Does everyone own a Stinger?

[Robertson]

For the past few months I have been carefully observing which divers wear which computers because, being still new to the sport, I know nothing about nothing.

I really want to get a nitrox compatible computer, and have been deliberating between the Nemo and the Stinger. Here's the thing. Everyone I know, have met, see etc. seems to own a Stinger (oh, and about 1% have a mosquitoe which is basically the same thing in a different casing, right?) Of course, all of these people will tell me to forgoe the Nemo and go with a Stinger.

So here is my question: are they pretty much the same computers/have the same functions etc.? Or is there something I don't know and the Stinger is the one to have? For me, I really like the LOOK of the Nemo better - it is smaller for one. But I can't find anyone who recommends the Nemo over the Stinger (I've searched the threads and have noted a few people who are happy with their Nemos, but by and large it always comes back to the Stinger.)

What to do??? And please don't recommend I get a bigger/uglier/cheaper model because appearance is still important to me (but not the most important thing).

 

[Damselfish]

Everyone doesn't own a Stinger. Seeing nothing but Stingers might be partly a local thing - I only dive warm water now and see all sorts of computers, lots of Suuntos but not that many Stingers. (I've got 2 Suuntos myself Vyper & Gekko)

I think you're also going to come across more people who have the Stinger or other Suunto computers than the Nemo because Suuntos are fairly popular in general and most of those models have been around much longer, while the Nemo hasn't been out all that long. And for better or worse people tend to recommend what they have and know as long as it's basically good.

When you're looking at the watch size computers, don't worry so much about bigger/uglier - make sure you can read it well. Readability is a drawback of that size computer compared to the bigger ones for some people.

 

[partridge]

In your words, "by and large" more people have suuntos.

I have owned 3 computers and they have been suuntos. I for one went with a suunto when I wanted to upgrade because that is what I was used to. Layout and function wise. I have a theory that most people will replace their computer with the same brand for this very reason.

So when these suunto owners want a watch/computer they go for the same brand that they are used to. Which is why I ended up with a Stinger.

I have a few friends with the Nemo and have dove it 2 or 3 times because I sell it. It is a good computer and I am sure you will not have any problems with it. The reason I did not switch to it even though the deal was very nice and it looks really cool is that the strap is just too short for me. I am on the last hole. The strap of the stinger is much longer. Although they do provide an extension it looks crazy using it everyday.

So my advice to you is go with what you want. All computers are so conservative these days anyway. And if you never zero out the NDL's like you shouldn't, you have nothing to worry about. They also just came out with a face protector for the Nemo so that takes away the reasoning of some on why not to buy it.

 

[BIGSAGE136]

You dont want anything smaller than a stinger if you are going to do depth. The larger the read out the better. If you plan to eventually do any deco I would say go for the Vyper.

 

[wunat]

What to do??? And please don't recommend I get a bigger/uglier/cheaper model because appearance is still important to me (but not the most important thing).

I guess many people who bought Stinger has that in mind too.

 

[The Chairman]

I love my Cobra.

 

[Saipanman]

I have a Cobra, Stinger and D9. Happy with all three.