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Introducing the all-new Icon HD to the market, Mares is bringing state-of-the-art consumer electronics technology to the underwater world. Flat screen televisions, cell phones, PDAs, notebook computers, all use an LCD display, the same technology that Mares is using for the Icon HD screen. Integrated interface: a reprogrammable processor with a rewritable chip for software upgrades. The new Mares Icon HD uses Mares-Wienke RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubbles Model) algorithm. The RGBM takes into account the phenomenon of micro-bubbles in order to prevent their formation. In over 10,000 real dives monitored by Dr. Bruce Wienke in the Los Alamos laboratories, the formation of micro-bubbles has been studied and evaluated in order to better understand the mechanism behind how micro-bubbles are formed during a dive. Today it is the most evolved algorithm for reducing the formation of micro-bubbles without compromising dive times.
Special characteristics: Nitrox mode with 3 different oxygen mixes, integrated interface, rechargeable lithium batteries, map function, pictures function.
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
[2 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Charleston, SC on 9/20/2010
Comments about Mares Mares Icon HD Wrist Dive Computer:
The personnel at Leisurepro have been great. That being said, I was (and am) concerned about the lack of Air Integration for this Computer. While the High Definition Display, Ease of Use, Digital Compas, and a clean GUI are all great reasons to buy this product, the promise of Air Integration was what mad me decide to move forward. It has been more then a year and a half since I first purchased this computer and still no Air Integration. I would recommend that MARES under promise and over deliver instead of over promissing. In short, probably the best computer on the market IF the air integration gets finished.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Maryville, TN on 8/1/2010
Comments about Mares Mares Icon HD Wrist Dive Computer:
I love this computer. Easy to use and view both above and below water.. It has an electronic Compass and multiple gases configurations for Nitrox. Rechargeable battery. I can go 6 - 8 dives before the need to recharge. Recharges via the USB connection and charging station adapter, home PC or other USB charging device. The display is clear, colorful and very visible underwater due to the back lighting of TFT screen. The DiveOrganizer software needs some work. This is new software that has bugs but usable. I have upgraded the firmware twice since I bought it and it was easy to do with the USB connection provided with the computer. Very nice semi-hard case keep everything together. The only thing lacking is air integration. This has been promised for some time now moving from spring 2009 to autumn 2010. According to Mares once available you can return your current model to the distributor and pay the difference for the air integrated model. A pretty sweet deal to get a brand new Icon and a transmitter for the price of the transmitter. Will be on pare with the Scubapro Galileo when air integration arrives.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Port Norris, NJ on 7/28/2010
Comments about Mares Mares Icon HD Wrist Dive Computer:
This is my first computer purchase and I figured go big or go home. The features are really nice. It's easy to read underwater. I've been in murky quarries and the North Atlantic and have not had any problems. I was unfortunate enough to purchase one that had an old version of the firmware and it would not connect to my home computer. Sent it back to Mares and they sent me a new unit. [...] Overall, good computer but if you buy and have problems with connecting to your home pc ask Leisure Pro for an exchange. It's a headache that you shouldn't have to worry about. Ask for the newest stock so this doesn't happen to you.
[6 of 6 customers found this review helpful]
from Conyers, GA on 4/25/2010
Comments about Mares Mares Icon HD Wrist Dive Computer:
Let me be honest. I own a Galileo and I wouldn't trade it for an Icon HD. Two staff members of our LDS bought the Icon and I got to use it for 4 dives.
Within the limits that I feel the computer has...I think it is a fantastic piece of equipment. There are certain features that I wish my Galileo had.
Pros:
- The "3D" display is very bright, very easy to read and really well organized.
- The operation is very intuitive.
- The unit is very comfortable to wear "the same size and feel as my Galileo"
- Nice Compass
Cons:
- No air integration at this time. It is my understanding however that this is going to be offered in the future. I don't know if it will be free or as an extra charge.
- The wonderfully bright display has a downside. The rechargeable battery lasts about 5-6 dives. You have to find an outlet to charge it every night.
- There is no multi-gas function. I'm not sure how much of a problem this is however. Most serious tech/commercial divers seem to use some esoteric trimix computers, but the standard tech guys in our dive shop use their Galileo's. In all fairness, this may be a neutral point.
Conclusion: If they offer a free upgrade to air integration in the future and you don't mind the constant need for A/C power every night, than this computer may be just the thing for you. I personally still think that the Galileo is a better choice.