Mares has announced a new budget-friendly dive computer: the Sirius L. A pared-back version of Mares’ original Sirius computer, the Sirius L may just about be the cheapest watch dive computer on the market.
Here’s a quick preview of the Mares Sirius L.
Sirius L Features
Mares is clearly focused on delivering an affordable, watch-style dive computer. Judging by the feature set, it feels like a throwback to the early 2000s:
- Monochrome LCD Display
- Dive modes: Air, Nitrox, Multigas Nitrox, Freedive, Bottom Timer
- Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm with customizable gradient factors
- Multigas capability: up to 3 gases
- Safety Stop and Safety Stop+ options
- Bottom Timer mode with resettable average depth and stopwatch
- Decompression dive planner with user-adjustable surface interval
- Logbook capacity for up to 100 dives with graphs (via Mares App)
- User-replaceable battery (CR2450) – approx. 100 dives
- Integrated Bluetooth for app sync and firmware updates
- Two-button navigation for intuitive use
- Strap easily replaceable with colour straps or a bungee mount (sold separately)
With a monochrome display, no rechargeable battery, and no air integration, this is clearly a budget option. It’s basic. While the UK price hasn’t been announced, it’s retailing in Europe for €299.
It’s good to see that it uses the Bühlmann ZH-L16C algorithm with customisable gradient factors, allowing you to align with other divers using the same algorithm. Bluetooth connectivity for downloading dives to the Mares or SSI app is another welcome feature.
There’s also something to be said for user-replaceable batteries. The CR2450 button cell is readily available and ensures the computer is easy to maintain. If a built-in battery on a high-end computer fails, replacing it can be time-consuming and prohibitively expensive.
Comparison
| Mares Sirius L | Suunto D5 | Garmin Descent G2 | Mares Sirius | |
| Display | Monochrome LCD | Full Colour MIP | Full Colour AMOLED | Full Colour MIP |
| Gases | Air, Nitrox, | Air, Nitrox | Air, Nitrox, Trimix, CCR | Air, Nitrox, Trimix |
| Wireless Tank Integration | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Features | No | No | No | No |
| Price | €299.00 | £345.00 | £589.99 | £670.99 |
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple dive computer and price is the priority, the Sirius L could be a great fit. However, cheap doesn’t always mean good value. Considering what else is available, you can find far more capable dive computers for only a bit more.
Traditional dive computer brands are clearly struggling to keep up with smartwatch specialists like Suunto and Garmin in the watch-style dive computer space. Perhaps Mares is smart to focus on affordability rather than trying to compete on features—an area where they may not win.
This is just a preview so we’ll have to wait for full reviews before making a definitive judgment on the Sirius L.
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