Aeris XR-2 vs. Suunto Gekko

[macado]

Been in the market for a new computer and looking at these two particular models. I currently own a very outdated Aeris Atmos 1 that has about 250 dives on it and is showing it's age. I have borrowed and dove with the Gekko and I like that as well, seems to be the favorite for all-around budget computer with Nitrox capabilities.

Does anyone have any experience with the Aeris XR-2? LeisurePro is running a special if you trade-in your older computer you can get significant discount off any Aeris computer. It comes out to almost the same price as the Suunto Gekko

I know the Gekko has a bigger dive log and can be hacked/modified so that it's PC downloadable. The XR-2 is PC compatiable and has a backlight. I was considering the Aeris because that's the brand I currently have and am familiar with the interface and assume that the Aeris will have the same dive algorithm as my current computer. I know Gekko is fairly conservative but I know that's not a bad thing.

Thoughts?

 

[Teller]

I have the gekko wrist computer and I am pretty happy with it. It was fairly cheap and it gives me all the basic info I need to know while diving. I do wish it had a back light. It will not glow very long at all when you charge it with a light, mabey about 10 seconds.

 

[jac_3232]

I have the Gekko, and am looking at switching to the Aeris Elite T3. On single or 2 tank dives the conservatism of the Gekko isn’t bad. But when you’re on a dive trip doing multiple dives a day, you start to really notice how much shorter your dives are than everyone else with non-Suunto computers. Last year on Blackbeards, I was feeling bad for my dive buddy as I was cutting his dives short. By the 3rd dive of the day, the difference is quite noticeable, and I did have it on the least conservative setting. I like the inexpensive Gekko, but when I return to Blackbeards this year, it won’t be with a Suunto computer.

 

[fdog]

If you're ever considering moving on to more advanced diving, the XR-2 has a very nice gauge mode, which is a glaring omission in the Gekko. And the XR-2's menu structure is a bit more easy to navigate.

(This isn't to say the Gekko/Zoop can't go into gauge mode. It's pretty easy, actually, just royally bend it, and it will only function as a gauge for the next 24 hours. However, listening to it complain during that first dive is truly a PITA!)


All the best, James

 

[irishsquid]

The XR2 is the only computer I have used to date and still use. I had a problem during the first year or there about (about 40 dives). It locked up in the "Fly Countdown" after the last dive of that day. I tried removing the battery and seeing if it would reset, but no luck. Aeris made good and replaced it. I'm still using that computer now and after 2 years, no problems yet. It seems to be doing good on battery life so far. I don't have the download cable or S/W, so I can't comment on that part. I can say it's easy to read and operate. The buttons operate fairly easy using 5mm gloves. I wear mine on the wrist. I'm satisfied with it, but; I don't have any other computer experience to gauge against.

 

[macado]

Thanks for all the advice. I think the gauge mode on the Aeris might seal the deal. How does the Aeris fare as far being conservation or lack thereof compared to Gekko? On my Atmos 1 I would definitely still have NDL time left compared to people using Gekkos. Guessing it will be about the same?

(This isn't to say the Gekko/Zoop can't go into gauge mode. It's pretty easy, actually, just royally bend it, and it will only function as a gauge for the next 24 hours.

Hahah I had a friend who claimed to do this. He would just lower in over the side of the boat with a spool and "bend" the computer. Not a bad idea.

 

[jac_3232]

How does the Aeris fare as far being conservation or lack thereof compared to Gekko? On my Atmos 1 I would definitely still have NDL time left compared to people using Gekkos. Guessing it will be about the same?

Check out the chart on this post:
http://http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/computers-gauges-watches-analyzers/305374-so-you-want-buy-new-computer.html

 

[macado]

Check out the chart on this post:
http://http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/computers-gauges-watches-analyzers/305374-so-you-want-buy-new-computer.html

Thanks. Great comparison. Seems like the Aeris pretty aggressive compared to Suuntos algorithm