DataTrans Plus / Or Cobra

[wheezy]

I'm a big fan of the Cobra (even though I don't own one)

Well It's finally time to buy a computer. People have been suggesting that I take a good look at the Ocanic DataTrans Plus before I buy.

I know I want Air Integration for sure. I've been told that a wrist mount is the way to go (especially for any type of rescuse scenario) and that the numbers and graphs are much easier to read.

what are the pros and cons ???

Anyone with experience with the DataTrans... I'm pretty familiar with the Cobra... what would I gain /loose with the DataTrans??

Thanks... boy o boy... dropping over a grand this week on new gear...

 

[sumguy]

Lose several hundred more dollars with the Data Trans?

But, they're completely different computers. A more fair comparison would be the Datamax Pro Plus. That's what I have, and my dive buddy has a Cobra. We're both very happy with our choices.
I looked at the Data Trans, and drove myself crazy trying to decide where I would mount my compass, if the DT was on my wrist. They make a boot on a retractor to hold the computer and compass both, but then what's the advantage of hoseless, if it's not on your wrist?
Later, I found the Suunto SK-7 compass on its own retractor, so that would have solved my problem. But, at the time, it was a big deal to me, and I couldn't justify the extra money.
But, both the Data Trans and Cobra are excellent computers. How can you go wrong? It's just a question of where do you want your computer? Wrist or hose? And what do you do with that pesky compass...

 

[Rick Murchison]

The Oceanic is more liberal than the SUUNTO. One extremely irritating thing about the Cobra is its inability to be switched between "air" and "nitrox" between repetitive dives. There are substantial differences in the displays between nitrox and air mode that I find less than wonderful too - and the "consumed bottom time" display I find virtually useless when compared to the nitrogen and oxygen load displays of the Oceanic.
I prefer the Oceanic.
Rick

 

[wheezy]

hummmm... you guys aren't making this any easier...

I think I need to try the oceanic before I buy. I know already that I definately like the screen a lot more... ho hummmm what to do..

 

[NJdiver85]

wheezy,

Both manufacturers have web sites with computer simulations of the the computers displays, which I found very useful last year when I was deciding between these two. Check them out. Suunto will be under the SeaQuest website. Also, I think Suunto is comming out with an air integrated wrist computer soon.

Also, although you can't switch to nitrox mode after an air dive on the Cobra, all you have to do is keep the computer in nitrox mode for all your dives (both air and nitrox), and you will be fine.

 

[Tavi]

I would check out the new Vytec before buying a Cobra!

Look here

 

[narced_1]

check out www.divecochran.com read through the whole site. if you are considering a data trans plus...then you should seriously consider the cochran computers. my gemini plus is VERY aggressive, but i can change that and add conservitism to it whenever i want to. between dives or not. same with the nitrox setting....do yourself the favor and at least look at this other option, in my opinion the superior option.

 

[wheezy]

Well I just got done with a visit to my LDS...

Now I'm even more confused than before... They pushed the Cochran.. BIG TIME... Upgradable yada yada... three gas .... $300 software package..

I've read the entire Cochran website and I am impressed but at the same time,,,, I think it's a bit overboard..

I'm now looking forward to seeing the Vytec which although is NOT pictured on the suunto site IS in the catalog (hit up your LDS)

I'm wondering what diveinn.com will sell the vytec for???

LDS quoted me $1400 for it... so I'm guessing I'll end up picking up the Vytec for around $700 via diveinn.com (don't tell my LDS )

I just dropped about a grand on new stuff with them anyway.. Bought the TransPac II setup with weight system and weights and some new booties and paid the dive club registration dues, they should be happy for now.

Anyhow,,, thanks for all the input... I'm trying out the Commander this weekend, but will wait to get my hands on a Vytec before I buy..

Thanks again

 

[gadget]

I don't like to slam equipment but I would not dive a cochran computer for anything.

Maybe they have fixed them but I have had too many friends with cochrane commanders and Commander Nitrox units that failed ( some during Deco !!!!)

Cochrane further impressed us by threatening to sue my buddy who had this info on his website after it happened. They can get stuffed!!

The Cobra and vyper by the way can be easily switched between air and nitrox. Just start in nitrox mode and dial it down to 21% for air then you can go back and forth.

The Vytec should be available in about 2 weeks and promises to be excellent.

 

[Rick Murchison]

There's more to it than just 21%.
The SUUNTO displays, particularly the bar graphs, are distinctly different in Air and Nitrox modes (the bar graphs aren't much good in either, in my opinion, but totally worthless in "nitrox" mode when diving air [nitrox set to 21%]). The "consumed bottom time" scheme is an interesting concept, but practically useless as an indicator of nitrogen loading - and you don't even get that in nitrox mode unless you push a button, and then only for a couple seconds. The Oceanic's straightforward nitrogen and oxygen loading bar graphs are dead simple and intuitive, and don't change between modes.
I own both by the way.
In my opinion, SUUNTO's compass is the best. Oceanic's computer displays are the best. I also prefer the Oceanic algorithm.
Rick