COBRA, VYTEC, VYPER...I'm lost!!!

[humanFish]

So,

I am in the market for a computer and I'm having a very difficult time making a decision.

I have used non AI wrist mounts in the past, with analog console gauges and have been fairly happy with that set up....but that has been rental gear and I'm tired of renting

So, I'm looking at the Suunto line as I'm confortable with the name/quality and the algorithm/s. I've narrowed it down to the follwing models:

COBRA
VYPER
VYTEC

REASONS I LIKE EACH MODEL:

I like the COBRA as it is AI and having it on the console with a compass gives me one stop shopping. However, I'm nervous about relying on a computer without having analog gauges I'm also not sure if I want to be constantly reaching back to check my instruments/console....

I like the VYTEC with hoseless AI, although I'm a bit concerned about trusting the hoseless data connection and again the computer to accurately reflect air pressure..and again putting all my eggs in one basket. Sounds nice to drop the console...I suppose I can clip off a compass.

I like the VYPER, although it is non AI and similar to other wristmounts I've used in the past. I could also mount it in the console if I so choose...

Taking into consideration my personal pros/cons of the above models...I have these questions nagging me as well:

1) Is Air Integration a waste of money?
2) Can I really trust the COBRA being that I would not have analog gauges as backup? Same things with hoseless VTEC.
3) Wrist or console....hmmmmm???

I realize a lot of the decision is preference but if anyone has anything to share I would greatly appreciate the feedback. Let's assume cost is not a limiting factor...


Thanks a lot!

 

[String]

Cobra is AI on a hose AND on a console. 2 great reasons to avoid (especially the latter).

Vyper isnt AI, supports Nitrox but only 1 mix per dive.

Vytec is wireless AI and supports up to 3 different mixes per dive so accelerated deco and such.

With any AI computer never EVER rely on it for the only air monitoring method, you have to have an analogue spg as well.

Likewise always own a depth gauge and not just a computer.

1) Not really if used properly

2) No

3) Wrist. Console is pure evil.

 

[5615mike]

Cobra is AI on a hose AND on a console. 2 great reasons to avoid (especially the latter).

Vyper isnt AI, supports Nitrox but only 1 mix per dive.

Vytec is wireless AI and supports up to 3 different mixes per dive so accelerated deco and such.

With any AI computer never EVER rely on it for the only air monitoring method, you have to have an analogue spg as well.

Likewise always own a depth gauge and not just a computer.

1) Not really if used properly

2) No

3) Wrist. Console is pure evil.

Exactly what I was going say.

 

[Robinhood]

Cobra is AI on a hose AND on a console. 2 great reasons to avoid (especially the latter).

Vyper isnt AI, supports Nitrox but only 1 mix per dive.

Vytec is wireless AI and supports up to 3 different mixes per dive so accelerated deco and such.

With any AI computer never EVER rely on it for the only air monitoring method, you have to have an analogue spg as well.

Likewise always own a depth gauge and not just a computer.

1) Not really if used properly

2) No

3) Wrist. Console is pure evil.

One other note is that if you plan to do alot of deco diving, the Vytec is super conservative...make sure you have plenty of gas for your deco hangs!

 

[humanFish]

Is the Vyper less conservative than the Vytec?

One other note is that if you plan to do alot of deco diving, the Vytec is super conservative...make sure you have plenty of gas for your deco hangs!

 

[ABQdiver]

Definitely go with the wrist computer. I have the Vyper, daughter has my older Cobra console. The computer on your wrist is SOOOO much eaiser to use.

The whole idea of trusting a transmitter with yet another battery for a hoseless is more than I want to give up. Go with the Vyper and a SPG clipped off.

 

[ID diver]

1. In my opinion air integration on a hose is a waste of money. You still have the hose and I don't need or want a computer to tell me how much air time I have left at my current depth because I can figure that myself.

2 For me I decided that I didn't want to trust a computer but I know quite a few people that do use the cobra configuration without any issues. With the vytec at least you get rid of one hose but I am not confortable making that change.

3. I use a wrist mounted compass and a wrist mounted vyper with an analog SPG. I find it works for me. It is a lot more streamlined.

 

[Robinhood]

Is the Vyper less conservative than the Vytec?

To be honest, I haven't a clue. All I know is that my one cave diving buddy uses a Vytec and everyone else uses a Nitek 3 or VR3 and his deco is a lot longer than ours.

 

[String]

One other note is that if you plan to do alot of deco diving, the Vytec is super conservative...make sure you have plenty of gas for your deco hangs!

Nope. A vyper is NOT "super conservative". Try running some simulations using SDM off the suunto site. Compare them with tables, you wont find much difference at all.

First dive of the day on a near square profile my deco hang is near exactly what my tables suggest, on multiple dives the difference isnt that much either.

Im not sure with the "super conservative" myth started but it doesnt seem to have any foundation in reality.

 

[String]

Is the Vyper less conservative than the Vytec?

Both use the same algorthym along with others in Suunto range.