Dive Computer Recommendations

[sipadiver]

Hi,

I'm after a good dive computer. My friend recommended the SUUNTO Stinger. Apparently you can purchase one here for about US$600 (when there is a sale... whenever that is).

However, I heard that SUUNTO has stopped production and is replacing it with the D4?

Is it still worth it to get the SUUNTO Stinger in any case?

 

[Damselfish]

Lots of people like them, no idea if it's being replaced but if it is I don't see that as a reason to avoid them, and maybe it would result in deals.

But, what are your reasons for choosing this computer, other than your friend recommended it? There are lots of good computers. Be sure that is the style of computer you want. If you are trying to save money, you pay a lot more for a watch style than a puck with the same functionality. And the larger puck will be easier to read and operate UW. For less money you can get a dive computer that is easier to use as a computer and a watch that makes a better watch.

 

[don Francisco]

Nice computer & I wouldn't worry about it being phased out. Unlike much of your equipment computers are digital, I mean in the sense they have only 2 modes; working perfectly & paperweight. This means that any concern about future service or spare parts for a discontinued model is a meaningless concept.

That said, you need to decide if you want to spend $600 & do a cost benefit review for yourself first. There are lots of nice computers out there at lower cost, so paying extra for features that are of little or no benefit to you isn't necessary.

As to wrist vs puck, this is a truly personal decision. I use a wrist model because I don't want to replace my trusty analog depth gauge. I no longer take a dive watch since I lost the habit of setting the ring at the start of the dive & figure there are alternate ways of getting time if I need it, such as off my buddy for one. Puck users can give you equally valid reasons for their decisions, so this is strictly your call. dF

 

[sasscuba]

Have had my Stinger for about 4 years now and love it! Got mine new off Ebay for $450 just have to be patient and watch late at night sometimes.

 

[sipadiver]

But, what are your reasons for choosing this computer, other than your friend recommended it? There are lots of good computers. Be sure that is the style of computer you want.

I like the fact that the SUUNTO records all your dives automatically at each depth stage. That's good historical info.

It also automatically beeps you if u go up too fast or come down too quick...

At Sipadan when I was filming a barracuda tornado, I lost track of time and depth and rose too quickly from 13 - 3m in less than 5 minutes or so.
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If I had a dive computer I probably wouldn't have risen so quickly.

 

[Cerveza]

Im a stinger user and i love the tool both for its in water performance and for what i think is a cool watch to wear, yes it has the warning alarm "beep" when you come up too fast, but many computers do that, but i will be honest and say that if having the beep is a major advantage to you when filming you may well not hear the stinger beep as i find it a little on the quiet side, im drowned out by aladins beeping when coming up for the safety stop and tend to find myself having to watch the stinger for any SLOW warning this you would find hard to do while filming, but saying that i've had my stinger for almost 4 years now and got it for £260 new which is cheap, yes it has been discontinued but there are many still in stock all on "sleep mode" ready to be woken up and put to work, almost 4 years now and not a problem with it, its just had another battery change (which i now do myself) so its ready for what it does best and it will do that job quite admirably, as for reliability i cant say that i have heard of any probs with the stingers reliability...(other than the odd critic saying its too conservative, but you can alter the setting) and i work at the front end of the dive industry in a large dive centre

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

It also automatically beeps you if u go up too fast or come down too quick...

Would someone please try to explain to me how a dive computer would know what is too quick to come down for me?

For the record, I dive a Suunto Vyper and it works great for me.

 

[shotthebreeze]

Would someone please try to explain to me how a dive computer would know what is too quick to come down for me?

A local dive instructor told me that you are only supposed to descend about 70ft/minute, which they don't teach you in OW because 60ft is the max, so it probably has something with similar numbers programmed into it.

 

[Nitrox624]

I am not sure about the Suunto Stinger, but my fiancé dives with a Suunto Cobra and it is VERY, VERY conservative. Last time we were in Cozumel my Atom 2.0 was nowhere near deco and her Cobra was telling her that she needed 15 minutes for a safety stop. It also has no problem locking you out for 24 hours if you blow the 15 minute safety stop.