The Mares Smart Apnea is a dedicated wrist dive computer built exclusively for freediving and spearfishing, with no scuba compatibility by design. Mares developed it as the direct successor to the Nemo Apneist, and it stands as the benchmark device for freedivers and spearfishermen worldwide.
The Smart Apnea samples depth, temperature, and speed data every second via an advanced microprocessor. A two-button interface navigates three dive modes without complexity. Its permanently visible surface recovery timer is the most praised feature in the category. Programmable alarms for depth, speed, and hydration complete a safety-first feature set priced at $340 USD.
The device stores nine dive sessions and warns against dangerous ascent rates in real time. Both beginners and competitive freedivers rely on it for daily training and long spearfishing sessions. This review covers everything from features and safety to pricing and where to buy.
What Is the Mares Smart Apnea?
The Mares Smart Apnea is a dedicated wrist dive computer engineered exclusively for freediving and spearfishing, with a two-button interface and a scratch-resistant mineral glass LCD display. Mares designed it as the direct successor to the Nemo Apneist. Serious freedivers and spearfishermen worldwide consider it the benchmark device in its category.
Here’s the thing: the two-button design makes the Mares Smart Apnea genuinely intuitive in and out of the water. Improved software from Mares streamlines navigation so users access all functions without fumbling in gear. This simplicity is what separates the Smart Apnea from more complex multi-mode dive computers on the market.
The LCD segmented display uses mineral glass with a scratch-resistant coating for exceptional underwater visibility. The housing stays under 50mm (2 inches) in diameter, fitting comfortably on any wrist. A rubber watchband holds the unit securely during active dives and long spearfishing sessions.
Mares Smart Apnea Quick Specs:
| Specification | Value |
| Maximum Depth | 150m (492 feet) |
| Display | LCD segmented, mineral glass |
| Interface | 2-button design |
| Memory | 9 dive sessions, 1-second sampling |
| Battery | User-replaceable lithium |
| Colors | Black-orange, Black-grey |
| Units | Metric and Imperial |
| Price | ~$340 USD (315 EUR) |
Who Is the Mares Smart Apnea Designed For?
The Mares Smart Apnea is designed primarily for freedivers and spearfishermen who need accurate depth and timing data without complicated menu navigation. Mares rates the device at 100% fit for advanced freediving and apnea training, and 95% fit for active spearfishing. Dive travel enthusiasts also benefit, with an 85% fit score for underwater expeditions.
In fact, beginners to freediving find the Mares Smart Apnea accessible because its two-button layout covers all core functions. Experienced competitive freedivers rely on its second-by-second data sampling for technique refinement. The device suits anyone focused on breath-hold diving rather than compressed-air scuba.
How Does the Mares Smart Apnea Differ from Scuba Computers?
The Mares Smart Apnea differs from scuba computers by focusing entirely on rapid depth changes, short dive durations, and surface recovery intervals critical to freediving safety. Standard scuba computers use decompression algorithms like the Mares-Wienke RGBM for extended bottom times. The Smart Apnea tracks the metrics freedivers actually need.
Bottom line: a Mares representative confirmed the Smart Apnea is not compatible with scuba use. Recreational scuba divers receive only a 60% fit rating from the manufacturer. Freedivers who attempt to use this device for scuba lose access to essential decompression planning tools.
How Does the Mares Smart Apnea Work?
The Mares Smart Apnea works through an advanced-performance microprocessor paired with a latest-generation depth sensor that samples dive data every second. The computer organizes information across three primary modes: surface mode, training mode, and apnea mode. Users navigate all three using just two control buttons.
To be clear, before entering the water, plan mode allows divers to set recovery times and configure alarms. The unit accepts both metric and imperial units based on diver preference. Fresh and saltwater settings let users calibrate the depth sensor for accurate readings in either environment.
Battery consumption is optimized through the microprocessor and sensor combination. The lithium battery is user-replaceable, meaning divers swap it without professional service. A battery power indicator warns before power runs critically low during active dive sessions.
What Data Does the Mares Smart Apnea Display During a Dive?
The Mares Smart Apnea displays instant depth, dive time, water temperature, and both descent and ascent speeds during every dive, giving freedivers complete situational awareness at a glance. All data appears on the LCD segmented display under scratch-resistant mineral glass. Divers read critical information without pressing any buttons while submerged.
And here’s the best part: the digital ascent rate indicator shows speed in meters per minute (m/min) or feet per minute (ft/min) depending on unit selection. Rapid ascents trigger the uncontrolled ascent alarm, alerting the diver before a dangerous situation develops. An exclusion option lets advanced users disable the audible alarm for competition use.
How Does the Surface Recovery Timer Function?
The surface recovery timer remains permanently visible on the display while the diver rests between dives, eliminating any need to check a separate device or press any buttons. Freedivers use the constantly updated recovery countdown to determine when it’s safe to attempt the next dive. This visibility is one of the most praised features across Mares Smart Apnea reviews.
Worth knowing: the hydration alarm adds an often-overlooked safety feature to surface recovery. Divers program it to sound at set intervals, reminding them to drink water between sessions. Dehydration’s a genuine risk during long spearfishing sessions in warm water.
What Are the Key Features of the Mares Smart Apnea?
The Mares Smart Apnea combines depth tracking up to 150 meters (492 feet), a nine-session dive logbook, programmable alarms for depth, time, and speed, and a user-replaceable lithium battery all in a watch-sized wrist unit under 50mm diameter. Mares built it to carry all core freediving functions in a form factor comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Key Features:
- Maximum operating depth: 150m (492 feet)
- Instant depth, temperature, descent speed, and ascent speed display
- Programmable alarms: depth, time, recovery, speed, hydration
- Nine-session onboard logbook with per-second data sampling
- User-replaceable lithium battery with power indicator
- Metric and imperial unit toggle
- Fresh and saltwater calibration settings
- Altitude adjustment mode
- Plan mode and residual nitrogen reset
- Scratch-resistant mineral glass LCD display
The unit supports both metric and imperial measurement systems with a simple toggle. Fresh and saltwater settings ensure depth accuracy in different water densities. An altitude adjustment mode maintains accuracy for inland lake diving at elevation.
A residual nitrogen reset function lets divers clear accumulated data after transitioning from scuba to freediving. The battery power indicator prevents unexpected power loss mid-session. The device also supports exclusion of uncontrolled ascent warnings for experienced competitive athletes.
Does the Mares Smart Apnea Have Programmable Alarms?
Yes. The Mares Smart Apnea features independently programmable alarms for depth, dive time, surface recovery, ascent speed, and hydration reminders, giving freedivers full control over their safety parameters. Divers set each threshold separately to match their training goals. No fixed alarm profile forces a compromise between safety and competition needs.
So what does that mean for you? An option to exclude audible alarms makes the Mares Smart Apnea suitable for competitive freediving events. Silent mode prevents distraction during timed breath-hold performances. The ascent rate alarm monitors speed in m/min (ft/min) and alerts the diver when the rate exceeds safe thresholds.
How Many Dive Sessions Does the Mares Smart Apnea Log?
The Mares Smart Apnea stores up to nine complete dive sessions in onboard memory, sampling depth, speed, and temperature data every second throughout each session for maximum resolution. Once the nine-session limit fills, the oldest session is overwritten by new data. This capacity covers a full day of active freediving or competitive spearfishing.
Think of it this way: the Dive Link cable, sold separately, connects the Smart Apnea to a computer for session download and detailed review. Divers use downloaded data to analyze descent curves and refine equalization timing. This post-session analysis separates serious freedivers from those relying on memory alone.
What Do Mares Smart Apnea Reviews Say?
Mares Smart Apnea reviews consistently describe the unit as one of the most reliable and user-friendly freediving computers at its price point, with freedivers and spearfishermen citing the two-button interface as an immediate standout. The always-visible surface recovery timer appears as the most praised feature across user feedback platforms and diving forums.
In fact, buyers also highlight the data accuracy provided by the per-second sampling rate. Forum discussions recommend the Smart Apnea as the go-to choice for those new to freediving computers. The compact watch-sized form factor draws praise from divers who wear it during extended spearfishing trips.
What Do Users Praise About the Mares Smart Apnea?
Users praise the Mares Smart Apnea most for the surface recovery timer that stays permanently visible without user input, a function they describe as critical for safe repeated diving. The always-on display means no navigation is required between dives to check safety intervals. This feature earns consistent five-star mentions across retailer review sections.
Most Praised Features:
- Permanently visible surface recovery timer
- Intuitive two-button interface usable with dive gloves
- Compact rubber watchband comfortable for all-day wear
- Per-second data sampling for accurate session review
- User-replaceable battery with multi-season longevity
The compact wrist form factor and rubber watchband receive frequent praise for comfort during long dive sessions. Reviewers describe wearing the Smart Apnea all day without discomfort. The mineral glass display holds up well against salt water and equipment contact over extended use.
And it gets better: battery life and the user-replaceable design draw consistent approval in long-term ownership reviews. Owners report the lithium battery lasting through multiple dive seasons before replacement. The battery power indicator prevents surprise failures during active water sessions.
What Are the Common Complaints About the Mares Smart Apnea?
The most common complaint about the Mares Smart Apnea centers on its nine-session memory limit, which forces data downloads through the Dive Link cable before more dives can be logged accurately. Divers on extended trips without a computer find this storage ceiling restrictive. The Dive Link cable adds cost since Mares sells it separately.
Some users note the device is apnea-only and can’t supplement scuba diving, limiting its appeal to single-discipline divers. A small number of reviewers mention the display lacks backlighting. The display becomes harder to read in low-visibility conditions. These concerns are minor compared to the device’s overall positive reception.
How Does the Mares Smart Apnea Compare to Other Freediving Computers?
The Mares Smart Apnea holds a benchmark position in the freediving computer market, with most alternatives at a similar price lacking the same combination of per-second data sampling and always-visible surface recovery display. Competing devices in the $250 to $400 USD range typically compromise on either data resolution or interface simplicity.
Here’s why: the Salvimar One Plus is a commonly stocked alternative alongside the Smart Apnea at major dive retailers. The Salvimar unit appeals to minimalist freedivers who want a stripped-down computer with fewer alarm options. The Smart Apnea wins on alarm programmability and the hydration reminder, which the Salvimar One Plus doesn’t offer.
How Does the Mares Smart Apnea Compare to the Mares Smart Dive Computer?
The Mares Smart Apnea differs from the Mares Smart Dive Computer in fundamental purpose: the Smart Apnea handles breath-hold diving while the Smart Dive Computer manages scuba with the Mares-Wienke RGBM decompression algorithm. Forum discussions confirm this is one of the most frequently asked questions among buyers comparing the two Mares devices.
Mares Smart Apnea vs. Mares Smart Dive Computer:
| Feature | Mares Smart Apnea | Mares Smart Dive Computer |
| Dive Type | Freediving and Spearfishing | Scuba (Air, Nitrox, Gauge) |
| Algorithm | Apnea-specific tracking | Mares-Wienke RGBM |
| Surface Recovery Timer | Always visible | Not applicable |
| Logbook | 9 sessions, 1-second sampling | Scuba dive log |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes, 2-button | Yes, multi-mode |
Divers who freedive and scuba dive need two separate computers because the Smart Apnea doesn’t support scuba modes. The Smart Dive Computer has Air, Nitrox, Gauge, and Free Dive modes combined. The Smart Apnea’s focused design makes it the superior choice for pure freedivers who never use tanks.
Is the Mares Smart Apnea Safe for Freediving?
Yes. The Mares Smart Apnea is engineered with freediving safety as a core priority, combining a permanently visible surface recovery timer with programmable alarms for depth, time, and ascent rate. Mares built these features around the known risks of premature re-dives between breath-hold sessions. The device actively supports safe interval management between dives.
Built-In Safety Features:
- Permanently visible surface recovery timer
- Depth alarm to warn when target depth is approached
- Ascent rate indicator and uncontrolled ascent alarm
- Dive time alarm for breath-hold duration management
- Hydration reminder alarm for surface intervals
The good news? The ascent rate indicator and alarm warn divers before a dangerous uncontrolled ascent event occurs. Users with more experience can disable the audible alarm for competition, but the visual indicator remains active. The Smart Apnea’s maximum depth of 150 meters (492 feet) exceeds the range of all but the most elite competitive freedivers.
Does the Mares Smart Apnea Warn Against Dangerous Ascent Rates?
Yes. The Mares Smart Apnea includes a digital ascent rate indicator showing speed in meters per minute (m/min) and feet per minute (ft/min), with an alarm that fires when the rate exceeds safe thresholds. An ‘exclusion of uncontrolled ascent’ option exists for advanced and competitive divers. Visual ascent monitoring remains active regardless of audible alarm status.
Here’s what no one tells you: freediving safety experts consistently cite uncontrolled ascent as a leading risk factor during breath-hold dives. The Smart Apnea’s real-time speed display gives divers immediate awareness of their ascent profile on every dive. This monitoring capability isn’t available on entry-level freediving timers or basic watch-style dive instruments.
How Much Does the Mares Smart Apnea Cost?
The Mares Smart Apnea retails at approximately $340 USD (around 315 EUR), placing it in the mid-range tier of dedicated freediving computers available at major dive retailers today. Mares offers the unit in two color variants: black-orange and black-grey. The base price doesn’t include the Dive Link data cable, which Mares sells as a separate accessory.
Is that price range typical? Budget alternatives below $200 USD sacrifice per-second data sampling or reduce alarm programmability. Devices above $400 USD (370 EUR) typically add Bluetooth or dive planning software integration. The Smart Apnea’s $340 USD price hits the practical sweet spot for freedivers who want full feature depth without premium pricing.
Freediving Computer Price Tiers:
| Tier | Price Range | Key Trade-off |
| Budget | Under $200 USD | Reduced alarms and data sampling |
| Mid-Range (Mares Smart Apnea) | $280 to $380 USD | Full alarms, per-second sampling |
| Premium | Above $400 USD | Bluetooth and dive planning software |
Is the Mares Smart Apnea Worth the Price?
Yes. The Mares Smart Apnea delivers benchmark freediving performance at $340 USD, a price freedivers and spearfishermen consistently rate as fair for the full feature set included. The device holds up across multiple dive seasons based on long-term owner reports. A user-replaceable lithium battery reduces service costs over the product lifetime.
The always-visible surface recovery timer alone justifies the price difference over budget freediving timers for regular divers. Per-second data sampling and multi-type alarm programmability add value that cheaper devices don’t replicate. The Smart Apnea pays for itself quickly for anyone freediving or spearfishing more than a few times per month.
Where Can You Buy the Mares Smart Apnea?
The Mares Smart Apnea is available at major dive equipment retailers including Divers Direct, Spearfishing World, and TradeInn, as well as authorized Mares dealers in most diving markets worldwide. Both color variants ship from most major retailers. Purchasing from an authorized Mares dealer ensures warranty support and access to the optional Dive Link data cable.
How to Purchase the Mares Smart Apnea:
- Locate an authorized Mares dealer or major dive retailer online.
- Select your preferred color variant: black-orange or black-grey.
- Add the Dive Link cable to your order if you plan to download dive logs.
- Confirm the retailer offers Mares warranty coverage before completing purchase.
The Dive Link cable is typically available alongside the Smart Apnea at the same retailers. Buyers who plan to review dive data after sessions should purchase both together to avoid separate shipping costs. Mares provides a warranty program through authorized dealers that covers manufacturing defects.
Is the Mares Smart Apnea Worth Buying?
Yes. The Mares Smart Apnea is worth buying for freedivers and spearfishermen who want a reliable, data-rich wrist computer with a proven track record in the freediving community. Its combination of per-second data sampling, programmable alarms, and permanently visible recovery timer delivers real safety value. The $340 USD price is fair for what the device provides.
Here’s the thing: beginners benefit from the simple two-button interface without needing to learn complex menus before their first dive. Advanced and competitive freedivers gain from alarm customization and ascent rate monitoring features. The Mares Smart Apnea serves both groups well from day one through years of active use.
The only meaningful limitations are the nine-session memory and the separately sold Dive Link cable. Both are minor inconveniences rather than dealbreakers for most freedivers. Budget at least $350 to $370 USD (325 to 345 EUR) to cover the computer and the data cable together.