Freediving watches and computers

What separates a freediving watch from a scuba dive computer 

The differences sit in sample rate, mode design and physical readability at depth. 

Sample rate matters because breath-hold dives are short. A scuba computer typically samples every few seconds, which is fine for slow ascents and descents at depth. A freediving computer samples multiple times per second, which captures every duck-dive and surface interval distinctly. The result is a useful dive log rather than a smoothed-out average. 

Apnea mode in a freediving computer is built around the surface interval ratio (the time you should rest at the surface relative to the dive time, typically 2:1 or longer). The mode usually includes a configurable depth alarm, a surface interval timer, and dive-count tracking across a training session. None of those features matter much to a scuba diver. All of them matter to a freediver in training. 

Physical readability matters at depth. A freediving watch is usually smaller and lighter than a scuba computer, with a high-contrast display visible at a glance during a working dive. 

Brands at the freediving end include the Shearwater Teric and Tern (popular with serious freedivers and spearos for the same reasons) and other competitors. The spearfishing computers collection covers similar hardware leaning toward the spearfishing use case; many models overlap. For a wider scuba-versus-freediving computer comparison, see the dive computer buyer's guide blog. 

The in-store team at Gladesville can show you the displays of the current models side by side. Call (02) 9958 5699 if you are buying remotely.