Mares Puck Pro Plus Review: The Reliable Companion for Learning and Recreation
Full review and test of the Mares Puck Pro Plus, the ideal dive computer for beginners and recreational divers. Reliability and simplicity at an entry-level price.
What is the difference between the Mares Puck Pro + and the new Puck 4?
The Puck Pro + uses the proprietary RGBM algorithm and requires an optional cable to export dives. The newer Puck 4 integrates native Bluetooth and the customizable Bühlmann ZH-L16C model.
Can I dive with Nitrox on the Mares Puck Pro +?
Yes, it manages up to two gases, including Nitrox mixes from 21% to 99% oxygen, perfect for recreational decompression.
How do I change the battery on the Mares Puck Pro +?
The operation is very simple: it uses a standard CR2450 button battery that the user can unscrew and replace themselves using a simple coin.
Does this computer have a backlit screen?
Yes, although it is a classic segmented LCD display, a long press on the single button activates a backlight for night or low-visibility dives.
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Introduction
In the world of scuba diving, where every detail counts for safety and the pleasure of exploration, choosing your gear is a process that deserves full attention. The dive computer, in particular, is not a simple accessory. It is the silent guardian of our limits, the tireless calculator that watches over our physiology under pressure. Before diving into the specifics of a model, it is essential to understand this intimate relationship between the diver and their machine, an alliance based on trust and precision. It is in this perspective that we approach today a classic, a model that has accompanied thousands of divers in their first bubbles and beyond: the Mares Puck Pro Plus. This article proposes to analyze this veteran in depth, from its undeniable assets to its limitations, to help you determine if it still meets your needs in a constantly evolving market.
Summary Verdict
Global Score: 3.2/5
Criterion
Score
What it means
Algorithm & stops
3.4/5
Proprietary RGBM algorithm, very safe but without Gradient Factors adjustments.
Air & multi-gas
2.0/5
Manages 2 gases (Air and Nitrox), ideal for recreation, but no advanced technical option.
Screen & ergonomics
2.4/5
Highly readable monochrome LCD display, but the 1-button navigation is aging.
Battery life & cell
3.8/5
User-replaceable CR2450 battery offering peace of mind when traveling.
Connectivity & app
3.0/5
No native wireless, requires an expensive optional USB or Bluetooth connector.
Compass & instruments
2.5/5
No compass, but an effective bottom timer (Gauge) mode is present.
Robustness & depth
4.2/5
Indestructible case certified to 150 meters, with tempered mineral glass.
Price & Support
4.5/5
One of the cheapest computers on the market, perfect for tight budgets.
Detailed Analysis
Algorithm and Stops: Conservative and simple
The management of decompression, this complex dance between ambient pressure and human physiology, is the heart of any dive computer. The Mares Puck Pro Plus relies on a proven approach, a mathematical black box that has widely proven its worth, favoring a conservative approach to guarantee safety for the general public. It is essential to understand that the reliability of an algorithm, even if it does not offer the latest innovations, remains a fundamental pillar of our practice.
The Puck Pro Plus uses the proprietary RGBM (Reduced Gradient Bubble Model) algorithm developed by Mares and Wienke, based on 10 tissues. This model, while very safe, does not allow fine tuning of Gradient Factors, a feature present on newer Bühlmann algorithms and appreciated by experienced divers looking to customize their decompression profile. It nevertheless integrates the management of deep stops and offers the possibility of manually hardening calculations via three predefined conservatism levels, a valuable option for adapting the computer to specific diving conditions or fatigue.
Air and Multi-gas: Basic and efficient
A computer's ability to manage different gas mixtures is a key indicator of its versatility. The Mares Puck Pro Plus offers exactly what a diver needs to validate their first levels and learn decompression with a basic stage bottle, a crucial step in the progression of any diver.
The device manages up to 2 gases, supporting Air and Nitrox (from 21% to 99% O2). This functionality allows gas switching during the dive to optimize stops, which is a significant advantage for slightly more demanding recreational dives. It logically bypasses Trimix, CCR modes, and wireless air integration, functions reserved for more specialized computers and technical diving practices. For the recreational diver, this simplicity is often an asset, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Screen and Ergonomics: High contrast but limited navigation
The visual interface and ease of interaction with your computer are determining elements, especially when underwater. The segmented display of the Puck Pro Plus recalls the calculators of our childhood. While it lacks modernity, it compensates with absolute contrast in direct sunlight, a significant quality in bright light conditions.
The monochrome LCD screen is protected by a mineral glass, ensuring robustness. Mares has refined the casing of the Plus version compared to the very first Puck, while retaining the single central button ergonomics. Although readable, navigating the sub-menus through a succession of short and long presses requires mental gymnastics that can be frustrating on the surface, and potentially more delicate underwater, especially with thick gloves. The simplicity of the single button is a strength, but it requires some getting used to.
Battery life & cell: Travel independence
Autonomy is a major concern for any diver, as a power failure underwater can have serious consequences. This is the strength of computers of this generation: energy is never a problem, and you will never depend on an electrical outlet, a welcome freedom when traveling or on isolated sites.
The Puck Pro Plus is powered by a standard Lithium CR2450 button battery. The user can open it with a coin to change it themselves, an autonomy that offers great peace of mind. The announced battery life ranges between 200 and 300 dives, a figure unattainable for rechargeable color screens, which require more rigorous charging management. This simplicity of maintenance is a major asset for divers who prioritize reliability and independence.
Connectivity and App: Anchored in the past
In the digital age, device connectivity has become an almost universal expectation. The Achilles' heel of this model today lies in its connectivity, which remains anchored in the previous decade, which can be an obstacle for users used to instant synchronization.
The logbook stores 36 hours of profiles, with a 5-second sampling rate, which is sufficient for most recreational divers. However, there is no built-in Bluetooth. To export this data to your PC or smartphone app, you must purchase the Dive Link 2 interface (USB cable) or Bluelink Pro (Bluetooth module), a significant additional cost that weighs on the attractive starting price of the computer. This dependence on optional accessories is a point to seriously consider when purchasing.
Compass and Instruments: Back to basics
While some modern computers integrate a multitude of sensors, the Mares Puck Pro Plus focuses on the essentials: time and depth. For navigation, you will need to rely on a traditional analog compass, a proven approach that remains very reliable.
No electronic compass is on the program, simplifying the interface and reducing potential sources of failure. The device still offers a stopwatch and an effective bottom timer (Gauge) mode displaying average depth, useful for executing planned dives using traditional run-times. This minimalist approach is a deliberate choice that prioritizes reliability and simplicity of use.
Robustness and Depth: Indestructible design
The robustness of a dive computer is paramount, as it is subjected to significant constraints in a demanding environment. If it equips so many rental fleets in dive centers, there is a good reason: it is extremely difficult to break, a quality that reassures and guarantees a long lifespan.
The polymer composite case is certified for use down to 150 meters, a depth far exceeding standard recreational diving. Its mineral glass limits scratch damage inevitable during gear handling on boats, a detail that shows design thought for durability. This ability to absorb shocks and constraints of the marine environment is a major asset of the Puck Pro Plus.
Price and Support: Unbeatable budget entry
The cost of acquisition and the quality of customer support are essential criteria in the choice of any equipment. This model is often found new well under 200 euros. This is one of the safest ways to equip yourself with a personal computer benefiting from Mares support logistics in Europe, a significant point for peace of mind.
Regarding Mares customer service, reviews are polarized. Some exchanges are made in 8 days, others report delays or some rigidity on shipping costs. The quality of service depends heavily on the local dealer, who acts as a buffer between the client and the brand. It is therefore recommended to choose a responsive dealer known for their reliability. Despite these nuances, the quality-price ratio of the Puck Pro Plus remains highly competitive, making it a wise choice for constrained budgets.
Who is this computer for?
The Mares Puck Pro Plus is primarily aimed at beginner divers, those who have just obtained their Level 1 or Open Water, and are looking for a reliable, simple, and no-frills companion for their first underwater explorations. Its robustness also makes it an excellent choice for dive clubs and training centers, where gear is put to the test. It will also suit the occasional diver who wants a personal computer without breaking the bank, or as a backup computer for more experienced divers.
On the other hand, this computer is not ideal for technical (Tek) divers who need advanced features like managing multiple complex gases or planning precise decompressions with customizable Gradient Factors. It will also not suit those who want advanced integration with their smartphone via native Bluetooth for data transfer, without having to invest in additional accessories. If connectivity and customization options are your priorities, other models will be more suitable.
Power Supply
The Mares Puck Pro Plus power supply, based on a user-replaceable CR2450 battery, is a major asset for peace of mind. On cruises, far from any electricity source, the ability to change your battery in a few minutes with a simple coin is an invaluable advantage. This eliminates dependence on a charger and an electrical outlet, offering valuable autonomy. For daily use, it also means fewer charging constraints and constant availability of the computer. It is a design that prioritizes simplicity and reliability over connected features, a relevant choice for many divers.
If the Mares Puck Pro Plus has captured your attention with its simplicity and robustness, it is interesting to note that the Mares brand offers a wide range of dive computers, each answering specific needs. For those seeking a natural evolution with more modern features, the Mares Puck 4 integrates, for example, native Bluetooth and a customizable Bühlmann algorithm. If your ambitions carry you towards more technical diving, the Mares Quad or the Mares Genius could offer the necessary tools for your explorations. Each model is designed with its own philosophy, and it is essential to explore them to find the one that will best match your practice.
