Should I not buy a suunto d9?

[richieg]

I like my fancy toys, and decided to purchase a suunto d9 wrist computer. Sounds easy enough. . yeah right. I'm finding out real quick they don't have any authorized online dealers, so any future updates or mnfg recalls are out the window if I go with un-authorized sellers. I figured living in Dallas, that I'd be able to find a lds that carries them, but no luck. There are several very good lds here, when I ask them about suunto, I get a very professional, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" type of response. Basically no dive shops around here carry them. I can find plenty of dealers for suunto's non-diving related watches, just not the d9. Being that most lds are avid enthusiasts, and get to play with everything they sell. . My Question is, What do the dive shops know that I don't that's so bad about suunto computers? Is it an actual product thing, or is suunto as a company a real pain to deal with? I'm tempted to buy one from leisure pro, but being they are not authorized, I don't think I can expect help if any more recalls pop up. So what's the deal? Also, if there are any authorized dealers in the Dallas area that aren't listed on suunto's website, speak up.

 

[diversteve]

According to my LDS mgr. (who had a D9 on his wrist) he's only ever seen one come back for any kind of repair. And they're not the kind of LDS that tries to oversell you either.

I want one bad. Especially the shiny one.

I looked at LP's price vs. my LDS but I have the same concerns about recalls and repairs if necessary. What does LP do, send it out? To where? I'm not sure I'd want a non-authorized tech working on my $1700 computer that I also use to save my life.

Since they're not authorized I doubt there'd be any advantage to sending it to them vs. taking it to a local dealer and paying for non-warranty priced repairs.

I'm still mulling this over. One other consideration for me is legibility uw, my eyes aren't what they used to be and the D9 has a pretty small face.

 

[mike_s]

You seen this?

Suunto Oy has identified a software bug in the D9 and D6 diving instruments. The software bug may cause the D9 and D6 to incorrectly track dive time on rare occasions, potentially causing a risk to the diver.

Therefore, Suunto is requesting that the D9 and D6 products with the serial numbers listed below shall be returned for a software update that eliminates this issue. The products affected are: D9 serial numbers 62102582 and below; D6 serial numbers 62103693 and below.

Suunto strongly recommends that D9 or D6 should not be used for diving before the unit has been updated with the latest software. If the product is used before updating the software, backup instrumentation must also be used...

Suunto will provide a free software update to fix the bug. Please bring your D9 and/or D6 to your nearest local authorized Suunto retailer for the software update as soon as possible. For contact information please visit our web site www.suunto.com If that is not possible or if you require any further details, contact the Suunto Help Desk at SuuntoD9-D6@nordictelecenter.fi To contact Suunto by phone, call toll free 1 800 543 9124 in the USA and Canada, or +358 284 1160 (international call rates are applicable) from all other countries.

As a complimentary service Suunto will at the same time replace your battery and perform a pressure test free of charge.

Suunto apologizes for any inconvenience

 

[richieg]

You seen this?

Yes I have, more the reason to buy from an authorized dealer. I won't knock suunto, for that. I used to be in the small electronics importing biz, recalls like that were just part of life. How they were handled is the important thing. But also back to buying from a grey market dealer, how could I be sure I'm getting an updated model.

 

[johnny_bravo]

Mine is over two years old...sent in for the recall...never had any problems...replaced strap once.

Great computer and everyday watch...only knock is digital compass (good on land rubbish on water).

Go for it.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[Aelvin]

There is a white dot on the back of the watch around one of the screws. If the serial number falls below 62102582 and there is a white dot on the screws.. then its been updated with the new software.

FYI LP carries a few72xxxxxx D9 (2007, so no worries abt recall), and a few 52xxxxxx(2005) with updated software(white dot)

try google white dot on suunto d9 and you will see tons of results and discussion.

For the same concern for future recalls, i order a D9 with Ti bracelet from my LDS.

 

[Spratman]

Anyone know if Scubatoys carries AL? I know Phil Ellis does at divesport.com

 

[mike_s]

Yes I have, more the reason to buy from an authorized dealer. I won't knock suunto, for that.

I won't knock Suunto, but Aqualung is their distributor in the US and many folks won't buy gear they sell.

But also back to buying from a grey market dealer, how could I be sure I'm getting an updated model.

Considering that the average Aqualung shop doesn't rotate inventory that quickly, I'd say chances of getting an older "recall neede" D9 at a local dive shop is prob more likely that buying from a 'wholeseller' like Leisure Pro who prob rotates their D9 inventory every month. You're prob more likely to get a more recently released computer from them for much less money.

I would ask your LDS to be competitive on the price. If not, choose another brand or another shop.

 

[richieg]

Thanks Aelvin. That's good info to know.

 

[richieg]

Very Good points Mike S! & I would love to ask my local lds to be competitive on pricing, if there were any around here that carried suunto.