Aqua Lung i300 Dive Computer Review

Features

Four Dive Modes: Air, nitrox, gauge (with run timer), and free diving.

PZ+ Algorithm: It uses the Pelagic Z+ algorithm, which is based on the Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm, one of the best algorithms for recreational diving.

Deep Stop: This computer has deep stop capabilities, which slightly extends your bottom time.

Automatic Altitude Detection: It automatically detects when you are about to dive on altitude and adjusts the algorithm accordingly. You don’t have to do this manually. It also displays time fly or no-fly time.

Salt and Fresh Water Detection: It automatically detects the water type and also allows for manual dive site selection.

Water Activation: It activates automatically when you hit the water and you can also turn it on manually while on the surface.

Dive Planning: You can plan your dive and adjust settings when on surface mood.

Unit Settings: It allows switching between imperial and metric units for measurements and temperature.

Two Button Interface: Simple and user-friendly with two tactical buttons that are easy on the fingers.

Large Face with Backlight: The i300 is easy to read in all conditions including in the underwater world. 

Audible and Visual Alarms: It has audible alarms as well as bright LED warning lights for increased safety.

Dive Logs: It automatically creates dive logs and can hold up to 24 dive logs at any one time. You can transfer the records to your computer via a computer cable that is sold separately.

Automatic Shut-off: On land, this computer turns off automatically after 2 hours to preserve the battery.

User Changeable Battery: You can change the battery yourself and you won’t lose any saved data and settings.

User-Updatable Software: To access the latest features and upgrades on your dive computer, you can initiate a software update.

Specifications

Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 4 inches

Weight: 10.6 ounces

Algorithm: PZ+

Gases: Air and Nitrox

Max Depth (Dive and Free Mode): 100m/330 ft

Battery: User Changeable

Activation: Water or button

Logbook Memory: 24 Dives

User Experience

Ease of Use: Aqualung describes this dive computer as uncomplicated with an effortless approach and this is on point. The Aqualung i300 is a simple diving computer that is effortless to use. A two-button interface and an intuitive menu system make its setup and operation a breeze. The tactile metal buttons are a pleasure to operate even when underwater with your dive gloves style=”font-weight: 400;”> on. In dive mode, switching screens is easy. When it is time to change the battery, you will be able to do it yourself and won’t lose the saved settings and calculations in the process. 

Readability: The i300 is one big gadget. It is the size of a hockey puck! The face is large and uncluttered and the characters displayed are large, which means that visibility isn’t a problem. If you love exploring the underwater world at night or find yourself in murky waters, it has an excellent backlight.

Diving Functions: You can use the Aqualung i300 when diving with normal air, for nitrox diving, and free diving and snorkeling. You can also use it as a bottom timer in gauge mode. The best thing about it is that it allows you to go free diving and scuba diving on the same day. It is self-activated in the water but you can also activate the dive mode manually on the surface. During dives, it will show the depth, bottom time, and calculate when you need decompression on the ascent and for how long. It won’t tell you the remaining air, as it doesn’t interface with your air tank. 

It warns you if you miss a safety stop, descend too deep or ascend too fast. The audio alarms are loud enough and the visual alarms are very bright. If you violate a decompression stop, it goes into violation mode and locks up for 24 hours, and can’t be reset. It will still calculate and show the depth, duration, and ascent rate but it will persistently tell you to surface. If you’re safety-conscious, the i300 dive computer is a great option. If you like testing the limits, the violation lockups will frustrate you. 

The i300 features the Pelagic Z+ (PZ+) algorithm, which is based on the Bühlmann ZHL-16C algorithm, one of the best algorithms for recreational diving. The i300 also has deep stop capabilities. If you’re diving at altitude, it will automatically detect your current altitude and self-adjust.

Durability: The i300 dive computer is a rugged device built to last. It can withstand diving conditions and live to accompany you on many dives while still functioning as good as new.

Overall Rating

• Price: 100% – The amazing features, performance, and quality the i300 offers at a discounted price make it pretty much the best bargain. It is definitely worth much more than it costs!
• Design: 90% – A simple dive computer that is thoughtfully designed and well-made. The two-button interface is user-friendly. The screen is easy to read. The strap is long enough to fit over a wet suit or drysuit. It is very big though and bulky, especially on small wrists. 
• Functionally: 95% – It functions flawlessly as a diving computer for recreational and beginner scuba divers and has advanced functions such as automatic altitude adjustment. The alarms are loud and super bright. 
• Ease of Use: 100% – With an intuitive two-button menu and buttons that are easy to operate, the Aqualung i300 is truly uncomplicated and effortless to use whether you’re diving on air or nitrox.
• Overall: 96% – A simple entry-level dive computer that works beautifully, is durable, and is reasonably priced. Perfect for recreational purposes and as a starter dive computer. You would be hard-pressed to find a much better diving computer at its price level!

You might also like: Cressi Giotto Dive Computer Review

Globo Surf Overview

The Aqualung i300 is all the diving computer recreational and beginning scuba divers need. Even advanced divers can rely on it as a backup to their primary devices. An affordable and top-rated dive computer, it won’t hurt your pocket and you will get the best value for your money, as it is reliable, versatile, and durable.

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Source

1. PelagicZ+ (PZ+) Algorithm