Aqua Lung i200C Dive Computer Review

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Aqua Lung i200C
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The Aqua Lung i200C is a stylish and budget-friendly dive computer with essential features and Bluetooth connectivity, ideal for beginners and recreational divers.

CategoryScoreWeightWeighted Score
Design and Build4.00.150.60
Display and Readability3.50.200.70
Features and Functionality4.00.251.00
Ease of Use4.50.150.675
Battery Performance3.50.100.35
Value for Money4.50.150.675
Total4.03/51.004.03/5

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)

Introduction

The Aqua Lung i200C is a compact and stylish dive computer designed with beginners and budget-conscious divers in mind. Combining ease of use with essential features, it delivers reliable performance for recreational diving without overwhelming users with unnecessary complexity.

As an entry-level model, the i200C excels in providing straightforward operation and practical functionality. Its sleek, watch-style design makes it versatile for everyday wear, while its affordability ensures it’s accessible to those new to diving or looking for a cost-effective option.

With Bluetooth connectivity, multiple dive modes, and a user-friendly interface, the Aqua Lung i200C is a reliable companion for those exploring the underwater world for the first time.

Best For: Recreational divers, beginners, and those seeking a stylish, budget-friendly dive computer.

Design and Build

The Aqua Lung i200C combines functionality with a sleek, watch-style design, making it a versatile option for divers who want a device they can wear both in and out of the water. Its lightweight construction and stylish appearance cater to budget-conscious divers looking for a practical yet attractive dive computer.

Key Features

  • Casing and Durability: The i200C features a durable polycarbonate case that’s resistant to scratches and everyday wear. While robust enough for recreational diving, it’s not as rugged as higher-end models, which may make it less suitable for rougher conditions.
  • Strap: The adjustable silicone strap provides a comfortable fit for a variety of wrist sizes, including those with smaller wrists, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience.
  • Size and Weight: Its compact and lightweight build makes it unobtrusive underwater and comfortable for everyday use, appealing to divers who value convenience.
  • Buttons: The four-button interface is intuitive but can feel small, especially for divers wearing thicker gloves.

Aesthetics

With its minimalist watch-style design, the i200C stands out as a dive computer you can wear daily. It’s available in a variety of colors, allowing divers to express their style while enjoying practical functionality.

Durability

The i200C is water-resistant to 100 meters (328 feet), suitable for recreational diving but limited compared to other models with deeper ratings. It’s ideal for beginners but may not meet the needs of more demanding scenarios.

Score for Design and Build: 4/5

The Aqua Lung i200C offers a stylish and functional design that appeals to beginners and budget-conscious divers. While it delivers on comfort and aesthetics, its moderate durability and button size slightly reduce its overall score.

Aqua Lung i200C Front and Back

Display and Readability

The Aqua Lung i200C’s display is designed to provide essential dive information in a clear and straightforward manner, catering to beginners and budget-conscious divers who prioritize simplicity over advanced features.

Key Features

  • Monochrome LCD Screen: The i200C features a basic monochrome display that is clear and functional but lacks the vibrancy of color screens found in higher-end models.
  • Font Size and Layout: The information is displayed in a large, easy-to-read font with a logical layout, making it accessible for new divers who may be unfamiliar with dive data presentation.
  • Backlighting: The adjustable backlight improves visibility in low-light or murky conditions, but it may not be as bright as the displays on more expensive models.
  • Screen Size: The compact screen size is consistent with its watch-style design but can feel slightly cramped for divers who prefer larger displays.

Strengths

  • The screen provides all the essential information beginners need, such as depth, dive time, and no-decompression limits, in a clear and concise manner.
  • The backlighting ensures readability during night dives or in darker environments.

Limitations

  • The lack of a color display reduces overall readability and aesthetic appeal compared to competitors like the Shearwater Peregrine.
  • The smaller screen size may make it harder to quickly read data for divers with vision challenges.

Score for Display and Readability: 3.5/5

The Aqua Lung i200C offers a functional and beginner-friendly display, but its monochrome design and smaller size hold it back from being as versatile or visually impressive as other models.

Features and Functionality

The Aqua Lung i200C provides essential diving features in a streamlined package, making it a great option for beginners and budget-conscious divers. While it lacks some advanced capabilities, it covers the basics effectively and even includes a few convenient extras for everyday usability.

Key Features

Dive Modes

  • Air Mode: Designed for standard recreational dives.
  • Nitrox Mode: Supports enriched air diving with gas mixes from 21% to 100% oxygen.
  • Gauge Mode: Functions as a bottom timer for advanced training or freediving.
  • Free Dive Mode: Suitable for apnea divers, allowing transitions between dives without surface interval restrictions.

Bluetooth Connectivity

  • The i200C connects wirelessly to the DiverLog+ app, enabling users to log and share dives, update settings, and manage dive plans conveniently from their smartphone.

Data Retention

  • The computer retains dive and time settings even when the battery is replaced, ensuring no data is lost during maintenance.

User-Replaceable Battery

  • The replaceable CR2430 coin-cell battery is a budget-friendly feature, allowing divers to change the battery themselves without needing professional assistance.

Audible Alarms and Notifications

  • Built-in alarms notify divers of important dive limits, ensuring safe diving practices, especially for beginners.

Strengths

  • Comprehensive dive modes cover all the needs of recreational and beginner divers.
  • Bluetooth connectivity adds modern convenience at an affordable price point.
  • User-replaceable battery reduces maintenance costs over time.

Limitations

  • Lacks advanced features like air integration or trimix support, making it unsuitable for technical divers.
  • No customization options for screen layouts or dive data displays.

Score for Features and Functionality: 4/5

The Aqua Lung i200C provides all the essential features for recreational diving, with added conveniences like Bluetooth connectivity and a user-replaceable battery. However, its lack of advanced options may limit its appeal to divers planning to progress beyond entry-level diving.

Aqua Lung i200C Colors

Ease of Use

The Aqua Lung i200C is designed to offer simplicity and accessibility, making it an excellent choice for beginners and budget-conscious divers who want straightforward functionality without a steep learning curve.

Key Features

Four-Button Interface

  • The i200C uses a four-button layout for navigation. While the buttons are intuitive and logically arranged, their small size can make them slightly challenging to use with thick gloves.

Intuitive Menu System

  • The menu structure is straightforward, providing quick access to essential settings such as dive modes, nitrox adjustments, and backlight configuration. Beginners will appreciate the lack of unnecessary complexity.

Bluetooth Connectivity

  • The DiverLog+ app simplifies dive logging and settings adjustment. Users can set up their dive computer via their smartphone, reducing the need to navigate menus manually.

Clear On-Screen Prompts

  • On-screen prompts and indicators help users avoid mistakes and guide them through critical settings, such as nitrox gas mix adjustments or switching dive modes.

Strengths

  • The intuitive interface is easy to learn, even for first-time users.
  • Bluetooth connectivity reduces reliance on manual adjustments, streamlining the setup process.
  • The lightweight design and comfortable strap make it easy to wear during dives and as a daily watch.

Limitations

  • The small buttons may hinder ease of use for divers wearing gloves in colder waters.
  • Limited customization options mean users must adapt to the preset display layout.

Score for Ease of Use: 4.5/5

The Aqua Lung i200C delivers a simple, user-friendly experience that is well-suited for beginners. Its minor drawbacks, such as small buttons and lack of customization, are outweighed by its intuitive interface and modern connectivity.

Battery Performance

The Aqua Lung i200C features a practical and cost-effective battery system, designed to meet the needs of beginners and budget-conscious divers. Its user-replaceable battery ensures long-term usability without requiring professional maintenance.

Key Features

User-Replaceable Battery

  • The i200C uses a CR2430 coin-cell battery, allowing divers to replace it easily and affordably. This eliminates the need for servicing, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Battery Life

  • The battery provides approximately 60 dives or 6 months of regular use, depending on the frequency of dives and backlight usage. While sufficient for most recreational divers, it’s shorter than some rechargeable alternatives like those on the Shearwater Peregrine.

Battery Status Indicator

  • A clear on-screen indicator helps users monitor battery levels, ensuring they can replace the battery before it runs out during a trip.

Strengths

  • The user-replaceable battery is a budget-friendly solution, particularly for beginners who may not want the added expense of professional servicing.
  • The CR2430 battery is widely available, making replacements convenient.

Limitations

  • Battery life is shorter than rechargeable dive computers, which may inconvenience frequent divers.
  • Frequent battery replacement can be less environmentally friendly compared to rechargeable models.

Score for Battery Performance: 3.5/5

The Aqua Lung i200C offers a reliable and easy-to-maintain battery system that suits budget-conscious and beginner divers. However, its shorter lifespan and reliance on disposable batteries hold it back from achieving a higher score.

Value for Money

The Aqua Lung i200C provides excellent value, combining affordability with essential features that cater to beginners and budget-conscious divers. Its balance of price and functionality makes it an appealing option for recreational diving without unnecessary frills.

Why It’s a Great Value

  • Affordable Pricing: With a price point around $350 USD, the i200C offers significant savings compared to many higher-end models, making it accessible for first-time buyers.
  • All-in-One Design: Its compact, watch-style form doubles as a daily timepiece, offering additional utility beyond diving.
  • Essential Features: Covers all the necessary functionalities for recreational diving, such as multiple dive modes, nitrox support, and Bluetooth connectivity, without overloading users with features they don’t need.
  • Cost-Effective Maintenance: The user-replaceable battery eliminates the expense of professional servicing, saving money over time.
  • Bluetooth Convenience: Wireless connectivity to the DiverLog+ app adds modern functionality typically found in more expensive models.

Trade-Offs

  • Monochrome Display: While functional, the screen lacks the vibrant appeal of higher-end color displays.
  • Limited Advanced Features: Divers looking for options like air integration or trimix support may find the i200C too basic.

Score for Value for Money: 4.5/5

The Aqua Lung i200C is an excellent budget-friendly option that delivers strong performance for its price. While it lacks some premium features, its affordability and practical functionality make it a solid choice for recreational and beginner divers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Budget-Friendly: Affordable price makes it accessible for beginners and budget-conscious divers.
  • Beginner-Friendly: Simple interface and essential features are perfect for first-time divers.
  • Versatile Design: Watch-style form doubles as a daily timepiece, offering functionality both in and out of the water.
  • User-Replaceable Battery: Low-cost and easy maintenance reduces long-term expenses.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity: Syncs with the DiverLog+ app for easy dive logging and settings management.
  • Multiple Dive Modes: Supports air, nitrox, gauge, and freediving modes, covering all recreational needs.
  • Compact and Lightweight: Comfortable for all-day wear and unobtrusive underwater.

Cons

  • Monochrome Display: Lacks the vibrancy and readability of color-screen models.
  • Small Buttons: Can be challenging to operate with thick gloves.
  • Limited Battery Life: Disposable battery requires more frequent replacements compared to rechargeable models.
  • No Advanced Features: Missing air integration, trimix support, and customizable displays.
  • Shallow Depth Rating: Maximum depth of 100 meters (328 feet) limits it to recreational diving.

Comparison

The Aqua Lung i200C is one of the top three dive computers for beginners and budget-conscious divers, alongside the Shearwater Peregrine and the Mares Smart. Each of these models offers unique strengths tailored to recreational diving, making it easier to find the right fit based on your needs and priorities.

For a detailed side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and best-use scenarios, visit our dedicated page:

Click here to compare – Shearwater Peregrine vs. Aqua Lung i200C vs. Mares Smart

This comparison will help you decide which dive computer best suits your diving style, whether you’re prioritizing affordability, advanced features, or ease of use.

Overall Rating

The Aqua Lung i200C is a practical and budget-friendly dive computer that excels in simplicity and accessibility. With its watch-style design, Bluetooth connectivity, and essential dive modes, it’s an excellent choice for beginners and recreational divers. While it lacks some advanced features and the vibrancy of higher-end displays, it delivers solid value for its price point.

Final Scoring

CategoryScoreWeightWeighted Score
Design and Build4.00.150.60
Display and Readability3.50.200.70
Features and Functionality4.00.251.00
Ease of Use4.50.150.675
Battery Performance3.50.100.35
Value for Money4.50.150.675
Total4.03/51.004.03/5

Best For

  • Beginners: Simple interface and practical features for new divers.
  • Budget-Conscious Divers: Affordable price with low long-term maintenance costs.
  • Recreational Divers: Compact, watch-style design with essential dive modes.

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4.0/5)

The Aqua Lung i200C is a reliable, entry-level dive computer that combines affordability and functionality. While it lacks some advanced features, its ease of use and practical design make it a great choice for those starting their underwater journey.

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