ScubaPro G2 - Review 2023

The ScubaPro G2 vs the Galileo Sol?

At first glance, it appears there’s not much to differentiate the G2 from the Galileo Sol. They look and feel the same and both have the familiar three-button interface, and menu structure and navigation are also pretty much identical. Both also use ScubaPro’s Human Factor Diving feature (more about this later).

But, look a bit closer and you’ll notice the G2 is slightly more compact than the Sol. The G2 has a full-color LCD screen meaning all important information is highlighted much better than on its predecessor. The Sol features a user-replaceable battery while the revamped version uses a lithium-ion battery that’s rechargeable via a USB cable and lasts for up to 50 hours on a full charge.

Under the hood is where things really take a turn for the better. The G2’s memory is 10 times that of the Sol, storing up to 1,000 hours of data compared to 100 hours. And, most importantly, in addition to the Sol’s air, nitrox, gauge, and freediving modes, the G2 also supports trimix, CCR, and side-mount.

Recreational divers may find the G2’s price tag a little off-putting and decide that the Sol is plenty of computer for their style of diving. However, the G2 is a serious piece of kit that incorporates all the fantastic features of the Galileo Sol while introducing loads of new features that hardcore techies and extended range divers will go wild for.

What You Need to Know About the ScubaPro G2

Below is a round-up of the ScubaPro G2’s best features:

Display and Interface

The G2’s LCD display is very easy to read and uses colors to highlight the status of important readings:

• Green = Safe
• Yellow = Nearing limits
• Red = Limits are violated

Users can change the colors according to their personal preference and there are four layout options to choose from, each displaying different amounts of data.

ScubaPro has stuck with the three-button interface that customers loved on the Galileo Sol. The menu layout is intuitive and, if you opt for a layout that’s lacking a piece of information you realize you need, it’s quick and easy to navigate to in the menu. The screen can also be rotated 180-degrees so the buttons can be positioned at the top or bottom.

Modes

In addition to air, freediving, and gauge modes, the G2 is fully mixed-gas compatible. The algorithm allows you to program up to eight different gas mixes, including nitrox and trimix. And with CCR and side-mount also catered for, whatever diving scenario you throw at the G2, it has a mode to handle it.

Air Integration

Although incorporated into the console version, air integration with the wrist-mounted G2 is done using a separate transmitter. This monitors the pressure in up to nine tanks to provide true remaining bottom time which allows air-consumption to be continually factored into deco calculations. Again, the transmitter uses colors to indicate the air levels, quickly alerting divers to low levels.

Human Factor Diving

ScubaPro is very proud of its Human Factor Diving technology — as it well should be. Included with the G2 is a heart rate monitor (HRM) belt that straps around the chest. The HRM monitors different factors that affect the rate at which the body absorbs nitrogen during a dive: heart rate, breathing rate, skin temperature, and water temperature.

The G2’s algorithm uses this data to adjust decompression calculations using the real-time state of a diver’s theoretical physiology. Unlike other algorithms that have to rely on pre-planned deco stops at specified depths, the G2 creates a tailored profile using intermediate stops which should extend dive times.

Dive Log and Data Transfer

ScubaPro has incorporated 485MB of memory into the G2 which can store up to an impressive 1,000 hours of dive profiles. Being Bluetooth compatible, the computer can easily and quickly be synced with a PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android device to download data wirelessly via ScubaPro’s LogTRAK software.

The LogTRAK app also lets you upload pictures from a device directly onto the G2. It automatically adjusts and rotates the images to fit the computer’s display. This is a handy feature as it allows you to carry a sitemap or even a fish ID guide with you on each dive.

The ScubaPro G2 Decompression Model

The G2 uses the ZH-L16 ADT MB PMG algorithm. The model tracks decompression status by dividing the body into 16 compartments to simulate the on- and off-gassing of different tissues. Divers can change the conservatism by adjusting the microbubble (MB) levels from between 9 and 0, with 0 being the least conservative setting.

PMG stands for predictive multi-gas. When more than one gas mixture is programmed into the computer, the algorithm predicts the switch to the higher O2 concentration at your specified depth. From then on, the G2 keeps you updated with the decompression schedule for each programmed gas mix.

What Does This Mean for the Diver?

The G2’s algorithm is very adaptable. Having a range of microbubble levels means that, by changing the conservatism of the algorithm, divers can take into account their age, physical condition, and experience level. Combining this with the HRM, the algorithm also adapts to provide an accurate and highly-personalized decompression plan based on your body’s condition throughout the dive.

Having the PMG capability means the model also takes into account all the gas mixes you’re carrying to calculate your decompression schedule. The G2 will also show the deco plan for the current gas being used so you’re prepared for any unplanned events.

ScubaPro After Sales and Servicing Support

ScubaPro offers a two-year warranty on its dive computers, during which time any defects in workmanship or functionality will be repaired or replaced for free. It’s important to note that the warranty only covers the original purchaser and only extends to products bought from an authorized dealer. Any issues or faults that occur from user error, excessive wear and tear, unauthorized servicing, or diving accidents are not covered under the warranty.

Ongoing Maintenance?

The G2 is pretty much maintenance-free, aside from rinsing it with fresh water after diving and ensuring the battery is recharged. ScubaPro recommends the depth accuracy should be verified and the parts used to monitor tank pressure serviced every two years or after 200 dives, whichever is soonest. All servicing should be carried out by an authorized dealer.

Both the transmitter and HRM have user-replaceable batteries and instructions on how to change them are included in the G2’s manual. However, if not done correctly, there’s a chance that the units will not seal properly and start to let water in which would invalidate the warranty. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get the batteries in the two accessories replaced by an authorized service center.

There’s no doubt about it, the ScubaPro G2 is an impressive piece of kit. Although you don’t have to use all the features and only see information relevant to your dive, recreational divers may still find the G2 a bit overwhelming. The price is also off-putting if you’re just wanting a computer for air or nitrox diving.

It’s possible to purchase the G2 without the HRM and/or the transmitter which brings the price down significantly. But, can you really say you’d want to buy the G2 without its coolest features??

With Trimix, CCR, and side-mount capabilities and the ability to monitor the pressure of up to nine cylinders, it really is a computer that will go wherever your diving adventure takes you. Human Factor Diving means the algorithm is as accurate as possible, improving safety and extending dive times. For serious techies, the ScubaPro G2 could well be the computer of their dreams.

ScubaPro has taken everything its customers loved about the Galileo and come up with the G2, a computer that’s more refined and improves on performance and functionality.