Cressi Neon - Review 2023

Which is Better, the Cressi Neon or the Suunto Zoop Novo?

We’ve chosen to compare the Neon to the Zoop Novo because both arguably target the same markets: entry-level purchasers and dive centers.
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.

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.

What You Need to Know About the Cressi Neon

Here’s a round-up of some of the Cressi Neon’s key features.

Dive Mode Deactivation

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.

Nitrox Mode and Gas Switch

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!

Two-Button Navigation

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.

Four Diving Modes

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.

Small Enough for Daily Wear

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.

No Air/Nitrox Lockout!

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 Cressi Neon’s Decompression Model

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.

What Does This Mean for the Diver?

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’s After Sales and Servicing Support

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.

Any Ongoing Maintenance?

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.
Software updates may be required from time to time and are available from Cressi’s website.

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.

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.

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.