Buy a used Uwatec Aladin Air Z-O2 or a new Suunto Vyper?

[henkisdabro]

Was hoping to shed some light on this comparison. Basically I can get them for the same price. The Uwatec is used but has been recently serviced and has a new battery. What are your ideas on this? I am AOW currently and have about 18 dives behind me. I want to dive a fair bit in the future, and maybe even go pro later on. No stress on that though.

Thanks in advance.

Henrik

 

[clownfishsydney]

Does the Suunto have a replaceable battery? If so, get it. The Uwatec battery (although lasting a long time) is very, very expensive.

 

[diversteve]

According to a quick google search, the Air Z O2 could be about 10 years old now. Uwatec Aladin Air -- ERR

Might want to review this post b4 you decide also: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/co...new-battery-aladin-air-z-nitrox-computer.html

I had a Sport Ultra fail at around 40% battery life a couple years ago - not sure exactly how low it was as it was sitting for about 3mos. unused b4 I noticed it. I did get about 4-5 years of diving out of it. My dealer quoted me a price of just over $200 at the time. I bought a Suunto instead. I will never again buy a computer that does not have a user-changeable battery.

Don't get me wrong, I really liked the Uwatec. Had the battery not failed, I'd still be using it - but I had to carry the manual with me to remember how to use all the functions.

Suunto's have a much more straightforward interface. I can pick mine up after not having used it for a couple of months and set/review anything I need to - I don't even carry the manual on trips, just a function card they included - and I've never used it.

 

[henkisdabro]

Thanks for your input on this. The battery issue is obviously really a good point, thanks for the clarification. I realize the Vyper will have better PC support as well, but the major advantage with the Uwatec would be the added functionality for deco diving and multiple gases, or have I gotten this wrong? Also, with the Uwatec, I will get an air transmitter included in the price. Is this worth considering when comparing like this?

 

[diversteve]

For mixed gases you'd have to get a D9.

I don't think the Air Z O2 does either but IDK

From the manual:

The Aladin® Air Z O2 is designed for dives with nitrox (max.99 %O2)and compressed air (21%O2) only.
Do not use the Aladin® Air Z O2 for dives made with other mixed gases

Link to the manual: http://www.dty.nl/bibliotheek/duikcomputers/aladin_air_z_o2_englisch.pdf

I can't address your other questions as I don't dive deco and my computer doesn't have a transmitter.

 

[henkisdabro]

For mixed gases you'd have to get a D9.

I don't think the Air Z O2 does either but IDK

From the manual:


Link to the manual: http://www.dty.nl/bibliotheek/duikcomputers/aladin_air_z_o2_englisch.pdf

I can't address your other questions as I don't dive deco and my computer doesn't have a transmitter.

Thanks a lot! Seems the vyper might be the better choice here. Apprecaite your help.

 

[aussie82]

Had to have the battery replaced in Suunto Vyper 2 the other day. Had my LDS do it and it cost me five bucks. I couldn't be happier with my Suunto computer and would buy another one in a heartbeat.

 

[clownfishsydney]

Double your battery cost with air integrated Uwatec.