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Aeris Manta Scuba and Free Diving Wrist Computer

Aeris Manta Scuba and Free Diving Wrist Computer

Written by Nevin
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Published on October 18, 2010

When it comes to entry-level dive computers or back-up dive computers, the Aeris Manta is sure to feature on the top 5 lists of any consumer out looking for one. Built to look like a sporty wristwatch, the Manta Scuba and Free Diving Wrist computer offering divers the full functionality of both Air and Nitrox gas mixes.

Aeris Manta Scuba and Freediving Wrist Computer

In watch mode, the Manta does its job well, with a 1/100th of a second chronograph stopwatch, with lap timer, 24 hour countdown timer, daily alarm, alternate time zone with date, 12/24 hour clock, and OceanGlo® Backlight. The slim profile design makes the computer look  inconspicuous like any other wristwatch allowing it be used as both.

As a Dive Computer, there are four modes of operation, Air, Nitrox, Gauge, and Free Dive. The Manta can automatically switch to Dive Mode when the diver submerges beyond 4ft of water, and displays critical dive information clearly, in large easy-to-read digits. In Dive mode only key information that the diver needs such as depth, no-decompression limit, bottom time and nitrogen loading bar graph are displayed and other information can be accessed by pushing a button. This keeps the interface uncluttered and the user can easily gather critical dive information with a single glance.

Aeris Manta Scuba and Freediving Wrist Computer

A big plus with this product is its numerous and customizable alarms. Alarms are both in audible form, and in the form of flashing LED lights combined with alphanumeric text on the dial like “TOO FAST” etc.  Alarms can be customized by the user an example of which is the maximum depth reached alarm and the ‘dive time remaining’ alarm. The computer also allows the diver to stop the audible beeping alarms during a dive with the user acknowledgement feature, where the diver can stop the alarm by pressing a button, so as not to annoy or distract other  divers around.

The Aeris Manta uses the AERIS Personal Dive Computer Algorithm which is derived from Diving Science and Technology’s (DSAT) studies ( Modified Haldanean) on which the PADI RDP is also based upon. User adjustable Personal Conservative Factor settings on the computer further reduce your risk exposure to decompression sickness. As a Nitrox computer the Manta can be programmed for Nitrox mixtures from 21% to 50% only, which makes a great addition to new divers wanting to start off on Nitrox Diving.

Aeris Manta Scuba and Free Diving Wrist Computer “Old Style”

A huge plus of the Manta is the Diver-Replaceable Battery that makes it easy to change batteries while on a long holiday or caught on a liveaboard with no service centers or jewelers around. The Battery “hot-swap” feature allows you to change batteries between dives while maintaining all calculations.

A further handy set of features are the 24-hour countdown timer and calculated Desaturation Time function which provides the theoretical time required to off-gas all residual nitrogen at sea level .

Overall the Aeris Manta is a good entry-level dive computer and also a great backup dive computer for more advanced divers. The computer is user-friendly ,easy to use, and has a decent array of features and functions that will serve a diver well beyond his/her early diving days.