Mares Puck Pro Dive Computer Review

Reviewed By Travis Turgeon / Scuba Editor

November 11, 2022

THE MARES PUCK PRO REVIEW

Mares Puck Pro Scuba Diving Wrist Computer

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Summary

Looking for a simple and inexpensive but reliable dive computer? The Mares Puck Pro is one of the most affordable entry-level diving computers for recreational and beginner scuba divers. The best features about it are its simplicity and readability. The simple one-button interface makes it very intuitive to operate. The large screen and segmented display with large digits and backlighting give it superior visibility underwater. Even someone who usually wears reading glasses can read and understand the displayed data without glasses on.

The affordability and simplicity are not at the expense of capabilities and accuracy. Mares is a trusted brand and the Puck Pro is packed with amazing features. It does so much more than you can expect from a basic, inexpensive divers computer. Not only can you dive with air and use it as a bottom timer, Nitrox certified divers can also use it and it supports gas switching. Its performance underwater is flawless, and its dive calculations spot on when compared to other reliable gauges and computers.

Its RGBM-algorithm processes all the important decompression data, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the underwater world. It displays depth, dive time, no-decompression time, ascent rate and water temperature. It has both audible and visual alarms and will alert you in case of rapid ascent, oxygen toxicity, safety stop, 100% nitrogen saturation, and low battery. After a dive, it displays surface interval, desaturation time and no-fly time.

If you’re looking for a dependable dive computer on a tight budget, the Mares Puck Pro fits the bill perfectly. Keep reading this review to learn more about its features, shortcomings and what it is like to dive with it.

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What Makes This Dive Computer Stand Out
Supports air and nitrox dives and has a bottom timer mode
Simplicity - navigation is a breeze with the single button and intuitive interface
Large, segment and backlit display for superior readability
Supports gas switching during a dive
Inexpensive yet featureful and reliable dive computer
A comfortable slim design and a strap long enough to fit over bulky diving suits
Scratch resistant mineral glass display
A variety of colors to choose from

MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Algorithm: Mares-Wince RGBM
Maximum Operating Depth: 150m/492ft
Nitrox Oxygen Setting: 21 – 99%
PO2 Settings: 1.2 – 1.6 bars
Logbook Memory: 35 diving hours at a 5 seconds sampling rate
Surface Interval: 3 minutes
Estimated Battery life: 300-500 dives
Warranty: Two Years

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Features

Modes and Functions: Air, nitrox, and gauge mode. The Puck Pro also has a watch, date and temperature functions.
Mares-Wienke RGBM algorithm: With optional deep stop mode and ability to adjust it to a more conservative setting.
Audible and Visual Alarms: You can turn the audible alarms on/off. The only disappointment here is that the Puck Pro lacks a depth alarm.
Plan Mode: This is where you plan your dive. The computer takes into account your previous dive data.
Dive Site Selection: Manually select your diving site, whether freshwater or saltwater.
Altitude Settings: This allows you to set altitude manually up to 3,700 meters (12,100 feet).
Imperial and Metric Units: You can select the unit system you’re comfortable with (meters and Cº, or feet and Fº).
One Button Control: Simple and intuitive. It makes setup and navigation of Mares Puck dive computers a breeze.
Backlighting: On night dives and in low light conditions, the screen lights up for visibility in the dark.
Mineral Glass Display: This is better quality than the acrylic glass most budget computers usually feature. Mineral glass is highly resistant to scratches and enhances readability.
Dive Log: Keeps detailed records of your dives. You cannot manually delete old records. They age out and new ones are added.
USB Connectivity: Interfaces with a computer via a USB cable (sold separately) to download dive logs to a computer and update the firmware to access the latest upgrades by Mares.

Specifications

Algorithm: Mares-Wince RGBM

Maximum Operating Depth: 150m/492ft

Nitrox Oxygen Setting: 21 – 99%

PO2 Settings: 1.2 – 1.6 bars

Logbook Memory: 35 hours of diving at a 5 seconds sampling rate

Surface Interval: 3 minutes

Battery: CR 2450, Replaceable

Estimated Battery life: 300-500 dives

Warranty: Two Years

User Experience

Set-Up: In surface mode, you can change settings and plan your dives using the dive planner. One of the reasons the Puck Pro is such a popular computerized wrist dive watch<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> is its simplicity and user-friendliness. Whether it is your first dive computer or you’re using it as a backup, you will find it a pleasure to operate.

The Puck Pro has a one-button for everything interface. Before you try it, you might wonder how practical a single button interface is but you will be pleasantly surprised to discover just how intuitive it is and how easy it makes operation and navigation. Just push the button to scroll through the menu. Once you get to the menu you’re interested in, hold the button to make adjustments to your satisfaction. The button is large and well positioned so you can press it easily even when wearing thick dive gloves<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>.

Once you select the dive mode and set the parameters, they remain fixed. If you press the button while underwater, it will show you the average depth, maximum depth, bottom time, or turn on the backlight.

Diving: The Puck Pro is water activated. You can also switch on the pre-dive mode manually but it will only start calculating your dive once you submerge below 4 feet. It features a Mares-Wienke-based RGBM algorithm, which allows safety-conscious divers to choose a more conservative setting. The Puck Pro has multi-gas capabilities and supports gas switching so you can switch between gases during a dive.

When diving, it monitors the depth, dive time, temperature, and performs decompression calculations. It will alert you when you need a safety stop if you ascend too fast, go over the safe ppO2 limit, violate a decompression stop, if nitrogen saturation is 100%, and if the battery is running low. The only alert lacking is a depth alarm. In bottom time mode, it will give you the depth, dive time, and temperature.

During the ascent, it shows the ascent rate in feet/minute as well as in graphical format. The safety stop timer comes on between 10 and 18 feet while ascending. In post-dive mode, it displays the desaturation time, surface interval, and no-fly time.

Readability: With the large, high contrast screen and segment display, you won’t have a problem reading and understanding the displayed dive data whether you’re underwater or on the surface. If you normally wear reading glasses, you will find them clearly visible underwater even without glasses on. If you’re diving in dark waters, just press, hold, and release the button to turn on the backlight.

Durability: The quality of Mares Puck dive computers is renowned and the Puck Pro is well constructed. It should accompany you on your diving adventures for years. It is composed of a tempered mineral screen glass that is highly scratch and impact-resistant, a high-quality rubber strap, and a strong bezel and case.

Pros

Air, Nitrox, and bottom timer mode
Multi-gas capability and supports gas switching
Simple and intuitive one-button control
Large and easy to read display
Upgradeable firmware
Easy to press the button even with gloved fingers
A range of color choices
Mineral glass display
Inexpensive and amazing value

Cons

The Puck Pro does not have a depth alarm
Does not have a freediving mode
The USB cable for downloading dive data and upgrading the firmware is pricey

Overall Rating

Price: 100% – One of the most affordable scuba computers on the market and yet packed with amazing features and capabilities, which make it an incredible value as well.
Functionality: 90% – It has the features and functions recreational and beginner scuba divers need to dive safely and keep track of their dives. It lacks a depth alarm and free dive mode though.
Ease of Use: 100% – The simple, intuitive single-button function and superior readability make the Puck Pro one of the most user-friendly diving computers.
Design: 90% – A simple, user-friendly design. No complicating bells and whistles! Though it has a massive face, a slim design ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist so it doesn’t get in the way of diving. The strap is long enough to fit over a wet suit or drysuit.
Overall: 95% – One of the best entry-level dive computers for beginners and recreational scuba divers. An amazingly functional and durable yet reasonably priced dive computer you can rely on to keep you safe underwater for years to come. For the price, it is unbeatable!

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Globo Surf Overview

Simple and inexpensive yet highly capable, reliable, and durable, it is no surprise that the Mares Puck Pro is one of the most popular entry level dive computers. It works flawlessly underwater and records dives accurately – divers experience no issues with performance underwater or accuracy of calculations.

It is a great choice for recreational scuba divers looking for a dive computer that is dependable, simple to operate, and budget-friendly. If you’re considering the Puck Pro as your first dive computer, you will get a lot of use out of it and it will be a long time before you feel the need for something more advanced.

Mares Puck Pro Scuba Diving Wrist Computer

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Last Updated: July 16, 2019 Last Updated: July 16, 2019

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Mares Puck Dive Computers