After having used the new SMART freediving computer for the first time, the thing that struck me the most is the really simple display which allows you to read all the necessary information.

Our diving centre has been around on the island of Elba for 10 years now, and has become an important meeting place for freedivers of both types: those who bring with them years of experience, and in the case of students and enthusiasts in the early stages of training, those who have a hunger to learn (which is even more important). So putting the computer to the test has been really easy!

The SMART immediately gives a good first impression due to the fact that it is possible to change batteries by yourself without being forced to send it off and wait for a return from the retailer. This together with its very competitive price definately make it a very interesting freediving accessory.

But now we’re getting to the best bits!

1. Included is a function which allows you to monitor your hydration, which in my opinion and in that of many others is an excellent little ‘extra’. Especially during the phases of learning the basics (duck dives, finning, hyper-extension of the head etc.), students often forget that it is important to drink water! Keeping well hydrated is in fact one of the key things to remember when learning about compensation and preventing other more profound symptoms…
2. The SMART is also pretty innovative insofar as you have the possibility to analyse your dives on your PC displaying both speed of ascent and descent. Being able to compare your average speed is essential, especially for someone who is starting to increase their depth capabilities; an awareness of speed during the various phases of the dive helps in many ways to maintain a much more controlled descent.
   From the moment of the first important dives (all of those in and around 10m-15m) the relationship created between effort, speed and weighting is a factor that goes hand in hand with hydrodynamics; average speed is therefore recorded by the SMART and together with various alarms that can be personalized make it a fantastic training companion.
3. Plus for any pool fanatics, the various count-down options give an extremely easy training support, helping you to keep your mind clear and enabling you to concentrate on either dynamic or static training sessions (tables, repetitions, max. breath holds)

Conclusion? All in all a great product, well designed and visually appealing, and full of functions that are easy to operate and useful even for beginners. Nice one MARES!

– Carlo Boscia –