Best Scuba Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG) Review

A submersible pressure gauge is an essential piece of scuba equipment and you need a reliable one to stay safe underwater. The SPG tracks how much air is remaining in your scuba tank. Sometimes it comes with a depth gauge that shows what your current depth is. Without this information, it’s like you’re diving blind. The best submersible pressure gauge will ensure that you get these essential pieces of information so that you can make smarter decisions while diving.

Nowadays, many divers use dive computers to provide digital depth information. Yet, we still say an SPG is essential to have around in case something goes wrong with the dive computer. Today, you can get both the SPG and depth gauge combined into a single, handy console that is mounted at the end of a high-pressure hose. Some consoles even include a compass and temperature gauge.

In this article, we will review the best scuba pressure gauges on the market as well as provide an overview of the top factors you should consider when shopping for one. We also answer the most common questions in the FAQ section, so without any further ado, let’s get started with the review.

Our Top Picks:

Best Submersible Pressure Gauge: Recommendations

Aqua Lung 2 Gauge Console

• Depth Rating: 200 ft (60m)
• Max Pressure: 5,000 psi (350 bar)
• Materials: Injection molded plastic
• Reading Options: Metric / Imperial

If you’ve rented an SPG before, chances are you’ve already come across the Aqua Lung 2-gauge console. This is perhaps one of the best-selling and popular 2-gauge consoles. The SPG used in this console has a readout up to 350 bar (5,000 psi) and has a red color zone for low air starting on 50 bar (725 psi).

Aside from having a large face, the markings on the Aqua Lung 2-gauge are clear and mark intervals of 50 bar (725 psi). Located at the bottom of the SPG is an internal thermometer gauge that can measure from 0 to 100F.

At the top of the console is the depth gauge which has a readout from 0 to 60 m (200 ft) and a maximum depth indicator needle. One thing to be aware of is the intervals of the markings on the depth gauge. They are not equally divided; it starts off at 3-meter intervals then suddenly jumps up to 10-meter intervals which can be confusing if you didn’t realize it.

Lastly, if you turn this dive console over, you’ll notice a white circular plastic sheet that can be used as a writing slate.

Features:

• Pressure and depth gauge, with an internal thermometer gauge.
• Plastic sheet on the back can be used as a writing slate.
• Maximum depth indicator needle tracks deepest depth reached in a dive.

Mares Mission 2

• Depth Rating: 230 ft (70 m)
• Max Pressure: 5,000 psi (350 bar)
• Materials: Techno polymer, brass, elastomer rubber
• Reading Options: Imperial

Divers who frequently travel with their gear know how important it is when it comes to saving space. The Mares Mission 2 is a highly-rated SPG that is durable enough for daily use. On top of that, it weighs a bit over half a pound, and is lightweight and compact enough to squeeze into most gear bags.

The Mares Mission 2 utilizes color coding, luminescent dials, and fluorescent needles to make it one of the easiest displays to read from. If you are diving without a dive computer, you’ll appreciate that this SPG comes with a maximum depth indicator. This feature will track the deepest depth reached for every dive so that you can do all of the planning and logging easily.

Features:

• Color-coded indicators.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Maximum Depth Indicator (MDI) marks maximum depth for each dive.
• Fluorescent dial is highly visible even in the dark.

Scubapro 3-Gauge Inline Console

• Depth Rating: 200 ft (60 m)
• Max Pressure: 6,000 psi (400 bar)
• Materials: Tempered glass, injection molded plastic, polycarbonate
• Reading Options: Metric

With its 3 gauges, the Scubapro 3G looks a bit unwieldy at first glance. It’s true that this is one of the larger SPGs on this list, but despite how it looks, it’s actually one of the best SPGs on the market. First, it’s an all-in-one SPG that displays the pressure, depth, direction at all times.

Its durable exterior can be used in the toughest of diving conditions and it can take the occasional knock like a champ. Its recessed instrument faces will keep the faces scratch-free for years to come. Most importantly, the gauge is easy to use and read from. Thanks to its luminescence, color-coding, and oversized numbers, you will always be able to read from this under any condition.

Features:

• Color-coded indicators.
• Analog compass for easier navigation.
• Mounting points for lanyard or clips.
• Maximum depth indicator needle tracks maximum depth during a dive.

Scubapro U-Line

• Depth Rating: 200 ft (60 m)
• Max Pressure: 6,000 psi (400 bar)
• Materials: Tempered glass, non-corrosive plastic, rubber
• Reading Options: Metric / Imperial

Are you new to diving? If so, you’ll want a beginner-friendly and uncomplicated gauge that can provide precise readings while withstanding wear and tear. The Scubapro U-Line comes with the basic functionality that a diver needs, and none of the fluff that you won’t ever use, making it an ideal SPG for beginners.

Furthermore, it has large, luminescent gauges that are easy to read in any lighting condition so that you can quickly tell how much air is remaining in your scuba tank at all times. Additionally, its recessed instruments and rugged exterior ensures the gauge will last a long time against everything you throw at it..

Features:

• Color-coded indicators and fluorescent dial for use in low light conditions.
• Mounting points for lanyard or clips.
• Recessed instrument compartments reduce the chances of impact.
• MDI needle marks maximum depth during a dive.

XS Scuba Highland

• Depth Rating: N/A
• Max Pressure: 5,000 psi (350 bar)
• Materials: Tempered glass, nickel-plated brass, stainless steel
• Reading Options: Imperial / Metric

If you are diving in cramped environments like caves and wrecks, then you need an SPG that is compact and durable. The XS Scuba Highland fits that bill with its solid metal case, tempered scratch-resistant glass, and intuitive face that can be read at a glance.

This type of standalone SPG is ideal for challenging environments where there are entanglement hazards since it’s so streamlined and easy to stow. The integrated snap bolt is highly secure and will keep you from losing the SPG. Furthermore, it’s one of the most customizable SPGs on the market with 2” and 2.5” variations, as well as bar and psi measurements.

Features:

• Available in numerous sizes.
• Fluorescent needle and luminescent face for easy reading.
• Solid construction for added durability.

Cressi Mini SPG

• Depth Rating: 230 ft (70 m)
• Max Pressure: 5,000 psi (350 bar)
• Materials: Desmopen, glass, polycarbonate, chromed brass
• Reading Options: Imperial

The Cressi Mini SPG has an easy-to-read 5,000 psi pressure gauge and a depth gauge in one. This setup is great when used in combination with a dive computer. Even if you have a wireless air integrated setup, you may want to monitor the air manually with a backup gauge for added peace of mind.

Furthermore, the depth gauge comes with a maximum depth indicator and is easy to read. It will be more accurate than any digital version you’ll find in a dive computer. We love how compact and lightweight the Cressi Mini is. Thanks to its rubber boot, it’s durable on the outside and can be mounted onto your scuba equipment. Overall, this is a top pick not just for its performance, but for how convenient it is for traveling as well.

Features:

• Pressure and depth gauge.
• Travel-friendly and lightweight.
• Mounting points for lanyard or clips.
• Maximum depth indicator.

ScubaPro Pressure Gauge

• Depth Rating: 200 ft (60 m)
• Max Pressure: 5,000 psi (350 bar)
• Materials: Tempered glass, rubber, injection molded plastic, brass
• Reading Options: Imperial /Metric

The ScubaPro pressure gauge is one of the most straightforward models on the market, but sometimes simplicity is best. This SPG is a durable and rugged precision instrument that is designed for divers using multiple gauges in the water. The Scubapro SPG works well with staged and dropped decompression tanks, and can be used alongside a dive computer.

Additionally, this SPG’s luminescent face, fluorescent dial, and oversized printed numbers allow the information to be easily parsed even when in low-light conditions. Furthermore, it’s streamlined, lightweight, and can be stowed in a BCD pocket. If you are looking for a powerhouse of an SPG that can be used for nearly all diving conditions, then the Scubapro SPG is a great choice.

Features:

• Luminescent dial and fluorescent needle for easier reading in the dark.
• Compact and great for travel.
• Mounting points for lanyard or clips.

Tusa 3G Analog Console

• Depth Rating: 220 ft (70m)
• Max Pressure: 5,000 psi (350 bar)
• Materials: Injection molded plastic, rubber, tempered glass
• Reading Options: Imperial

If you want all your gauges in one, then the Tusa 3G features a unique space-saving design where it has a pressure and depth gauge in the front, and an analog compass in the back. This keeps the SPG relatively compact. At the front, oversized, easy-to-read printed numbers on the pressure and depth gauges can be easily parsed at a glance.

Next, the color-coded indicators let you know approximately how much air is remaining in the tank, or when you are approaching the maximum depth. The Tusa 3G features a maximum depth indicator to track the deepest point reached in a dive to help you plan your next immersion. Furthermore, this SPG’s impact-resistant, heavy-duty exterior makes it one of the most durable models on the market.

Features:

• 3 gauges – pressure, depth, and analog compass.
• Maximum depth indicator needle tracks maximum depth reached in a dive.
• Luminescent face for easier reading in the dark.

Suunto SPG

• Depth Rating: N/A
• Max Pressure: 5,000 psi (350 bar)
• Materials: Injection molded plastic, tempered glass
• Reading Options: Imperial

Even if you are already diving with a wireless air integrated dive computer or multiple gauges, you want to have a back-up pressure gauge for redundancy. This way, a dive can safely go on even if one instrument fails. The Suunto SPG is an excellent choice for a back-up gauge since it is compact, clips to your gear, or can be stowed in a BCD pocket.

To ensure it can be used even in dim lighting, the Suunto SPG has a luminescent dial and oversized printed numbers so that it can always be read. Furthermore, its basic design makes it impossible to mess up the readings. It even has color-coded indicators so you’ll know when your tank is in the red and it’s time to surface.

Features:

• Fluorescent needle and luminescent dial for easier reading in dim lighting.
• Color-coded indicators.
• Simplistic, compact design which is ideal for travel.
• Mounting points for clips or a lanyard.

Oceanic Swiv Combo

• Depth Rating: 200 ft (60 m)
• Max Pressure: 5,000 psi (350 bar)
• Materials: Noryl, lexan, rubber, injection molded plastic
• Reading Options: Imperial

While the Oceanic Swiv might not be the most stylish SPG with its unique design, it more than makes up for it with its usefulness and durability. This SPG uses an injection molded plastic boot and scratch-resistant Lexan and Noryl gauge faces for an ultra durable exterior. The Swiv is suited for divers that will be diving in tough water conditions.

Carrying it around is convenient with its twin mounting points so that it can be clipped on anywhere, even if you are using oversized hardware for colder climates. You can also appreciate its luminescent gauge faces and thermometer gauge if you are diving in dark and chilly waters. Overall, the Oceanic Swiv Combo is a hard-wearing SPG that is suitable for everyday use.

Features:

• Integrated temperature gauge which reads from 0 to 100F.
• Shock-resistant bourdon tube mechanism.
• One-way safety valve.
• Nitrox compatible to 50% O2.

Best Scuba Pressure Gauge Buying Guide

It can be headache-inducing shopping for a SPG; there are so many options on the market, and you may not know where to start. It doesn’t help that some SPGs do so much more than provide pressure data; they may also come with a depth gauge, compass, thermometer, and more.

Minimum Specs

No matter which dive gauge you get, it should at the very least have the following features. To begin, it should be color-coded. Green means full, yellow means partially used up, and red means running low on air. An SPG may have only one or all of these colors; as long as it’s easy to see that you are running low on air, it’s good enough.

Next, the dial or needle should be fluorescent so that you can still read the SPG under dim conditions. Of course, it also helps if you have a good dive torch to illuminate your surroundings.

Finally, the SPG’s dial should also be luminescent. This basically means that it can glow in the dark. Particularly if you do a lot of night or wreck diving where light is limited, being able to still read your gauges is a necessity. This also means that you can charge up the luminescent material on your SPG by shining your dive light at it.

Units

SPGs will display imperial or metric units depending on your location. Locations influenced by the US will use imperial units (psi), and European instruments will use the metric system (bars). These are both valid units and it doesn’t matter which one you get as long as you know how to easily read them.

Ideally, you should know how to read both systems well enough that you can do quick mental math to calculate how much air you have left. You never know when you might need it, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Stripped Down or Booted

SPGs either come stripped down or booted. “Stripped down” means the SPG is standalone, i.e., it doesn’t have extra protective material. This saves space and creates less drag when underwater which is ideal for technical diving. Console SPGs are “booted” when they are covered in rubber or plastic. A booted SPG is more durable because it is protected by extra material, whereas stripped down SPGs are exposed and vulnerable to hard objects during transport.

Standalone or Console

The most popular SPG setup is the console type. For the most part, consoles have 2 displays: an SPG that is connected to a high pressure hose, and a depth gauge. Sometimes in high-end models there are 3 displays where an underwater compass is included. For technical diving, SPGs are used as a back-up to air integrated dive computers in case something goes wrong with the device.

Configuration

Divers tend to customize their equipment to achieve the perfect trim, balance, and comfort while underwater. This is easily done on other equipment like weight belts, regulators, BCDs, and dive computers. However, when it comes to a precision measuring instrument like an SPG, do NOT attempt to configure it yourself (except for swivel and lanyard attachment). You do not want to mess up its high-pressure air readings. If you suspect your SPG needs to be calibrated, then it is better to send it off to an accredited service center or dive shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SPG stand for?

SPG stands for submersible pressure gauge. Some people might call it a scuba pressure gauge, but it basically means the same thing. SPGs not only track the air pressure in your scuba tank; they also track the current depth. The gauge is really two gauges in one, and sometimes there might even be a compass as well. SPGs provide you data regarding the remaining air supply and current depth using needles that point to numbers on the respective gauge.

What is the gauge pressure?

Since your scuba tank is packed with compress air, monitoring the pressure in the tank can give you an accurate ideal of how much air is remaining. The gauge pressure is the measurement of the remaining air in BAR/PSI units. With this knowledge, scuba divers can make smarter decisions regarding how much longer they can keep diving, or if they should start their ascent to the surface.

How do I use an SPG?

Keep in mind that a full scuba tank has 3,000 psi (207 bar) of compressed air. As you dive, keep an eye out on how much psi/bar is remaining. Once it reaches approximately 20-25%, you should begin your ascent. In other words, if your pressure reading is around 700 psi (50 bar) or less, it’s about time to wrap up your dive.

Without an SPG, you cannot know exactly how much pressure is left. SPGs are a precision instrument reading that gives you the precise data. You should be monitoring your SPG every few minutes. This way, you will not find yourself in the worst case scenario where you are out of air while hundreds of feet underwater. During your pre-dive check, make absolutely certain that your SPG is functioning properly.

Do I need an SPG to safely dive?

Yes, SPGs are an essential piece of scuba equipment you should always bring with you. Knowing precisely how much air is remaining in the tank can prevent a serious accident from occurring. Using something like a dive watch or a dive computer to estimate the air remaining in the tank isn’t accurate. They don’t actually track the pressure inside and are monitoring secondary factors like elapsed time or heart rate.

With an SPG, you can get accurate readings of the air pressure in the scuba tank in real-time. This is necessary because your oxygen supply is not used up at a uniform rate; you consume air differently from dive to dive. For example, a sudden and unexpected increase in physical exertion will cause you to use up oxygen rapidly. Other tracking methods may not take into account these spikes in oxygen consumption, but an SPG will always give you the most accurate data. You can even link the SPG to an air integrated dive computer to read this data from a digital screen.

Last update on 2024-12-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API