What is the key advantage of using Nitrox for recreational diving?

Using Nitrox for recreational diving primarily offers the key advantage of increased bottom time without additional decompression stops. This benefit arises from the composition of Nitrox, which contains a higher percentage of oxygen compared to regular air. By using Nitrox, divers can reduce their exposure to nitrogen during dives, which directly affects nitrogen absorption in the body.

This means that divers can stay underwater longer at shallower depths without incurring the risks associated with decompression sickness, commonly referred to as "the bends." The reduced nitrogen intake allows for extended time on the bottom while still managing to stay within safe ascent limits.

The other options do not provide the same benefit: while reduced weight of dive gear and lower cost of tank fills may be advantages in specific contexts, they are not inherent benefits of using Nitrox itself. The ability to dive deeper without consequences is misleading, as diving deeper with higher oxygen levels can lead to toxicity issues and is not a safe practice. Therefore, the significant advantage of Nitrox remains its ability to effectively extend bottom times at recreational depths.