SPG or Air integrated?

Scuba diving is a thrilling adventure that involves exploring the underwater world. As a diver, you rely on your equipment to breathe and navigate, but monitoring your air supply is also a critical part of the diving experience. One of the most important tools for monitoring your air supply is the submersible pressure gauge (SPG) or air integration. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between using an SPG and air integration in scuba diving.

SPG

The submersible pressure gauge (SPG) is a standalone gauge that displays the pressure of the air in your tank. It is typically mounted on the console of your diving gear and connected to the high-pressure hose that runs from your first stage regulator to your tank valve. The SPG provides a visual indication of the remaining air pressure in your tank, allowing you to monitor your air consumption and plan your dive accordingly.

The advantage of using an SPG is that it is a simple and reliable tool that requires minimal maintenance. It is also a cost-effective option, as it does not require any additional equipment or specialized training to use. However, the main disadvantage of using an SPG is that it requires you to constantly check your gauge to monitor your air consumption, which can be distracting and time-consuming.

Air Integration

Air integration is a more advanced system that provides real-time information about your air supply. It uses a transmitter that is attached to your first stage regulator and communicates wirelessly with a dive computer. The dive computer displays the remaining air pressure in your tank, as well as other critical information such as your depth, dive time, and decompression status. This allows you to monitor your air supply more efficiently and focus on the dive rather than constantly checking your gauge.

The advantage of using air integration is that it provides more accurate and real-time information about your air consumption, allowing you to plan your dive more effectively. It also eliminates the need for a standalone SPG, which can reduce clutter and make your diving gear more streamlined. However, air integration is a more expensive option and requires additional equipment, as well as specialized training to use effectively.

Which one is better?

The choice between using an SPG or air integration ultimately comes down to personal preference and diving style. For recreational divers who typically make shorter, shallower dives, an SPG may be sufficient for monitoring their air consumption. However, for technical divers who make longer, deeper dives and rely on precise monitoring of their air supply, air integration may be the better option.

If you are looking for good options of air integration computers and transmiters here are 2 of the best options out there at the moment:

The Garmin Decent Mk2i

The Shearwater Perdix 2 Ti And the AI Transmitter

In conclusion, both SPGs and air integration are valuable tools for monitoring your air supply during a dive. As a diver, it is important to choose the option that best suits your diving style and experience level, and to always prioritize safety and proper training when using any scuba diving equipment.