What would the benefits for a recreational diver be over a simple zoop? I can afford a petrel, but if there is no benefit besides the bling factor and bigger screen then there is no point for me to purchase one. I plan to do advanced scuba and possible enriched oxygen, but I will probably never do technical diving like cave diving.
Petrel
- Thread starter Grender
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I sold my Zoop. As I got older, reading the screen was increasingly more difficult. It's not just that the Petrel's screen is "bigger" than the Zoop's, but that the Petrel's is in color, it's bright, and the information is laid out in a really intuitive way. The Petrel's user interface is easier to use than the Zoop's, with the function of each button making more sense to me in the context of what is being displayed. I never could remember very well how to navigate the menus with the Zoop--which button had what function in which mode. With the Petrel, it all makes intuitive sense right out of the box. Seriously, Steve Jobs could hardly have made it easier to use for dummies and tech divers alike.
Oh, and try changing the battery on the Zoop. Got the right replacement? How much did that cost? Be careful removing it. Don't mess up that o-ring now. I have brick of cheap, fresh AAs in my fridge that the Petrel will accept. I can change the Petrel's battery in 10 seconds (and with my eyes closed if I wanted to).
In that case the petrel may be more than you need. The zoop however if you plan to do liveaboard or dedicated dive resort trips may penalize you due to its conservative algorithms. A more liberal computer may be preferred by some. However, saying that, hopefully your instructor talked to you about risk factors that may affect your risk of dcs. These are things to consider when choosing a computer as well.
The petrel is nice in that using either gradient factors or the vpm option you can set the conservatism of the computer to suit your needs. Most recreational computers don't allow that. You have to use the algorithm and decompression model someone else thinks is safe.
The petrel is nice in that using either gradient factors or the vpm option you can set the conservatism of the computer to suit your needs. Most recreational computers don't allow that. You have to use the algorithm and decompression model someone else thinks is safe.
I have a Gekko and Cobra. The Zoop is similar. Changing the battery is not difficult and most drugstores/pharmacies have the battery. I find the display big enough. It's not a watch size display.
That being said, the Petrel is in a different class. Better more modern screen, color, easier to see, navigate, flexibility in what is shown, etc.. My Cobra and Gekko have served me well, but they are very conservative, even for recreational diving. Normally not a problem if doing 2 dives a day, but on a liveaboard with 4-5 dives a day, it can get annoying. I don't own a Petrel but that screen must be awesome on dark days and night dives.
That being said, the Petrel is in a different class. Better more modern screen, color, easier to see, navigate, flexibility in what is shown, etc.. My Cobra and Gekko have served me well, but they are very conservative, even for recreational diving. Normally not a problem if doing 2 dives a day, but on a liveaboard with 4-5 dives a day, it can get annoying. I don't own a Petrel but that screen must be awesome on dark days and night dives.
Like everything else, it depends on what you want and if those extra features are worth the money vs the Zoop. A better question might be what features the Petrel has that may be useful to you. To me it has nothing to do with rec vs tech...
Large, easy to read screen that is easily seen in bright to low light/night conditions
Bluetooth downloads
Programable safety features; 3 vs 5 min safety stops at 20 or 10 feet and gradient factors (you will need to learn a little about this)
Different algorithm, and choice of adding a second option (another slight higher learning curve vs Zoop)
Will not lock you out if you have an oh no moment
Almost certainly a higher resale value
A DC you can not outgrow
Then ask, what advantage might the Zoop have...
Cheaper
Battery will last longer
Smaller size and lighter weight
Large, easy to read screen that is easily seen in bright to low light/night conditions
Bluetooth downloads
Programable safety features; 3 vs 5 min safety stops at 20 or 10 feet and gradient factors (you will need to learn a little about this)
Different algorithm, and choice of adding a second option (another slight higher learning curve vs Zoop)
Will not lock you out if you have an oh no moment
Almost certainly a higher resale value
A DC you can not outgrow
Then ask, what advantage might the Zoop have...
Cheaper
Battery will last longer
Smaller size and lighter weight
How would you suggest a 'rec' diver decide what values of GF low/high or which VPM conservatism to use?
Select "Rec Mode" and go with the resulting default setting (which, I believe is 40/85)? So far, I've been using my new Petrel this way. I used it side by side with the Suunto (serving as a backup), and I didn't notice any huge difference in NDL, but then again, my profiles are often ridiculously conservative, with surface intervals well over an hour.
Ironically with respect to comments others have made about conservatism, conservatism is the one characteristic that had no bearing on my decision to get a Petrel. The Suunto was plenty for my needs in that respect.
So, "use an algorithm and decompression model someone else thinks is safe".
victorzamora
Contributor
The biggest factors, to me, are:
-Better algorithm- I hate the Suunto algorithm. It makes me feel like crap, penlizes the most ridiculous things, and is impossible to please. It's not "conservative"....it just does weird things that I don't believe in.
-User Interface- The Petrel is arguably the most capable computers on the market, yet it's the easiest to use as well.
-Bluetooth- Dive logging is a breeze, as it syncs to your phone, computer, laptop, etc....and includes a USB Bluetooth dongle for computers that don't support it natively.
-Screen- Best read screen I've laid eyes on, in bright or dark
-Customer support- pretty much unparalleled.
-Batteries- AA Batteries and sealed with a standard DIN o-ring. No kits or watch batteries or goofy chargers to break.
-Upgradeable- Via USB, it's upgradeable. It's how we got Rec Nitrox mode in the Petrels and are constantly getting small firmware bumps.
-Data logging- Can be seen on-screen with awesome quantities of data for the tech geeks, and all of it can be sent to the computer.
I really could go on, but there are tons of benefits. Do I think it's necessary for a rec-only diver? Certainly not.....but let's not pretend that "bling" is the only reason to buy one.
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