aoeks pulse vs. mares nemo (sport, steel) vs stinger suunto

[Albert Amoranto]

hey all.. I'm looking into getting a dive comp. any suggestions which would be a better bet.? here are my qualifications-

I'm a New diver with about 15 logged dives I shall be using the dive comp for recreational/ tropical dives (around Philippines)

style (to be used as a watch-size is not a concern)
ease of use
ease of service, support
Computer Software for dive logs
BATTERY
-ease of replacement
-how fast each consumes
Backlite -for dark viewing

I've been reading up on the three mentioned dive comps but can't seem to make up my mind.. price is also a factor.. I would love to receive any comments and suggestions..

Thank you much.

 

[MarkUK]

Any of the three computers you have named would do your style of diving no problem. They can all do decompression and nitrox, so if and when you start adding this to your diving, they will be able to cope. They all have a backlight.

However, all three need to be sent away for battery changes, they are not user-changeable.

I have had a Stinger, and used to get anywhere from one year to two years out of a battery – this was using it as a daily watch and clocking up around 300 dives a year.

The one advantage the Pulse has over the other two is the ability to do two gas mixes. Now you might not want that at the moment, but if down the line you decide to start doing accelerated deco, then this will be able to grow with you, whereas the other two won't.

Mark

 

[Albert Amoranto]

Any of the three computers you have named would do your style of diving no problem. They can all do decompression and nitrox, so if and when you start adding this to your diving, they will be able to cope. They all have a backlight.

However, all three need to be sent away for battery changes, they are not user-changeable.

I have had a Stinger, and used to get anywhere from one year to two years out of a battery – this was using it as a daily watch and clocking up around 300 dives a year.

The one advantage the Pulse has over the other two is the ability to do two gas mixes. Now you might not want that at the moment, but if down the line you decide to start doing accelerated deco, then this will be able to grow with you, whereas the other two won't.

Mark

Hey thanks alot.. that really helps. another question.. durability wise, what's your take on it.. I know that it is always good to get a protector.. any feedback on the three.. I think I've narrowed down my selection to the pulse and the stinger..

 

[tslane888]

I bought the Mares Nemo Ti for my trip to Cozumel last Dec. The interface is very straight-forward and easy to use. It worked great and makes a good topside impression too. Also used it on a night dive and the backlite (lit characters) were very readable.

 

[MelC]

I second the Mares Nemo. Haven't looked at the apeks but in comparing the suunto with the nemo I was sold on the location and style of the buttons. Very easy to press underwater even with gloves on. The Suunto was smaller and fussier. The Nemo also looked like it had the more visible screen. One thing you may want to consider, however, is conservativeness. Both the suunto and the nemo are conservative algorithm computers. While I like that aspect, this means that you may end up with shorter bottom time than your dive companions.

 

[Albert Amoranto]

hey.. thanks for the heads up on the nemo.. now I guess I'm back to deciding on the three again.. well one thing is that it should look nice and the nemo fits the profile nicely.. now I just need to find out the authorized dealers of the three watches here in the Philippines...need to take a personal look.. thanks again

Albert

 

[Albert Amoranto]

hey.. thanks for the heads up on the nemo.. now I guess I'm back to deciding on the three again.. well one thing is that it should look nice and the nemo fits the profile nicely.. now I just need to find out the authorized dealers of the three watches here in the Philippines...need to take a personal look.. thanks again

Albert

 

[drew52]

I was looking at the Nemo at one time. 2 things I found that turned me off it were the fact that is very conservative. In fact one of the most conservative computers around.

http://www.scubadiving.com/article3685 (has a table that compares a number of computers)

Also the round dome like glass has a tendency to scratch very easily. Even to the point of breaking. Not sure how easily this happens but a friend of mine managed to break his screen. Mares did replace it but... He still loves his nemo but... I didn't feel like this hassle and as I hate those protective sleeves I went for a different computer.

As per a previous poster none of these computers have user replaceable batteries which means you would need to send the computer away to get the battery replaced. This means you should probably find out which company has better turn around times/after sales support.

Perhaps look at some of the computers made by these companies that are not watches and have user replaceable batteries. (you mentioned it doesn't need to be a watch)

Alternatively Oceanic and Aeris has some great computers that have all the things you are looking for although their download software is not great. Off topic but no harm in looking.

 

[Albert Amoranto]

I was looking at the Nemo at one time. 2 things I found that turned me off it were the fact that is very conservative. In fact one of the most conservative computers around.

http://www.scubadiving.com/article3685 (has a table that compares a number of computers)

Also the round dome like glass has a tendency to scratch very easily. Even to the point of breaking. Not sure how easily this happens but a friend of mine managed to break his screen. Mares did replace it but... He still loves his nemo but... I didn't feel like this hassle and as I hate those protective sleeves I went for a different computer.

As per a previous poster none of these computers have user replaceable batteries which means you would need to send the computer away to get the battery replaced. This means you should probably find out which company has better turn around times/after sales support.

Perhaps look at some of the computers made by these companies that are not watches and have user replaceable batteries. (you mentioned it doesn't need to be a watch)

Alternatively Oceanic and Aeris has some great computers that have all the things you are looking for although their download software is not great. Off topic but no harm in looking.

Hey drew52.. info on the other computer is very informative, thanks..all I gotta say is..looking for a dive com is so time consuming..but as they say..getting there is half the fun.. setting up your gear, making sure what you have fits you best.. it's all worth the effort =)

Actually I'm looking for a Dive computer cum wrist watch..I know there are many wrist mounted dive com in the market.. but here in PI, it's kind of limited, plus that I still have to find a good company that can service with good turn around time.. as you pointed out.

Anyway I want a watch that is meant for "roughing it out", yet stylish to look at top side.. looked again at Nemo.. to me it's just too beautiful, it's like seeing the H2 driven hard though it's built for that, just isn't right.. =) sorry Nemo lovers =)

Well, here's to great hunting.. though I'd rather be diving.. oh yeah planning to go this sunday for a day trip in anilao.. can't wait

 

[drew52]

Checkout Oceanic:

http://www.oceanicworldwide.com/p_computers_atom20.html

They may even have some of the older Atom 1 Computers which will be cheaper.

Dealer in Philippine's
http://www.buyoceanic.com/locator/results.aspx?country=Philippine Islands

Being fairly remote I'd reccommend user replaceable batteries.