Help Needed With New Dive Computer

[Cam lakes]

Hi all,
I am a relatively new advanced open water diver in Australia looking for a new computer. I have my eyes on two different computers and wanted an opinion on choices from a more experienced diver.
I want a computer that can be used as an everyday watch, air & nitrox diving and enable me to progress into other areas into the future. Durability is also a significant factor.

So far I have found both of these computers at the same price:

1. Suunto D5
2. Sunnto DX Black elastomer (on sale at 50% off)

Which out of these two would you recommend?

If not either, what is another computer similar to these?

Thanks in advance
Cam

 

[scubadada]

Include another choice in your poll, none of the above.

If you want one of these Suunto computers, buy one, the one that best fits your requirements. The D5 offers the most flexible decompression algorithm

 

[ToneNQ]

I have a Suunto D9, great computer but quite behind the times now and I've outgrown it and it just sitting on my shelf wondering if it has any resale value. The DX is better than the D5, but it has a lot of functionality that you might never use if your diving future isn't technical. If you do like the idea of technical diving there are some extra poll options to add. RGBM isn't the best algorithm and Suunto safety features are limiting rather that enhancing.

Oceanic make some functional computers. The Geo and Veo seem to work fine. I don't have one but I dive with some people that do and they're happy. And fancier ones if your budget permits.

Welcome to ScubaBoard.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

I'm curious why you are just looking at one brand? Are other brands not sold in Australia? I've never used a Suunto and don't intend to. I'm not sure I've had buddies swear at their computers more than those diving Suuntos. "My &*#$%@ Suunto thinks I'm bent and just locked me out again!" I've heard that many, many times.

 

[Cam lakes]

I'm curious why you are just looking at one brand? Are other brands not sold in Australia? I've never used a Suunto and don't intend to. I'm not sure I've had buddies swear at their computers more than those diving Suuntos. "My &*#$%@ Suunto thinks I'm bent and just locked me out again!" I've heard that many, many times.

We do have other brands here in Australia however, almost every diver i have talked to here has highly recommended Suunto to me, from my own research they also seem to be very durable as well which is a key factor for me. I am fairly sure we have pretty much every other brand, any other suggestions for me?

 

[Divin'Papaw]

We do have other brands here in Australia however, almost every diver i have talked to here has highly recommended Suunto to me, from my own research they also seem to be very durable as well which is a key factor for me. I am fairly sure we have pretty much every other brand, any other suggestions for me?

Shearwater. Either Teric or Perdix AI. The best dive computers on the market hands down. Best screen, best durability, best reliability, best customer service. Period.

 

[Mod63]

I find all dive computers too bulky to use as an everyday watch. And to be nasty, most of those running around all day with their dive computer fall into a category of divers that I personally don't like .
I do like the Aqualung i770R and the ScubaPro G2 and disklie the Suuntos for their algorythm. And for everyday use get a classic Citizen divers watch

 

[Diving Dubai]

Out of all of those, the D5 is the best all rounder, and most up to date, I don't know the Aus price point, here the D5 is about the same price as D4 and cheaper than D6

The D4 is a nice simple computer which is ideal if say you're off on a world travel and want something to wear on your wrist 24/7 without the hassle of charging. The D6 allows gas switching and is slightly better construction than D4

The D5 is a slightly larger form factor, and needs regular charging, where as the other watch computers easily have a year between battery changes. The Software on the D5 has been well tested on the Eon Steel and the Eon core. Given the D5 handles 3 gasses it's more than enough for 90% of divers.

DX effectively been superseded by Eon

If none of that interests you, then the Zoop is a fine entry level computer, which allows you to save money and spend it on diving until you get to a point where you decide to buy something more advanced - but it's not designed as a daily wear computer and watch

Someone will surely shout Shearwater *yawn* for the record I dive both the Shearwater Perdix, and the Eon Steel, I think they're pretty much equal but prefer the Eon but to move into either requires a significant price jump, for little benefit unless you desperately need their features

As always I would encourage you to look into after sales support - how easy is it to get your computer services (battery changes) and or repaired in your region/area Buying into a specific brand, and then finding that repair requires a lot of shipping can be a disappointment

 

[Diving Dubai]

Shearwater. Either Teric or Perdix AI. The best dive computers on the market hands down. Best screen, best durability, best reliability, best customer service. Period.

I'll disagree with all of that based on personal experience of actually diving multiple brands side by side. With the Exception of their renowned customer service, however the service you get in the US is NOT the same as the rest of the world might have access to

Also there is a massive price jump to buy into a Perdix/Teric - at least double the cost of those the OP (who according to his profile, is 19) was listing

 

[Big Tank 58]

Suunto makes good computer but so do many other manufacturers. It all depends on what kind of diving you plan on doing. If just a recreational diver on or or nitrox almost pick a computer thats easy to run\read that's within your budget. If you plan to do deep/cave or tech on multiple gasses then I suggest widening your search.