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Choosing the right dive computer can be like diving in murky water. The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer is one of many that compete for your attention. So how do you choose? It can be as hard for seasoned divers as it is for beginners. But you can make it easier. When buying any kind of gear, I remind myself to stop listening too much to manufacturers and comments by fans of particular models. I ask myself, does it have all the qualities I need? And do I need all that it offers? This makes every sales blurb and all the reviews more helpful.
When it comes as something as important to your safety as a dive computer, you must get something that fits you. The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer promises to do that, but does it deliver?
Brand Comparison Table
[amazon box=”B07BS44XPR, B017LFWAYU, B00XREM3CO, B077W9K8ZB” template=”table”]
The Ocean Geo 2.0 Dive Computer
Here’s a good example of a mid-range wrist dive computer. The Oceanic Geo 2.0 dive computer features a new and improved screen with all the information you need. It’s compact but big enough for easy reading of data. If you’re getting your first dive computer or you’re looking to upgrade from a basic entry-level unit, the Oceanic Geo 2.0 dive computer is a promising option. It’s durable enough for rough use and should last a long time, and the compact design lets it double as a normal wristwatch.
Technical Specs
- Algorithm: PZ+ and DSAT-based
- Operating modes: Watch, air/Nitrox, gauge, free dive
- Imperial/metric display: Yes
- Backlight: Yes, adjustable duration
- Alarms: Audio and Visual
- Memory capacity: 24 Dives
- Depth display: To 330 Feet (100 Meters)
- Altitude adjustable: 3,001 to 14,000 feet
- Time and temperature: Yes
It has all the standard features you’d expect, plus some more. The ability to handle multiple gasses is a big plus.
Performance
You can use both air and two different Nitrox mixes with the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer. It’s Nitrox-compatible up to 100 percent O2. The main screen shows the most important info in big letters and nothing else. It covers depth, BT, NDL, and an N2-loading bar.
There are four modes for the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer: Norm, Gauge, Watch, and Free Dive. Norm is for air and Nitrox. The others are self-explanatory. The menus are easy to navigate with the four buttons, and the strong backlight helps in the dark depths. You can adjust how long it lights up to conserve battery. It won’t take long to get familiar with the menus, although the one-letter titles may confuse you at first.
The logbook can store up to 24 dive logs on the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer. If you get the USB transfer kit, you can move them to your PC and keep track of your adventures over a longer time. You can check the data from your previous dive with the “last dive” function. For more information, see the user manual.
Safety
You get alarm signals for all the typical scenarios. For example, if you dive deeper or longer than your set points, if PO2 exceeds safe levels, if you ascend too fast, or you exceed the max operating depth. A flashing LED accompanies the audible signal. Most warnings come as 10 beeps, and you can terminate them with the S button. You can set a stopwatch or countdown as well. There’s also a safety stop countdown to help with the last stretch of your dive.
The Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer lets you know when you need a deco stop. Unlike many other dive computers, it won’t lock you out for a day if you decompress. This computer also warns you when switching tanks would be a PO2 risk.
You can set your preferred tolerances for various things before your dive, and the alarms let you know when you exceed a limit. This includes depth, time, PO2, and more. So it’s very adaptable to your needs. The only thing missing is a compass, but those are uncommon in this price range.
If the battery runs low, you’ll get a warning, and all non-essential functions will shut off. You can expect the battery to last for a year or about 300 dive hours. And you can change it yourself.
What Other Divers Think
Buyers like the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer for its abundant info, compact size, and reliability. Their main complaint is that the menus are a bit confusing. They give it a rating of 4.0 out of 5-stars on Amazon.
Pricing
You can find the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer for between $200 and $400 from various scuba gear vendors. Amazon also sells the Oceanic Geo 2.0.
How We Reviewed
We’ve analyzed and compared lots of user reviews and comments from the web. The primary source is Amazon user reviews.
How the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer Compares
That sounds good so far. Let’s see how it stands up to competition. We’ve chosen the Suunto Zoop Novo, Cressi Giotto, and Mares Puck Pro for this comparison.
Suunto Zoop Novo
[amazon box=”B017LFWAYU”]
This is the upgraded version of the discontinued classic Zoop. It’s gone through a positive overhaul both inside and outside. With a backlight and new diving modes, it’s able to compete in the present market again.
- Technical Specs
- Performance
- Pricing
- Algorithm: Suunto RGBM
- Operating modes: Air, Nitrox, gauge, free and off
- Imperial/metric display: Yes
- Backlight: Yes, adjustable duration
- Alarms: Audio and Visual
- Memory capacity: 50 hours
- Altitude adjustable: Yes
- Time and temperature: Yes
Most of the features are comparable to the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer. However, there are some key differences, such as the bigger size.
It has four buttons like the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer. The menus and metrics are a bit simpler, and the display may be brighter. You can choose between imperial or metric measurements, and 12-hour or military time. The Zoop Novo works down to 100m (around 330ft), and it’s altitude-adjustable up to about 10,000 feet. It can handle Nitrox between 21 and 50 percent, so it’s not as potent as the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer.
Dive planning is the Zoop Novo’s strength. You can use existing profiles or set your preferences with a few easy clicks. You can also bookmark dives in your log and copy bookmarks into the planner. When you plan a dive, it will calculate any diving history from the last four days to determine risks surrounding nitrogen or oxygen levels. It adapts settings to various conditions such as surface intervals better than the typical dive computer in this price range.
Battery life is about the same as that of the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer. You need a special kit to replace or charge the battery, which you have to buy separately. Doing this may void the warranty, however. The USB transfer cable is also not included.
It provides the same adjustable alarms as the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer, but the alarm system isn’t as elaborate. If you exceed the no-deco limit, you’ll get instructions for a safe ascent. Like the Geo, the Zoop activates when you submerge it. Users like the easy-to-read display, generous logbook, and competitive price. What they wish could be better is the sturdiness. They give it 4.4 out of 5-stars on Amazon.
You can find a Zoop at most online scuba shops or on Amazon for between $$ and $$$$.
Cressi Giotto
[amazon box=”B00XREM3CO”]
Cressi’s Leonardo dive computer is a classic for beginners. This is a beefed-up sequel to it with many improved features for divers who want to get more advanced. Its big size makes it easy to read what’s on the screen.
- Technical Specs
- Performance
- Pricing
- Algorithm: Cressi RGBM
- Operating modes: Air, Nitrox, Gauge
- Imperial/metric display: Yes
- Backlight: Yes, adjustable duration
- Alarms: Audio and Visual
- Memory capacity: 60 dives
- Altitude adjustable: Yes
- Time and temperature: Yes
It has more memory than the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer. Other than that, the basic specs are comparable. Like the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer, it can handle two different gas mixes and can take between 21 and 99 percent O2.
All important data is available on one screen, with ample spacing and clarity. It doesn’t take long to figure out what things mean. There are three buttons for navigation, and they’re easy to use even with gloves.
You get alarm signals for the usual suspects — things such as CNS toxicity and deep stop warnings. These warnings are both visual and audible. You can see the battery level on the main screen. And you can change the battery yourself with ease.
You can adjust the PO2 limits from 1.2 to 1.6 bar, and you can switch tanks while diving. There’s a dedicated screen showing data on central nervous system oxygen toxicity. There’s a graph that shows estimations based on exposure times and more.
The computer works down to 394 feet, and altitude adjustments go up to 12,140 feet. You can adjust the computer’s algorithm to provide more safety or freedom. You can toggle three additional safety factors as well.
The log can store up to 70 hours of diving data. This is roughly 60 typical dives at a 20-second sample rate. You can see basic data from previous dives on the screen, but you need a PC connection to get details. The cable is a separate purchase. You can also use previous dives to simulate future ones. There’s a memory erase feature, so it’s viable for rental shops.
Like the previous two computers, it lacks a compass, and there’s no air integration. If those are essential to you, you must look at more expensive options. If you’re a beginner or casual diver, you won’t miss them.Users like the big and clear display, the easy controls, and the generous logbook. What some don’t like is the bulky design. They give it 4.4 out of 5-stars on Amazon.
Like the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer, you’ll find the Cressi Giotto for $$ to $$$$ from most serious scuba gear dealers and on Amazon.
Mares Puck Pro
[amazon box=”B077W9K8ZB”]
The name describes it well. It’s big, round, and simplistic. It’s a cheap and easy option, but it has all the core functions a beginner needs. The original Puck is a classic entry-level dive computer, and this upgraded version takes things to a new level. Compared to the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer, it’s a bit minimalistic.
- Technical Specs
- Performance
- Pricing
- Algorithm: Mares-Wienke RGBM
- Operating modes: Air, Nitrox, Bottom time
- Imperial/metric display: Yes
- Backlight: Yes, adjustable duration
- Alarms: Audio and Visual
- Memory capacity: 36 hours
- Altitude adjustable: Yes
- Time and temperature: Yes
The specs are about equal to those of the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer. The algorithm is the most noticeable difference.
The Puck Pro has a bigger display and less bulky overall design than its predecessor. It’s also multi-gas compatible and has better software. It’s still simplistic, reliable, and more geared toward beginners. You get three modes: Air, Nitrox, and Bottom Time. There’s only one button. It’s big and easy to press with the thickest of diving gloves. The menus are minimal, but they cover all the basics. You can set it to sea or fresh water, adjust safety settings, and plan your dives. And you get a stopwatch.
The display has a strong backlight, and you can read all the important metrics, including ascent rate, with ease at wide angles. Audible alarms let you know when to be cautious. Some users report unhappiness with the battery. It may not be full out of the box, and the power level indicator is tiny. Replacing the battery is easy, but may require a new gasket to prevent leaking.
It works down to 492 feet, and you can adjust it for altitude. The logbook can store up to 36 hours of dive data at a 5-second sampling rate. That’s around 50 dives. You can view graphs of your dives on your PC via the optional USB connector. You can’t delete any data yourself; it overwrites automatically when you exceed the limit.
Buyers love the high-contrast display, the simplicity, and the ability to make your own dive profile. What they don’t like is the battery situation and the lack of some common features. The overall Amazon rating is 4.4 out of 5-stars.
It’s available from most scuba vendors and Amazon for between $ to $$.
Pros and Cons
That’s a lot of technical information. Let’s sum it all up. These are the strengths and drawbacks of the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer.
PROS
- Covers all important alarms
- Very legible display
- User-friendly menus
- Durable build
- Dual gas support
CONS
- Fairly small graphs
- Limited memory
It covers all the basic needs and a little bit more. It’s a solid choice for anyone who wants a dependable mid-range dive computer.
There’s not much to complain about. It does very well for the price range, but some details may make some of you prefer a Suunto Zoop Novo or Cressi Giotto. If you want a better dive log, the Giotto may be your preference. The Zoop may beat them at dive planning. If the price is your priority, the Mares Puck Pro is an excellent option if you don’t mind sacrificing some of the functions of the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer.
To Buy or Not to Buy
We recommend an Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer to anyone who seeks a versatile first dive computer, or a solid upgrade from one. It offers a great balance of features and safety, with a good build for its price range. It doesn’t lack anything significant that its direct competitors have. Only high-end dive computers have more features than it. However, cramming all this versatility into a dive computer while keeping the size and price down requires some compromises. If you’ve decided on the Oceanic Geo 2.0 Dive Computer, you can get it here.
