Regarding entry-level or backup dive computers, the Aeris Manta will surely feature on the top five lists of any consumer looking for one. Built to look like a sporty wristwatch, the Manta Scuba and Free Diving Wrist computer offers divers the full functionality of both Air and Nitrox gas mixes.
In watch mode, the Manta performs well, with a 1/100th of a second chronograph stopwatch, 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 to 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 significant, 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, is displayed, and other information can be accessed by pushing a button. This keeps the interface uncluttered, and the user can quickly gather critical dive information at a single glance.
A big plus with this product is its numerous and customizable alarms. Alarms are both in audible form and the form of flashing LED lights combined with alphanumeric text on the dial, like “TOO FAST,” etc. Users can customize alarms like the maximum depth reached 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, not to annoy or distract other divers around.
The Aeris Manta uses the AERIS Personal Dive Computer Algorithm derived from Diving Science and Technology’s (DSAT) studies ( Modified Haldanean) on which the PADI RDP is also based. 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 on Nitrox Diving.
A huge plus of the Manta is the Diver-Replaceable Battery, which makes it easy to change batteries while on a long holiday or caught on a liveaboard with no service centers or jewelers. The Battery “hot-swap” feature lets you change batteries between dives while maintaining all calculations.
A further handy set of features is 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.
The Aeris Manta is a good entry-level dive computer and a fabulous backup computer for more advanced divers. It 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.
