Any other scuba divers going to try and switch to AWUltra?

[AsherN]

"Serious diver" is a strange expression. First, all divers are serious, because the sport can outright kill you. The majority of divers dive 2-3 weeks a year. And for us, the AWU may be OK. I was at a diving resort last May. From looking around, 90% rented their BCD and over 80% rented their regulators. Those that had their own regulators tended to have dive computers with integrated air. So the majority did not.

So for the majority of recreational divers, the AWU will probably suffice. I'll wait for real time critique of the app. As I've said upstream, when it's time to replace my AW, I'll give the AWU serious consideration, and if I buy one, I'll subscribe to the app for a trip and wear bot the AWU and my Leonardo to compare them.

 

[higgalls]

I have been waiting for a diving capable Apple Watch for a few years as I thought it was a natural progression, but I am really disappointed it doesn't have Air Integration. Without Air Integration (via a transmitter) it means I still need to keep my existing setup with Suunto D6i Dive computer (with Air transmitter) and backup analogue air gauge. I don't see how an Apple watch can replace anything in that setup. If the Apple Watch was to have Air Integration, then I would ditch my Suunto so I could leave my analogue Air gauge as a backup.

I really want to get the Apple Watch Ultra, but I don't think it would be a justifiable purchase for me and my diving at this stage.

What is everyone else's use case for the Ultra as a dive computer?

 

[Farrgazer]

I have been waiting for a diving capable Apple Watch for a few years as I thought it was a natural progression, but I am really disappointed it doesn't have Air Integration. Without Air Integration (via a transmitter) it means I still need to keep my existing setup with Suunto D6i Dive computer (with Air transmitter) and backup analogue air gauge. I don't see how an Apple watch can replace anything in that setup. If the Apple Watch was to have Air Integration, then I would ditch my Suunto so I could leave my analogue Air gauge as a backup.

I really want to get the Apple Watch Ultra, but I don't think it would be a justifiable purchase for me and my diving at this stage.

What is everyone else's use case for the Ultra as a dive computer?

I’ve touched on this in a few other threads, but I see this as part of Apple’s plan to take bits of the entry-level specialty watch markets (Garmin, Suunto, etc). And more specifically, the subset of people who are researching a Garmin and already have an iPhone.

I love diving but cannot dive frequently; I’d be lucky if I can dive once every quarter, but every 5-6 months is my average. I think the AWU would fit my lifestyle in that regard because I would have a device that I can still use day in, day out on land, and when it’s time to dive, it becomes a dive computer. I would not have a device laying around that gathers dust most of the year AND I don’t need to rent a dive computer of questionable quality from the shop.

So yeah. Divers who rack up their dives quickly or have more specialist interests may treat the AWU as a secondary dive computer at best, but I think Apple may have cut out a market for holidaying divers.

 

[pdmpolishing]

I’ve touched on this in a few other threads, but I see this as part of Apple’s plan to take bits of the entry-level specialty watch markets (Garmin, Suunto, etc). And more specifically, the subset of people who are researching a Garmin and already have an iPhone.

I love diving but cannot dive frequently; I’d be lucky if I can dive once every quarter, but every 5-6 months is my average. I think the AWU would fit my lifestyle in that regard because I would have a device that I can still use day in, day out on land, and when it’s time to dive, it becomes a dive computer. I would not have a device laying around that gathers dust most of the year AND I don’t need to rent a dive computer of questionable quality from the shop.

So yeah. Divers who rack up their dives quickly or have more specialist interests may treat the AWU as a secondary dive computer at best, but I think Apple may have cut out a market for holidaying divers.

I use to dive regularly but find I no longer dive as I use to, I had an expensive dive computer gathering dust. Now the AWU will have the Oceanic+ app when released has enabled me to sell the dive computer for nearly what I paid for it four years ago. Yes it would have been nice to have air integration, but it's not really a problem to look at my SPG.

 

[AsherN]

I'm still stuck at what looks like having to manually start the dive. I've gotten used to just having my computer on my wrist. Starts when I go sown and stops when I reach the surface.

 

[JWGold]

Search and Recovery Diver here. Almost all of my diving is technical and requires specialized equipment. However, I could see myself using it if I happen to be at some resort and I didn't have any equipment with me. When I go to Hawaii, I usually take a regulator, mask fins, and dive computer with me so I don't have rent anything but tanks and a weight belt. However, years ago, I was in Baja on a fishing trip, and saw that the resort had scuba tanks and I took the opportunity to get in a quick impromptu dive. I would have used my Ultra then if I had it.

 

[ebika]

I'm still stuck at what looks like having to manually start the dive. I've gotten used to just having my computer on my wrist. Starts when I go sown and stops when I reach the surface.

I agree, that’s how I want it to work too. Have you seen info from Apple saying it won’t? I’ve been expecting it will do that via the General->Auto-Launch settings. I guess we’ll be able to test it once Oceanic+ is released.

 

[AsherN]

I agree, that’s how I want it to work too. Have you seen info from Apple saying it won’t? I’ve been expecting it will do that via the General->Auto-Launch settings. I guess we’ll be able to test it once Oceanic+ is released.

Seems like Auto-launch launches the app and you still have to start the dive. That's my reading. I could be wrong.

 

[scubachap]

Seems like Auto-launch launches the app and you still have to start the dive. That's my reading. I could be wrong.

If that's how it works they'll have to change that. I often only take my first look at my computers when I'm half way down the shotline and starting to relax and get myself together.

 

[higgalls]

If that's how it works they'll have to change that. I often only take my first look at my computers when I'm half way down the shotline and starting to relax and get myself together.

I could be wrong but didn’t they say it would start as soon as you begin descending?

 

[scubachap]

I could be wrong but didn’t they say it would start as soon as you begin descending?

Well that would make sense I guess.

 

[AsherN]

I could be wrong but didn’t they say it would start as soon as you begin descending?

The way is reads is that while on the surface, you have to push a button to start the dive. It then starts logging once you are below 1m. There's a lot of things to check before entering the water, pressing a button on your computer should not be one of them.

 

[DamFu]

Picked the watch up Friday because I wanted to try it out on my diving trip this week. I did 3 dives yesterday. My early results are that it’s a great backup to my Descent but the lack of air integration prevents it from being my primary. Depth and temp were just about consistent with my Descent. Display was easier to read than my Descent though. Max depth yesterday was 70ft.

 

[higgalls]

Picked the watch up Friday because I wanted to try it out on my diving trip this week. I did 3 dives yesterday. My early results are that it’s a great backup to my Descent but the lack of air integration prevents it from being my primary. Depth and temp were just about consistent with my Descent. Display was easier to read than my Descent though. Max depth yesterday was 70ft.

And this is the thing… it wouldn’t have been hard for them to support an air transmitter. Most divers who have got own gear have one. Apple could have partnered with a brand to be compatible with and all they would need to do is to have a receiver chip in the watch. It would have been a big step up as a dive computer. It would cause people to use it as their primary dive computer. Such a simple change…

 

[Graham Caracas]

Serious divers don't trust their lives to toy watches.

 

[AsherN]

Serious divers don't trust their lives to toy watches.

Define "serious diver".

The market is the enthusiast that dive a few times a year, not the commercial diver.

 

[DamFu]

And this is the thing… it wouldn’t have been hard for them to support an air transmitter. Most divers who have got own gear have one. Apple could have partnered with a brand to be compatible with and all they would need to do is to have a receiver chip in the watch. It would have been a big step up as a dive computer. It would cause people to use it as their primary dive computer. Such a simple change…

A bluetooth connection would work also. The thing is, the companies that already have transmitters on the market want you to buy and use their computers. Finding a company that makes a decent transmitter and is willing to partner with Apple, was probably tough. Garmin for example does not play nice with many people and integrates with no one.

 

[tom2517]

I am, I have a Garmin Descent but I never wear it outside of diving because as a smart watch it is really lacking. Ultra is a godsend for someone like me, a casual diver who always dives with a guide, whatever I wear is just a safety backup anyways, it’s more for logging my dives.

 

[pdmpolishing]

I have, just waiting on the Oceanic+ app. Sold my Eon Core with transmitter, I don’t dive as much as I use to, so the Core was starting to gather dust. I managed to sell the Core for £50 less than I brought it, so the AWU will be great for me, I can use it every day and always have a dive computer with me. I know there is a subscription for the Oceanic app be I can subscribe for a month only if I’m only diving for a week or two per year.

 

[scubachap]

Serious divers don't trust their lives to toy watches.

To be fair serious divers don't trust any of their kit implicitly. (For example, a rebreather will constantly 'try' to kill you, you never trust it... or anything else for that matter )

 

[jbrmusic]

AWU is a toy and not a professional dive or even sports computer. The free of charge app doest give you deco information which is a clear no go. The subscription model is too expensive.

I dived with a Suunto D9 some years ago. Went away because of the tiny screen. With AWU it is the same. We diver want bigger screens with different data fields. And also air integration. Different Mixes is another topic. AMW looks for me like «I come suddenly to a place and unexpectedly decide to dive. Thanks good I have the AWU on my wrist.» How often does this happen in your life?

 

[jbrmusic]

This is a really interesting thread as I'm interested in the Ultra from the point of view of hill running and ultra marathons, but I've seen stuff posted on here and social media saying how "serious divers" (whatever that means) would never consider the Ultra, so its good to see some views from people who actually dive.

I dive. There are several points hindering me to use AWU as a dive computer:
- tiny display
- no air integration
- no deco information (free app) - with other words: subscription model
- depth limitation (40m)
- no gas mixes

The last two are clearly not relevant for hobby divers which make just a few dives per year. However, the others are important. My first dive computer was a Suunto D9 (size wise not so much different from AWU) and a exchanged it to a Suunto EON because of the display. Even if you are a recreational diver you normal have you ABC (mask, snorkel, fins) with you and a dive computer in the hand luggage is not a big thing.

 

[Steve686]

I dive. There are several points hindering me to use AWU as a dive computer:
- tiny display
- no air integration
- no deco information (free app) - with other words: subscription model
- depth limitation (40m)
- no gas mixes

The last two are clearly not relevant for hobby divers which make just a few dives per year. However, the others are important. My first dive computer was a Suunto D9 (size wise not so much different from AWU) and a exchanged it to a Suunto EON because of the display. Even if you are a recreational diver you normal have you ABC (mask, snorkel, fins) with you and a dive computer in the hand luggage is not a big thing.

Here’s how I think I am going to proceed.

I’m going to use the AWU as my wrist unit for all the basics. Depth, bottom time, and compass.

I’ll use my ScubaPro Galileo 2 wrist unit as a backup carbiner’d to one of my BCD attachment points. I have a ScubaPro Hydros Pro so there are plenty of points to use. It’s got the transmitter with air integration for a very accurate dive profile. The compass software is clunky on the G2 so the AWU is a huge upgrade as I use the compass and fin kicks to navigate quite often. We do a lot of night diving(9pm-1am) so I am curious as to how bright the display will look during a night dive.

If I’m doing some serious lobstering around the reefs, I will probably use the G2 as you will inevitably reach in small caves and scrape the Watch up.


Here’s a picture for a basic size comparison.

 

[tom2517]

Here’s how I think I am going to proceed.

I’m going to use the AWU as my wrist unit for all the basics. Depth, bottom time, and compass.

I’ll use my ScubaPro Galileo 2 wrist unit as a backup carbiner’d to one of my BCD attachment points. I have a ScubaPro Hydros Pro so there are plenty of points to use. It’s got the transmitter with air integration for a very accurate dive profile. The compass software is clunky on the G2 so the AWU is a huge upgrade as I use the compass and fin kicks to navigate quite often. We do a lot of night diving(9pm-1am) so I am curious as to how bright the display will look during a night dive.

If I’m doing some serious lobstering around the reefs, I will probably use the G2 as you will inevitably reach in small caves and scrape the Watch up.


Here’s a picture for a basic size comparison.


View attachment 2083604

That’s what my guide does too, he has a big computer and a Sunnto which he will keep on wearing while onshore.

 

[ebika]

I’m diving with the AWU this week. So far, it’s working well. The screen is much smaller than my Suunto Eon Steel. However, the depth app is quite readable. For a quick depth glance, I find I’m going to the AWU more. Obviously, readability on the unreleased Oceanic+ app is still unknown, but if they follow Apple design cues, it might be good. Depth, dive time, and water temp have been accurate so far. Dives automatically start just fine. The summary screen at the end of the dive with times in and out, max depth, and water temp are fine.

I’ll likely keep using my Suunto as my main, downloading to MacDive (the Suunto iPhone app is hot garbage). I may just keep using the AWU depth app even when Oceanic+ is available. TBD on whether it has a clean design for the crazy high sub price they want. It looks likely they’ll be holding the data hostage too.

I put this in another thread too: