Oceanic VT3 or Atom 2.0

[snoballz]

As with any big ticket item purchase I begin to second guess my decisions. I recently purchased an Oceanic VT3 with transmitter. I am looking forward to diving with it in a couple of weeks but I know until the thing splashes I'm going to wonder if the Atom 2.0 is a better choice.

Seems like the two computers have all of the same features. Is that correct? If so, it comes down to whether I want a puck like device with easily readable display or a more watch like device with a smaller display and perhaps difficulty in wearing it over thick wetsuits.

Anyone dive with both and/or prefer one over the other? Pros and Cons?

TIA
:14:

 

[fppf]

I have dove both.
I like the Atom 2.0, I bought 2, one for the wife.
The Atom 2.0 is a little smaller, but for those who have trouble reading it, it comes with a magnifier cover for diving. I don't need it, never had any issues reading it diving or not. We wear it over dry suits down to shorties with no problems.

Function are the same between the two. We opted for the Atom because its smaller and can be worn all the time. We put it on before we live home for dive vacations and don't take it off until we get home.

If you want a, wear all the time as a watch and computer, the atom is a good choice. If you just mainly want a dive computer get the VT3.

 

[RAWalker]

I also have both and as dive computers they are equal except for the display size.
The Atom 2.0 is also a sport watch but I don't like the idea of wearing my dive computer daily and trusting it is undamage and ready to dive.
The VT3 is a dive computer and it's increased screen size makes it easier to see in adverse conditions.

 

[SPG3K]

I also have both and as dive computers they are equal except for the display size.
The Atom 2.0 is also a sport watch but I don't like the idea of wearing my dive computer daily and trusting it is undamage and ready to dive.
The VT3 is a dive computer and it's increased screen size makes it easier to see in adverse conditions.

All I know is that my VT3 came in a big shock-resistant box lined with foam - leading me to believe they want it protected.

My daily life, and the casio watches that go with it, (yes, all I wear is Casio outside of Diving, I love them) do not involve the word protection. And that extends to my life on vacation. If I'm not diving I'm doing something else fun, wind surfing or volleyball, etc, etc, etc.

I opted for the VT3 because I knew I would be tempted to use the Atom for a watch while on dive trips. Which I guarantee you would have resulted in scratches, bangs, etc. Not to mention I am a freak about my dive gear, I keep it as pristine as humanly possible.

Even if both were exactly alike (which they may be) in all respects but size, I would have taken the VT3 mainly because I'm more apt to take better care of it. (And I did! First VT3 Dive next Sunday)

Also - I could be wrong, but from the displays, it looks like the Atom will perform much like the Geo on ascents, only warning you of speed by scrolling "SLOW.....SLOW.....SLOW...."

Which, in essence, besides not being AI, is why I wanted to upgrade from my Geo and SPG. I used a Veo 250 for a while and the ascent speedometer, however corny, is something I like to watch. VT3 has an ascent gauge.

Yes, I realize it's not very DIR to watch the ascent speedometer instead of manually counting the feet while watching my stopwatch or tachymeter to gauge my speed, but get off my back! =D

 

[ScubaSpicher]

I used an Atom 1 and now dive the VT3. The increased screen size was a big enough difference for me. Even if the Atom 2.0 has the same features, they are scrunched into a much tiny screen. If you are looking for the watch functionality, go with the Atom, but as a few people have said, the VT3 is (in my opinion) the much better computer for diving. You made the right choice!

 

[fppf]

Just because something is packed in foam does not mean its not durable.
I beat the hell out of my atom and it has not missed a beat. The raised Bezal almost eleminates the chance of scratching the face. I do have some scuff on the bezal but the face is still like new.

Yes there is not acsent rate graph, if you go above 30 ft/min it displays SLOW and alarms. At first I thought I would not like that because I also have a Pro Plus 2. But in use I found the acsent indicator usless, its all over the place. I just watch my depth and count 2 seconds every foot.