There are many gauges on offer. There are three types of gauges available: Analog, Digital, and Pneumofathometer models. For safe diving, it is crucial to select a gauge that meets your requirements. Keeping your gauge calibrated is also vital for decompression safety, especially at altitudes.
Analog gauges
Analog gauges are used to help divers gauge the depth of the sea. To indicate the depth, they use a needle that pivots around a graduated gauge. These gauges can be worn around the wrist or integrated into a dive computer. They are less accurate than digital gauges but more reliable than analog. An advantage of an analog gauge over digital is the fact that you never run out.
The gauge's display is easy to read. The gauge has numerical increments that range from 10' to 40’ and 20' up to 150'. The gauge also features a pressure gauge. It displays pressure from 0 to 5000 psi. A red screen means reserve air, and a green screen means main air.
Digital models
Divers want to dive long and deep. A digital gauge will not help them achieve this. Temperature changes can affect the pressure difference between the gauge's water and the ambient. A mechanical gauge is safer than an electronic one. In addition to keeping track of your dive time and depth, the gauge will calculate your Nitrogen retention and help prevent decompression illness.
There are two main types of digital gauge diving computer. The hose approach is simple and uses a pipe to connect the diver's computer to the high pressure port at the top of the first stage. Wireless mode, on the contrary, attaches an electronic transmitter to the first stage to communicate to the computer. You can also find this type of diving computer in console or wrist-mounted models.
Pneumofathometers
Pneumofathometers can be used to measure the depth of air that is supplied to divers. These devices measure surface air pressure and indicate depth in meters or feet. These devices were once mounted on a hand crank air pump, which supplied breathing air to the standard dive suit. The air supply was free flowing, with no back pressure.
Gauge diving is for divers who wish to use a gauge. A gauge should be able to read between 130 and 160 percent the maximum operating pressure of the diving system. A gauge with this range would suffice for a system that operates at 3,000 psi or more.
Submersible pressure gauges
A submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG), is a device that allows divers to track their air pressure. It also displays the current depth and the direction the diver is moving. The SPG is attached to regulators via a high-pressure pipe. This arrangement is useful for divers to avoid getting confused about the location of the gauge and helps prevent it from being lost. The SPG indicates the remaining air pressure, in pounds per sq inch. It can be used for air supply monitoring while diving.
Scubapro offers an oil-filled analog depth gage with a Bourdon tub design. It can measure to depths of up to 200 feet. It comes with a C1 Compass, which attaches directly to the console boot. Because it is easy to use, this gauge is ideal for beginners.
Compass
Easy to read compass is the best for gauge diving. It should have adequate markings to suit your needs and be large enough to be readable underwater. You will want a compass that has a bezel with indicator marks at every five degrees and compass headings in increments of 30 degrees.
A gauge diver's compass should have a side view window to allow them to see the direction it is pointing. This allows the diver see the direction that the compass is pointed even in complete darkness.