Is a Suunto Seaquest Companion an ok computer

[Viper12161]

Hi all,

I have a set of gauges I got off a buddy that has a Suunto Companion console type computer. Used it in my class last week and seems to be working great. I would like to hopefully use it to start out with until the battery ends up dying, then I'll get a newer model. Has anyone had any experience with this computer (I know it's old). Trying to figure out if it's worth it to try and learn it, or just dump it and get something newer. Also any idea where the heck I can find a manual for it? I've tried looking online, but only come up with the watch version. Would that be the same? I also found one for the Favor S so not sure if that would be the same either.

Thanks!!!

 

[Viper12161]

Here's a pic of it

 

[Jonny Wishbone]

My first computer was the Suunto solution and my wife’s was a companion. Still have them and still use them when we dive on air which is at least half the time. They are super simple. In my opinion, they are more reliable than their (Suunto) newer computers. Yes they are old....so what....my Regs are 30+ years old and still kicking. Get it and use it.

 

[yle]

Hi all,

I have a set of gauges I got off a buddy that has a Suunto Companion console type computer. Used it in my class last week and seems to be working great. I would like to hopefully use it to start out with until the battery ends up dying, then I'll get a newer model.

Why buy a new computer just because the battery dies? A new battery should be a lot cheaper.

My personal take on a dive computer is that it should be like the dashboard of a car... which means it should be able to give you essential information in a quick and simple manner. Anything else is just bells and whistles, which can be nice but can also be distracting. If you spend your diving time watching the pretty display on your computer, or trying to figure out what the computer is telling you, something is wrong.

If the computer works for you, use it. And if the battery dies, replace it. If you do decide to get a new computer, make a list of the features you want before you decide to buy. You'll be more likely then to buy one that fits your needs. And resist buying a computer just because someone told it's the "best" or it's their favorite.

Has anyone had any experience with this computer (I know it's old). Trying to figure out if it's worth it to try and learn it, or just dump it and get something newer. Also any idea where the heck I can find a manual for it? I've tried looking online, but only come up with the watch version. Would that be the same? I also found one for the Favor S so not sure if that would be the same either.

Thanks!!!

Learning to use this computer will probably require little effort because it's so simple. I'm familiar with Suunto's later computers, but not the one you have. However, it does look like a Favor, so I would guess that the functions likely work the same. See what happens when you use the Favor manual to change the functions of the Companion.

 

[mmerriman]

google suunto class action suit....

 

[Fires]

google suunto class action suit....

Yet as far as I remember it, it has nothing to do with the companion? Unless I am wrong, but thats just from memory? So why bring it up? Just trying to understand what value this is adding for someone what is asking a basic question as an entry level diver and how this might just confuse them more?

Never mind the companion being older than 2006 so it anyway isn't affected? Or were there later ones made?

OP - Re the dive computer and as the others have said, nothing wrong with it. I know many users that have been happy with them and for the beginning it will really do you well to at least have a dive computer. I would just suggest having either your buddy (if he still remembers the computer well) or the instructor showing you the functionality and explaining what it all displays and means. A lot of people don't understand their computers fully, so just make sure you do. Other than that use it until you desire other functionality such as bigger screen maybe, better logging, colour, nitrox etc.

Some of the oldest computers (suunto companion, favor, solution - Uwatec aladin etc.) are still going strong and never quit. We have many older aladins we use for our OW students so they can experience computers and also for us to monitor and they just keep going. One has had a low battery warning for something stupid like 18 months and its just chugging along.

 

[mmerriman]

Yet as far as I remember it, it has nothing to do with the companion? Unless I am wrong, but thats just from memory? So why bring it up? Just trying to understand what value this is adding for someone what is asking a basic question as an entry level diver and how this might just confuse them more?

Never mind the companion being older than 2006 so it anyway isn't affected? Or were there later ones made?

OP - Re the dive computer and as the others have said, nothing wrong with it. I know many users that have been happy with them and for the beginning it will really do you well to at least have a dive computer. I would just suggest having either your buddy (if he still remembers the computer well) or the instructor showing you the functionality and explaining what it all displays and means. A lot of people don't understand their computers fully, so just make sure you do. Other than that use it until you desire other functionality such as bigger screen maybe, better logging, colour, nitrox etc.

Some of the oldest computers (suunto companion, favor, solution - Uwatec aladin etc.) are still going strong and never quit. We have many older aladins we use for our OW students so they can experience computers and also for us to monitor and they just keep going. One has had a low battery warning for something stupid like 18 months and its just chugging along.

ok - I'll add to this. Suunto as a company handled customer support over serious issues with affected devices very poorly. Even if they had a new bulletproof device that would never fail I will not do business with them.

 

[diversteve]

Can you change the battery on a Companion or do you have to send it in? That might be the better part of $100 when a new Mares Puck can be had for $160ish on sale.

Use it till it fails then go with your plan.

You also probably will Not find a replacement to fit that opening in the console - IIRC Suunto's are slightly larger than other brands. So factor in that cost assuming you can re-use any other gauges in the console.

I can't speak to that model but my Suunto (Gekko) uses the same manual for wrist/console models.

 

[Alvin Slovinsky]

I just picked up a Suunto Favor puck console dive computer and unfortunately the battery was dead when I got it I went onto Amazon.com and you can buy the replacement battery with the new o ring for $15.00 us not a bad deal. I’m going to replace it myself. I also purchaser a Uwatec watch that required a battery that one had to be ordered in but still I replaced it and it works great.

 

[Damselfish]

A Companion is fine. I’ve had Suuntos of that vintage and some friends of mine may still have these. New ones tend to be friendlier but these are still simple enough to operate. Use it until it needs a battery or you want support for nitrox.

A lot of computer batteries of that vintage weren’t meant to be user replaceable and its not worth the expense of sending it in as they intended, but you can always give it a shot if you want and if you mess it up you haven’t lost much. (Some of those had potted batteries which I’d say aren’t worth the trouble, but I’d be surprised if you’ve got one of those still running.)

Current Suunto customer service and the lawsuit might affect a decision to buy a more recent Suunto, but are irrelevant to an old unit you already have.