Bitz Scuba Diving Equipment Guide

Introduction

Which Attachments?

Which Buoyancy Compensator?

Which Computer/ Dive Timer?

Which Compass?

Which Contents Gauge?

Which Dive Bag?

Which Fins?

Which Knife?

Which Mask?

Which Reel?

Which Regulator?

Which Snorkel?

Which Surface Marker Buoy?

Which Suit and Options?

Which Tanks? Overview

- Which Single Cylinders?

- Which Pony Cylinders?

- Which Twin Sets?

- Which Deco/ Stage Tank?

- Which Argon System?

Which Torch?

- Which Back-up Torch?

- Which Main Torch?

Which Watch?

Which Weight System?

Marking Template for EAN50

Marking Template for O2

Modifying AP Valve SMB's

Modifying Other Style SMB's

What Do I Need to Make My Own B'C'?

Introduction

Modified Valve Drill

Valve Drill

Modified S-Drill

S-Drill

Switching to Deco Bottle

Which Watch?

Ask for a watch and the next question will be how much do you want to spend, literally.

There are various features available such as ascent warnings, depth gauges, depth alarms and stopwatch functions. To put it simply, a watch becomes obsolete the moment you buy yourself a dive computer or dive timer, with perhaps the exception of the stopwatch function.

A watch can be used as a backup to a dive computer / dive timer. Dive Computers do occasionally go wrong, and usually while you are using them. If you really want to buy a dive watch, you need to check for the following:

Is it rated to 200 metres? A 'water resistant to 50m' watch means it is probably just shower proof.

Does it have hands and a rotating bezel, which only rotates anti-clockwise? It should only rotate anti-clockwise, since this means that when it is set at the start of the dive, it can only be knocked to shower a greater bottom time never a shorter on.If it has a digital display, is it clear?

Can the hands be easily read and if it has a digital display, is it clear?

Can the strap be expanded to fit around the cuff seal of a suit when you buy one? Or can you replace it with a watchstrap that will hold it in place even if a pin breaks?

Does it have a stopwatch and if so can it be easily operated with thick gloves? (This feature whilst not essential may be of use if you undertake decompression diving using dive tables.)

If you should take an expensive watch diving it is always worth wearing a retaining strap to secure it to your wrist in case the strap should break. (See the section on retaining straps for further information.)

Recommendations

Keep it cheap and simple, with a 200 metre rated model. You'll soon outgrow any diving watch and it's functions when you buy a Computer or D-Timer...in no time at all the most it'll be used for is to tell you when to exit the swimming pool or as just a conversation piece down the pub...

If you just want a stopwatch, a cheap Casio of G-shock will do the job as well as any over-priced diving brand (£25.00 GBP?) but to repeat - do ensure that it is rated to 200 metres!

Please also read the "Which Computer/Dive Timer?" section

Return to

Home Page

Key:

Good/Essential Features.

Mixed Good/Bad features depending on the circumstances.

Bad Features.

Points requiring your consideration depending on your personal circumstances.

Warnings - Points to be very careful of.

Bitz Health Warning. This feature may seriously damage your health.

Tips, Ideas and general information for your attention.

General bullets.

Hit Counter Complements of http://www.digits.com.

Diving can be a hazardous sport and the information contained within this site is not intended to replace formal training.
Furthermore no responsibility will be accepted for any accidents, injuries or financial disadvantage, howsoever caused.

Ask for a watch and the next question will be how much do you want to spend, literally. There are various features available such as ascent warnings, depth gauges, depth alarms and stopwatch functions. To put it simply, a watch becomes obsolete the moment you buy yourself a dive computer or dive timer, with perhaps the exception of the stopwatch function. A watch can be used as a backup to a dive computer / dive timer. Dive Computers do occasionally go wrong, and usually while you are using them. If you really want to buy a dive watch, you need to check for the following:
	Is it rated to 200 metres? A 'water resistant to 50m' watch means it is probably just shower proof.
	Does it have hands and a rotating bezel, which only rotates anti-clockwise? It should only rotate anti-clockwise, since this means that when it is set at the start of the dive, it can only be knocked to shower a greater bottom time never a shorter on.If it has a digital display, is it clear?
	Can the hands be easily read and if it has a digital display, is it clear?
	Can the strap be expanded to fit around the cuff seal of a suit when you buy one? Or can you replace it with a watchstrap that will hold it in place even if a pin breaks?
	Does it have a stopwatch and if so can it be easily operated with thick gloves? (This feature whilst not essential may be of use if you undertake decompression diving using dive tables.)
	If you should take an expensive watch diving it is always worth wearing a retaining strap to secure it to your wrist in case the strap should break. (See the section on retaining straps for further information.)

Key:
	Good/Essential Features.
	Mixed Good/Bad features depending on the circumstances.
	Bad Features.
	Points requiring your consideration depending on your personal circumstances.
	Warnings - Points to be very careful of.
	Bitz Health Warning. This feature may seriously damage your health.
	Tips, Ideas and general information for your attention.
	General bullets.
	Hit Counter Complements of http://www.digits.com.

Diving can be a hazardous sport and the information contained within this site is not intended to replace formal training. Furthermore no responsibility will be accepted for any accidents, injuries or financial disadvantage, howsoever caused.