liberally or conservatively. A Conservative Factor setting increases the safety level.

Bottom Line: With Dual Algorithms and a display screen that makes excellent use of colored bar graphs, plus a very reasonable price, the A300 is a Best Buy.

SPECS:
OPERATIONAL MODES Air, Tech, Gauge, Free Dive | NITROX CAPABILITY 21 percent to 100 percent O2 | GAS MIXES 2
USER CONTROLS 3 buttons | AIR INTEGRATED No | ONBOARD COMPASS No COLOR HIGHLIGHTS Yes | PC KIT Optional ($94.95)
MSRP $409.95 INFO diveaeris.com

Carrie Garcia

Aeris dive computers took two of the top spots in ScubaLab's 2012 dive computer testing. Here we highlight two Aeris models that took away a Best Buy and a Testers' Choice prize.

ScubaLab Best Buy, Wrist-Mount Computers: Aeris A300

Performance: While it might look old school, this DC is packed with modern computing features like three-gas capability to 100 percent O2 and Aeris’ Dual Algorithms. The primary screen offers current depth and no-deco time, with the rest of the data relegated to alternate screens. Some test divers considered this a clean presentation. Others wanted to see more data on the primary screen. Either way, you can’t mistake the big, bold data digits. The A300 provides a very good safety-stop countdown, plus it uses three-color bar graphs with extended pixel loading that makes tracking tissue loading and ascent rate extremely easy. The A300’s button system is intuitive, and its owner’s manual is one of the best.

Liberal or Conservative: Dual algorithms enable you to dive liberally or conservatively. A Conservative Factor setting increases the safety level.

Bottom Line: With Dual Algorithms and a display screen that makes excellent use of colored bar graphs, plus a very reasonable price, the A300 is a Best Buy.

SPECS:
OPERATIONAL MODES Air, Tech, Gauge, Free Dive | NITROX CAPABILITY 21 percent to 100 percent O2 | GAS MIXES 2
USER CONTROLS 3 buttons | AIR INTEGRATED No | ONBOARD COMPASS No COLOR HIGHLIGHTS Yes | PC KIT Optional ($94.95)
MSRP $409.95 INFO diveaeris.com

Aeris A300AI dive computer

2. Aeris A300AI

Performance: Offering one of the most intuitive menu systems in the test group, the A300AI is not only a do-it-all data cruncher, it’s also falling-down simple to use. All computer and dive parameters can be easily set without ever cracking the manual. Featurewise, the A300AI is fully loaded with Aeris’ Dual Algorithms and the option of four gas mixes. Test divers liked the sleek console and the presentation of all data on one customizable primary screen. The red LED flashing alarm was also a plus, although feelings were mixed about the audible alarms as well as the compass, which, in contrast to the rest of the unit, was not so intuitive.

Liberal or Conservative: Dual Algorithms let you have it your way, plus a personal Conservative Factor lets you match your algorithm to the conditions.

Bottom Line: With the exception of an unimpressive compass, the A300AI offers virtually everything you’d ever need in a dive computer, presented simply and intuitively. For that, test divers named it this year’s Testers’ Choice in the console category.

SPECS:
OPERATIONAL MODES Air, Nitrox, Gauge | NITROX CAPABILITY 21 percent to 100 percent O2 | GAS MIXES 4 | USER CONTROLS 3 buttons
AIR INTEGRATED Yes | ONBOARD COMPASS Yes | COLOR HIGHLIGHTS Yes | PC KIT Included
MSRP $949.94 to $1,049.95 INFO diveaeris.com

Carrie Garcia

ScubaLab Testers' Choice, Console-Style Computers: Aeris A300AI

Performance: Offering one of the most intuitive menu systems in the test group, the A300AI is not only a do-it-all data cruncher, it’s also falling-down simple to use. All computer and dive parameters can be easiliy set without ever cracking the manual. Featurewise, the A300AI is fully loaded with Aeris’ Dual Algorithms and the option of four gas mixes. Test divers liked the sleek console and the presentation of all data on one customizable primary screen. The red LED flashing alarm was also a plus, although feelings were mixed about the audible alarms as well as the compass, which, in contrast to the rest of the unit, was not so intuitive.

Liberal or Conservative: Dual Algorithms let you have it your way, plus a personal Conservative Factor lets you match your algorithm to the conditions.

Bottom Line: With the exception of an unimpressive compass, the A300AI offers virtually everything you’d ever need in a dive computer, presented simply and intuitively. For that, test divers named it this year’s Testers’ Choice in the console category.

SPECS:
OPERATIONAL MODES Air, Nitrox, Gauge | NITROX CAPABILITY 21 percent to 100 percent O2 | GAS MIXES 4 | USER CONTROLS 3 buttons
AIR INTEGRATED Yes | ONBOARD COMPASS Yes | COLOR HIGHLIGHTS Yes | PC KIT Included
MSRP $949.94 to $1,049.95 INFO diveaeris.com