Summer Worsley, Dive Instructor
The Cressi Neon is a plucky little computer perfectly suited to the needs of recreational scuba divers and freedivers. While it might not boast all the bells and whistles more expensive models do, the Neon is a solid, entry-level computer at a very wallet-friendly price. After reviewing the Neon, we found there’s a lot to like. Already know the Cressi Neon is for you? Follow the link above for prices and more details. Need more info? Read our full review below. We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think: We’ve chosen to compare the Neon to the Zoop Novo because both arguably target the same markets: entry-level purchasers and dive centers. In terms of looks, there are some obvious points to be made. While the Neon looks smart enough to wear to the office, the Zoop Novo’s large face and chunky case make it undeniably a dive computer. When it comes to features, the Neon has the edge of the Zoop Novo. It can switch gasses and supports up to 99% O2. It must be said though, this percentage of O2 is not much use to beginners and recreational divers. And Cressi notes the computer should not be used as a decompression device. Zoop Novos offer a greater memory and scuba dive logbook capacity, so if this is important to you, you might prefer the Suunto. We also think the Novos are pretty indestructible; bar putting a tank on top of one, there’s little you can do to destroy it. For more info on the Zoop Novo, check our full review here. Overall, the Cressi Neon caters better to freedivers and spearfishers and in scuba diving mode, it’s more advanced than the Novo. For the cost, you’re hard-pressed to find a better computer and the Neon wins our vote. Here’s a round-up of some of the Cressi Neon’s key features. The Cressi Neon is not just a scuba diving computer, it’s a watch suited to a wide range of watersports and activities. We’ve all been there: swimming, snorkeling, and duck diving when suddenly we realize our computers are engaged. Here, you have the option to turn the dive mode off completely and it won’t be triggered as you splash about. Surprisingly, given its entry-level price point, the Neon is capable of an air or Nitrox gas switch between two tanks. Preprogram your gases and upon ascent, the Neon will flash to let you know you can change gas at that depth or shallower. The computer supports 21-50% O2 on gas one and 21-99% O2 on gas two. It’s a nice addition to have, but we’re not sure who will use this functionality as the Cressi Neon is a recreational computer. Drop us a comment if you have a Neon and you’re using this feature! Cressi has avoided the pitfall of difficult menu navigation (which many computers fall into) by designing the interface around a two-button system. It must be said, the interface is intuitive and simple to use. Anyone could pick up this computer and be comfortable with its operation. It’s features like this that make the Cressi ideal for dive students and freediving students alike. On that note, the computer can be fully reset so any data and residual nitrogen from previous students is cleared. Look for the T.ERASE (tissue erase) setting. We’ve already covered the Neon’s Nitrox functionality and its off mode, but it also boasts apnea and gauge modes. We like that the Neon offers a lot of the same data in these modes, along with graphs representing the dives—something a lot of manufacturers leave out. In this respect, it’s a great little computer for beginner to expert freedivers and spearfishers. The Neon is a far cry from the Puck Pros of the world. It’s small enough that you will happily wear it day in and day out as a watch. We also like the range of colors available — some are reminiscent of those 90s favorites, Baby G watches — and most are pretty snazzy looking. Or, stick with plain back and be confident in the knowledge it goes with everything you own, including your wetsuit. We’re excited about this so we’ve saved it for last. The Cressi Neon WILL NOT stop you from changing your mode from air to Nitrox or vice versa even during desaturation. This is important because many entry-level computers (it’s not entirely your fault, Suunto, but you have to take some of the blame here) prevent users from switching modes. For years dive instructors have reminded their students to always keep their computers in Nitrox mode then set it to 21% when diving air. Finally, a beginner’s computer has addressed this annoyance. Hats off to you, Cressi. The Neon runs Cressi’s iteration of the Wienke Reduced Gradient Bubble Model or RGBM for short. This decompression algorithm is based on Haldane’s and utilizes RGBM factors for safe, multi-day diving. Cressi’s version is based on a nine-tissue compartment model with saturation half times between 2.5 and 480 minutes. The algorithm accounts for silent micro-bubbles and is conservative when it comes to repetitive dives and multi-day diving. Like the Leonardo, which we reviewed previously, the Neon is conservative dive computers on the market. You might find yourself hitting your no-decompression limit (NDL) quicker than buddies wearing other brands. That said, you can adjust the level of conservatism based on your personal preference. On the Neon, conservatism factors are labeled as ‘Safety Factor’ (SF) and there are three values: SF0, SF1, and SF2. The factory setting is SF0. This function enables you to make dives safer based on personal risk factors (fitness level, general health, injuries) which increase the risk of decompression sickness. The Neon is based on safe decompression calculations which enable you to do multiple dives spread out over multiple days. Note that if you’re moving from a more forgiving algorithm, you may find the Neon a little pedantic, particularly after several dives over several days. Cressi has a good reputation for after-sales support and servicing. While they might not be at Suunto’s level of reliability, you’re not going to struggle when you try to contact the company. The Neon’s two-year limited warranty covers you for any glitches or errors that aren’t caused by you. Check the user manual here for more info. Like any high-tech device, don’t keep your Cressi Neon in extreme temperatures and avoid the use of harsh chemicals. Simply rinse the computer in fresh water after each dive and that’s all it needs. If anything goes wrong with your Neon, don’t try to fix it yourself as doing so may void your warranty. Take the computer to a registered Cressi service center instead. The Cressi Neon is a great computer at a very tempting price point. It includes everything the recreational scuba diver or freediver needs. We also think it’s an excellent rental computer option. Looking for just the takeaways from our review? You’ll find those below. You’re looking for a no-nonsense dive computer that is easy to use, suitable for recreational diving or freediving, and looks decent enough to have on your wrist all day every day. We think it’s an excellent computer for the price and had everything a demanding beginner or advanced diver needs. If you’re a dive center looking for an affordable model and you want to reset the computer’s nitrogen load after each diver, you can’t go wrong here.Cressi Neon Dive Computer
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy
Reasons NOT to buy
Which is Better, the Cressi Neon or the Suunto Zoop Novo?
There’s really not much of a price difference between the two. Depending on which retailer you choose, you’re looking at an additional US$30-50 for the Zoop Novo, so cost shouldn’t steer your decision.
Cressi Neon Dive Computer: Key Specifications
Where to Buy:
What You Need to Know About the Cressi Neon
Dive Mode Deactivation
Nitrox Mode and Gas Switch
Two-Button Navigation
Four Diving Modes
Small Enough for Daily Wear
No Air/Nitrox Lockout!
Where to Buy:
The Cressi Neon’s Decompression Model
What Does This Mean for the Diver?
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Cressi’s After Sales and Servicing Support
Any Ongoing Maintenance?
Software updates may be required from time to time and are available from Cressi’s website.
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Summary
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Buy This Dive Computer If:
Where to Buy:
Where to Buy:
Love the variation in colors. Very nice when you’re a family of divers and gear like watches n stuff always get mixed up.
Hope I get to try this one soon 🙂 🙂
Where can I buy this in Germany with warranty from Cressi?
I stopped diving a few years ago because of ear problems but I’m still a passionate snorkler.
Was wondering if you’d recommend this computer for snorkeling activities or if there’s some better alternative?
Is it possible to change batteries in this yourself (through my local watch shop) or must it go into Cressi for official repair and replace?
Any info on what kind of warranty Cressi provides on the Neon dive computer?
Hi Luca,
For snorkeling, this won’t give you much value, but if you’re free/skin diving, you can use the Cressi Neon for on the Apnea mode.
Yes, that’s a good reason, to keep different colors for each family member. Really nice with a family of divers
Where can I buy this in Saudi Arabia